Music
The Best New Hip-Hop This Week
Getty Image / Uproxx Studios Uproxx’s new column includes albums, videos, and songs from Megan Thee Stallion, Jeezy, Chief Keef, and more. …
Welcome to The Best New Hip-Hop This Week! You may have noticed that my usual column, The Best Hip-Hop Albums Coming Out This Week… did not come out this week. You also may have noticed that Uproxx’s other faithful hip-hop column, All The Best New Rap Music To Have On Your Radar, is also kaput, as its author Andre Gee has moved on from Uproxx. We wish him well and we’re all very proud of him.
His departure has left a void, however — a void that must be filled, due to both the laws of nature and the hunger hip-hop fans have for new writing about the latest and the greatest content the culture has to offer. To that end, this new column will sort of combine both the old columns into a “best of both worlds” situation, only without the creepy R. Kelly connection. Basically, I’ll be a one-man Watch The Throne — or Super Slimey, if you’re a little younger/more Southern — delivering commentary on all the best releases in hip-hop each week, from albums to songs to videos and even the occasional Verzuz battle. It’s a work in progress, so bear with us as we get this thing off the ground.
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending November 20, 2020.
Albums
Courtney Bell — Poverty Stricken
Detroit newcomer Courtney Bell brings streetwise raps and progressive thinking to his debut tape, which features a verse from TDE’s Reason. Riding the line between backpacker’s density and mainstream accessibility, Bell counts Nipsey Hussle as one of his primary influences.
Jeezy — The Recession 2
Smartly pairing the release of his latest album to the hotly anticipated Verzuz battle between himself and former rival Gucci Mane, Jeezy gave a preview of what to expect from the sequel to his fan-favorite 2008 album with the single “Therapy To My Soul.”
LVRN — Home For The Holidays
Hip-hop could always use more Christmas albums. 6lack, Boogie, Summer Walker, and the gang are more than happy to oblige.
Megan Thee Stallion — Good News
Overshadowing just about any other release this year, Houston hottie Megan Thee Stallion finally delivers her long-awaited major-label debut album. Boasting appearances from Big Sean, City Girls, DaBaby, Lil Durk, Popcaan, SZA, and Young Thug, it’s certainly a star-studded affair. However, ahead of its release, fans’ attention remained sharply focused on the opening track “Shots Fired,” on which Megan was expected to finally address her alleged shooting by Tory Lanez on record. The song didn’t disappoint, using Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” to refute Tory’s smear campaign.
Rexx Life Raj — California Poppy 2
Over the course of the last few years, Berkeley’s Rexx Life Raj has carved himself a lane as a provider of mellow, thoughtful tunes that weave breezily between soothing R&B singing and tongue-twisting, eyebrow-raising rap. The sequel to his popular 2018 EP delivers more of the same, from the motivational “Tesla In A Pandemic” to the boastful “Look At This.”
Russ — Chomp
Refocusing fans’ attention on his raps instead of his antics, Russ hangs right in there with rap luminaries like Black Thought and Busta Rhymes, even though he ultimately becomes an afterthought on most of his own EP.
YSN Flow — Long Story Short
Ohio rapper YSN Flow has been building his buzz over the past year and a half, paying off their patience with this mixtape produced by Iceberg Beatz.
Events
Verzuz: Gucci Mane Vs. Jeezy
In what could very well have been the best Verzuz matchup yet, two of Atlanta trap rap’s founding fathers met up for the first time in fifteen years to dispel all the bad blood between them — of which there is plenty. Of course, it wasn’t all water under the bridge; Gucci Mane brought some serious aggression to Atlanta’s fabled Magic City, where the battle took place, dredging up quarrelsome mixtape classics like the taunting “Truth.” In the end, as always, the real winner was the culture, as the two united to perform their only collaboration (and the song that kicked off their feud in the first place), “So Icy.” The battle ended with the sense the pair would never be friends but would at least keep the violence to a minimum — for the kids.
Singles
Boldy James feat. Stove God Cooks — “Thousand Pills”
Old-fashioned boom-bap drug rap at its finest.
Kembe X feat. Ab-Soul & IceColdBishop — “Back At It”
Ab-Soul goes bonkers on this one, Kembe X does his thing, and newcomer IceColdBishop brings uncommon energy.
YFN Lucci — “September 7th”
A heartbroken anthem of betrayal and survival, Lucci is at his caterwauling best.
Yung Baby Tate — “Rainbow Cadillac”
Bringing the same sort of raucous, estrogen-powered energy as Flo Milli did earlier this year, the Atlanta rapper introduces her next phase.
Videos
Chief Keef & Mike Will Made-It — “Status”
One part horror movie score, one part classic drill revenge fantasy, “Status” reunites the two collaborators seven years after Keef’s debut album.
Lil Tjay — “Move On”
Mellow guitars and heavy 808s backdrop Lil Tjay’s wistful anti-love letter.
