Baby Jungle Carries His Own Weight On Stacked Debut Project “Jungle Book”

“I could be smooth and melodic or have some turned up level s***. I’m very versatile.” That is what rising Georgia rap star Baby Jungle told Hip Hop Since 1987 in a recent interview about his debut mixtape Jungle Book. “I feel like I have a unique sound. It’s the perfect mix of edgy flow patterns and melodies,” speaking with Kazi. “Different songs evoke different feelings.” Sometimes I want people to have fun and pop it… I want to encourage people where I’m from. Sometimes I want to help people dealing with depression.”

We can definitely see where Baby Jungle is coming from. In fact, we completely concur with the multi-hyphenate. His inspirations being Lil Baby, Juice WRLD, NBA YoungBoy, and Lil Durk makes sense. Across this impressively trim 12 song mixtape, Jungle mixes some beats and melodies that four of these rappers would deploy on their efforts.

Read More: Diddy’s Sean John Eyeglasses Brand Dropped By Major Retailer

Listen To Jungle Book By Baby Jungle

That is especially the case on the backend of the record. Songs like “Frozen,” “Dark Clouds,” and “Never Run” are perfect examples of this varied skillset. Also helping get these visions on a fairly well-mixed record are the distributor(s) and his label, Epic Records. Furthermore, his talent is being recognized by some that either are established or almost there. DJ Drama, Rob49, Luh Tyler, are just a handful of them. This is definitely a great start for the youngster, and we definitely recommend hopping on the bandwagon now.

What are your thoughts on Never Gets Late Here by Baby Jungle? Do you think that this debut album has the ability to blow up Baby Jungle? Who had the strongest guest performance? What song do view as the best and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Baby Jungle. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Jungle Book Tracklist:

  1. Jungle Jeezy (feat. DJ Drama)
  2. Back Of The Benz
  3. Too Humble (feat. Hunxho)
  4. Right or Wrong (feat. Luh Tyler)
  5. Freaknik (feat. Rob49)
  6. No Dissin
  7. Gang Gang (feat. Baby Kia)
  8. Slide Bout It
  9. Nobody
  10. Never Run
  11. Dark Clouds
  12. Frozen

Read More: Kanye West, Travis Scott, Gunna, & More Were The Victims Of Massive Song Leak

[Via] [Via]

The post Baby Jungle Carries His Own Weight On Stacked Debut Project “Jungle Book” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Denzel Revives His 2012 Raider Klan Mixtape “King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996)”

Denzel Curry is taking us on a trip down memory lane by reissuing King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996). This is one of the Carol City, Florida native’s earliest bodies of work. In fact, this is a mixtape from the since disbanded group, Raider Klan. Curry left to forge his solo career in 2013, a little bit before the underground posse split.

King Of The Mischievous South would be one of his last efforts with them and it was made when he was an early teen. It dropped on Soundcloud back in 2012, but Curry has decided to bring it back. If you are not familiar with the Raider Klan’s sound, they draw a lot of inspiration from Memphis, especially Three 6 Mafia. However, there are also elements of Southern hip-hop, chopped and screwed, the 90s, and more.

Read More: Zacari & Muni Long Take Risks On Our New “R&B Season” Playlist Update: Stream

Listen To King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996) By Denzel Curry

Denzel does calls back to those sounds every once in a while on his newer projects. But King Of The Mischievous takes a full dive into those subgenres to great effect. Marketing this as a mixtape was the right call, as it rough around the edges. However, you can see that Zel had it like that even back then.

What are your thoughts on King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996) by Denzel Curry? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your takes in the comments. Keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Denzel Curry. Also, stay with us for everything hip-hop.

