On Wax: Chance The Rapper, YBN Cordae, Rich Brian + More

Chance Finally Dropped His Debut

After three successful mixtapes and establishing a large following, Chance The Rapper has released his first album. The Big Day is a lengthy blend of dance, hip-hop, and ‘90s R&B. Chance manages to do lot with some unlikely features to help him along the way. Most notably, the album features film composer legend and vocalist Randy Newman, and indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie. Chance even manages to snap ‘90s R&B artists En Vogue and SWV for features, as well as new artists like DaBaby and Megan Thee Stallion. Chance manages to make a fun release, while discussing his newest blessings in his life, such as marriage, leisure, and freedom of life. While Chance may keep you busy with this 22-track album, the listen is worth it.

YBN Cordae Gets Soulful

The 2019 XXL Freshman YBN Cordae has released his debut album. The Lost Boy is an ode to the art of rap in a beautiful way. Soulful tracks and interludes bless the tracklist, alongside some of the sharpest lyricism from the new school. Cordae’s interesting view points of going from rags to riches makes for a solid listen, and artists like Chance The Rapper and Meek Mill add their perspective to topics relevant to Cordae’s story. The Lost Boy follows a a great theme of finding yourself, and YBN Cordae came through with a great debut.

Rich Brian is The Sailor

Coming a long way from his vine days, Rich Brian is evolving as an artist. His second album, The Sailor, is his most artistic adventure yet. Paying respects to all eras of hip-hop, Brian manages to make a more mature, cohesive project—yet he still manages to keep some things fun and playful with tracks like “Confetti” and “Rapapapa” featuring the legendary RZA. This album also sees Brian taking more risks with some tracks featuring him singing. As Rich Brian continues to grow, The Sailor makes for a great detour in the rapper’s artistic journey.

Rick Ross and Drake Drop Another Single

Not too long after Ross showed up on Drake’s “Money In The Grave,” Drizzy returns the favor. Ross dropped “Gold Roses,” which is an almost six-minute cut of the duo going over their current life obstacles. The track serves as the lead single for Ross’ next album, Port of Miami 2, that is scheduled for an August 9th release date. I wonder what else the duo has in store for the future…?

The Return of Big Sean

After a small hiatus, Detroit’s hometown hero, Big Sean, returns with two tracks. “Overtime” sees the rapper reflect over his recent comings over a Hit-Boy produced track. Sean really bars out, even having a beat switch to great rhymes and flows in the motion of the track. “Single Again” is a more radio-friendly cut about his most recent public relationship with Jhené Aiko. However, Jhené is featured on the track with Ty Dolla $ign. Fortunately for his fans, they will still get to here the two artists collaborate. Big Sean is expected to drop a new album sometime this year, and it’s a feat to be excited about.

E-40 Dropped 29th Studio Album

Not many artists hustle as hard as bay area legend E-40. His latest album, Practice Makes Paper, is his 29th studio album. He manages an hour and a half tracklist full of West Coast bangers that features plenty of artists. The track “Chase The Money” is insane featuring Quavo, Roddy Ricch, A$AP Ferg and ScHoolboy Q. OGs like Scarface, Method Man and Redman are featured, as well as modern heroes like Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa. Even R&B artists Ty Dolla $ign, Jeremih and K-Ci are featured. E-40 is certain to have a hit or two on this one.

Compton’s Newest Star

One of the most interesting new artists in the R&B/hip-hop world is Channel Tres. Uniquely in his own lane, the CPT-city born artist has dropped his newest single, “Black Moses.” The sensual instrumental is perfectly tied together with Channel Tres’ silky vocals. To add to the track, JPEGMAFIA delivers a great verse that truly adds to the weirdness (in the best way possible). With Channel Tres getting the glory of touring with Childish Gambino and Toro Y Moi, there’s no reason to not be following him.

Until next time, it’s On Wax.

– Hiram