What can the new rap releases do? We classify.
Summer slump in hip-hop? There isn’t. Also on June 9th we were supplied with a lot of new material, which accompanied us through the sunny weekend. From the unexpected boom bap breaker of Lugatti & 9ineto Ramzey’s second EP to the collaboration between J Hus and Drake – we bring you five of the most exciting new rap releases.
Lugatti & 9ine – “Same Corners”
The Cologne boys are back. And they have their new joint single “Selbe Ecken” in their luggage, produced by snice1. L & 9 are actually known for their trap sound: 140 BPM, fast hi-hats and rattling 808s. With “Same Corners”, however, they hit a completely different notch. We hear an old-school breakbeat shredding over the distorted guitars, the bass line is livelier than usual trap productions and there are even a few scratches on the ears. Lyrically, the “Children of the Coast” remain true to themselves and strictly reject trends – musical as well as cultural. “You’re so hard on opiates man you talk like the Sims / Boy no I don’t need a nose like the Sphinx / You’ve changed and we stay the way we are / Chasing trends but the truth is you limps”, they open the track. There is also a music video in a successful 90s aesthetic. “Same corners” stirs up anticipation for the next project of the two people from Cologne.
Ramzey – BLOOD ON THE GRILLZ
BLUT AUF DEN GRILLZ by Ramzey is a collection of light-hearted tracks with a slightly naïve sense of humor on first hearing. However, when the lyrics fully unfold their effect, the depth that lies behind them becomes clear. Between the lines, the Frankfurter draws the picture of a young man who was chewed through by society and spat out again. “Hardly any emotions in childhood / If she didn’t go to work, the lights went out in our house / I grew up surrounded by violence / That’s what it’s all about, even if it works,” Ramzey raps on “Unter dein Pulli”. The track best describes the relationship between the harsh lyricism and the hidden social criticism. In terms of sound aesthetic, BLUT AUF DEN GRILLZ moves in the area of in-die-face rap, which makes the intelligently fitted meta-level even more impressive.
2LADE – “THREE2ONE”
Can 2LADE read minds? In any case, in his new piece “DREI2EINS” he addresses his waiting fans with the line “It’s about time that I drop, ’cause it’s been a while'”. In terms of sound, he ties in with his earlier singles: horror samples, trap drums, 808. In addition, there is his menacing flow, the effect of which is underlined by his voice. The finished product is a flawless 2LADE track that meets all the criteria – but no more. There are no moments of surprise. Last year the man from Hamburg exceeded all expectations with his record MANN MIT DER GLASSES, so it is to be hoped that he will not fail in 2023. “DREI2EINS” is a solid single that immediately leaves you wanting more material.
Chima Ede – “11 of 10”
Things are a little quieter at Chima Ede. With “11von10” he has now delivered a smooth love song. An electric piano plays an atmospheric chord progression, with a string sample added in the hook. This interplay is accompanied by a relaxed drum groove that invites you to dance. Chima Ede moves weightlessly over the beat and reveals his feelings for a partner who apparently goes beyond his scale – she is “11 out of 10”. Chima Ede manages without any kitsch. On the contrary: he proves his ability to fuse beautiful lyrics with modern hip-hop influences. “Say where you are, I’ll pick you up in the coupe / you’re too beautiful for the subway / 65, a little love, a little Bubatz,” says the hook. “11von10” is a beautiful summer track that shows that rap and romantic feelings are not mutually exclusive.
J Hus & Drake – “Who Told You”
Yes, you read that right: J Hus and Drake released a song together. A really good one! On “Who Told You,” the unlikely duo ask themselves, “Who told you bad men don’t dance? Who told you gangsters don’t dance?” A valid question. With such an instrumental, even the meanest criminal will shake a leg. J Hus and Drake also get along well together. The UK rapper, who celebrated his comeback after three years on May 26, was probably even more unfamiliar with the beat than the Canadian. Still, Hus’ parts are even more convincing than Drake’s one – especially the hook. With “Who Told You”, J Hus and Drake deliver a real anthem for the summer, which will only really unfold under a bright sky.