Saweetie feat. Jhene Aiko — “Back To The Streets”
The long-awaited video references everything from the beauty shop to Steven Spielberg.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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Naomi King unveils the seductive truth with her new single, “Fetish”
Naomi King bares her soul in “Fetish,” the electrifying lead single from her latest album, Black Water. King explores the murky depths of manipulative relationships and self-realization with a powerful combination of raw honesty and the unapologetic vulnerability of a tumultuous friendship.
As both the writer and producer of “Fetish,” King fearlessly confronts the unsettling realization about a friend who turned out to be exactly as she suspected. The song serves as a poignant anthem of empowerment, a declaration of reclaiming one’s identity in the face of deception. “Now I know who I am in the eyes of men – I’m a fetish,” she proclaims with chilling clarity.
The accompanying music video adds another layer of intrigue to the song’s provocative themes, embracing them with unabashed confidence and seductive edge. The production quality is impressive, although it occasionally teeters on the brink of excess, mirroring the song’s exploration of boundaries.
King’s multifaceted talent as a musician and artistic prowess are on full display from start to finish. Her ability to seamlessly blend elements of alt-rock with pop sensibilities creates a rich tapestry of melodious beat that’s as infectious as it is introspective. This sound envelops the listener and resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of manipulation and betrayal.
The song “Fetish” by King showcases the artist’s exceptional musicianship and artistic vision. King’s confident delivery and hard-hitting lyrics evoke a sense of catharsis, while the song’s enchanting sonic ambiance captivates its audience. Despite the unconventional nature of its lyrics, “Fetish” demands the listener’s attention and leaves an indelible mark. This must-listen auditory masterpiece is a testament to King’s remarkable talent and creative prowess.
For more information about Naomi King, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Naomi King’s “Fetish“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
Review of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” LP
Pam Ross’ debut album, “When Therapy Fails,” represents a vibrant foray into the music world with a compelling blend of rock, Americana, and country. This debut from the Fuquay Varina-based artist, affectionately enveloped in what has been termed “PamMusic,” strikes a resonant chord through its fusion of earnest lyricism and robust musicality.
The Sound
The album is framed by Pam’s dynamic vocal abilities that effortlessly transition from fiery rock anthems to tender country ballads. Her voice, characterized by its raw emotional depth, serves as the linchpin holding the varied styles together. The instrumentation across the album, particularly the guitar work, is robust and purposeful, complementing her storytelling prowess.
Track Highlights
- “Fire In the Hole” starts the album with a rousing energy that’s both infectious and reflective of Pam’s known stage presence. The track sets a high bar with its spirited guitar riffs and anthemic chorus.
- “Falling off the Merry Go Round” showcases Pam’s lyrical skills, weaving a poignant narrative about life’s unpredictability and the pain of letting go.
- The chart-topping single, “Better Than a Good Thing,” encapsulates the album’s theme of finding joy and resolution amidst personal turmoil. The song’s catchy hook and heartfelt lyrics undoubtedly contributed to its success.
Lyrics and Themes
The album’s title, “When Therapy Fails,” hints at the deeply introspective nature of its content. Each song serves as a vignette, exploring themes of resilience, personal struggle, and the redemptive power of music. The lyrics are both clever and impactful, with songs like “Cornflakes and Beer” using everyday imagery to discuss deeper emotional truths.
Overall Impression
“When Therapy Fails” is an accomplished debut that firmly establishes Pam Ross as a significant new voice in her genre fusion. The album not only navigates the complexities of personal adversity but does so with an infectious zest and genuine artistry. Its blend of genres, compelling lyrics, and Pam’s vocal prowess make for a memorable musical journey.
In conclusion, Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” is a robust introduction to her artistic vision, filled with tracks that are likely to resonate with a broad audience while earning her a spot among the notable newcomers in the indie music scene.
Recommendations and Playlist
For those drawn to Pam Ross’ style and themes, I recommend checking out the album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” by Margo Price. It shares a similar authentic narrative style and musical blend.
Here’s a playlist themed around resilience and renewal, inspired by the vibe of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails.” This collection blends rock, Americana, and country, featuring songs that echo themes of overcoming and personal growth.
“Resilience & Renewal” Playlist
- Margo Price – “Hands of Time”
- Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
- Jason Isbell – “Something to Love”
- Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
- Lucinda Williams – “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
- Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day”
- Kacey Musgraves – “Rainbow”
- Sturgill Simpson – “Keep It Between the Lines”
- The Highwomen – “Redesigning Women”
- John Prine – “I Remember Everything”
- Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
- Ryan Adams – “Come Pick Me Up”
- Sheryl Crow – “Redemption Day”
- Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
- Bob Dylan – “Not Dark Yet”
- The Avett Brothers – “No Hard Feelings”
- Willie Nelson – “Ride Me Back Home”
- Emmylou Harris – “The Road”
- Tom Petty – “I Forgive It All”
- Ray LaMontagne – “Such A Simple Thing”
These tracks not only reflect the journey through struggles and the pursuit of peace but also complement the rich musical textures and emotional depth found in “When Therapy Fails.” Enjoy the music and the messages woven throughout this carefully curated playlist!
–Jamie Jones
