If you are a hip-hop fan, so far this fall has been a gold mine of phenomenal new content. We have seen younger artists emerge into potential stars, and mainstays in the rap game continue to prove that they belong at the top. Make sure to take a listen to these flames.
"Rodeo" - Travis Scott
Travis Scott has been an interesting character to follow ever since he started producing for Kanye West and at the tender age of 19. Since then, he has been signed to T.I.'s record label and released two critically acclaimed mixtapes: "Owl Pharaoh," and "Days Before Rodeo." This album's production is gothic and dark, a similar sound to Kanye's 2013 album, "Yeezus." "Rodeo" is filled with star features such as Future, 2 Chainz, Kanye, The Weeknd, Young Thug, and even Justin Bieber spitting a quick verse. My favorite songs are "3500" featuring Future and 2 Chainz, "Maria, I'm Drunk" featuring Young Thug and Justin Bieber, and the popular single "Antidote." "Rodeo" was highly anticipated and did not live up to the standards of most critics, but Scott has an intriguing sound that will make you want to take a listen. Prepare for the "Rodeo."
"GO:OD AM" - Mac Miller
We all remember Mac Miller, the frat rap star from Pittsburgh who became a rapper while he was in high school achieving major success with songs like "Donald Trump" back in 2011. Since then, he has battled drug addiction and came out with a few other projects which were not great. He has since gotten over his addictions and released his best work yet, "GO:OD AM." This album is much happier than his previous work, but also reflects on his darker past using drugs. On the song, "Weekend" featuring Miguel, he says "I've been having trouble sleeping, been battling these demons, wondering what's the thing that keeps me breathing, is it money, fame or neither," which paints an image of the struggles he has gone through these last few years. The songs that stand out are "Weekend," "Break the Law," and hit single "100 Grandkids." It is great to see Mac Miller healthy and making great music again; definitely give "GO:OD AM" a listen.
"Fetty Wap" (self-titled)
The year of Fetty Wap continues. His debut album is much of the same, sub-par verses, with unbelievable hooks that will have you singing his songs for years to come. This self-titled project features worldwide hits "Trap Queen," "679," "My Way," and "Again" as well as a couple new songs. It is clear that Fetty Wap's sound is what makes him so popular. His loud crooning and trademarks of screaming "yeaaa baby," "squaaa," and "1738" have allowed him to take over the rap game this past year. Fetty has brought his friends with him to the top; his longtime best friend and collaborator Monty is on almost every single song. Fetty Wap's story of basically being homeless with a disability (he has one eye due to glaucoma), and now being a platinum recording artist is inspiring. Keep listening to Fetty Wap; he is just getting started, with no signs of slowing down.
"T R A P S O U L" - Bryson Tiller
Relatively unknown in the music industry, 22-year-old Bryson Tiller from Louisville, Kentucky just released his debut project "T R A P S O U L." After releasing a song titled "Don't" back in Oct. 2014 (which now has 26 million plays on Soundcloud), Tiller began gaining attention from legends such as Timbaland and Drake. He has a beautiful singing voice but can also rap fairly well. This album is interesting because it does have a soul vibe to it, but most of the songs have loud snares and trap style drums that you do not often hear in R&B/Soul type music, which is why it is considered a hip-hop album. With no features, Tiller is trying to prove how talented he is with songs like "Don't," "Exchange," and "502 Come Up," and you get to hear his soulful melodies, but also his bars. He also wrote the entire album by himself, which is a feat in itself. Be sure to listen to Tiller. He is so young with so much talent, and I cannot wait to see where his career goes from here.
"What A Time To Be Alive" - Drake and Future
The title speaks for itself. After each producing a number one album this year, Drake and Future decided to make this project in six days and it immediately shot to number one on the charts. Drake is arguably the biggest name in music right now, and with Future being a consistent hit-maker, this collaboration could not have gone better. Executive produced by 22-year-old Metro Boomin, this boastful array of bangers will have you bobbing your head instantly. Songs that stand out for me are "Digitial Dash," "Diamonds Dancing," and instant classic "Jumpman." With Drake, fresh off the heels of his feud with Meek Mill, and Future being one of the most successful rappers of this year, this move was genius. I was not sure how this album would sound with Drake singing and rapping and Future's trap influences, but it is my favorite release of the fall. It truly is a remarkable time to be alive.
Whether you are a hip-hop fan or not you cannot deny the impact that this genre has had on popular culture. Plug your headphones in and get lost in the artwork that these masters of the craft have created.
