When some artists go to jail or prison, they are not able to keep their fans interest. That could be because their music does not to hold up while they are inactive, or the listeners just are not loyal enough to where they need to constantly find the next best thing. Also playing into that is the rapper’s team either not wanting to push out new/unreleased material, or the artist is refusing to do so. For Tory Lanez, though, things are different, as the Canadian multi-talent is back with two new tracks, “Phases” and “Someone Else”.
The first of them is a 2017 recording, while the latter is from his early prime days in 2015. These are continuing his “Lost Tapes” series, something that the singer and rapper is doing to ensure a tight-knit connection with his listeners. Overall, “Phases” and “Someone Else”, see Tory Lanez once again in his melodic R&B bag. Out of all of the now four releases so far, the former is the most rap centric cut. On it, Tory talks about the common ups and downs in relationships. “Someone Else”, the incarcerated MC has a sneaking suspicion that his girl is cheating so he goes and throws himself a lean party with other random women. Both tracks are once again produced by his close friend and collaborator, Play Picasso.
I do, say I’ma put the purple in the soda And I’m gettin’ throwed ’til it’s over I’m about to call the b****es over I’m about to have me a party And I’m about to have me a party I’m f***in’ with a bad lil’ shawty
Several critically acclaimed rap hits were released in 2017. Moreover, many iconic albums were unleashed in the same year, contributing in shaping pop culture. Furthermore, rap was one of the most streamed genres of 2017, continuing its impressive streak of rising popularity in the mainstream. Its influence stretched and spread globally, and this globalization contributed to the development of a diverse range of rap subgenres. Additionally, the year saw the emergence of a number of breakout artists, including Cardi B who achieved massive success with “Bodak Yellow.”
In 2017, Hip Hop artists continued to push boundaries. The innovation and diversity displayed in their music set the stage for the continued evolution of the genre. Throughout the year, seven songs reigned supreme atop the Hot Rap Songs chart. These rap hits had a massive impact on the music scene in 2017. Consequently, they asserted their dominance over every other rap song on the charts.
“iSpy” was released in December 2016 as the lead single from Kyle’s debut album, Light Of Mine. The song subsequently gained significant traction in 2017 and became one of the year’s biggest rap hits. Kyle and Lil Yachty, two rising stars at the time, gained widespread popularity following the song’s release. “iSpy” appealed to a broad audience due to its catchy tune and fun lyrics, and this contributed to its notable commercial success. The song stayed at number one on the Hot Rap Songs chart for only one week, but its popularity endured for far longer.
French Montana and Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd collaborated on this powerhouse track that became one of the biggest rap hits of 2017. “Unforgettable” is a genre-blending hit that combines Hip Hop with tropical and African influences. Its catchy beat, captivating music video, and cross-cultural appeal made it a standout track in 2017. The song remains a memorable part of both artists’ careers and was a massive commercial success. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and also topped the Hot Rap Songs chart for two weeks.
This feel-good, summer-friendly hit combines Hip Hop and pop elements. Its star-studded cast of featured artists, catchy melodies, and sunny vibe contributed to its enormous success. The song was the second single released from Khaled’s tenth studio album, Grateful. “I’m the One” was quickly embraced as a summer anthem, and went on to dominate charts worldwide. It debuted on top of the Hot 100 chart, and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart for 13 weeks as well.
“Bad And Boujee” highlighted the ever-growing dominance of trap music in the Hip Hop scene. With its signature triplet flow and heavy, bass-driven production, courtesy of Metro Boomin, it became one of the most memorable rap hits of 2017. The track was released in October 2016 as the lead single from Migos’ sophomore album, Culture. Soon after, it became an internet phenomenon in part due to Donald Glover’s shout-out at the Emmys. Although the song was released in 2016, it did not top the Hot Rap Songs chart until 2017, after which it stayed on top for 12 weeks. The trap anthem took the Hip Hop world by storm for sure, but it also evidently saturated the mainstream. “Bad and Boujee” peaked at number one on the Hot 100 chart, a remarkable feat for trap music.
