In an era where the rap landscape evolves daily, timelessness is the real currency.
While two of today’s featured tracks—“i need a dolla” by Chase Douglas Myers and “Coffin Talk” by $vvokey—are fresh drops capturing the pulse of June 2025, we’re also spotlighting “Ruby Rosary” by A$AP Rocky and J. Cole, released months earlier in late 2024.
Why revisit it now?
Because Rocky’s track remains a pivotal reference point for where mainstream and underground hip-hop intersect—balancing introspection, elite lyricism, and cinematic production. It sets the tone for understanding the rising voices of Myers and $vvokey, who, though operating on different levels of notoriety, channel that same hunger and personal truth.
Together, these songs trace a narrative arc: from legacy to emergence, from polished stardom to raw grit, all rooted in a shared refusal to compromise the soul of the artform.
Let’s dive in-
A$AP Rocky – “Ruby Rosary” (feat. J. Cole)
When A$AP Rocky unveiled “Ruby Rosary” on September 6, 2024, it marked a notable shift: the Harlem rapper bridging old-school grit and contemplative swagger, backed by heavyweight production from The Alchemist, and joined by J. Cole. The downtempo, piano-led beat sets a somber tone as Rocky methodically flexes his fashion prowess and top-tier status, even tossing veiled shots in the Drake–Kendrick feud with bars like “You a dead man walkin’…”en.wikipedia.org. J. Cole enters third, delivering a tight, reflective verse on legacy and ambition—proving once again why he’s one of the elite guest features in the game.
Critics have praised the collaboration: HotNewHipHop highlighted The Alchemist’s moody canvas and called Rocky “melodic” and “fascinating,” while Stereogum noted Cole’s spacewalking mastery on the track. Meanwhile, fans on Reddit debated Rocky’s superior flow versus Cole’s high-energy approach, underscoring the track’s versatile appeal. As the third single from Don’t Be Dumb, “Ruby Rosary” stands out as a mature, cinematic confession—plugged into the broader momentum of Rocky’s forthcoming 2025 album.
Chase Douglas Myers – “i need a dolla”
Emerging from Harwitch Records, Chase Douglas Myers dives into laid-back swagger with “i need a dolla,” a single released June 8, 2025. This track leans into smooth basslines and a chill, confident aesthetic. Built on the aesthetics of a sample-driven groove, the song delivers a serene yet purposeful vibe. The instrumentation drops into a mellow pocket, letting the lyricism shine—Chase opens up about hustle, escapism, and the chase for financial freedom without sounding desperate. It’s polished, yet cut from an intimate fiber.
Where “i need a dollla” excels is in its balance: contemporary pop rap structure meets introspection. Chase’s delivery glides over the beat like someone drifting through city lights at midnight—effortless and precise. Despite its commercial polish, the track doesn’t shy away from honesty. It’s a snapshot of ambition, channeled through composed lyricism and melodic clarity. As the first submission from this newcomer to Folded Waffle, it promises more smooth, confident art ahead.
$vvokey – “Coffin Talk”
With “Coffin Talk,” released June 7, 2025 via Blank Minds Records, $vvokey taps into classic boom-bap power while nodding to gangsta rap traditions. The drum-heavy instrumental provides a gritty backdrop for raw storytelling—$vvokey weaves imagery of streets, losses, and survival without glorifying the darkness. Instead, his narrative voice is reflective, steeped in real-world stakes, and grounded in emotional context.
The artistry lies in how $vvokey leverages beats to mirror mood shifts: when the drums drop, so does the tension. Each bar carries weight—it’s not rapid-fire bravado but deliberate cadence conveying urgency. In a time saturated with trap minimalism, “Coffin Talk” returns to foundational hip-hop values: lyricism, narrative, and sonic grit. Broken down, the track is both a beat-driven head-nod and a storytelling cipher—showing the underground power and sustained relevance of boom-bap in today’s landscape.
What ties these tracks together is their unwavering commitment to authenticity and evolution in hip-hop. Rocky blends introspection and influence with cinematic gravitas, Chase Douglas Myers crafts modern ambition with elegance, and $vvokey reaffirms the potency of street-rooted storytelling. Each song stakes a claim in its niche, yet all resonate with a hunger for truth—whether in glazed piano beats, late-night grooves, or classic east-coast boom-bap. These releases remind us why the genre thrives: it’s always about evolution anchored in sincerity.
