MAINLND SOUND VOL. 2

Mainlnd: Everyday People. Photograph by James Green

On December 19, 2006, Nas released his 8th album, "Hip Hop is Dead," sparking discussions about the declining quality of rap and hip hop. Critics argued that the genre was losing its artistic value, a sentiment that persists today with criticisms towards sub-genres like mumble rap and trap. However, in Mainlnd Sound Vol. 2,   we aim to remind the world that the ever evolving genre, which has given everyday people so much, is alive and well.

Stick

After Revenge of the Dreamers 3, Dreamville showed themselves being able to make songs where rappers are at their lyrical best while also maintaining an aura of “fun”. Stick is an upbeat mosh-pit song that has J-Cole, JID, Sheck Wes and Kenny Mason all rapping aggressively about keeping a gun on them at all times. 

Can’t Punk Me

This is another infectious song from the Dreamville team. On this song, JID and the Atlanta duo EARTHGANG speak on their never-give-up spirit and resilience. The song celebrates the ability to overcome obstacles and stand up for oneself. 

Goated  

On Goated Armani White and Denzel Curry trade bars about their success and respective climb-ups into the limelight. Denzel Curry steals the show with a rapid-fire verse where he reminds us that every year he is getting better as a writer. 

They Don’t Love It

Jackman is in my personal opinion Jack Harlow’s best album in reference to lyricism. He is authentic and allows the listeners to come into his world. In a Thank Me Later-esque beat Jack Harlow remarked on the outward changes he’s had over the years and how comfortable he is with it. 

Walkin

Denzel Curry is a highly impressive rapper due to his exceptional skill in finding different flow patterns and discussing diverse topics while maintaining his lyrical elegance. On Walkin, he highlights the difficulties one may face while navigating life, including dealing with the oppressive forces of capitalism and confronting personal demons. He delivers his verse over a minimalist instrumental background accompanied by female backing vocals.

Tradeline

Over a hard-hitting beat, Ray Vaughn shows his own unique attempt at lyricism. This is definitely one of the songs that you will keep coming back to.

Too Fast (Pull Over)

Who doesn’t love good old West Coast twerk music produced by DJ Mustard. Jay Rock, Anderson .Paak and Latto give us rapid verses about well a girl moving her ass too fast. Rap does not have to be serious all the time, it can also be relaxed and fun.

The Hillbillies

Here is a concept, Kendrick, and Baby Keem exchange lyrics where they compare themselves to Messi and Neymar while rapping over a similar flow to the one that Drake used on Sticky. Certified Banger, right?

Ms. Mural

Lupe is one of the most reliable lyrical storytellers we have in hip-hop. This song from 2022 is another testament to this. In the final installment of the mural trilogy, he retells his story with music executives using a metaphor involving a painter and his patron. This is similar to how Dave Chappelle tells his story during his special “The Bird Revelation”, where he likens himself to the sex worker in Iceberg Slim's book, “Pimp: The Story of My Life”.

Moonshooter

Maintaining the lyricist's energy, we move on to this collaboration between Ab-soul and Joey Bada$$.

One Mic One Gun

In late November 2022, 21 Savage said Nas was, Not Relevant’ In Today’s Music and he rightfully faced a lot of backlash from the rap community. Moving on from this in a brilliant move, he got into the studio with Nas over a Hit-Boy beat and made a song where he gives Nas his flowers. Also of note Nas and Hit-Boy are going hard for the best rapper-producer combo ever.

Pradabang

IDK collaborates with Young Thug for the first time on the boastful trap anthem where they do what they do best, brag about their money and fame.

Rock N Roll

In 2022 Pusha T dropped one of the best rap albums of the year with “Its Almost Dry”. On it, Pusha T gives us the last collaboration between Kanye and Kid Cudi, and they all show how chemistry can lead to good music. Over Ye’s samples and Pharrell's drums, they take us through a journey of the risks they have to take, the value of family and their desire for more.

Charge It

This is a song where UK Nigerian Rapper Enny, Just as the name suggests, explains how she’s charging the disappointments of a relationship to the game.

Sorry Not Sorry

Back when I first heard about Tyler the Creator, he was the edgy rapper who just couldn’t avoid dropping lines that were controversial and offensive. Over the years we have seen him take his craft and art to a higher level where he’s genuinely one of the best rappers around, and on this song, he shows his maturity by apologizing to all those he wronged.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -Words by Pelumi Taiwo