5 Play: Jingle bells, ‘Batman Smells’

EarthGang feat. 6lack and J.I.D — “Batman Smells”
Things aren’t always all good during the holidays and this latest offering from Doctur Dot and Johnny Venus aka EarthGang is a bit deeper than your average Christmas carol. The features from 6lack and J.I.D are on point (sorry kids, too old for “on fleek”) and Ryan Mellow’s solar-hop production (featuring the occasional jingle bell) is the ideal backdrop for introspective the lyrics.

Abra — “U Go I Go”

Goth-n-B siren Abra premiered this track on Billboard earlier in the week. The Awful Records singer/songwriter and self-proclaimed “dark wave duchess” more or less keeps in line with that hauntingly beautiful train of thought on her latest, and arguably one of her best, singles to date.

Far Out Family — “Jean Jacket”
East Atlanta natives Bias the Black and Glenn Sadler, aka Far Out Family, wrote this song out of their own frustrations with the current social climate of the country as it pertains to African-Americans. As Sadler says: “Being black, we’re often times, excluded from the conversation of American icons. And with just about everything that’s going on in our society, I wanted to call bullshit on a few things.” Honestly, I could not sum this track up any better.

Makonnen feat. Ezra Koenig and Despot — “Down 4 So Long (Remix)”
Outside of Raury and Trinidad James before him, there’s hasn’t been this fast of a rise to stardom as far as young, local rap stars goes. On the remix to his single, “Down 4 So Long,” Drake’s favorite Atlanta upstart recruits Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig (who kind of raps his ass off), and Despot. One of those rare cases where the remix is on par with — dare I say better than — the original.

Wara From the NBHD — “Brockett Road Rage”
Wara gets his Rage Against the Machine on with this latest track. You’d think after getting a blessing from the Bitter Southerner, the MC would be in better spirits, but hell hath no fury like a rapper scorned.

Last week: Sean Falyon’s ‘#IDSBIC,’ and Lord Narf’s ‘Masterpiece’

5 Play is weekly post/playlist that highlights new releases and happenings from local hip-hop and R&B acts. Got a song, album, EP, or video that deserves a little 5 Play love? Send your pitches to Culture Editor Gavin Godfrey (gavin.godfrey@creativeloafing.com) or tweet me: @WriteGavinWrite.