King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996) Tracklist:

  1. (1996)INTRO(INSIDE NAIVE TEENS RAVEN OPENS)
  2. RAVEN MIYAGI-HEADCRACK PROD. SPACEGHOSTPURRP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 96
  3. RAVEN MIYAGI-SLIM OF THE MAGNOLIA PYRAMIDS(R.I.P. SOULJA SLIM) NO LIMIT!!!!!!!
  4. RAVEN MIYAGI-PHANTAZM 96 CURRY X SPACEGHOSTPURRP ON THE HOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  5. RAVEN MIYAGI-JK THE RAPPER X DENZEL CURRY GANKIN 1993 – 1995!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  6. RAVEN MIYAGI-LIL UGLY MANE X DENZEL CURRY( RVIDXR KLVN)- TWISTIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  7. RAVEN MIYAGI- RUBEN SLIKK X DENZEL CURRY DEMONZ ON MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CSPG RAIDER KLAN
  8. RAVEN MIYAGI-CREEP CREEP DEVILZ!!!!!!! 93
  9. (1993) GOLD TEETH AND A GLOCK!!!!!!!!!! THE CREEPERS SONG
  10. RAVEN MIYAGI-ONE LIFE TO LIVE (R.I.P. CHYNAMAN)!!!!!!!! 94
  11. DJ KIRBY-SLIKK X DENZEL CURRY X SPACEGHOSTPURRP – RVIDXR KLVN PHONK SCREWED X CHOPPED DJ KIRBY
  12. RAVEN MIYAGI-DJ PAUL MIXXIN X JUICY J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95
  13. (1991) RVVXN MIYVGI CVRRY !!!!!!! INTERLUDE FREESTYLE
  14. RAVEN MIYAG- DENZEL CURRY X JK THE RAPPER FANG X RVIDXR SMOKED OUT LOCCED OUT!!!!!!!!
  15. RAVEN MIYAGI-RUBEN SLIKK X DENZEL CURRY X SPACEGHOSTPURRP RAIDER KLAN PHONK FREESTYLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. RAVEN MIYAGI-PLANET SHROOMS SUPA SORTAHUMAN X DENZEL CURRY X SIMMIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  17. RAVEN MIYAGI-KLVN SHXT SIMMIE X CURRY X DECE X RUBEN SLIKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PROD. MR. B FREEBASE
  18. (1997)OUTRO(OPENS UNDERGROUND TRILL RAGING OUTBURST)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read More: Diddy’s Latest Accuser Describes His Genitals As “Adolescent” In New Lawsuit

The post Denzel Revives His 2012 Raider Klan Mixtape “King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 1 (Underground Tape 1996)” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rah Swish Teams Up With Rowdy Rebel, Jim Jones, & More On His New Project, “Elevator Music”

Rah Swish has returned with a new project in the form of Elevator Music, a 14-track mixtape featuring collaborations with Rowdy Rebel, Jim Jones, Lonny Love, Honey Bxby, and several more artists. It shows Swish diversify his sound more than ever before.

Fans appear to be loving the new music. When Swish announced Elevator Music’s release on Instagram, they shared their excitement in the comments section. “A LOTTA BIG TUNES ON HERE,” one user wrote. Another added: “Needed something for the gym.” Others left behind plenty of fire emojis.

Read More: Rah Swish Takes Inspiration From Beyoncé & Sean Paul On “BabyBoy Freestyle”

Rah Swish Returns With “Elevator Music”


Swish is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Pop Smoke on “Brush Em” back in 2021. That song peaked at number 1 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Billboard chart at the time. It appeared on Smoke’s posthumous album, Faith. Prior to the new album, he most recently released the mixtape 9 Shots in the Ruger in 2023.

Swish recently sat down with Revolt for an interview about the new project, during which he revealed where the idea for the title came from. “I had no name for about two months and was just trying to figure out how to flip elevation,” he said. “The project has a different vibe from myself and a mix of different songs. We’re trying to elevate and go to the top. One day, I was in the hotel pushing a button, and it wasn’t working because I had forgot to tap the key first. That’s when I thought, “Oh s**t, I can’t get up the elevator.” I just put it together and called it Elevator Music.” Elsewhere in the interview, he discussed nearly collaborating on another song with Pop Smoke, possibly working with Cash Cobain in the future, and more. Check out Swish’s latest project on Apple Music and Spotify above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Rah Swish on HotNewHipHop.

