Bars is Acclaim’s weekly wrap up of all the music we want you to get in on. Whether it’s new albums, mixtapes, tracks, or videos, we’re here wading through the noise to bring you only the finest happenings in the world of music. Hit the list below to see what we’ve been bumping this week.
Hip-hop’s best boyband Brockhampton are back with Saturation 3—ending the trilogy that saw them dominate 2017. This new project sees Kevin, Ameer, Matt, and the rest of the gang delve into deeper territories of melody, fusing elements of alt-R&B, soul, and pop with their traditional formula of making swift catchy bangers. Whether it’s Joba’s Justin Timberlake-esque falsetto, Matt’s smooth raps, or Kevin’s irresistible hooks, Saturation 3 will drench you in excellence.
With Pressure, Jeezy proves that even after all these years, he’s still got it. While still sporting his usual mogul-like swagger throughout every track, Jeezy decides to bring his husky flow outside of the snow. This album sees Jeezy explore elements of Afrobeat on songs with Wizkid, as well as going bar to bar with J.Cole and Kendrick, only to come out as iconic as his ad libs. Pressure doesn’t see Jeezy feel it, but apply it, as he reminds the world that even after over 15 years in hip-hop he’s still at the top.
No One Ever Really Dies will remind you that you’re alive. It’s loud, it’s eclectic, it’s experimental, it’s an N.E.R.D album. Featuring everything from Ed Sheeran vocals to a Gucci Mane verse, Pharrell, Chad, and Shay continue to fuse pop, hip-hop, and punk into one concoction with bass lines that are sure to knock you on the ground. No One Ever Really Dies is not a comeback album, it’s a reminder that N.E.R.D’s legacy will live on forever.
Villette pours her soul out on Drip Crimson. Her passionate voice tells stories of heartbreak as a soundtrack of minimal melancholic beats propel her into an abyss of gloom. It’s sad, but it’s beautiful. Villette’s confidence throughout each track serves as inspiration between the tears. Largely produced by herself, along with Troy Samuela, Villette showcases why she’s the next big thing.
Pop 2 is one of Charli XCX’s most versatile mixtapes yet. It changes tones as swiftly as she steals our hearts. There’s gloomy R&B cuts, bubbly pop anthems, and experimental dance tracks, as Charli trades verse with some of music’s best including Carly Rae Jepsen and Tove Lo. Pop 2 is a rollercoaster of sounds and emotions, but when it ends you’ll want to ride again.
‘Summer’s Exit’ is more of a tranquil interlude, than it is a full a song. Duckwrth replaces his fast paced flow and house-inspired dance beats for a minimal flurry of keys and subtle bass, as he showcases singing chops that slice straight through to the heart. If you’re a fan of artists like Steve Lacy or Frank Ocean, ‘Summer’s Exit’ will make Duckworth worthy of your time.
Joji’s new video for ‘Demons’ is weirdly eerie. Featuring Joji himself in an empty room sporting an obscure red costume, the oddball ethereal tones of the video perfectly compliment the sadness of the track. Joji showcases his falsetto as he croons about heartbreak, over the lo-fi 808-heavy beats he’s made uniquely his. With music like this, it’s hard to believe this was the same man behind the Harlem Shake going viral. Nonetheless, it’s fire.
A few days ago Tyler The Creator featured in NPR’s Tiny Desk series—and left a huge mark as one of the best performers on there yet. Accompanied by a full band Tyler performed stripped back versions of songs like ‘Boredom’ and ‘Glitter’ off Flower Boy. He even fleshes them out into beautiful moments of impromptu jazz. This performance allowed Tyler to truly showcase his talents, and along with the full band, bring the luscious beauty of Flower Boy alive.