“Rockstar” was released as the lead single from Post Malone’s second studio album, Beerbongs And Bentleys. The collaboration between Post Malone and 21 Savage brilliantly showcased their contrasting styles. Malone’s melodic singing and Savage’s gritty rapping contributed to one of the most successful rap hits of 2017. “Rockstar” achieved remarkable commercial acclaim, and continues to be streamed heavily on digital platforms. As a result of its appeal, it hit the number one spot on the Hot 100 chart, as well as several other charts across the globe. “Rockstar” also wore the number one crown on the Hot Rap Songs chart for 15 weeks.
This groundbreaking Hip Hop track made giant waves in 2017. “Bodak Yellow” marked Cardi B’s breakout track and the precursor to her record-breaking career. Its trap-inspired production, empowering lyrics, and Cardi’s charismatic Kodak Black-inspired delivery contributed to its massive success. “Bodak Yellow” played a pivotal role in the rapper’s ascent to fame and quickly cemented her as a rap force to be reckoned with. The multi-platinum major label debut single climbed all the way to the top of the Hot 100, a feat that had not been achieved by a female rapper since Lauryn Hill in 1998. It also did the same on the Hot Rap Songs chart, and stayed there for eight weeks. Cardi B has since become an influential rap figure, and one of the genre’s most bankable stars.
“Humble” is a critically acclaimed Hip Hop song, and one of the biggest hits of 2017, rap or otherwise. The song was released as the lead single from Lamar’s fourth studio album, DAMN. The track showcases Lamar’s solo talent and unique perspective while achieving extraordinary success upon its release. The song also went on to win three Grammy Awards, among other awards. It peaked at number one on the Hot 100 chart for just one week but has been a significant part of pop culture since. It has also sold over seven million copies and is certified 7x platinum by RIAA. “Humble” was the undisputed champion on the Hot Rap Songs chart for four weeks. Although it spent only a month, its impact secured the top spot on the year-end Hot Rap Songs chart as well.
Never forget that all the greatest rappers today started on the same hustle of proving themselves as anyone else. Sometimes, though, people don’t yet see what they’ll become down the road, or even what they’ve already achieved. J.I.D. explained how his appearance on Funk Flex’s Hot 97 radio show made him stop doing freestyles. Moreover, the “Surround Sound” MC said that he was frustrated with Flex for not reacting to his 2017 freestyle.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 20: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) JID performs onstage during the 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Still, one can’t imagine the rapper who gave us The Forever Story failing Funk Flex. Most people can’t even imagine a 2017 J.I.D doing so. Regardless, the 32-year-old attributed a lack of awareness to the DJ’s original reaction.
“Funk ain’t even understand what was going on,” he expressed to the RapRadarPodcast. “He was kerfuffled. I was giving him something and he ain’t even get it. We might go back one day. I silently retired away from the freestyles because I was mad at Flex because he didn’t respond the way I wanted to.
“It was like a childhood dream to get the bomb and I ain’t get the bomb or none of the hype, so I was a little upset,” the Atlanta artist continued. “But I think I’m gonna get back into the freestyle world just because it’s another part of the art, it’s another notch on your tool belt.”
Moreover, the Rap Radar hosts specifically highlighted one of his lines from the six-year-old freestyle. “You said the rhyme… something like ‘The doctor can’t see my pee like pterodactyl,’” they said. “Like, I ain’t never heard a n***a say ‘pterodactyl’ in a rhyme, this guy’s incredible!”
However, at least J.I.D didn’t close the door on spitting off the dome on a track, for interviews or otherwise. What’s more is that he talked about potentially doing DiCaprio 3 with DJ Drama. Another Gangsta Grillz production to look forward to, it seems.
Still, what do you think of J.I.D’s silent exit from freestyles thanks to Funk Flex and his 2017 reaction? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest insights from your favorite MCs.
