“Fresh off the Press”
California (Jackson Wang Remix) w/ Rich Brian, NIKI, & Warren Hue – 88 Rising
This is the remixed version of the track. I quickly fell in love from first listen with the original so I knew this choice would be a very safe bet. The remix closely resembles the original but is a more polished version that builds upon the original core concepts. What makes this track truly enjoyable is the smooth beat that almost makes it seem as if you can feel the salty ocean breeze. Combined with a lot of variation between sung melodies and rap the song stays interesting. What this track gets right is that each piece is seamlessly blended together to build a song far greater than any of its parts. The lyrics focus on the struggles between balancing reality with living the dream California life. I think this is a great metaphor that we all can connect to. It makes the song worth coming back to.
Rating: 9.8/10
There’s not much to be said. This song is a summer vibe and you’re missing out if you haven’t added it to your playlist’s yet!
The official video from 88 Rising linked below.
Flight By Pell, Dave B.
This track instantly drew me in with a brief intro in French and classic boom bap drums establishing the beat. Pell comes in delivering a very relaxed view of day to day life focused on his travels. With lyrics in the chorus stating “just enjoy the ride”. the overall song fits very well into the established theme of the title “Flight”. Where the song really takes off and becomes something special is when Dave B. comes in for the 2nd verse. His flow switch up and faster pace develops the song and completely transforms the atmosphere from a chill wavy vibe to something you can’t resist bobbing your head along to. Towards the end of the verse there is instrument and key switch ups that add to this effect and help to keep the track interesting. The song then transitions to the initial feel as it fades into the outro just as relaxed as the track started. This again fits the theme perfectly, and really showcases Pell and Dave B.’s musicality to make a song that so well represents the journey and emotions of going on a plane flight from start to finish.
Rating: 8.1/10
This track overall was very enjoyable to me and I added it to several relaxed hip hop playlists. It was a very easy listen and would be great to throw on during a relaxed setting. The only things that would improve the score for me is further lyrical development and slightly different choices for sound design that would help the track to really stand out and be memorable.
Linked below is the official music video from Pell’s YouTube page.
Dyne's Lair 