What a very pleasant hip-hop listen.

Statik Selektah knows exactly who to call when he needs bars. For “Champagne Wishes,” he brings together Ab-Soul, Raekwon, and Freddie Gibbs. That’s a lineup that should come with a warning for anyone who thinks finding a beat on YouTube makes them a rapper.

“Champagne Wishes” features the kind of wavy, looped production that makes you want to pour something expensive into a glass you’re scared to wash. It’s laid-back, smooth, and gives all three rappers plenty of room to get their s**t off.

Ab-Soul sets the tone with an off-kilter flow that keeps you wondering how he’ll land each bar. Raekwon follows with seasoned confidence, sounding completely at home over the backdrop. Then Freddie Gibbs slides through with the kind of precision that makes rapping sound way easier than it actually is.

What I rock with most is how nobody has to force anything. The beat is cool playing the back, and the rappers know exactly what to do with that space. Everybody brings personality without disturbing the mood. This is grown-folks rap with a nice little tab attached. I’m paying for another round.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.