37Views
Best new tracks of the week: Nipsey Hussle, Rejjie Snow, Amber Olivier, & more
Every Friday, we gather together the best new tracks of the week for your listening pleasure.
This week had some amazing drops in hip-hop, with Nipsey Hussle and Rejjie Snow releasing their first studio albums.
Both artists bring a very different style to their music than most popular rap out right now, so if you’ve been bemoaning the current state of hip-hop, stop what you’re doing, put a little ginger in your juice, and listen to Nip and Rejjie.
A bunch of other shit happened as well, in and outside of hip-hop.
Let’s jump into it.
Nipsey Hussle – “Blue Laces 2”
https://open.spotify.com/track/7yB6GF5kgPEoeGE4EAWiJU?si=GmoYQP4JQ4qjCKDjuFqXVg
Despite the fact that it feels like Nipsey Hussle has been in the game for years, today’s Victory Lap is his first official studio album. It’s amazing.
Anyone who has been paying attention over the last year or so knows this was destined to be. Nipsey is king now.
Rejjie Snow – “23”
https://open.spotify.com/track/6Km73Tlvi4yS2e4XaIuXek?si=_QbwLsMuQUS2IMlPJ7Qptg
Rejjie Snow has been occupying the margins of underground hip-hop for a while with his brand of floaty, dreamy hip-hop.
After the release of his debut studio album Dear Annie, the Irish MC has confirmed himself as a mainstay in the game.
It’s a truly unique project that sounds completely unlike anything you’ll hear right now.
Frank Ocean – “Moon River”
https://open.spotify.com/album/0iqqnLXoocsMeCYlTw3Q2q?si=6JJ6IBdkS2CBzTNZqjH3cA
Whenever Frank Ocean drops anything it’s worth serious consideration and time.
His spin on “Moon River”, initially written for Audrey Hepburn to perform in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, is typically affected with nostalgia and heartbreak. We love you, Frank.
U.S. Girls – “Rosebud”
https://open.spotify.com/track/7eY3RfmpQNifrP1FD0YKqK?si=oKgii6HZTxuEGDPSjYSE-Q
U.S. Girls, aka Meghan Remy, dropped her latest project In A Poem Unlimited. It’s full of experimental production and some cutting songwriting.
If you’re looking something to push the sonic envelope a little, put this on.
YG – Suu Whoop
https://open.spotify.com/album/4pmiXvFIULaAHH3zCkRGMU?si=CZfppG73RPmiwqLqe1z5aQ
Los Angeles rap has had a big couple weeks. YG, not one to be left out of the fun, dropped his banging DJ Mustard-assisted blood-themed anthem “Suu Whoop”. It’s fire.
Amber Olivier – “Eyes On Us”
London songstress Amber Olivier dropped her self-titled EP and it’s some good sultry, smooth, throwback R&B.
“Eyes On Us” sounds like it was lifted straight from a Timbaland-produced 90s deepcut.
Car Seat Headrest – “Bodys”
https://open.spotify.com/track/6QbI1KSaDQhftv6aGHT5vn?si=mL6RCFEsQvaEfbAigqepsA
Car Seat Headrest frontman Will Toledo first released the band’s new album, Twin Fantasy, in 2011, this time the project is re-recorded and arranged.
It’s a truly impressive work of rock music. Toledo’s talents as a songwriter are wildly under-appreciated. Check out for indie goodness.
Diplo – “Look Back” (ft. DRAM)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4C5HqPLGeywKMarBU09E2p?si=f_TeBQY6Sey4c7HFxJB4vw
Honestly, I did not think DRAM could sing like he does on this jawn, pretty impressive stuff. Cool to see Diplo switch it up a little bit too.
Valee – “Miami” (ft. Pusha T)
https://open.spotify.com/album/59oepjJR54xdxB4usb0Beu?si=21I2644PQxi0_hzu6nYPwQ
Recent GOOD Music signee Valee and GOOD Music president Pusha T join forces on the dark “Miami”, featuring a lot of flexing. Pusssssh.
Beach House – “Lemon Glow”
https://open.spotify.com/album/2LIof5OBvd0dwNf4NFmiKE?si=Qi07lUxvR6OXXL7hLwf5nw
Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House dropped the first single off their upcoming album earlier this week.
It’s typically clean and glossy with some great songwriting from Victoria Legrand about relationships. Beach House rocks.
Other shit…
I’ve been banging this Burna Boy album, dropped last month, excessively. It’s so fucking good. If you need something to dance to this weekend, peep the Lagos native’s Outside.
https://open.spotify.com/album/26du6obYLeY1vf6xIJ1l0D?si=IQ-bMKmtRuS-aZ9VrlM24Q
Check out this EP from Negative Gemini as well, released last month. It’s got all the trippy, glitchy, ambient bops you need.
As always…
It's Friday. Avoid the bookings beloved.
— Desus Nice (@desusnice) February 16, 2018