[usr 2]

On “CLOSE,” Rae Sremmurd continues to ‘struggle’ to find a notable, high-quality hit.  Despite a guest appearance by Travis Scott, “CLOSE” still doesn’t come ‘close.’

Rae Sremmurd continues to oversaturate themselves in 2018. There’s really no other way to state it. Prepping what seems like an inevitably disastrous triple album, the singles have kept arriving in all their mediocrity.  The mediocrity continues on their umpteenth buzz single, “CLOSE,” featuring the equally ubiquitous Travis Scott.

Starting with the positives, the production is a selling point. No, 30Roc and Mike WiLL Made-It don’t reinvent the wheel in regards to the backdrop, but it’s fuel for the rappers’ fire.  Truthfully, they need it.   Travis Scott delivers the first verse, rapping about nothing of note, really.  Swae Lee follows with the second verse, referencing Taylor Swift hit “Look What You Made Me Do”, and serving up a spelling lesson.  Unfortunately, that spelling lesson continues on the chorus, where Lee spells out the word close an unnecessary eight times.  UGH!

Slim Jxmmi gets in on the action the third verse, asserting, “You know I’m a dog and I can’t control it.” Besides his doggish ways, he references making money, fake friends, and smoking. Again, ugh.  Swae Lee closes things out with a repetitive bridge (“You only get so many, so many tries”), followed by the spelling class known as the chorus.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Rae Sremmurd continue to struggle to find another hit the caliber of say “No Flex Zone” or “Black Beatles.” “CLOSE” is certainly NOT the caliber of those two gems.  At this point, it’s tough to envision a bloated triple album winning the ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ battle.

Rae Sremmurd • CLOSE (Ft. Travis Scott) – Single • Eardruma / Interscope • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credit: Eardrumma / Interscope