This week on First Beat, DJ Khaled and Drake are looking to turn summer around with two new records, while Jhene Aiko gives fans an extra slice of Chilombo with his effort of luxury. Check out today’s releases below.
DJ Khaled Feat. Drake, “Popstar” and “Greece”
The blows generate blows. At least that’s the case with DJ Khaled and Drake. With albums like “I’m On One” and “For Free” on their resume today (July 17), the rap couple is seeking revenge with their steamy summer releases. “Popstar” is a smoky lyrical exposition of God 6. Drake makes his way through the menacing register of the trap with the precision of the Gregory Hines type, embracing his heavenly state. Under the name of Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, Drake is more than aware of his star power with this masterful flex.
On the second release, “Greece,” Drizzy channels his fellow XO, The Weeknd, for this instant classic. Drake’s test drives a new flow and extends invitations to those interested in riding a shotgun into their opulent lifestyle. “I am a problem; being rich is not my fault,” he brags.
Jhene aiko Chilombo (Deluxe)
Aiko’s R&B conquest continues with deluxe version of her acclaimed album Chilombo. Aprofit, the Def Jam singer doesn’t shy away from the features front: she joins Kehlani “BS (Remix)”, says goodbye to her enemies with Wiz Khalifa at the “Down Again” celebration, and plays Puff, Puff, Pass with Snoop Dogg and Chris Brown in “Tryna Smoke”. For Aiko’s ardent fans who crave solo material, she also offers a handful, especially in the sultry “Come On.”
Joey Bada $$, The light package
Annoyed by the shortage of lyricists in hip-hop, Joey Bada $$ returns in fury The light package. Filled with explosive raps, the Brooklyn MC detonates in “The Light”, after revealing his mission to exterminate the mumbling rappers. The unforgiving star even hires Pusha T for a more lyrical war in “Unexplained”.
Despite his restless focus on the first two tracks, Joey shines on the other “Shine”. A thoughtful Joey not only gloats over his gentle demeanor towards the ladies, but also his rap accomplishments: “I had earned $ 10 million in verse and still had not lost sight of my purpose,” he reveals.
Pink sweatshirts, The prelude
Pink Sweats is not just a master of ballads. Although he earned his ears with his pain reliever Volume 1 EP two years ago the ingenious songwriter hits in a more electric effort on The prelude. “Give It to Me” and “Icy” give Sweats a new dimension, as he delivers more successful dance-focused hits. The six-track endeavor is a cozy appetizer for their long-awaited debut album, which is due out soon.
JI, Welcome to GStarr Vol. 1 EP
After getting his first Hot 100 album with “Need Me” last month, JI put pressure on his six-track EP, Welcome to GStarr Vol. 1 EP. The melodic stiff-armed predators of prodigy in the fierce “20K” introduction and show promise as a capable hitmaker in the sweet “Beautiful Girl.” Still, JI’s penchant for icy street tales remains her calling card, as demonstrated in “Painless” with Lil Durk.
Kid Laroi, “Tell me why”
In 2020, the 16-year-old Australian screenwriter rose to fame with his emo bops. Although he blocked the features of Lil Tecca and the late Juice WRLD, today, in his new song “Tell Me Why,” Laroi’s presents a one-man show. Blurring the lines of hip-hop and rock, Laroi shows flashes of brilliance in this emotional cut. Paralyzed by relationship problems, the teenager seeks refuge, but continues to lose himself each time.
