Music

Rap Life PLAYLIST ∙  Apple Music Hip-Hop “They say they don’t f**k with me, but I say they can’t f**k with me,” GloRilla says at the outset of “Tomorrow,” a standout from her CMG label’s  Gangsta Art  compilation. It’s an important distinction, and one not lost on featured guest of “Tomorrow 2” Cardi B. Cardi, of course, has never been afraid to go bar for bar with an MC, nor been unwilling to show love to like-minded women trying to make a name for themselves (see HoodCelebrityy’s 2016 breakout “Island Girls”). Like GloRilla, Cardi is ready for any and all smoke on “Tomorrow 2,” rapping, “All y’all bitches sweet and I always get my lick, boo/I fight for my bitches and I’m fighting over dick too!” Listen to “Tomorrow 2” on Rap Life, the playlist at the forefront of hip-hop culture today, and if you hear something you like, add it to your library.

Rap Life PLAYLIST ∙  Apple Music Hip-Hop EST Gee’s “Backstage Passes” marks his fourth collaboration with fellow Louisville native Jack Harlow, as the pair seem determined to prove their working relationship is way deeper than just an “odd couple” attention grab. In all fairness, the two don’t exactly  look  like they’d frequent the same night spots, but one listen to “Backstage Passes”—or any of the songs they’ve made together—and it’s easy to understand that they have much in common as rising rap stars, and maybe more strikingly as they claim on record to each be the MC responsible for putting Louisville on the map. The city is up right now, and most heartwarmingly, each wants to make sure the other gets the credit they deserve for that. Listen to the Pooh Beatz- and Nik Dean-produced “Backstage Passes” on Rap Life, the playlist at the forefront of hip-hop culture today, and if you hear something you like, add it to your library.

Rap Life PLAYLIST ∙  Apple Music Hip-Hop Is JAY-Z’s verse on DJ Khaled’s “GOD DID” one of the best the MC has ever delivered? DJ Khaled certainly thinks so—or that it’s in the conversation at least. The DJ and producer turned music mogul recently said as much in a Complex interview, claiming, “If there was a greatest hits of JAY-Z verses, it’s on there.” It’s a strong opinion to be sure, but it’s also one that all true JAY-Z fans—even the ones he collaborates with—are entitled to. Listen to “GOD DID” on Rap Life, the playlist at the forefront of hip-hop culture today, and you be the judge about where it ranks in Hov’s catalog. This playlist is updated regularly, so if you hear something you like, add it to your library.

Bedtime Beats PLAYLIST ∙  Apple Music Hip-Hop The moon’s up, the hour’s late, the world’s asleep. Look, it’s been a long day—no need to belabor the point. Here’s a mix of low-key instrumental hip-hop for unwinding and falling asleep. Our editors update selections regularly, so if you find something you like—in other words, if there’s something you only kinda sorta remember as you drift off—add it to your library. But do yourself a favor: Wait until morning.