On Wax: Blood Orange + More

 Blood Orange Releases Heat

British artist Dev Hynes has dropped his fourth album under the alias Blood Orange. Negro Swan is a gorgeous blend of pop, R&B and hip-hop into a surreal experience. Dev manages to mix sounds with the perfect moods, properly creating sonic landscapes that are truly captivating. While it’s not much of a departure from his previous efforts, he seems to work on his strengths a lot more this time around. However, Dev still seems to have issues matching those `80s throwback tracks into the mix of a cohesive project. Nonetheless, Negro Swan is easily the best Blood Orange project.

Logic Returns

Logic has been killing the pop/rap game for a minute, so it was nice to hear his newest single, “The Return.” Obviously a nod to his old mixtape, the track is a boom bap sound, highlighting Logic as an MC. The track resurrects the Young Sinatra alter ego as he discusses his come up, stardom, race issues and even a shoutout to Jay-Z. What Logic has in store for his fans is still yet to come, however, he has stated that he has seven projects ready to go, alongside 80 unreleased songs. We’ll see what plays Logic makes this year.

Trippie x Yatchy

This week Trippie Redd and Lil Yachty presented us with another collab on a track called “Untitled 07.” What should be highlighted about the track is that not only does it work, but it does its purpose for a short track. If it is the first track you’ve heard from Trippie, it’s definitely a good way to slowly get into his music.

E-40 Teaches The Gift Of Gab

Bay area legend E-40 keeps the West alive with his newest project, The Gift Of Gab, which is his first album in his definition series. E-40 proves he still has it with his great West Coast beat selection, alongside with his signature flow. E-40 doesn’t hold back on features either with Ty Dolla $ign, Vince Staples, Kent Jones, and Problem to name a few; E-40 comes fully loaded. He also shows his love for the newest up-and-comers, like Koshens, G. Perico, and Yhung T.O. from SOB X RBE. Overall, the project is what you can expect from the Bay, dope tracks to ghost ride the whip to.

Bas Shows Us The Milky Way

Queens rapper and Dreamville signee Bas has released his third album, Milky Way. The album is easily Bas’ best project, taking the lyrical trap game up a notch. With the essence of NY, Bas isn’t afraid to spit his ass off, keeping up with J. Cole and A$AP Ferg, as well as labelmates Ari Lennox and Correy C. Bas doesn’t need anyone to cary his project, given his ability as an MC and his great beat selection. Milky Way is a worthy project for the still young Bas.

Fredo’s Legacy Lives On

Losing Fredo Santana earlier in the year was a bitter pill to swallow. Hip-hop had lost another artist, and looking at how young he was made it all the more tragic. This week a big surprise came as a Fredo track dropped with Lil Reese called “Not like U.” The track is everything you’d expect from the two and more. Fredo and Reese dominate the song with a chemistry that seems to be stronger than ever. If you haven’t heard the track and are a fan of either Chicago natives, I suggest you check it out.

Until next time, it’s On Wax.

– Dyllan E. & Hiram