Rap Song of the Week breaks down all the hip-hop tracks you need to hear every Friday. Check out the full playlist here. This week, YG and Lil Wayne reunite on “Miss My Dawgs.”
YG and Lil Wayne have been frequent collaborators over the past decade or so, first teaming up on the remix to YG’s breakout hit “My N****.” Earlier this week, YG acknowledged their close relationship by gifting his “favorite rapper” with a red 4Hunnid chain during the video shoot for their new collaboration, “Miss My Dawgs.”
Featuring melancholy, piano-driven production by Gibbo and Ambezza, “Miss My Dawgs” serves as a tribute to YG’s late friend and rapper Slim 400, who was fatally shot one year ago today. The track’s title might be a nod toward Wayne’s 2004 track “I Miss My Dawgs,” too, as the rappers remember all their friends that were taken too soon. The accompanying music video pays further respect with an early shot of a Nipsey Hussle mural.
As dogs bark in the background, YG sets the emotional tone for the track on the chorus, rapping, “Man, I miss my dawgs/ The ones I pick up for, ain’t never missed a call.” Moving on to define “my dawgs,” YG keeps it simple, referring to friends who were with him while they were “making it out of poverty” and still keep it “honest with me.”
On Wayne’s verse, he opens up about “bad-ass memories” before venting about haters who “tryna scratch a n**** off.” With nearly three decades in hip-hop at the age of 40, it’s impossible to imagine what his personal life has been like — let alone how many people he’s lost over the years.
“Miss My Dawgs” joins 2016’s “I Got a Question” and “Trill,” 2020’s “Blood Walk,” and last year’s “Buzzin'” as the latest addition to YG and Lil Wayne’s long collaborative history. With its mournful tone and heartfelt lyrics, it might just be their best yet.
— Eddie Fu
New Music Editor
Honorable Mentions:
Kamaiyah – “Im Honored”
In 2016, Oakland rapper Kamaiyah broke out thanks in part to the backing of YG, but in the time since then, she’s gone independent without missing a single step. Off her new project, Keep It Lit, “Im Honored” celebrates the freedom that comes with being a “boss bitch” and not having to cater to anyone else’s tastes. Not distracted by the haters, the Bay Area spitter is content with being “the coldest bitch with the flow that’s smoothest.”
XV feat. MIKE SUMMERS – “For Anybody”
Regardless of outside noise, XV isn’t hearing it on “For Anybody,” as the seasoned artist plans on staying true to himself. Backed by a piano and horn instrumental with a vocal chop of the track’s title, XV is aware of his own thoughts and pays no mind to what others might think. Between recognizing that he’s “him” and comparing himself to Bo Jackson when stepping up to the plate, the Kansas native plans on going through life on his own terms. “Change is an option, but I won’t change for anybody,” he declared in a press statement. — Joe Eckstein
Rolling Loud feat. Rae Sremmurd and Duke Deuce – “Finger Food”
Calling “Finger Food” a banger doesn’t quite cut it. The three-headed monster of duo Rae Sremmurd and Duke Deuce is an amped-up trio that turns up to an 11 over Honorable C.N.O.T.E.’s gritty, electric guitar-scored production. “Bitch you know we crunk as hell” is an accurate description from Deuce, as the punk motif of “Finger Food” makes for a boisterous, head-banging anthem. It’s a promising sign for an upcoming compilation project from Rolling Loud festival. — J.E.
AZ – “Respect Mines”
As one of East Coast hip-hop’s pioneering figures, AZ’s transition to the modern state of the genre has been seamless, and it’s as evident as ever on “Respect Mines.” A natural talent since his feature on “Life’s a Bitch,” AZ highlights the era of his come-up — a storied period making its return — by opening his verse with, “Legacy rap, this the era we back, it’s facts.” While he admits bragging isn’t for him, AZ takes a moment to recognize all the luxuries rap has afforded him. Sounding as poised as ever, it’s hard not to root for the New York stalwart. — J.E.
Mercury – “chris”
Atlanta rapper Mercury exhibits infectious energy on the sped-up, bubbly trap of “chris,” a track off her new EP, fear mercury. Using a stream-of-consciousness flow, she takes command of the chipmunk sample, weaving in and out of the beat with glimpses into her life. Thanks to her carefree style, Mercury makes simple lines like, “I’m dining/ Eating the finest/ I’m highest,” sound like the ultimate flex. — E.F.
Best Rap Songs Playlist: