Weekend Spins is back with another quick rundown of Friday’s notables. From a birthday celebration to a salute to a city tested by flood waters, TripleOT has the hook up for your music needs.

Chuck Strangers – Consumers Park

Don’t let the eerily dark intro to Consumers Park paint your only picture of Chuck Strangers. Reminiscent of the pitched-down vocals from Bastard-era Tyler, the Creator Chuck Strangers’ debut album quickly affirms his, and Pro-Era’s, place in New York rap.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Strangers is quick to acknowledge that he, like others jumped to Los Angeles to keep the music ball rolling. The new scenery hasn’t disrupted his undeniably sauntering BK style; the incorporation of kick drums, saxophones and references to local news 10-10 Wins will keep New York rap aficionados close. Though it’s his first solo project, Strangers’ style, especially on collaborations with Kirk Knight and Joey Bada$$ is immediately recognizable, a comforting blend of self-aware bars and acknowledgements of his rapping forefathers.

Murs – A Strange Journey Into the Unimaginable

As one of hip-hop’s most charismatic lyricists, Murs continues to raise the standard for his storytelling. The tape, which celebrates Murs’ 40th birthday, sees the Los Angeleno reaffirm his “Vows”, throw a “Superhero Pool Party” for his daughter, and consider the mental space after depression but before happiness (“Melancholy”).

At this point, Murs could rap the back of a Lysol can and create a compelling story. Without limits to his creativity, and provided a stellar sonic backdrop by Michael “Seven” Summers, Murs continues to fend off the reaper from hip-hop’s link to narration.

PRhyme – PRhyme 2

Channeling the spirit of Guru, Royce Da 5’9” and DJ Premier continue the conversation between hip-hop’s old and new schools. Though the intro cut is a reused version of the intro to 2016s Trust the Shooter, Royce sets the stage for honoring hip-hop’s legacy while broaching the generation gap that sees the likes of “Joe Budden arguin’ with Lil’ Yachty.”

“Everyday Struggle” is surely the standout cut, directly addressing hip-hop’s internal culture clash, but Royce’s bars and Preemo’s production is a complete match.  If there was any doubt that DJ Premier wasn’t the right producer for Royce on the last tape – well, there shouldn’t have been – but his presence is welcomed twofold on PRhyme 2.

Trae tha Truth – Hometown Hero

Beginning an album with a tribute to your own charitable efforts is as cocky as it sounds. Yet, Trae tha Truth manages to capture Houston’s struggle and his good deeds without obnoxious self-aggrandizement. Using an excerpt from his CNN interview and crying testimonials from Houston natives, Hometown Hero acknowledges the Trae’s dedication to the city he loves.

On “I’ll Be Fine” Trae acts as a spiritual medium, checking in on his fallen Houston compatriots; even though his voice is gruff and his music ominous, Trae brandishes his emotions across Hometown Hero. Imagine a diner eating alone on a rainy day – Trae captures and recaptures solace and reflection over the tape’s 47 minute runtime.

 

What are you bumping this weekend? Let me know on Twitter @BJTripleOT