By shelz.
I’m sure Waka Flocka Flame is feeling a little haughty right now. Over the wails and gnashing of teeth of “real” Hip-Hop fans everywhere, he managed to jack a spot on MTV’s coveted, “These Are the People Who Make the Only 10 Videos We Actually Play” list. Lyrics? He don’t need no stinkin’ lyrics. I thought he told you that already.
Then to add insult to injury he pops up on Twista’s new single, “Hands Up, Lay Down.” It’s one of a string of features for the Atlanta representer by invitation of some reputable emcees. It’s pretty obvious the industry is co-signing his heat and dude is in the midst of a genuine rap career so ease in and enjoy.
The track is reminiscent of early snap except a clap falls in where the snap would. The plunging bass, bare bones, open air construction and slow tempo is very 2005 Bankhead. Maybe Twista’s retro club inspiration was to make Waka feel at home. For what it is, it’s not bad. Unless you don’t like snap, then it’s all bad.
Twista rarely disappoints as an emcee from a delivery standpoint. He toggles from a normal pace to his signature double time as he weaves a narrative about young, grimy cats that make the streets a rough experience. Wacka’s verse flows into the same theme of getting tried in the streets by folks who might think they have a leg up on you in the gangsta category. However, Flame’s verse is so imbued with adlibs layered over adlibs it’s hard to make sense of everything he says. It’s quite the lyrics traffic jam, possibly on purpose.
“Hands Up, Lay Down” isn’t a horrible song. It’s a subgenre sound that’s sure to make anyone who is waiting on D4L to drop another album happy. However, it may also give some ammunition to that opposing side who wishes Flame would burn out.
Twista feat. Waka Flocka – “Hands Up Lay Down”
Twista Feat. Waka Flocka – Hands Up Lay Down
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