A very quiet Friday did spark some decent short projects.
KAYTRANADA – Lover/Friend
(N/A)
KAYTRANADA’s name doesn’t get brought up enough when it comes to the discussion of the best hip-hop producers of all time. I think that’s mainly because his music usually doesn’t feature trendy sounds or elements, and he has refrained from working with some of the artists people commonly consider big names. However, his catalog can prove that he is indeed a significant force in the industry. Today, KAYTRANADA decided to bolster his resume by releasing a brief but excellent EP called Lover/Friend.
Lover/Friend only features four tracks, two of which are instrumentals. “Lover/Friend” is a glitzy, heart-pumping R&B jam with beautiful vocals from Rochelle Jordan, while “Stuntin” straddles the line between R&B and hip-hop perfectly, with featured guest Channel Tres showcasing his playa side. Both songs have those magical elements that make KAYTRANADA’s tracks worth a listen.
Favorite Tracks: There are only two tracks on this project, bih.
Conductor Williams & Conway The Machine – CONDUCTOR MACHINE
Certain producers bring out the best in artists. Swizz Beatz has always brought out the best in DMX, and Kanye West has always brought out the best in Jay-Z. Conductor Williams is one of the producers that brings out the best in Conway The Machine. In CONDUCTOR MACHINE, the duo put up some material that deserves a chef’s kiss.
The level of quality that this project boasts is astonishing. First and foremost, the beats that Conductor Williams cooks up are absolutely amazing. They are smooth, soulful, gritty, dark, cinematic, dramatic, and have just enough elements to categorize them as hip-hop. Conway The Machine doesn’t disappoint at all. Over the beats, he hits us with killer punchlines, street-authentic lyrics, and slippery flows that I feel only he can pull off. Will this album be something that will get you hella excited? No. Will it be something that you should appreciate like a fine glass of wine? Yes.
Favorite Tracks: “Noir,” “Higher,” and “Church Fan.”
Big Scarr – Frozone
(C+)
First and foremost, may Big Scarr rest in peace. The rapper tragically passed away last year at the young age of 22. One of the reasons I believed he had a promising future was his mix of DaBaby and Key Glock vibes, which could have added a unique flavor to the hip-hop game.
Even though he is no longer with us, we’ve received two posthumous projects from Scarr in the past couple of months. One was released earlier this year, and the other dropped today titled Frozone.
Frozone is a solid posthumous album. In it, we get exactly what you would expect: hard-hitting trap beats, animated deliveries, and plenty of intimidating bars. What stands out to me is how confident Scarr sounds throughout the project. He knew he was talented and ready to make a significant impact based on his tone, vibe, and temperament. Unfortunately, he won’t get to fulfill his potential.
Favorite Tracks: “Still The Same,” “Shake Down,” and “Tantor.”
Tyla – TYLA
Could Tyla be the next megastar to rise to the occasion? As iconic figures like Beyoncé and Rihanna age, there’s room for a new star to step into the spotlight, and Tyla is a strong contender. With her beauty, flair, and impressive vocal skills, she has the potential to make a mark. While she has a journey ahead to reach superstar status, releasing her single “Water” is a promising beginning.
TYLA is more of a side dish than a full appetizer, with only five tracks, two of which are “Water.” However, the other tracks effectively showcase Tyla’s talent. In “Butterflies,” she impresses with some acapella work, and “On and On” presents a more traditional commercial R&B sound. Tyla’s astonishing voice and confident swagger evoke vibes reminiscent of a young Beyoncé.
Favorite Tracks: Obviously “Water” and “On and On.”
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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