Artist Spotlight: Yung Slap gets real with "Afterlife"
"Afterlife" is one of FIVE completed projects by South LA artist, Yung Slap. The first time I heard this album, I thought I had turned on Lil Weezy circa 2004-- his "Go DJ" era. "Afterlife," the introductory song to this project, is such a fire track, you are going to want to keep listening to see how Slap plans to keep you bouncing. Yung Slap seems to be the kind of artist that you can't say "no" to-- undeniably talented. This album will have you saying, "aye, this shit SLAP!"
Yung Slap comes from a wonderful mother who supports him wholeheartedly, and inspires us here at Plan-A Radio continuously. We have had the blessed opportunity to see Yung Slap grow and blossom over the last few years. As supportive as Mama Slap is to Yung Slap, she continues to light a fire beneath the feet of the Plan-A Radio team as well. She sees a magic in her son, and that very magic exudes all over his albums. Yung Slap is charismatic, he is creative, he is talented, and most importantly-- Yung Slap is excited to do this and understands that in order to win, you must have the right support (shoutout Mama Slap) and you must have the drive.
Yung Slap was made for this.
Bop: The song that jumped out and grabbed me delivery-wise is the intro track, "Afterlife." It's just FIRE. STRAIGHT FIRE. But the song that is an OVERALL BOP is "Birthday." That song is club-ready. If I could suggest anything it would be to start circling that song to strippers like yesterday. The beat is addicting. The snares hit like when Lil Jon was making summer hits back to back; they give a lot to the track and help carry the bouncity bounce of the song; and that's where the ass shaking comes from. The switch up between the bass and snare also give a really textured vibe to the song. It elevates the song and gives the listeners (and the skrippas) some creativity when shaking ass to it. If you need to know which song to turn on first, it is "Birthday"
Airpods Quality: "Heart Cold" has the best mix on the album. It is very bass heavy but mixes really well with Yung Slap's vocals. He is nasty on this track. He's letting his heart out on this song, but keeps a level of what the hood niggas love. The beat is a slapper and he gets straight to the point with his lyrics. I love the key changes in the song. If you listen to this song with the wrong speakers, you could miss the personality of this beat. It is a vibe that, when you play at close range (in your airpods), becomes the soundtrack of that moment-- you can almost smell the burning rubber from The Takeover on Western (iykyk).
The West can't go wrong. I understand how biased that must seem, but think about it: LA has the women everybody wants, the weed everybody tries to get, and the weather no state can imitate. The West just can't go wrong! Yung Slap is dancing all over this album and laughing in the face of anyone who isn't grinding as hard as he is. Because, all emotions aside (pun fully intended), The West births brilliant artists and Yung Slap is another confirmation of that truth.
Knock Value: "Broken" is THE one. It has the best beat, the rawest lyrics, and great production; the trifecta. As mentioned, Slap is the truth when it comes to creating a complete project that covers all the bases. Are the beats good? Do the lyrics have some substance? Can you dance to it? All YESES. "Broken" is where Slap made all of his gifts meet on one track. This song is creative, but honest. "Broken" is cocky, but inviting. Slap is a versatile artist with a lot to offer.
Misogyny Meter: "Where you at baby? Do you need a bag baby?" These are the questions women want to be asked! This song is kind of on-the-nose, but it's just those kind of songs that carry folks through their careers. The keys in the background give the song a summer vibe, and invite the feeling of love to the track. It is a simple track that doesn't ask a lot from the listener, plus, we get to see a softer side of Yung Slap. He's singing to us on the track and y'all know how I feel about a crooner. If they're crooning, they're alright in my book. We need more love songs in hip-hop, and what's more loving that sliding your girl a bag!?
After you check out "Afterlife," please give Yung Slap's other projects a listen. Especially "All Emotions Aside," which has a feature from the late, great, Young B The Future. Yung Slap has five completed projects that will give you the essence of LA without having to land at LAX. You can see the influence from the Bangin on Wax era all through Yung Slap's music. He is determined and gifted. Yung Slap isn't afraid to be vulnerable on a track, nor is he afraid of eating the beat up and leaving no crumbs. Overall, Yung Slap is an incredible artist with a wealth of talent to offer. Be on the lookout for what he has to give us next.
Clothing line: Bail Money Clothing
Ink, 2022