On Wax: Projects Kicking Off the Second Half of the Year
POSSIBLE FERG DROPPING SOON?
Entering this second half, it wouldn’t feel as complete with releases without A$AP Ferg, who has kept himself busy with tracks like “Not The Boy” and “Verified.” Given Ferg’s streak and if he does drop, it’ll be a solid project throughout a mixtape or album. However, it’s just a matter of it will have that missing factor that keeps any of his projects from being truly great. When you look back at Still Striving, it feels like a mixtape, and specifically to his words describing them as more of a collection of fun tracks rather than a body or continuous story that you’d find in an album. The project was good, same as Always Strive and Prosper, but you couldn’t deny that something was missing. If Ferg is really dropping something, it couldn’t be at a better time, especially in the aftermath of Rocky and Carti dropping as well. Guess we’ll have to keep watching to see what gift the Hood Pope has for hip-hop.
JADEN ON THE RISE?
After weeks of teasing his album, Jaden Smith would release it on Instagram; exclusively to his account to be specific. What’s interesting about Jaden is that he doesn’t get enough credit, even when he can take on most rappers (at the moment). This comes to no surprise for Jaden, but his work is honestly really dope and appears a lot more intimate compared to other releases that would stream through Tidal first. Jaden has had a number of things to say about the album, specifically saying it was sad at one point. Now that the album has finally arrived, will this be the project that gets him the credit he deserves?
BEAST MODE 2?
Post DS2, I’ve been hesitant with Future’s projects. While the ATL Superstar has always had great singles, the entire projects from Future can be spotty. With the being said, Beast Mode 2 might be one of my least favorite projects. Not to say it’s bad because I could see die-hard Future fans digging this, but I’m not feeling this one. Some of my least favorite Zaytoven beats show up on Beast Mode 2. There isn’t anything on the project that really feels like it hits the way I’d like it to. While gems do sometimes show up on the artist’s mixtapes, this one feels more like filler than anything else. I’m still praying for the day Future tops DS2, but for now we’ll just have to take Future mixtapes for what they are.
ROME FORTUNE X TORO Y MOI
Rome Fortune team up with Toro Y Moi for Toro Y Rome Vol. 1. Quirky and unique, the five-track, 14-minute album is a great display of talent for Toro Y Moi. Rome brings even more experimentation with interesting vocals throughout the project. Overall, the EP is a wonderful start to hopefully more successful projects from the two.
LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER
If ever there was a greater comeback season written, it was definitely saved for Meek Mill. Legends of the Summer released in the second half of this fantastic year of hip-hop, and in all honesty its pretty good— not that I don’t expect Meek not to deliver. The energy, the lyrics, Meek has flipped the past and put on shades to face a brighter future. While he may still face legal troubles his new mindset has placed him in a new light in hip-hop. Meek is definitely embracing the unity that embraced him when he was locked up, and has proven to not only be good for him, but for the culture. Let’s keep it up.
WHO WANT THE SMOKE?
Yes, Boat. This is the energy you are missing from every project you drop. Lil Yachty has the potential to drop a really mean verse out there, however, he doesn’t do it as often. Maybe Offset is one of the few to bring it out of him, which is similar to the “Interlude” track on the QC album. While the track can be hit or miss, you can’t deny Lil Yachty when he takes an aggressive step when he raps. QC demonstrates dominance once again.
Until next time, it’s On Wax.
-Dyllan E. & Hiram