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Coronavirus playlist: 3 new albums to help you cope with the pandemic
The past couple of weeks have been difficult. Extremely difficult. This problem of sickness, fear, and isolation spearheaded by COVID-19 is not going to go away anytime soon.
More than likely, things will only get worse before they get better. Unless your Soulja Boy…
But though there may not be many silver livings in this mess, there are ways for us to cope. Music is a coping mechanism and an outlet like no other.
Largely stuck at home for the next month like we’re strapped in a straightjacket, good new music is the main thing we needed.
Aside from an antidote of course. And it seems like artists understand this too. Here are some of the hottest projects released recently.
Lil Uzi Vert – Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2
Baby Pluto blessed us ode these last two weeks. First he popped out with the long-awaited, speculated, and doubted Eternal Atake.
Last year, Uzi said he was quitting music, and fans of the modern-day-Napoleon (in success and ambition, not egoism) were concerned.
Was it a marketing ploy, or was the multifaceted Uzi serious about shifting toward another career?
Lil Uzi after hyping up Eternal Etake for over a year just to retire from music https://t.co/n0Hhzupzla
— Noah / Hawks………are a basketball team (@PrimeNoah24) January 12, 2019
Eternal Atake was for real, it was just going to be on Uzi’s time. This album has the hard-rap blunt style and wondrous rhymes reminiscent of Uzi’s first tape and the delightful vocals that we love so much out of more-recent Uzi.
Then last night, Uzi released a deluxe version of the album, complete with features from artists such as Chief Keef, Future, Young Thug (SEX), and Young Nudy. It’s as if Uzi knew we needed something extra right now.
And he doesn’t miss.
Uzi’s unique sound, style, and approach to his craft make us really consider his word when he says he’s from outer space instead of Earth.
Jay Electronica – A Written Testimony
Jay Electronica is more famous for his MC work than his rap, but his debut studio album does not disappoint. Just released Friday, the deeply honest words Jay speaks are a breath of fresh air right now.
Travis Scott and The Dream feature on the album, as well as Jay-Z on several tracks. This album is a call-back to rap fans who want raw, unfiltered music about real truths people go through every day.
Jay speaks on issues and injustices felt in this country, mainly for marginalized people of color. The production is exceptional, as expected, and Jay utilizes intros referencing past U.S. experiences (the atomic bomb on Universal Soldier).
This album is touching, authentic, motivating. Everything we need right now.
Don Toliver – Heaven Or Hell
Don Toliver has been on a tear recently, and we relish every second of it. After his work with JACKBOYS, Toliver came out Friday with Heaven Or Hell.
His melodies are easily identifiable, his voice refined and set-apart from all other artists out. The Houston MC has shown his ability to make a banger, and “Heaven or Hell” and “Cardigan” on his latest album illustrate this point well.
Don Toliver is on his way to the top, and with frequent collaborator Travis Scott by his side, there is no reason why he can’t get there.
These latest projects have all dropped at a time we need them most.
Everyone on earth right now is in the relative same boat. All the borders, xenophobia, ethnocentrism, throw that shit out the window.
We can all relate to each other’s pain, and we can all share in the love we get out of music. Unity is the most important right now, and music makes this easier.