Quality Control label delivered their first ever compilation album, which finds features from their official signees as well as their affiliates and friends. Mainly, though, it's an assortment of Migos' members or the group as a whole who hold things down. Sprinkled alongside Quavo, Takeoff, Offset we get the likes of Lil Yachty, Lil Baby and YRN Lingo -- but a surprising lack of other QC signees, but then again, it's also a bit unclear who IS currently signed to the roster. Rich the Kid used to be a prominent voice among QC artists but has since died down, while their Instagram page indicates OG Parker, Johnny Cinco, Skippa Da Flippa and Jose Guapo among QC artists, however they are nowhere to be found on Control the Streets Vol. 1 (insert thinking face emoji).
Whatever the case, they make up for a lack of actual Quality Control artists with an array of bigger-name artists-- Cardi B (duh), Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla $ign, Kodak Black and more pop up through out the lengthy tracklist. Don't judge a song by its featured artists though (that's a saying, right?).
If you don't have the time, or perhaps the desire, to sit through all 30 songs and figure out which ones are the best, well, you don't have to, cause we did it.
Offset & Cardi B - Um Yea (Prod. by DJ Durel)
So go right ahead and skip the first five tracks, until you find yourself at these two lovebirds' collaboration, "Um Yea." Um, yeah, it seems like these were truly meant to be-- this punchy record was apparently recorded during the now engaged-couple's first studio session, ever. The production from DJ Durel has the perfect bounce for both MC's highly-engaged and loud flow.
Takeoff & Tee Grizzley - We The Ones (Prod. by DJ Durel)
Takeoff and Tee Grizzley team up for this song that meets in the middle, in terms of either artist's style. It's got the bursts of piano keys, that Tee seems to love, and a string-riddled background that is more Migos-friendly. It's among the best tracks on the album, in general, in that, it actually does not feel like a throwaway.
Quavo - South Africa (Prod. by DJ Durel)
This is smooth, different, and refreshing. The saxophone almost acts as a back-up singer for Quavo, who somehow makes his hardened flow work alongside this jazzy beat, smoothening it out when need be. Although it's not a proper interlude, it basically acts as such.
Lil Yachty & Quavo - Holiday (Prod. by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.)
This piano-driven affair showcases a surprisingly tolerable vocal performance from Lil Yachty. That's not the only good part about this melodic collaboration, it's actually quite festive, and perfect to bump during the holiday season, whether or not that was actually their intention.
Migos - Thick & Pretty (Prod. By Murda Beatz)
Murda Beatz holds down a few beats on the Control the Streets compilation. On "Thick & Pretty" he cooks up some of that more classic Migos' sound, as they bring out a jumpy flow to hop all over the beat, a beat that is equally hoppy in its own right. It's also a more classic structure, with Quavo the Hook-Man on the hook and each rapper in the group delivering a verse.
Takeoff & Offset - Interview (Prod. by Buddah Bless)
Following "We the Ones," we're left with another batch of songs you can safely skim over or skip altogether-- "My Dawg" is melodic and pleasant, but we've also heard it before, and it becomes less memorable in the grand scheme of this compilation. Things to start to get interesting again when Takeoff and Offset join forces for this Buddah Bless production, although it would have been even more interesting if they stayed on topic for longer.
Kollission - Space Cadet (Prod. By Quay)
Here's one that we didn't see coming. "Space Cadet" is a solo offering from an artist named Kollission, who we know very little about absolutely nothing about, but it's safe to say we're hella intrigued. Is it possible Kollission has the best song on the entire QC compilation??? We'll leave that decision up to the trolls commenters. What is true, is that Kollission's up-and-down melodic flow kills this lullaby-like production from Quay. And, just when you think Kollission might just be another "melodic rapper" he comes through and blesses us with some sped-up bars. Honestly, I might have to make the decision: this is the best song on the QC compilation.