The concept of “Loosies,” which was originally a newsletter, but which will now live on this blog, was simple: 3-5 of the best songs I was listening to in a given week.
A lot of the time, there was some kind of thematic through line. But the name “Loosies” suggests that the songs themselves would come from various sources. From all over.
This week, all three songs come from the same album. It is a compilation album, if that helps, but even then I think all three songs share at least two artists. So. Maybe not “Loosies” exactly. But, in my defense, one of these songs is already my jam of the summer for 2019.
“Down Bad” by JID, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG, and Yung Nudy
And it is this one. “Down Bad” goes. The way JID supplies the hook but also incorporates the hook into his verse? That’s Matrix-level rapping from a newcomer with a shocking degree of authority in his delivery. JID, man. He’s in that spot where it’s not that everything he does is flames,1 but the shit that he does that is flames2 is like instant-classic status.
Put “Down Bad” on repeat. Roll the windows down. Marvel at JID’s phrasing. Shake your head at J. Cole’s unfortunately-timed Warriors reference. Say the “y’all had a year” part along with the rapper Bas. Enjoy yourself. But be careful. It’s hot out there.
“Wells Fargo” by JID, EARTHGANG, Buddy, and Guapdad 4000
Atlanta. JID is from Atlanta. And “Wells Fargo” would not exist were it not for the A. This “Wells Fargo” shit might not be the jam of the summer, but it does have that Outkast ft. Killer Mike “The Whole World” energy. While that song, “The Whole World” was and remains a guaranteed party starter, “Wells Fargo” is something you throw on when the party is on the brink, and you need something to make it pop.
Also shout out to Guapdad 4000 for having the best rap name since Hoodrich Pablo Juan.
“1993” by J. Cole, JID, Cozz, EARTHGANG, Buddy, and Smino
It’s not the song of the summer. It’s not the hypest piece of music this side of “Swag Surfin’.” But it is a little fun as hell “I love that they went to the trouble of making this at all and then put it on the album” kind of thing.
- On this Dreamville album he’s on a lot of songs. You can tell J. Cole thinks he’s next up. The Juelz to his Cam, but JID does get outshined on the track with Vince Staples, and his song with T.I. is the kind of misstep he’s, being from Atlanta, almost obligated to make.
- See “151 Rum,” “Off Deez,” and “Workin’ Out” from his excellent DiCaprio 2 tape, in addition to the songs here, all of which he’s on.