PLUGGED, Issue #1
Welcome fans and followers of hip hop, trap, and anything wack. This is PLUGGED, a bi-weekly summary of rap culture where I will be posting honest reviews and recapping recent beefs and sneak peaks in the hip hop community.
Let’s begin with mainstream music. My personal pick for the week is Vince Staples’ second studio project Big Fish Theory. I have always fancied Staples as a “neutral” kind of rapper — never pressing too hard but simultaneously, lacking a certain flair. After checking out the Long Beach rapper’s album, however, I noticed a tremendous improvement in overall production, samples, and beats when compared to his first project, Summertime ’06. To clarify, I feel like this album is definitely experimental in the sense that Vince’s dull yet melodic flow compliments the album’s overall electro/techno beats. It is unexpected but Staples pulls this combination off rather well…I found myself replaying the tracks “Big Fish”, “745”, and “Party People”. Big Fish Theory, in my opinion, is an album that revolves around the rapper’s acclimation to more fame and popularity while maintaining his sobriety and wooing women.
Let’s delve into the underground. If you are familiar with XXXTentacion, you will be delighted to hear that the Florida rapper and his cohorts have released a project titled Members Only Volume 3. The playlist includes aggressive bass-heavy beats and the harsh thrash trap vocals from $ki Mask “The Slump God”, Robb Banks, Craig Xen, and more. X is well known for his controversial lyrics and attitude and despite being locked up for some time, has amassed a huge cult following in the underground rap scene. He is also a XXL Freshman and will have a freestyle released this coming Friday. Members Only Volume 3 does not deliver short of the punk rap that fans desire — it is vulgar and violent but for those who are too faithful to mainstream trap music, it is worth a listen. The album introduces you to all kinds of ignorant yet delicious repetitive trap beats, vocals, and ad libs that are characteristic of this new wave Florida underground scene. To those who are not familiar with this movement and want to give it a try, be prepared for a provocative, energizing sound. Memorable tracks on this album are “Wassup Vro!”, “Static Shock (Interlude)”, “H2O”, and “Butthole Girl!”.
Tyler, the Creator fans, rejoice! In a teasing set of tweets, the rapper hinted at something big since last week. It has been revealed today that Tyler will be having a new show on Viceland called “Nuts + Bolts”. He also released a trailer and it seems pretty damn promising.
Last but not least, let’s talk beef. You may have seen or heard of the recent incident that occurred in the BET Awards this past Sunday involving rap trio Migos and members of Complex’s hip hop media show “Everyday Struggle”. Things got heated during the interview as Joe Budden stormed off, dropping his mic, and prompting all three members of the Atlanta trap group to almost get into an altercation. Although awkward and a bit tense, the situation has exploded into a series of hilarious memes and gifs. Doitluhklykimleffoffbadnbouhje? Indeed.
Remember to also check out Earl Sweatshirt and Knxwledge’s podcast on Red Bull Radio tomorrow at 1 p.m. There will be a lot of dope music, samples, possible freestyles, and content that will be covered.
That raps it up for the first issue of PLUGGED. Hope you enjoyed my coverage. Feel free to reach out with advice and suggestions of what I should cover next. Peace.
