August was a great month for music, hip hop more specifically. This month of course, was headlinedby the unpredictable album release from Frank Ocean, however there were many other great releases that also deserverecognition. So without further ado, this is the best releases from August.
Isaiah Rashad, "Free Lunch" & "Park"
Overall Grade: A+
Okay so I might be a tad bias when it comes to Isaiah Rashad, but it's only becauseI am really excited about his upcoming debut album,The Sun's Tirade, which is set to be released September 2nd. Since the release of his 2014 classic, Cilvia Demo, Isaiah has kept a relatively low profile; however, the Tennessee native has been able to stay relevant with a handful of features as well as singles, including "Smile" and the silky track "Nelly". Still fans have been anticipating when Isaiah will finally release a follow-up album, but that all changed this month with the announcement of The Sun's Tirade and the release of both "Free Lunch" and "Park", which are both set to appear on his upcoming album. The first single released in August, "Free Lunch" features Rashad's distinct southern style over a slow, mellow instrumental. As for "Park", Rashad provides a bit more lyricism with clever wordplay that adds to the southern bounce. Both singles are certified bangers and a just a taste of what is yet to come from Zaywop and the rest of the TDE camp.
Vince Staples, "Prima Donna"
Overall Grade: B+
With the debut of his double LP last year, Summertime '06, Vince Staples constructed a narrative consisting of the disturbing yet alluring harsh reality of growing up in North Long Beach. Now he is back with a 7 track EP that is equally as dark and entertaining as Summertime '06. Lasting a total of 22 minutes, the Long Beach native is still able to display his versatility sonically, creating a dense and precise project. Vince Staples continues to progress musically, and this project is a testament to his growth both sonically and creativity.
Marc E. Bassy, "Groovy People EP"
Overall Grade: B
Groovy People EP, which dropped August 5th. Led by the G-Eazy-assisted summer radio hit, "You & Me", this short-lived project is the perfect blend of pop and R&B, that epitomizes summer. On songs like "Dirty Water", the Bay-Area singer/songwriter showcases his irresistibly catchy style over a smoothly positioned keyboard.
Rae Sremmurd, "SremmLife 2"
Overall Grade: B
The two energetic brothers from Mississippi are no strangers when it comes to success. The duos debut studio album, SremmLife consisted of 11 tracks, in which 5 of them became singles and found their way on to Billboard's Hot 100, respectively. This month the rap duo released a follow-up to their debut album entitled, SremmLife 2. Throughout the album, Rae Sremmurd reminds fans that they have notlost their edgy, party like sound with songs like "Start A Party" and "Shake It Fast", however they do show their diversity on songs like "Black Beatles", which I expect to be a radio hit in the near future.
