This week's Friday's Heat features songs from: Eminem, Childish Gambino, John Legend, Post Malone and Common
“Infinite (F.B.T. Remix)” by Eminem
I remember the first time I heard “Infinite.” I was an 18-year-old college freshman and my buddy put it on, smirking, knowing that my mind was about to blown. After the song ended, all I could say was, “well, God damn.” Talk about on point Shady lyricism: “My coiled hands around this microphone are lethal / One thought in my cerebral is deeper than a jeep-full of people / MC’s are feeble, I came to cause some pandemonium / Battle a band of phony MC's, and stand the lonely one.” The guy’s a genius.
Celebrating the recent 20-year Infinite anniversary (11/12/96), F.B.T. remixed and remastered this classic track, and the result is incredible. They effectively maintain the original version’s integrity while supplying it a fresh beat that mimics Em’s flow wonderfully. This dope reincarnation should absolutely frequent your daily rotation.
“Redbone” by Childish Gambino
Keep the gifts coming, Donald. After releasing a single, “Me and Your Mama,” last week off his upcoming album, Awaken, My Love!, Gambino released another gem off this project called, “Redbone.” Vinylz and Ludwig Görannson’s funky production, spearheaded by a retro bass line and simple drumming, foster Donald’s soulful, heartfelt ballad. This certainly isn’t your rapping Childish Gambino, but that’s not a bad thing—at all.
Experimenting with his diverse skill set, Childish sings with an old soul about an ongoing girl struggle. Coupled with last week’s release, I’d say we’re looking forward to a passionate, deep piece from the Georgia native. Awaken My Love! will be out December 2nd.
“Penthouse Floor” by John Legend featuring Chance The Rapper
John Legend recruited Chance The Rapper for this groovy, jazzy track off his upcoming album, Darkness & Light. Legend is still sporting one of the industry’s smoothest voices, as he talks about escaping from real life to the coveted penthouse floor—possibly meaning heaven. His impressive vocal control reminds us why he’s been a musical fixture for so long, and it doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere.
Chance comes in for the third verse, beginning in the most “Chancey” way possible, with a knock knock joke: “I heard this old joke once, it was like, uh / Knock knock, who's there, it's us, us who? / Just us, who dis? Just playin’ / Just me, new phone, new hair, new era.” His flow gestates from a loosely staggered spoken word, sort of reminiscent of Cam’Ron’s hook off “Hey Ma,” that develops into classic Chance. John beautifully rounds out the song through emitting powerful, spiritual vibes.
“Patient” by Post Malone
Post Malone’s eminent debut album release, Stoney, is shaping up nicely thanks to his singles, “Congratulations” featuring Quavo, and most recently, “Patient.” Furthering his addictive sound—who isn’t sill bumping “White Iverson?”—Post effortlessly skates over the snare-filled Louis Bell beat. He discusses how patience’s virtue has finally afforded him upperclass status, and the pros and cons associated with that lifestyle.
This man is anything but a one hit wonder, contrary to initial belief. His mixtape, August 26th, proved that he deserves shine and I expect Stoney to enforce that.
“Black America Again (Remix)” by Common featuring Gucci Mane, Pusha T and B.J. The Chicago Kid
Common’s 11th studio album, Black America Again, was welcomed to a warm reception earlier this month. The politically charged project punctuates Common’s long, successful career, with layered bars that are reminiscent of an earlier, hungrier version of the Chicago-bred rapper. The title track, “Black America Again,” featuring Stevie Wonder, recently received the remix treatment courtesy of fellow Chicagoan, B.J. The Chicago Kid, and Rap thoroughbreds, Gucci Mane and Pusha T.
Gucci's faster-paced, refined flow contributes to the song’s context of disenfranchising Black people: “It’s so hard to be a Black man in a White man’s country.” He skillfully speaks on his frustrations with crippling systematic racism, and how he wants to use his status to lead a revolution. B.J. The Chicago connects everyone on his beautifully sung hook, reeling in Common and Push. Common lands heavy body shots with poignant bars begging for the Black community to unite. King Push confesses for “being part of the problem,” asking for forgiveness while expressing bitterness towards the ongoing injustices targeting his peers. Don’t skip out on this one.