This feature highlights a hand-picked selection of some of the bigger tracks of the week. We have chosen a few of the tracks that landed within our top 25 most played, focusing on those that stood out, and left room for discussion. This edition features A$AP Ferg, Big Sean, Juicy J and more! Take a look at the list in the gallery above, and feel free to let us know your own favorite tracks in the comments.
Juicy J- Bounce It (Remix) Feat. Wiz Khalifa & Trey Songz
Juicy J's original version of "Bounce It" was an interesting production, because it was Dr. Luke--one of the biggest pop producers in the game--taking his hand at trap. The result is a little more shimmering than the usual Mike WiLL and Lex Luger beats Juicy has been known to rhyme over (probably more to do with the money behind it than anything).
The remix is also interesting, as the instrumental gets as much of a tune up as the vocals. This time offering more dynamics to the track, as well as busy-ing up the drums. Wiz feels right at home here, being a rapper who's production has often skirted the line between street and full on pop (word to Stargate), and Trey turns in the first rap verse we've heard from him in a minute-- his rhyming skills underrated as they've ever been. Juicy also gives us the privilege of a new verse for the remix-- something other rappers should take note of.
Kid Ink- Fired Up (Feat. Styles P)
Kid Ink reaffirms that he will never run out of catchy hooks about smoking weed. This one was apparently a "strong contender" for the rapper's next LP, but didn't quite make the cut-- which means we can probably expect even catchier hooks about smoking weed on the project. "Fired Up" also scores a surprising, but ultimately well-placed feature from the always consistent Styles P.
Future- Regular Party
Future's latest is definitely a regular party track from the ATL hitmaker, but that says more about his natural and consistent ability to create bangers than anything. Future McCartney's use of simple and effective melodies make for an instantly satisfying, and party-ready anthem.
Big Sean- 10 2 10 (Remix) Feat. Travi$ Scott & Rick Ross
Big Sean always seemed a bit out of place on "10 2 10," but with the addition of Rick Ross and Travi$ Scott (who co-produced the track), things start to make a lot more sense. Rick Ross' exasperated yelps sound just as insane, but a little more convinvcing than Sean's, and Scott turns in an ad-lib-heavy verse that compliments his heavy production well.
ScHoolboy Q- Man Of The Year
With an increased pressure to have big features on singles, and so many talented members in his crew, it's admirable that Q still offers up solo cuts, and he's at his best when he does. ScHoolboy's latest hits similar to "Yay Yay," as moody as it is hard, "Man Of The Year" finds Q rapping with kind of hunger you'd expect from a rapper itching to drop his debut album.
A$AP Ferg- Shabba (Remix) Feat. Busta Rhymes, Migos & Shabba Ranks
This is how you do a remix. Ferg's "Shabba" unexpectedly took over the clubs this year (and still hasn't left), combining rhythmic, heavy hitting production, furious rapping, and some seriously catchy flows. A remix was inevitable, but instead of calling on a who's who of trendy rappers with dollar signs in their names, Ferg has assembled a team of very different, but very complimentary features for the new mix.
Shabba Ranks himself show up, his OG dancehall skills face-slapping first verse, while Migos (who are no strangers to the vlub at this point either) bring their infectious triplet flows to the track. Thankfully Busta refrains from doing a "Twerk It"-style fake patois verse in exchange for some punishing double time flows (but never straying too far into the realm of gibberish rap).
Ferg himself turns in a brand new verse, maniacally switching flows at every turn, and proving that even amongst the strong styles and personalities around him, he will not be outshined.