“Elevator Music” Tracklist:

  1. WHO AM I
  2. TESEHKI
  3. BT with Rowdy Rebel
  4. FELON MUSIC
  5. SOMETHING WRONG
  6. DASANI with Lonny Love
  7. FEEL A WAY with Honey Bxby
  8. RUMORS
  9. AIN’T TRYNA TALK with Tay Savage
  10. ONE OF ONE with Jim Jones
  11. WHEN YOU FREE with BreezyLYN
  12. YUKATAN with 310babii, ALLBLACK
  13. I DON’T LIKE
  14. I AM NOT HUMAN

Read More: Rah Swish Closes The Year With “The Old Me” Mixtape

[Via]

The post Rah Swish Teams Up With Rowdy Rebel, Jim Jones, & More On His New Project, “Elevator Music” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jackboy Gets Introspective On New Album “Trust The Process”

Late last week, Jackboy unleashed his eagerly anticipated new album Trust The Process. The project arrives alongside various high-profile features, which have been quick to become fan-favorite tracks. He teamed up with Key Glock for “Really Rich,” for example, flaunting his fortune over a laid-back beat. The Haiti-born performer even linked up with Boosie Badazz for a lively banger called “Flip The VIN,” 2 Chainz and Ralo for “Believe Dat,” and more.

Overall, the project leans on the introspective side, as its title would suggest, with songs like “Better Without You” and “Forgot How To Cry.” It still manages to boast a fair number of more upbeat cuts, however, such as “Bob Barker” and “Styled By Meech.” This makes for a solid balance of mellow and energetic songs throughout the album. It even features a fun, topical track called “No Diddy” featuring Atlanta rapper BabyDrill.

Read More: Jackboy Emerges From Jail, Teases New Music Amid Legal Troubles

Jackboy Recruits Key Glock, Boosie Badazz, Ralo, And More For Latest Album

For the most part, fans are enjoying his latest project so far, and feel as though it showcases an impressive amount of growth since his last effort. Trust The Process follows his 2022 album Majorly Independent, as well as various singles he’s released in the years since. It also follows some legal issues the artist was faced with earlier this year. Fortunately, they appear to have simmered down for the time being.

Jackboy was reportedly arrested in Port St. Lucie, FL in March on on several felony drug and weapons charges. Reportedly, officers were conducting a traffic stop when they allegedly noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the artist’s vehicle and allegedly observed a handgun inside. He was released the following month. What do you think of Jackboy’s new album, Trust The Process? What’s your favorite song from his latest project? Will you be adding anything to your summer playlist, or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Jackboy Arrested On Felony Drugs & Weapons Charges: What We Know

The post Jackboy Gets Introspective On New Album “Trust The Process” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Shenseea Is “Anxious” For What Could Follow The Release Of “Never Gets Late Here”

Shenseea was definitely hinting that something bigger could be coming down the pipeline over the last year and change. The Jamaican-bred singer and rapper was dropping a bevy of singles in that time frame, but only the 2024 releases would make the final cut. From “Hit & Run” featuring Masicka and Di Genius to “Dolla,” the “Shen Yeng Anthem” artist was giving fans different sonics on each cut. That was part of the mission for Shenseea on Never Gets Late Here, according to an Apple Music interview.

“Iv’e always been an artist who just always tries new things because that’s how magic happens,” Shenseea explained. “My album is so versatile. It’s almost like you can like this one today-but tomorrow is a different day.” Perhaps part of the reason for this massive undertaking of different genres is her gunning for recognition from critics in particular. In another chat with People, she has said that she has “no expectations” for her sophomore release. However, these statements would leave you to believe otherwise.

Read More: Diddy Walk Of Fame Star In Hollywood Can’t Be Removed, Alleged Insider Reveals

Listen To Never Gets Late Here By Shenseea

“I really want one of these songs to go further than any of my songs has ever been. One wish is to definitely get a Grammy,” she said. “I always said that I want to win a reggae Grammy first before I win any other Grammy because it’s where I’m from. I don’t want to win just for myself, I want to win it for my country, I want to win it for my family, my friends, the people who grew up with me, my team.” Shenseea definitely has some potential winners in the tracklist, and we are wishing her the best of luck with this release going forward.

