2018’s up-and-coming “emo rap” sensation Juice WRLD has found himself on a track with underground extraordinaire Lil Tracy, off of Tracy’s anticipated Sinner EP. So far, we have heard lots of snippets from Tracy’s forthcoming project as the release date has been pushed back a few times, yet this is the first official single that has dropped. The new song is called “Play Fair,” and unfortunately, the ‘playground’ of this track is indeed played out unfairly, since the usually run-of-the-mill young rapper Juice WRLD managed to steal the show from Tracy.
The nostalgic guitar-based trap beat does not offer much room for creative flows and verses, but it still allows Juice WRLD to come through with a catchy hook and some interesting vocal layering. Nonetheless, the Chicago star loses himself among his contemporaries on a few occasions as he starts dipping into vocal registers that are reminiscent of Lil Uzi Vert’s style. Juice WRLD, however, still brings diversity and energy to the track, the latter of which Tracy successfully manages to carry through.
The letdown of this single is that it doesn’t feel like a Lil Tracy single, but more like an average Lil Tracy feature. Starting his verse around 1:50, he continues the vibe of the song with a simple flow without many intricate details, nor many ear-catching bars. The track plays it pretty safe in general, regarding both its lyrical content having the usual emo-punkish vibe. Unfortunately, the collaboration between the former Twitter enemies will not surprise the average listener. Some cringe-inducing ‘bars’ can also be heard, as the following one from Juice WRLD: “Shot Cupid down, hit him in the belly / Got his blood all over my Burberrys”
Nonetheless, it’s invigorating to hear a fresh release from Lil Tracy, and the highly anticipated Sinner is just around the corner. As we wait, listen to “play fair” below.