While we appreciate a heads up on new releases, there's nothing like a surprise music drop that shakes everything up. This week, that was Future's BEASTMODE 2 mixtape. In the aftermath of the strategic Drake and G.O.O.D. Music madness that swallowed us up in June, we're extremely grateful Fire Marshall Future threw us a much needed curveball with 9 new tracks.
Elsewhere, Cardi B and Offset link up on Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" remix, while Nicki Minaj and Quavo join forces on Lil Yachty's “Who Want the Smoke?” Oscar #Worldpeace will make you crave a "Twix" on his track premiered by yours truly earlier this week, and Yung Lean will have you urging to fire up your PlayStation on "Crash Bandicoot."
All those and more in this week's best tracks.
A$AP Ferg - "Verified"
One of Harlem's finest, A$AP Ferg managed to sneak in two new songs just as we were publishing last week's edition of best tracks. We find it extremely hard to pass up his hard-hitting singles, so "Verified" makes it in this week. While Ferg's flow is on-point yet again as he swims through verses about how he doesn't get his validation from all those blue checkmarks, the real certified, verified star of the show is Tweek Tune, offering up a clattering symphony of percussion on the production side.
Ella Mai - “Boo’d Up” Remix ft. Nicki Minaj & Quavo
If you were getting tired of hearing the original version of this international hit, Nicki Minaj and Quavo have spiced it up with some fresh verses that will further inspire you to get cuffed soon. Don’t keep trying to fight the vibe because this song is here to stay for a long time.
Future - "31 DAYS"
Future linked up with producer Zaytoven to deliver a sequel to the beloved mixtape BEASTMODE. BEASTMODE 2’s "31 DAYS" features the Atlanta rap crooner floating over Zaytoven’s trademark keys while delivering a hook boasting about his lavish lifestyle that’s already stuck in our heads.
Lil Yachty- “Who Want the Smoke?” ft. Cardi B & Offset
Where there's smoke there's fire, and Lil Yachty, Cardi B, and Offset deserve more than a silly platitude attempting to convey how good this song is. Anyway, if it's a quality rap song you're after, we highly recommend this one. Special shoutout to Offset for his particularly energetic delivery and to Tay Keith for a seriously sinister beat.
Meek Mill - "Dangerous" ft. Jeremih & PNB Rock
Meek Mill blessed us with his Legends of the Summer EP today, just in time for the weekend. With cascading guitar strums, Jeremih and PNB Rock throw romantic harmonies and melodies all over the place while Meek shows off his softer side. "Dangerous" is one for your future campfire singing sessions.
Oscar #Worldpeace - “Twix” ft. Ace Tee
This North Londoner leaves a sweet impression on his mellow E-Whizz-produced single. Just when you thought your mouth was about to stop salivating, German-Ghanaian R&B singer Ace Tee comes in and makes the jam even smoother.
Rome Fortune & Toro Y Moi - “1000MPH”
We’re still not sure if we deserve Toro Y Moi and Rome Fortune’s a collaborative EP so we’re counting all of our blessings. All of the songs featured on Toro Y Rome Vol. 1 are bops, but “1000MPH” is the one that you blast while you’re cruising down the freeway with the windows rolled all the way down. It’s got that infectious summertime vibe to it that makes you forget how hot and sticky all of your surroundings are for a few minutes.
SG Lewis x Clairo - "Better"
Clairo's voice makes anything infinitely better. While SG Lewis' funky chillwave-esque beat isn't exactly groundbreaking, Clairo could sing about birds regurgitating food over the sound of a garbage disposal and we'd be sold. "Better" is best served with our girl angelically airing her frustrations about a romance (at whoever is causing her distress - how dare you!?!?)
Young M.A - "Petty Wap"
"Petty Wap" as a song title or parody rap name in and of itself is amazing, but luckily, it's quickly becoming one of our favorite Young M.A tracks to date. With a delightfully deadpan delivery, Young M.A calmly assures us she's still got everything under control, turning textbooks into chequebooks.
Yung Lean - "Crash Bandicoot"
Simultaneously taking inspiration from the exotic Wumpa Islands and the streets of Atlanta, Yung Lean gives us yet another reason to love him with "Crash Bandicoot." Spitting bars that would no doubt motivate Crash to dash through any level with ease, Leandoer discusses everything from mental health to Issey Miyake over a hypnotic beat courtesy of Foster and Holy Beats.
Be sure to revisit the previous edition of Best Tracks of the Week right here.