What are your thoughts on Never Gets Late Here by Shenseea? Is this her best album so far, why or why not? Who had the strongest guest performance? Is she one of the top voices in dancehall/reggae? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shenseea. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Never Gets Late Here Tracklist:

  1. Face Lift – Intro
  2. Hit & Run (feat. Masicka & Di Genius)
  3. Tap Out
  4. Neva Neva
  5. Die For You
  6. Keep A Place
  7. Dolla
  8. Loyalty
  9. Flava (feat. Coi Leray)
  10. NaNa
  11. Red Flag (with Anitta)
  12. Stars
  13. Heaven On Earth
  14. Work Me Out (with Wizkid)

Read More: NLE Choppa Reveals Who Won Drake & Kendrick Lamar Battle

[Via]

The post Shenseea Is “Anxious” For What Could Follow The Release Of “Never Gets Late Here” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

DeeBaby Wants To Know Something On New LP: “Can You Hear Me Now”

We have a new artist alert! Today, we are checking out Houston, Texas multi-talent DeeBaby. Not to be confused with DaBaby, we are checking out DeeBaby because his new album Can You Hear Me Now is here. The soon-to-be 28-year-old is drawing a lot of comparisons to artists like Kevin Gates, Moneybagg Yo, and maybe even a splash of Kodak Black and Rod Wave. That is because of his efforts to rap over booming Southern-fried trap beats.

He also likes to speak about his life experiences, as well as not being afraid throw some brags out there. For DeeBaby, this is following up on his 2023 record Junkie Mode, which also got the Chopped & Screwed treatment. However, this is third offering overall, with Black Sheep being his debut in 2021. Even though he has been garnering attention as of late, he has been working toward star status for a few years.

Read More: Air Jordan 4 “White Thunder” Coming Soon

Listen To Can You Hear Me Now By DeeBaby

His first ever release came back in 2018 with “Venice.” Can You Hear Me Now is just one of many accomplishments for DeeBaby, though. He has been dropping single after single and contributing to other artists’ work. For example, he was teamed up with the likes of King Khemoo, YTB Fatt (who is on this LP), as well as Brown Money Mindz and fellow Texan That Mexican OT. See why DeeBaby is deserving of the attention by checking out his new tape above.

What are your thoughts on Can You Hear Me Now by DeeBaby? Which songs are you gravitating toward the most right now? Did YTB Fatt deliver a solid performance? Is this his best project to date, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding DeeBaby. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Can You Hear Me Now Tracklist:

  1. You Hear Me
  2. Star Shootin
  3. Oil Change with YTB Fatt
  4. Teva
  5. Holding Me Back
  6. No Hard Feelings
  7. No Competition
  8. If I Lost It All
  9. Memories Bring Back You
  10. Back With M’s
  11. If I Die Tonight
  12. Painful Visits
  13. No Pain Left
  14. Already Know
  15. Billboard
  16. California Quarantine
  17. Dangerous
  18. David Ruffin
  19. Essentials
  20. Chosen One
  21. Forgive Me If You May
  22. I Can’r Control
  23. Without No Sunshine

Read More: 50 Cent Reacts To Cassie’s Statement Regarding Diddy Footage

The post DeeBaby Wants To Know Something On New LP: “Can You Hear Me Now” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Coi Leray Explores The Ups & Downs Of Love On “Lemon Cars” EP

Coi Leray is someone who is always looking to work on her versatility. Whether it be exploring R&B, rap, or even pop, the Massachusetts is the definition of a true multi-hyphenate. Coi Leray is showcasing that once again on her latest EP Lemon Cars. The 27-year-old announced the Mike WiLL Made-It joint project a few weeks ago over social media and she mentioned that she was going to be ushering in a new era for 2024. “It’s feeling good for yourself; looking in the mirror and just loving yourself. 2024 is going to be my grown and sexy era,” according to HipHopDX. “I’m taking over this year. I’ve got so much new music and a whole new side of me to get to know.”

She is definitely committing to that across this six-song effort. Across the project, Coi is exploring the different sides of love, breakups, and promiscuity. For example, on the opener and one of three singles, “Lemon Cars,” she talks about the latter and living for the nightlife. “We Time” sees Coi deeply in love and probably at her most vulnerable. “I need we time, take your sweet time / You and me time, show me that you mine / I need we time, take your sweet time / You and me time, show you what it’s like.”

Read More: Travis Scott & Tyga Brawl: Alexander “AE” Edwards And Southside Were Also Part Of Massive Altercation

Listen To Lemon Cars By Coi Leray

On top of switching up the topics, Coi is also performing over severely different instrumentals to match the vibes she is delivering. For instance, on “Coke Bottle Baby” with Skilla Baby, which is all about flexing her body, the duo raps over a strip club-ready trap beat. Coi fans should enjoy this offering, as it definitely sees her take a more mature angle on topics. All the while, she is bringing some interesting production choices with the help of frequent collaborator Mike WiLL.

