I took a week or so off due to sickness, but I’m back (or at least back-ish). Here’s another Notable Tracks post highlighting the music that’s been in rotation while I was recovering. No excuses. Let’s get to it.
Dave East has always been one of those rappers who can really rap, but his style doesn’t always fit what’s profitable or trendy right now. That said, “Bottega Trunks” shows him switching things up in a cool way. Over soulful Nicholas Craven production, East relaxes his flow and vibe, and the result feels like a sleeper hit. Add the rising Stove God Cooks to the mix, and it’s magic.
Jay Worthy dropped two albums in two weeks, Once Upon a Time and Once Upon a Time 2, and while I’m still digesting all 31 tracks, “The Outcome” immediately stood out. Produced by The Alchemist and featuring Westside Gunn, Dave East, and Ab-Soul, this one is pure chemistry. “Dumfounded, I’m living proof, I hope they feel dumb.” Yeah, that line sticks.
The new Mobb Deep album Infinite isn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I’m usually not into posthumous projects, and this one leans more compilation than authentic Mobb Deep, but it still sounds like Mobb Deep thanks to Havoc and The Alchemist’s production. “Clear Black Nights,” featuring Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, is an easy standout because Mobb Deep with Ghost and Rae just feels classic. R.I.P. Prodigy.