The Good, The Bad and The Ugly from this week.
WORST SONG
MACHINE GUN KELLY – LIVEFASTDIEYOUNG
On my review of Machine Gun Kelly’s “BINGE,” I got my ass handed to me by readers that thought I rated it too high. I still stand by my review, especially when it comes to my individual song ratings. One of the tracks I thought was horrible on that album was “LIVEFASTDIEYOUNG,” and the more and more I listened to it, the more and more I thought it was putrid. In my opinion, the song features a lot of blurted out s**t and childish ass raps from the Cleveland spitter. I can defend the EP all I want, but there is absolutely no defending this particular track.
REIGNING CHAMP: START THE PAR-DEE
WORST ALBUM
YOUNG DOLPH – ROLE MODEL
So heres the thing: This album wasn’t bad, but if I were to pick the worst album out of the ones I listened to this week, this will take the crown. I thought “Role Model” had some bangers, but in my opinion, I didn’t really hear any evolution from Dolph’s previous efforts. I f**k with the project as a trap go-to, but do not see it being a mainstay in my library at all.
TOP LYRICAL SONG
LUPE’S WHOLE F**KING DROGAS WAVE ALBUM
Lupe was unbelievable on “DROGAS Wave!” His punchlines were top notch, his word-play was out-of-this-worldly, and his storytelling was amazing. I’m a huge fan of Lupe, and I have been following his career for quite some time, so when I say that this was his best lyrical effort to-date, I truly mean it.
REIGNING CHAMP: ROYCE DA 5’9/EMINEM – CATERPILLAR
TOP BEAT
FRENCH MONTANA & DRAKE – NO STYLIST
“No Stylist” isn’t the greatest beat since sliced bread, but I thought it was a bit unique. It has your typical trap vibes, but there is also this glimmering sound to it that makes it feel a bit sanctified. I also f**k with the numerous halts on each rapper’s verses; that s**t was sick!
TOP INDIE EFFORT
ROMEN – CAN’T SETTLE
I love a good trap song in my life, but every once in a while, I like to treat myself to beautiful music like “Can’t Settle.” Everything about this song is soothing and comforting to listen to, from the gentle instrumental all the way down to the touching words. I was definitely blown away by what I heard, and wouldn’t mind following Romen on his inevitable journey to R&B super stardom.
BTW, to get me to review your song and possibly end up on this list, click HERE!
NEW CHAMPION: ROMEN – CAN’T SETTLE
TOP SONG
LIL PEEP & XXXTENTACION – FALLING DOWN
Lil Peep and XXXTENTACION are two of our fallen soldiers, and in my opinion, very talented ones. On “Falling Down” (An ironic title), the two give us something soulful and filled with rockstar roots. I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard, and feel sadness at the fact that we may not get a chance to hear more of it.
REIGNING CHAMPION: GOD’S PLAN/IN MY FEELINGS
TOP ALBUM
YOUNG THUG – ON THE RVN
I thought “On The Rvn” was sneaky good. Granted, it had only six songs, but in those six songs, you got about fifteen songs worth of uniqueness! Seriously, Thugger showed off his ability to croon, rap tough and even give us something that was rock inspired, keeping us on our toes throughout. I can honestly say this is one of the most complete EP’s I’ve heard in my life.
REIGNING CHAMPION: PUSHA-T (DAYTONA)
Make sure you see next’s week edition of the awards to see if any of the songs above can be topped!
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
