This Month With Bix

Music of the Month (September/October 2018): Carter V, On the Rvn, and More

Summer’s over and school’s here. Late night bonfires, days at the beach, and sleeping in have been replaced by Fall sports and the everyday stress of school. Music has changed in the same way. No longer do we count down the days to the huge album drop. No longer can we listen to albums all the way through. We now listen to music to help us get through school, drama, anxiety, and whatever else this season brings. These past few months have seen the releases of some of the best work of the year, including Lil Wayne’s much anticipated The Carter V, Brockhampton’s 4th Studio Album Iridescence and of course the return of Lil Baby and Gunna in Drip Harder. Check out the best songs since the summer, a comprehensive review of Wayne’s new album, and much more in this month’s column:

Bix’s Recommended Playlist of the Month:

• Uproar by Lil Wayne

One of the most popular and recognizable tracks from Wayne’s masterpiece, Uproar uses the upbeat sample from G. Dep’s “Special Delivery” to create the perfect party banger. So popular that simply saying “5 4 3 2” can be finished by those around you, this track is a must hear.

• If I’m Lyin, I’m Flyin by Kodak Black

Kodak’s back with a new vibe. Still different from his slow feelings-focused sound of old hits like “Skrt”, Kodak has continued to transform. His classic flow can be heard, reminiscent of “Transportin” or “Patty Cake”, but now the 21 year old Florida MC exerts a new energy. That of one who’s been to prison and made it out several times.   Kodak now sounds like one telling a story, a tale, of his struggles, decisions, and eventually how he prevailed. Radiating confidence with lines like “And now I gotta execute ‘cause you don’t listen”, Kodak strategically returns to the music scene with this new track.

• Sin by Young Thug (feat Jaden Smith)

Quite possibly the best EP of the year so far, Young Thug recruits Jaden Smith to make a dynamic back and forth that both aesthetically flows and lyrically reaches deep. Thugger spits lines like “Ain’t had no money to spend. I got my first check and went paid off my rent”. Jaden, by contrast, offers a slightly lighter outlook, melodically gliding over the beat. As per usual, Thugger’s creativity shines, switching his flow up several times in the same song, but always keeping his same classic energy.

Other Recommended Listens:

• THUG LIFE by Brockhampton

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Mona Lisa by VALNTN, Tray Haggerty

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Backin it Up by Pardison Fontaine (feat Cardi B)

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• ZEZE by Kodak Black (featuring Travis Scott and Offset)

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Easy by Mac Ayres

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Better by Khalid

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Canceled by Bryson Tiller

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• All Night Remix by Louis the Child (Not New but still A Must Listen)

Only Available on Soundcloud/Youtube

• High by Young Thug feat Elton John

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Drip Too Hard by Lil Baby and Gunna

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Talk is Cheap by Chet Faker (Also not new)

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

• Artist to Check Out: Quinn XCII

This Detroit-based vocalist and songwriter combines many different genres of music including hip hop, EDM, reggae, and pop. Unique to the core, Quinn offers an alternative to many mainstream artists with melodic vocals over piano and guitar based beats that bring you back to summer. Some of his best work includes “Another Day in Paradise” (see Column 1), “Straightjacket”, and “Flare Guns” (featuring Chelsea Cutler).

 

• Album of the Month: Tha Carter V by Lil Wayne

There’s not much to be said about this album that hasn’t been iterated already. I never was much of a fan of Lil Wayne’s work until this masterpiece of a project. The legendary MC showcases his versatility in his fifth installment of the Carter Album series. From chart toppers like “Uproar” and “Took his Time”, to his introspective insights in “Dark Side of the Moon” (featuring Nicki Minaj), all the way to witty, dark, and humorous commentary through his partnership with Kendrick Lamar on “Mona Lisa”. By all means a veteran in the rap world, Wayne appears to have not lost a step at 36. While the array of diverse features including Travis Scott, Snoop Dogg, and the recently diseased XXXTentation each add to the album significantly, Wayne is the star. A bonafide star since a young age, Wayne has truly matured. No track proves this more than “Dark Side of the Moon” in which he raps goosebump worthy lines like “The sky is fallin’ down, I am fallin’ for her quicker” as well as “High above the ground, but I’m under her charisma”. This rare combination of vulnerability and self-worth combine perfectly with Nicki’s sweet vocals. Stretching over 90 minutes, this album, put simply, is a journey. A journey that by all means is worth taking.