What are your thoughts on Lemon Cars by Coi Leray? Which track do you think is the best and why? Is this her strongest EP to date? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Coi Leray. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Lemon Cars Tracklist:

  1. Lemon Cars
  2. Can’t Come Back
  3. We Time
  4. Wanna Come Thru with Mike WiLL Made-It
  5. Coke Bottle Body with Skilla Baby
  6. Poster Girl

Read More: Baybe Tone, Luh CEO, Jawnino, & Eddy P: Four Artists You Need To Listen To Right Now

[Via]

The post Coi Leray Explores The Ups & Downs Of Love On “Lemon Cars” EP appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Sango Expands His Sound On New Album “North Vol. 2”

Sango has different sides to his artistry. There’s the Da Rocinha series, which is largely tropical (and instrumental), there’s the tapes where he produces for another artist, and then there’s the North series, where he combines both into a singular statement. North Vol. 1 blended Sango’s instrumental prowess with a talented roster of rappers and singers. North Vol. 2 follows suit, while adding some sonic twists. These twists keep the album sounding fresh, albeit wholly familiar.

Sango’s usual roster of collaborators is here, and they deliver. Xavier Omar sounds great over the bouncy and surprisingly gritty instrumental for “The Lake.” The same goes for Smino, who manages to stay atop the busy samba shuffle of “Ice Storm.” The chemistry is predictably excellent on these songs, but it’s the new collabs that make North Vol. 2 stand out, for better or worse.

A Sango and Channel Tres collab could have gone lots of different ways, but the mood they settle on; jazzy and wistful, with Channel Tres’ usual spoken word, makes “Spaceship” one of the best songs on the album. Also worth checking out is Sango and GoldLink’s “Peace,” which strikes a perfect balance between the former’s solo work and GoldLink’s weirder impulses. The song would slot in perfectly on Link’s 2019 album, Diaspora.

Read More: Juniper & Sango Share “97” Project Featuring Xavier Omär

Sango Experiments To Varying Degrees Of Success

Unfortunately, not every collaboration goes over perfectly. “Masego’s Interlude” never really gets off the ground, despite the nice harmony vocals from the titular singer. “Lost Intro (Sango’s Version)” is another missed opportunity. Sango tries to hard to fit Bryson Tiller’s signature sound, and the result is a generic Tiller song rather than something new. North Vol. 2 isn’t perfect, but there are more than enough high points to warrant a listen.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new album North Vol. 2 by Sango? Is it an improvement over the first installment? What is the best song? Is there a feature artist who steals the show? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Sango. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

  1. Be Patient Grow Daily
  2. Mine & Yours (featuring Earlly Mac)
  3. Prada Bags / Sour Suite (featuring IAMNOBODI & Pher)
  4. Masego’s Interlude (featuring Masego)
  5. Diamond Street
  6. Lost Intro (Sango’s Version) [featuring Bryson Tiller]
  7. The Lake (featuring Xavier Omar)
  8. LAX to DTW (featuring Jay Anthony)
  9. Meanwhile (featuring Dave B)
  10. Ice Storm (featuring Smino)
  11. Spaceship (featuring Channel Tres)
  12. Peace (featuring GoldLink)
  13. Tell You Anything (featuring Peyton)
  14. Drifted (featuring Jayla Darden)
  15. We Up (featuring Ojerime)
  16. Show (featuring Rochelle Jordan)
  17. No Chill (featuring Jesse Boykins III and Lido)
  18. Azurea

Read More: Sango Takes Us To Brazil On New Album “Da Rocinha 4”

The post Sango Expands His Sound On New Album “North Vol. 2” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Sexyy Red Continues Her Dominant Run With “In Sexyy We Trust”

Just about a week ago, one of hip-hop’s leading ladies, Sexyy Red, announced her new tape In Sexyy We Trust. She revealed this information over social media and that it would arrive on Memorial Day weekend. This project, like Hood Hottest Princess, sees the St. Louis rapper try to improve on her ratchet trap sound which continues to grow in popularity. For the most part, she does while bringing some of her most memorable performances to date.

