
On Wax: ‘WRLD ON DRUGS,’ Lil Yachty, Khalid + More
ON WAX IS A WEEKLY TAKE UPDATING YOU ON THE POCKET OF CULTURE KNOWN AS HIP-HOP. WE BRING YOU EVERYTHING FROM BREAKING NEWS TO ALBUM DROPS, JAIL TIME AND WHO’S BEEFING WITH WHO.
Future & Juice WRLD Drop Surprise Project
An unlikely duo—trap veteran, Future, and newcomer, Juice WRLD, came out of nowhere this weekend and released their new project. WRLD ON DRUGS is a vibrant mixtape that showcases both artist’s respective talents. While neither party is necessarily bad, there are plenty of shortcomings. Future dominates most of the performances, and Juice sounds like he went in the booth and recorded using auto-tune. I guess it’s to be expected, but Future carries a lot of songs with his signature sound. The features do bring a variety, but lyrically, the project’s subject matter is tiring. Juice WRLD has some of the worst lyrics—notably on the extremely juvenile “Fine China.” All in all, Juice WRLD definitely caught a break being able to work with one of the genre’s biggest artist, yet he still has a ways to go to be on Future’s level.
Lil Yachty has Nuthin’ 2 Prove
Whether you wanted it or not, Lil Boat dropped his third studio album, Nuthin’ 2 Prove. What excites us the most about this project is the persistence in Lil Yachty to drop a quality project. With the album having mixed reviews, it makes perfect sense that this one would come right after Lil Boat 2. He even stepped up his features, getting artists like Playboi Carti, Juice WRLD, Yung Nudy, Trippie Redd, Cardi B, as well as QC’s Lil Baby and Offset. Is this new album going to be that level up he’s looking for?
Khalid Pays Homage to His Hometown
Pop and R&B’s youngest new star, Khalid, has dropped a new project. Suncity is an ode to El Paso, Texas, which is the hometown of Khalid. The project starts with Khalid receiving the key to the city, a legendary honor, and then he dives into the music. Blending trap, pop, R&B, and electronic music, Khalid’s soothing voice flies over the seven-track EP. For me personally, I see the talent in this kid, yet I’m still stuck with the issue I had on Teenage Dream. Khalid is marketed typically toward teens, which is something I’m far from. While I’m interested in seeing him to continue to evolve, I can’t find myself a fan of Khalid. Regardless of how I feel, Khalid is now the second most streamed artist on Spotify.
Famous Dex is Still Strapped
Recently, playing a show at the college campus of UCI, Famous Dex was said to have pulled a gun on his fans after the show had been cancelled. Dex responsed to the campus security being called on Instagram to defend himself, explaining he wouldn’t point the gun at his fans—he was trying to get the crowd from around his car to move.
For everyone that doesn’t know what went down at UCI lol pic.twitter.com/M257pTGdXM
— 2 Campz (@scott_baba) October 20, 2018
How Does Open Mike Eagle Relax?
Chicago born, LA rapper, Open Mike Eagle, gave the world a new project to bump. What Happens When I Try to Relax is a quirky 19-minute listen of one of the most unique underground rappers around. This project is a fun listen that can be killed on a quick drive to the supermarket and back. Open Mike showcases his pen game with his interesting storytelling. “Single Ghosts” is a personal highlight as Open Mike talks about dating a ghost…how fun. Substance and social commentary also occurs on “Maybe Gang (an initiation).” Overall, Open Mike delivers a good project to follow-up to his previous album, Brick Body Kids Still Daydream. Hopefully, more is on the horizon from the gifted rapper.
Meet New Orleans Rapper Karbo
This week, upcoming New Orleans artist, Karbo, released a music video for his track titled “Set It Off.” The track blends the vibe of older tracks from the early 2000s, as well as the current style of hip-hop—I would definitely say his strength is how well he is able to do it.
Until next time, it’s On Wax.
– Dyllan E. & Hiram