KTC Music Report: Darren Waller drops banger "Top Play," Propaganda shows rap isn't a "Passion Project"
- Kick The Concrete
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Kick The Concrete's Big Dance Tournament wrapped up with Flau'jae taking the crown! Her "Ready or Not Freestyle" was voted by you as the best song by an athlete-artist.
And the athletes are staying in the booth. Former NFL star Darren Waller released a banger. And Flau'jae flexed over another classic rap track from a different era.
Propaganda also shared the first single for his upcoming album. We have a variety tracks from AJ Tracey, At'Eaze, Cardec Drums, Annie Tracy, Corey Paul and Luciano. So whether you need something to smile and dance to or lock in with some grit, we got you.
Here's the Kick The Concrete Music Report:
Darren Waller — "Top Play" Single
For Darren Waller, music is an essential part of his daily routine, even when he was in the thick of his NFL playing days. His song "Turf Toe" made the Sweet 16 in the Kick The Concrete Big Dance Tournament before he lost to the eventual champion. His latest release is "Top Play," a spin on the popular SportsCenter segment. The tight end showcases some clever wordplay with Kevin Durant's Easy Money Sniper nickname. But the production SLAPS. It's done by PALE1080, who also recently created "CRG" for Central Cee, the title track off his "Can't Rush Greatness" album.
The Pro Bowler explained how the beat drove "Top Play."
“The horns and hard-hitting production brought out my competitive side, taking me back to when teams tried everything to stop me," Waller said in a statement.
Definitely play this one in the whip.
Propaganda ft. Stik Figa and Blu — "Passion Project" Single
Propaganda is prepping the release of his "Your Arms are too Short to Box wit God" collaborative album with DJ Sean P. He's warming up with "Passion Project," a single with Stik Figa and Blu. The Tunnel Rats vet shared a bit about the collab on Instagram, saying he met Blu when he was 17 and that this track was a long time coming. Sonically, it's textbook boom bap and the way the rappers feed off each other's energy is exactly how posse cuts should be. This song is a reminder that rap is clearly more than a passion project for Propaganda. He really does this.
Annie Tracy — "To Love and Be Loved" Single
Singer-songwriter Annie Tracy released a vibey single in the form of "To Love and Be Loved." The ethereal production lifts her airy vocals as she sings about the high of finding a person that feels like home. "I'm rich, I'm rich, I swear it's true/I'm doing all my favorite things and I get to do 'em with you" is a standout line reflecting how finding love is something money can't buy.
The rose-tinted video helps drive the mood of the song and we LOVE her jersey corset top.
AJ Tracey ft. Headie One and Aitch — "Friday Prayer" Single
AJ Tracey continues to build hype for his "Don't Die Before You're Dead" album, due out June 13. He followed up the success of "Crush" featuring Jorja Smith with "Friday Prayer," a sort of posse cut with Headie One and Aitch. The three British rappers spit about overcoming obstacles and enjoying the benefits of fame. Even though he's a fierce Tottenham supporter, AJ shouts out Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
And the video, directed by LateMilk, is NEXT LEVEL. Fans are whisked around an estate, by a tennis court and through impressionist paintings. It's quite magical.
At'Eaze — "Back For Mine" Single
Denver rapper At'Eaze is also prepping for a new album. He released the dynamic single "Back for Mine" with Andwele and BAM Mr.ALLKAPITALS. The track is bolstered by a soulful sample that balances out their gritty vocals. It pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nipsey Hussle and Jay Z while declaring loyalty to the artists' roots.
Cardec Drums — "Estamos Bien" Single
Cardec Drums is back with another summer anthem. "Estamos Bien" is perfectly sunny with a lively beat and a message that "if you're feeling good, I'm feeling great." We dare you not to smile and shimmy to this one.
LG Malique — "Carved in Gold" Mixtape
Arkansas rapper LG Malique made a statement with his "Carved in Gold" mixtape. The eight-track project showcases his knack for storytelling and vulnerability about battling daily distractions and temptations and the threat of violence in his community. A standout track is the single "Give It To God," but there are nods to spirituality and trusting a higher power throughout the project.
Corey Paul — "Proverbs 1" Single
Corey Paul continues his Rap The Bible series with an interpretation of Proverbs 1, which speaks on the importance of heeding God's wisdom. The Houston rapper carefully crafted his bars around the actual Scripture and his producer BoX delivered another incredibly dynamic beat.
Luciano — "Chanelli" Single
German rapper Luciano has one of the best voices in the rap game. He brings his signature grittiness to a thumping beat on "Chanelli" for his own twist on luxury rap. The Sonic chime midway through is an exciting detail.
Flau'jae — "March Madness" Freestyle
The winner of Kick The Concrete's Big Dance Tournament is keeping her foot on the gas. Flau'jae won the competition with her "Ready or Not Freestyle" over the iconic Fugees beat and is back with some fierce bars over Future's classic "March Madness." In case you didn't know, she reminds fans that her work ethic and talent on the court and over trap beats is unmatched.