This week's "Friday's Heat" features tracks from: Fabolous & Trey Songz, Freddie Gibbs, Allan Kingdom, Dave East, and Wale
“Bad & Boujee (Remix)" by Fabolous and Trey Songz:
The opening lines to Migos’ “Bad & Boujee” have taken 2017 by storm: “Raindrop, drop top / Smokin’ on cookie in the hotbox.” The ultimate test of supreme popularity in today’s social media inclined marketplace is a song’s meme capability—if young Metro don’t trust you I’ma shoot you blanketed 2016. “Bad & Boujee” has become the newest meme subject, commanding hundreds of renditions for the latter line—my favorite might be “raindrop, drop top / The Warriors blew a 3-1 lead because of this jumpshot.” Another strong indicator of a song’s viability is if OGs hop on a remix.
This past week, Fabo and Trigga Trey gave “Bad & Boujee” the remix treatment, and the result is pretty fantastic. The two Hip Hop icons inject their smooth presence on the track, that complements the original song’s hook well; it’s like sweet and sour sauce—an unexpectedly great combination. If you’re getting tired of the original, peep the remix to rejuvenate your “Bad & Boujee” love.
“Overtime” by Freddie Gibbs featuring Young Buck and Skrewface:
The case of Freddie Gibbs always amazed me. He’s a talented spitter with a raw street vibe who manages to retain commercial appeal, yet I never felt like he got his due. I could be wrong or just too sensitive, but his name doesn’t seem to dominate conversations unless he’s dodging lawsuits. In spite of being criminally underrated, he continuously pumps out hard tracks that make you mean mug while elevating your confidence. His newest addition, “Overtime,” is classic Gibbs.
“Overtime” is an ode to putting in the extra effort, by any means necessary, to stack ends. Gibbs’ childhood and adolescence were riddled with atrocities, resulting in poverty and a fiery hustle. He knows the value of a dollar—he’s seen what people are willing to do for it. The only question is, are peers going to outwork Freddie to increase their bottom line.
It was also recently announced that Gangsta Gibbs and Curren$y are putting out a joint mixtape, Fetti, expected to drop soon, so be on the lookout for that.
“Minnesota (Remix)” by Allan Kingdom:
I can’t believe I’m posting this. I’m a known (well, at least to me and my friends) as a Lil Yachty hater. I think he’s a cool dude with a fun brand, but I’m just not a fan of his music. On January 2, Minnesota rapper, Allan Kingdom, remixed Yachty’s breakout hit, “Minnesota,” giving the original track a much needed facelift. Mainly, because Allan Kingdom can actually rap.
Hearing a different version of “Minnesota” exposes it’s redeemable qualities: the beat is pretty fire. I would always just cringe and turn it off once Yachty gargled on the track. But with Kingdom, I can appreciate the song for what it’s worth: a fun, hyphy hit that will pair equally well with car rides and pregames. Replete with Minnesota references, including “I splash like Zach LaVine,” this remix foreshadows Allan fulfilling his self-appointed namesake, Kingdom.
“What A Year [EASTMIX]” by Dave East:
Dave East had quite the 2016. He was featured in XXL’s Freshmen class, was featured on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed The Hamilton Mixtape, and he released his well-received tenth mixtape, Kairi Channel, named for his daughter. Perhaps most importantly, he’s proving that there’s still demand for authentic spitters. What a year it’s been for the Harlem rhymer.
Heeding Wale’s direction of remixing D’Angelo’s “Lady,” “What A Year [EASTMIX]” is exactly what the title suggests: a celebration of his triumphant 2016 and exploding career. Despite dastardly events consuming this year, East managed to not only stay afloat, but thrive and soar. With his increased reputation and exposure comes the trappings of success; most notably, women.
East rhymes on this track about his transformative lifestyle that has afforded him luxuries like securing the baddest women, menages, weekends on the beach—essentially everything he dreamt about while scribbling his thoughts in his uninspiring childhood Harlem apartment. The days of financial struggles are finally behind East, and he has an illustrious career to look forward to.
“Smile” by Wale featuring Phil Ade:
I think Wale took J. Cole’s “False Prophets” to heart. Since Cole dropped the cryptic diss prior to releasing 4 Your Eyez Only, Wale has been arduously writing and recoding, evidenced by his two recent tracks, “Heisman Watch” and “Black is Gold”—the latter being a strong, necessary Black empowerment song. Three-weeks later, his newest single, “Smile,” follows in this empowering vain, by encouraging everyone to be happy despite attempting to see through a murky window.
Believed to be his third single off his upcoming album, S.H.I.N.E., “Smile” emits an encouraging message amid discouraging situations. Directed towards minorities, specifically Blacks, this song strives to emancipate those shackled to suffocating situations by finding little joys in life. It’s imploring individuals to regain control of their lives through a simple remind: smile. While he’s clearly talking to those struggling, it can be inferred that he’s reminding himself to smile as well, given that he’s experienced his own fair share of turbulent times.
This resounding positivity will hopefully be redeemed on his upcoming album, coupled with classic Wale hard truths, to formulate a strong release from the DMV spitter.