Rae Sremmurd

Mississippi duo Rae Sremmurd set the game alight with their 2015 debut release 'Sremmlife', which featured a selection of uptempo beats perfect for a party and basic lyricism that concentrated more on hyping up the listener, rather than focussing on conveying any real messages or exhibiting skill on the microphone. 2016 brings their follow up effort, imaginatively titled 'Sremmlife 2', and it's a whole load more of the same.

The LP opens with 'Start A Party', which is basic in its content, yet the undeniably energetic track is an obvious choice to kick things off with. Florida rapper Kodak Black appears on 'Real Chill', and the looming cut, complete with menacing bass and gritty vocals from the three MC's, is an early standout. The problem with 'Sremmlife 2' becomes apparent all too quickly; the lack of diverse sonics and styles starts to irritate before we've even made it to the half-way point; even a Gucci Mane feature on 'Black Beatles' fails to inject any kind of real originality or memorability into the album.

Lil Jon makes an appearance on 'Set The Roof', and the bouncy, bass-driven banger is an example of Rae Sremmurd doing what they do best; both Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi demonstrate catchy bars and charismatic deliveries, and crunk pioneer Lil Jon's animated contribution is a welcome addition.  

Continue reading: Rae Sremmurd - Sremmlife 2 Album Review

Mississippi group Rae Sremmurd, consisting of two brothers, are making real headway in their amped up, thugged out field. Their charismatic flows and deliveries, and the energetic, relentless instrumentals they rock on 'SremmLife', their debut album, make it easy to see why people have jumped on their wave. The high octane vibe is found throughout this project; Rae Sremmurd are clearly not overly concerned with highly technical lyricism, their approach is geared more towards clubs, and unashamedly so.

From the outset of 'SremmLife', it's clear what kind of ride you've buckled in for. The thumping 'Lit Like Bic' is a perfect opener for Rae Sremmurd's album debut, instantly introducing you to their vibrant outlook. The unashamedly swagged out beats and flows continue with the Mike Will Made It production 'No Flex Zone', and although this is not my preferred side of rap music, their energy cannot be denied, and what they lose in content they make up for in sheer enthusiasm. The melodic side of Rae Sremmurd is shown on 'This Could Be Us', and even on this track, potentially the album's most commercial track, the street element of Sremmurd's music is still at the forefront. The slightly strained singing on 'Come Get Her' is sometimes a little grating, but this rawness is still somewhat endearing.

Rae Sremmurd have employed some pretty notable names to appear as guests on 'SremmLife'. Nicki Minaj and Young Thug join the two brothers on 'Throw Sum Mo', although this track feels a little lacklustre with a pretty forgettable and repetitive beat which is more restrained than much of the other material on this album. Even so, it's the duo themselves that impress most on this track, far more so than the two huge names featured. Big Sean appears on 'Yno', and the tense instrumental backs charismatic and consistent flows, and the Detroit spitter puts in a tight performance.

Continue reading: Rae Sremmurd - SremmLife Album Review