In The Cut: Earl Sweatshirt & Chief Keef Made XXL’s Top Songs Of The Week

What is there to say that hasn't already been said about Kendrick Lamar and his epic, industry-inspiring and headline-terrorizing verse on Big Sean's "Control"? For five days, Kendrick—who has no project or tour to promote—has singlehandedly inspired just about all of the stories posted on hip-hop websites, including XXL's. It'd be easy to write this off as a slow news week, but really, things like this just don't happen very often in hip-hop. So, as Joey Bada$$ continues to ponder his response to Kendrick and New York rappers record their verses about why they're the actual #KONY, let's take a look at what else is going on in hip-hop.

With his new album dropping in just over a month, Drake announced some of the appearances on his NWTS project; street wear label Stüssy celebrated Yo! MTV Raps' 25-year anniversary with a collection of tees and sweaters and a two-part documentary; Chief Keef finally released his Bang Pt. 2 mixtape; and Childish Gambino put out his highly anticipated short film, Clapping For The Wrong Reasons.

In our weekly column called In The Cut, the diversely opinionated XXL staff celebrates another lively week in hip-hop and picks some of their favorite releases from the past week. Until next week—stay in control, rap fans.

Earl Sweatshirt Ft. RZA - "Molasses"
RZA brings his cinematic vision to Earl Sweatshirt's album, dropping a beat that wouldn't be out of place on the soundtrack to a Tarantino flick and delivering one of the only hooks on Doris with his "I'll fuck the freckles off your face, bitch" line. Earl bounces along, laying down two quick verses, and drops what might be the first reference to Snapchat in a major hip-hop song. Mark it down for the record books.—Dan Rys, Online Features Editor

No Malice Ft. Pusha T - “Shame The Devil”
Jesus Christ, can they just team up again? Why can't this be The Clipse's "Shame The Devil," first single off Hell Hath No Fury 2? Either way, No Malice teams up with his brother Pusha T for "Shame The Devil," a song that conjures up memories of their collaborative "Keys Open Doors" and "We Got It 4 Cheap." Over menacing pianos, shuddering drums, sounds of sirens and a reggae-influenced chorus, the two deliver piercing bars, showcasing their vintage, stoic delivery. It's also as interesting as ever to listen to Malice now, who clearly conveys his newfound religious awakening. The Clipse lives on.—Emmanuel C.M., Assistant Features Editor

Trinidad Jame$ - "Ro$enberg$"
I love how positive Trinidad Jame$ is. For a guy who was written off as a one-hit wonder almost immediately after getting in the game, he's discovered this sincere IDGAF attitude that doesn't come off as cynical or aggressive. He's just living. "Ro$enberg$," off his recent 10 Pc. Mild tape, starts off with the proclamation, "God gave you an opinion, but a nigga like me? Don't give a fuck," and on the hook, Trini raps, "They fuckin' with me 'cuz I'm real, real." With cosigns from everybody from Wiz to A$AP Rocky to Childish Gambino, it's hard to argue that dude is real enough to get love from the game's bests, and I fuck with him 'cuz he's real, real.—Dan Buyanovsky, Associate Editor

August Alsina Ft. Curren$y- "Let Me Hit That" Video
August Alsina crafts up a sensual visual for the video leading up the release of his debut EP Downtown: Life Under the Gun. “Let Me Hit That” also stars Curren$y, and the video finds the two chilling out as a sexy dancer parades around them in a dream-like sequence. Downtown drops August 20.—Miranda J., Associate Editor

Chief Keef - "Citgo" Video 
Chief Keef celebrated his 18th birthday by gifting his fans with new mixtape Bang Pt. 2 and the video for his sleeper hit “Citgo.” Directed by D.C.-based William Hoopes, the majestic visuals find Keef showing off his ATV collection, as well as smoking on his favorite types of greenery. Don’t be surprised if this hits eight million views by Monday.—Eric Diep, Music Editor

SD Ft. Danny Brown - "New World Order (Remix)"
SD is a Chief Keef associate with an ear for the type of epic, menacing beats that helped establish his friend as the poster boy of Chicago rap music, and he sounds appropriately gruff here, rapping over gun clicks about how he does it all for his daughter. Toward the end of the song, Danny Brown shows up and delivers the type of kinetic, hyper-verbal verse that he's known for, transforming the lurch of a beat into a playground to jump around in.—Dan Jackson, Music Editor