Hello. For a while now, I have been putting together 11 track mixes usually seasonally to capture the feel of the past few months through some musical milestones. These mixes generally focus on high composition quality, and high fidelity audio which tend to eliminate some underground acts. Therefore some might find the picks a bit too 'mainstream' but nonetheless, here's the most recent playlist I have on deck.
[1] Kendrick Lamar - Humble
A super obvious pick. Album did great, and this teaser song was captivating to say the least. Aside from it getting 100s of millions of plays, some seem split on the track for its pop-iness. Slightly reminiscent of a Eminem x Dre collab from yesteryear, Kendrick seems to mix old with the new. It might have been the first song this year that I had on repeat to delve deep into the highly mathematical structure of the track.
[2] Migos - T-Shirt
Another massive track, and probably another obvious pick. The ambient production style and the group's harmonization felt new and atmospheric at the time of release. As for huge Migos tracks, "Bad & Boujee" was another obvious choice, but the lack of a Takeoff verse on the track, makes it inferior to "T-Shirts" as a representation of the disruptiveness of the group's latest project.
[3] Lil Uzi Vert - XO Your Llif3
Out of the new generation of what some might maybe disrespectfully call 'mumble rap', it seems that Uzi has the top spot.. at least for now. It probably stems from his personality as well as musical polish that not all the new artists display. Atlanta heavyweight TM88, is credited with the production and the smooth instrumental mixes with the melancholy lyrics in an interesting way creating something thats fun to listen to but with dark undertones under the veil. There are rumors out there that this is a break-up song.
[4] Wiley - Bring Them All / Holy Grime (f/ Devlin)
With music icon, Drake attempting to introduce Grime, a UK sound to the US, with very mixed reactions through his "More Life" project, it felt only right to include a track from the Godfather of Grime himself. Wiley has been at it for a minute and this track is especially furious, proving that he is very much still an important part of the culture. Devlin also holds his own with some interesting cadences, and I love the chorus in the instrumental.
[5] Future - Mask Off
I'll be honest. For me this song took a little time to warm up, mainly for the unimaginative drug themed hook. But after marinating, the bounce is undeniable and it has quickly surpassed his earlier release 'Draco' off the same album. Also as a snapshot of the time, the use of the flute can be heard in a lot of releases as of late such as "Kodak Black- Tunnel Vision" and "Migos- Get Right Witcha". Future's catalog might be mixed in quality but the huge catalog always brings hits, with this one being just that.
[6] Gucci Mane - Waybach
This one's an older release but as it didn't make the last Airdrop, its getting its shine here. After his much anticipated prison release Guwop has put out a ton of material but I think this stays one of the strongest tracks. Backed by super producers Zaytoven and Mike Will, the track has an unboisterous knock that only comes from years of experience. That goes for both the production and Gucci's flow.
[7] Big Sean - No Favors (f/ Eminem)
Ever since Big Sean's "Dark Sky Paradise" album matured Sean's sound to a darker style, I have been interested to see if his next album will continue this evolution. Although "I Decided" is overall a little lighter in feel, this track definitely keeps that grit. With no disrespect to Sean, this is arguably an Eminem track due to his outrageous verse, but Sean still impresses, and holds his own with some beastly lines. I found it refreshing to hear Em's multilevel wordplay over this type of beat, as its not his usual sound. Makes for a great combination and something worth multiple listens. (Videos get deposted. Eminem Verse only below)
[8] Joey Bada$$ - Babylon (f/ Chronixx)
Joey has been widening his career prospects through acting, and the 'different' angle of approach of his track "Devastated" honestly had me wondering how the new album would fare. "All-Amerikkkan Bada$$" is polished and a solid body of work. Unfortunately the overtly political commentary may have hurt the overall reach of the album but its important for projects like these to exist, as there is increasingly less of them in the musical sphere. I tend to think that these days, polarizing messages work even better through sybolism and abstractions, which is probably the reason why the album isn't on constant repeat for me, but this track is a standout, and something very special.
[9] Rick Ross - Apple of My Eye (f/ Raphael Saadiq)
This is where the playlist turns the lights down. Admittedly Rick Ross isn't someone that I always check for, but the new project "Rather You Than Me" surprised with incredibly high musical quality. In a nutshell, the music sounds 'rich', and this works perfectly with Ross's persona. The production is intricate and legend, Raphael Saadiq further adds to the soulful glossiness of the song. This is not usually my type of pick but there's a lot going on here to enjoy.
[10] Logic - Black Spiderman (f/ Damian Lemar Hudson)
Another high musical IQ track, and it provides the last climax before we close things off. Right from the get go, its a breakneck ride of pure fun, accentuated by incredibly pretty keys, and perfect samples to add to the celebratory mood. Sure, there's a little cheese in the fun, but the video makes it clear what Logic intended and I think it succeeds with honors.
[11] Freddie Gibbs - 20 Karat Jesus
We finish off with a track from Freddie's "You Only Live 2wice", bringing it back to that face-making music; providing a perfect outro. You get two very different moods in the track with both complimenting Freddie's style and delivery. Seeing as Freddie has gone through a tumultuous year, the song communicates a struggle and overcoming it. I think everyone can relate.
Thanks for checking out Airdrop 13!
Thank you for any upvotes and resteems.
