Rae Sremmurd proves that their bond is stronger than ever with the release of “Sremm 4 Life.”
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TOP 5
5. Mississippi Slide
“Mississippi Slide” is harrrrrddddd!
I know this sounds basic as hell, but I absolutely love how Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi effortlessly slide on this song’s uptempo, action-packed trap beat. I also f**k with how effortlessly they talk their s**t throughout, showing off their loyal women and big bankrolls. I have no interest in visiting Mississippi (There are too many Brett Favres down there), but I do plan on bumping this track a lot.
4. Something I’m Not
Every rapper strategically adds a song like “Something I’m Not” to their albums. It’s the kind of s**t that is literally unhatable.
I’ma HUGE fan of “Something I’m Not.” I just love how emotional the song’s beat sounds, how introspective and vulnerable the typically cocky Slim Jxmmi sounds in his verse, and the extremely infectious melodies and cool-ass tone Swae Lee raps with in his own verse. Overall, “Something I’m Not” is one of the only tracks on this album that you will feel in your soul.
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3. Activate (Ft. Future)
Everyone plays to their strengths in this track.
“Activate” is bouncy, has a nice tempo, has some dope vibes, and is lowkey P as f**k (Folks are still pushing Ps, right?). While I think Future shines the brightest in the song (I love the urgency he raps with and how he comes across like the ultimate heartbreaker), don’t sleep on Swae Lee’s playful and appealing hook and verse, and Slim Jxmmi’s pumped-up verse that should be played for motivational purposes only.
2. Royal Flush (Ft. Young Thug)
Who the f**k is beating a royal flush? (Actually, this song is the second-best track on this album, so someone beat it).
Only play “Royal Flush” when you want to wave your Roley in a hater’s face. Throughout the song, which features this horn-driven trap beat, Swae Lee, Slim Jxmmi, and Young Thug find very unique ways to explain why they are like drugs to women, why it’s a bad idea to leave them on read, and why they have made the best out of the cards they were dealt. Overall, I f**k with the pocket everyone is in on this song.
1. Not So Bad (Leans Gone Cold)
Have you ever wondered what a drill version of “Stan” would sound like? Press play on “Not So Bad (Leans Gone Cold)” to find out.
I think it’s safe to say that the “Stan” chorus, which I think Dido should get full credit for because it was actually featured on her “Thank You” track first, is one of the best choruses of all time. In “Not So Bad (Leans Gone Cold),” Rae Sremmurd give us their own version of the famous chorus, replacing “tea” with “lean.” They also layer it on top of a dramatic drill beat. As for their verses, they sound overly emotional, strangely boastful, and extremely forgettable (The chorus is definitely the star of the show).
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Origami (Hotties) (4/5)
2. Royal Flush (Ft. Young Thug) (4/5)
3. Mississippi Slide (4/5)
4. Not So Bad (Leans Gone Cold) (4/5)
5. Tanisha (Pump That) (4/5)
6. Bend Ya Knees (4/5)
7. Activate (Ft. Future) (4/5)
8. Flaut It/Cheap (4/5)
9. Sexy (3.5/5)
10. YMCA (3.5/5)
11. Something I’m Not (4/5)
12. Torpedo (4/5)
13. Diamonds Dancing (3.5/5)
14. ADHD Anthem (2 Many Emotions) (3/5)
RGM RATING
(B-)
Yo, is Rae Sremmurd the greatest hip-hop duo since Outkast? Before shutting the idea down, think about it for a second…
Do you know the number one thing that you have to appreciate about Rae Sremmurd? They are all about making hit records. While scouring through Sremm 4 Life, I heard only two tracks that might not go crazy in clubs. Backed by Mike-WiLL-Made-IT’s heart-pumping, flammable trap beats, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi do fantastic jobs of staying in a pocket that encourages excessive flexing, non-committed relationships, and family ties. What I absolutely love is that the two rappers never step on each other’s toes; it’s clear that Swae Lee is the one that provides the hypnotizing vocals, while Slim Jxmmi provides the hard-hitting bars. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can learn a thing or two from Swae and Slim.
One of the biggest things I look for when I evaluate artists is whether they are moving hip-hop’s needle or not. In my humble opinion, Rae Sremmurd is. Though their content mirrors their peer’s content, their music just feels more creative, organic, and distinct than the s**t I hear on a daily basis. No one wants to admit it (Mainly because their name just isn’t it for many people like myself), but I can confidently say that Rae Sremmurd is making some of the most satisfying bangers on the planet.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