The mixtape begins with a hilarious rendition of the intro to “Love Sosa,” only this time it is some random British dude. Following that, she expertly follows up on that opening message by kicking the door down on “She’s Back.” Of course, the major talking point of In Sexyy We Trust is “U My Everything” featuring Drake. However, there is lot more to this 14-track offering than just that. For starters, you have the mixtape’s lead single “Get It Sexyy,” which fits perfectly into the tracklist and still hits hard.

Read More: JP Showcases Immense Versatility On His Infectious New Single “Come And See”

Listen To In Sexyy We Trust By Sexyy Red

“Outside,” produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, may leave your jaw on the floor with how ridiculous the pre-chorus is. You will just have to listen to that for yourself to truly understand its absurdity. On top that, you also have features from Lil Baby and VonOff1700. Overall, Sexyy is definitely the standout across the project, not letting guests or most beats outshine her. Be sure to check out the tape with the links above.

What are your thoughts on In Sexyy We Trust by Sexyy Red? Which songs are you gravitating toward the most right now? Who had the strongest feature on the tape? Is this better than Hood Hottest Princess, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Sexyy Red. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

In Sexyy We Trust Tracklist:

  1. Tim Talking
  2. She’s Back
  3. Boss Me Up
  4. U My Everything (feat. Drake)
  5. Ova Bad
  6. Get It Sexyy
  7. Fake Jammin
  8. Outside (feat. Mike WiLL Made-It)
  9. Sexyy Love Money (feat. VonOff1700)
  10. Sport
  11. TTG (Go)
  12. Lick Me (feat. Lil Baby)
  13. Awesome Jawsome
  14. It’s My Birthday

Read More: Muni Long Works Alongside R&B Legend Mariah Carey For Remix Of “Made For Me”

The post Sexyy Red Continues Her Dominant Run With “In Sexyy We Trust” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vince Staples’ New Album “Dark Times” Is Sobering And Soulful

Vince Staples doesn’t leave things to chance. He’s a big picture emcee, and as such, every one of his albums have had a unique conceptual or musical framework. Summertime ’06 was a bleak nostalgia trip, while Big Fish Theory was an attempt to predict hip-hop’s sonic future. Staples strips away the window dressing on his latest release, however. The aptly-titled Dark Times is his most stripped-down release yet, and still, the rapper manages to squeeze thematic resonance out of each single track. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s undeniably powerful one.

The sobering, soulful framework of Dark Times is immediately established with the song “Black&Blue.” The grimness of the lyrics fuse with a gorgeous Sacred Souls sample to create something akin to a West Coast riff on Wu-Tang. Think “Tearz” with more bounce. Vince Staples sounds weary as ever on cuts like “Government Cheese” and “Shame on the Devil.” The latter is especially wistful thanks to the uncredited backing vocals. The rapper’s previous album, Ramona Park Broke My Heart, was a similarly moody affair, but it had G-funk flourishes to keep the listener bobbing their head. There’s no such entry point on Dark Times.

Read More: Vince Staples Gets In The Studio With Mustard, Jokes About Joining Rap Beef

Vince Staples Puts The Focus On His Songwriting

Staples wants all ears to be on his songwriting. “Justin” is a showcase for the rapper’s storytelling skills, while “Nothing Matters” pushes the bleakness to previously untapped levels. Dark Times is going to put off casual Staples fans (ones who are expecting something closer to his Netflix show), but it never veers too far in terms of self-indulgence. It’s well thought out and economical.

There are even a couple hidden grooves like “Radio” and “Little Homies.” The former sounds like it was pulled right out of Staples’ self-titled album from 2021. Vince Staples is probably the closest in spirit to Dark Times: both will require patience to fully appreciate.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new album Dark Times by Vince Staples? Does it live up to the rest of the rapper’s catalog? Is it his best album yet? Which song is your favorite? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Vince Staples. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

  1. Close Your Eyes and Swing
  2. Black&Blue
  3. Government Cheese
  4. Children’s Song
  5. Shame on the Devil
  6. Etouffee
  7. Liars
  8. Justin
  9. “Radio”
  10. Nothing Matters
  11. Little Homies
  12. Freeman
  13. Why Won’t the Sun Come Out?

Read More: Vince Staples Has A Unique Plan To “Fix” The NBA

The post Vince Staples’ New Album “Dark Times” Is Sobering And Soulful appeared first on HotNewHipHop.