On Wax: Nicki Minaj, Trippie Redd + More

Nicki Claims Her Throne as Queen

After four long years, Nicki Minaj finally unleashes her fourth studio album, Queen. Originally supposed to be released on August 17th, the New York icon surprised fans a week early. Nicki finds herself in both the pop world and hip-hop world on this album. While she most definitely rides the trap wave on this project, she comes through with those old school New York vibes every so often. The most talked about song, “Barbie Dreams,” is one of the most New York hip-hop things she has ever done. It is an ode to the Notorious B.I.G.’s deep cut, “Just Playing (Dreams).” However, Nicki still keeps it pop with dance records, alongside features from Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. The biggest disappointment comes from the terrible second track titled “Majesty,” which is a pop-rap song featuring Eminem. Take that track out, and the listeners should have a good time.

Trippie Redd Unleashes Debut Project

Canton, Ohio’s Trippie Redd isn’t the first rapper to claim to be a rockstar, but he might be the most unique. The 2018 XXL Freshman shows off his diversity on his debut album, LIFE’S A TRIP. You’ll notice quickly as the album goes on that Trippie is a star over a lot of guitar dominate instrumentals. He can even drop a more old school hip-hop beat and rap, as he does so on the track “Oomps Revenge.” There are definitely stand-out cuts on this project, especially singles like “Dark Knight Dummo” featuring Travis Scott, and “Wish” featuring Diplo. Yet, still in the deep cuts, you have Trippie showing off his unique singing voice, filling a sound that is needed in the oversaturated trap sound. Trippie Redd shows he has a shot for longevity in this rap game.

Quavo Goes Solo

While all the Migos have dropped solo projects before, Quavo really came out swinging this week. The head honcho of Migos dropped three tracks titled “W O R K I N M E,” ” L A M B T A L K,” and “B U B B L E G U M.” Of the three, “B U B B L E G U M” is easily the best with a beat from Buddah Bless that is reminiscent of the old dirty South trap sound, and popularized by UGK. All three tracks could have a radio playability, but these tracks beg the question: Is Quavo gonna drop a solo album?

Gucci Mane Collabs with Lil Pump

Mr. Zone 6 finally collaborates with everyone’s favorite Harvard dropout. On the track “Kept Back,” Gucci Mane gives a hypnotic hook over one of the best instrumental Murda Beatz in a while. Lil Pump comes out the gate swinging on the first verse, sounding absolutely amazing; even washing Gucci on his own track. Pump came through with an a amazing flow, but it’s not to say Gucci didn’t do great as well. This single is one of the best from both artists, and surprisingly the chemistry is there for more potential collabs.

Lil Uzi Vert

Lil Uzi Vert and Gunna released a track titled “.223.” The tempo is slower, but that doesn’t stop the track from having an underlying really good feel. Both rappers come through with probably a five on “.223.” If you’ve heard both artists before, then you definitely know they have more ammo than what was shot on the track.

I’m not sure what it is with Lil Uzi and these releases, but this time around the Carti and Uzi collab wasn’t what it could be; it shows, which is worse than you can imagine. A track with two rappers, who probably have the heat chemistry, clashed a bit on this. By no means would I use this to judge each emcee. For Carti, it’s good for him because it keeps him releasing new music after Die Lit, and for Uzi, it gets his fans ready for Eternal Awake.

Sauce Gotti Keeps Coming with the Heat

Sauce Gotti has been on a role since “Mask On,” and now releasing “Ghetto Gospel.” The Drip God has returned with another heavy hitting track, only this time it’s a bit softer. His style is still expanding, which for an emcee like him, you wouldn’t expect it at all.

Until next time, it’s On Wax.

– Dyllan E. & Hiram