Mac Miller- Circles
Coming out two days before the late rapper’s birthday, Circles is the first posthumous and most likely final released from one this generation’s most talented musicians. Unlike most recent posthumous projects, Circles doesn’t feel like an unfinished cash grab. This actually sounds like a finished project that we probably would have seen if Mac was still alive. Circles is a subdued, poignant and beautiful album. It’s truly a bittersweet listen and a perfect goodbye for one of our favorite artists. RIP Mac.
Best Tracks: Blue World, Everybody, Hand Me Downs, That’s on Me
Fenix Flexin and Bravothebagchaser- BRAVOFLEXIN
Shoreline Mafia’s Fenix Flexin links up with West Coast up and comer Bravothebagchaser for a banger filled collab tape. As always Fenix Flexin effortlessly spits smooth bars over bouncy West Coast production. Bravothebagchaser really holds his own on this tape, even as he goes toe to toe with one of the most talented MCs in the game right now. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and makes for a really fun listen.
Best Tracks: Quarters, Strapped Up, Dope For Sale, Keep It Real\
Stunna 4 Vegas- RICH YOUNGIN
DaBaby’s top signee, Stunna 4 Vegas, starts the year off strong with the abrasive RICH YOUNGIN. Stunna 4 Vegas comes with his high energy, disrespectful style on some super bassy banger beats. Though hailing from North Carolina, Stunna uses the DMV/Hoodrich Pablo Juan flow and puts his own original spin on it, constantly breaking bars and often going off beat to deliver big punch lines. RICH YOUNGIN is loud, profane and in your face, just as the title and his whole image suggests.
Best Tracks: DO DAT, R & BEEF, UP THE SMOKE
Pop Smoke- Christopher Walking
After having a phenomenal 2019 and taking the world by storm, Pop Smoke is back with a new single gearing up for the release of Meet the Woo 2. Pop Smoke brings his signature booming delivery, flexing over frantic high hats heavy bass hits. The producer credits are serious on this track with Dez Wright, WondaGurl and CashMoneyAP all credited. As always you’re gonna get some memorable lines such as, “She like the talk, She know that Papi outside, she know I’m the King of New York.” Another great banger for one of the hottest in the game.
Key Glock- Look At They Face and Mr. Glock
After 2018’s fantastic Glockoma and his contribution to last year’s Dum and Dummer, Memphis rapper Key Glock has a lot to live up to with his upcoming tape, Yellow Tape. If these two new singles are an indicator of what he’s going to give us, it’s looking pretty good. In my opinion, the better of the two is “Look At They Face,” where Key Glock hits a really clean flow over Bandplay’s smooth production. Definitely check them out and get ready for Yellow Tape releasing at the end of the month.
Written by Alex McKillop