Rae Sremmurd returns with their umpteenth single, “Guatemala.” Swae Lee takes the lead on this uncharacteristic, ill-suited Latin-pop record.

Rae Sremmurd continues to drop singles in advance of their purported triple album – that’s a scary thought in its own right.  Anyways, on the latest single “Guatemala” Swae Lee takes the lead.  Supposedly, that means it will appear on his disc of the forthcoming ‘juggernaut.’ Even so, Slim Jxmmi makes an appearance.  The results are mixed at best.

“Guatemala” starts off okay, with lush production on the intro supporting Swae. Following the lush intro, the record develops into a rhythmic, Latin-pop record.  Keeping it 100% real, that’s not particularly the style one envisions for the falsetto-loving rapper singer. As usual, Swae Lee sings as opposes to rap – that seems to be the way he’s trending as of late.  For the most part, he’s smoother as opposed to coarse on the single, but he has some slightly edgier moments describing him and his bae’s adventures.  Slim Jxmmi arrives nearly three minutes in with his own, pitched, pop-rap verse.  It’s unfortunate.

Final Thoughts

How does “Guatemala” stack up for Rae Sremmurd? Eh… Personally, it’s so-so at best. There’s nothing wrong in the least with Latin-pop, but many musicians ill-suited to tackle it aren’t doing it justice. Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi definitely feel wrong for this one. Furthermore, “Guatemala” drags on too long and lacks memorability.  Forgettable and ill-fitting all in all.

Rae Sremmurd • Guatemala – Single • Eardruma / Interscope • Release: 4.13.18

Writers: A. Akinwande, A. Brown, J. Rashid, K. Brown & K. Rubin « Producers: Akintunde ‘TuneDarula’ Akinwande, Karl Rubin & Mally Mall

Photo Credits: Eardruma / Interscope