While many rap fans were preoccupied with the second 2016 XXL Freshman cypher, which starred the controversial new class of "Lil" rappers + Denzel Curry, traditionalists were most excited for the following cypher, which starred Dave East and G Herbo.
Monday afternoon, East kicked off his 2017 campaign by posting a new collab with Herbo and Bronx rapper Don Q called "No Hook," in which they trade fours and eights over a remorseless mafioso beat. It almost sounds like a throwback to Nas, AZ, and Nature going back and forth on The Firm. East is emerging as the foremost torchbearer of New York rap, and Don Q is right behind him. No hook needed.
Quotable Lyrics
I was popping blue devils, Coach K ain't recruit me
I skipped right through Balmain, ain't copped to many nudies
10 cars, outside they all foreign
Took a gym star, went to school like y'all don't want it
-East