Slatt Zy, courtesy.

This week we feature the somber prose of Slatt Zy and Scorey, the ambitious energy of YSB Tril, Kid Quill’s contemplative credences, Kasien’s cinematic influences and Rozei’s pop-punk outing.

Kid Quill, “Greener” — Kid Quill ponders the covetous nature of people, especially in difficult circumstances. Referencing the old saying “the grass is alway greener on the other side,” he notes the dismal outlook on life of young Americans as he raps over this funky bass-and-snare-driven instrumental and soulful choir hook. He points out the casual hypocrisy of assuming we can handle anyone else’s problems but our own, and that maybe with enough time, we can come out on the other side of our own issues for the better.

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Slatt Zy, “Beautiful Scars” — Tennessee rapper Slatt Zy laments a series of personal heartbreaks between him, his friends and his romantic partners with nuanced and soulful melody. “Beautiful Scars” examines how the painful experiences that we endure throughout life come to shape us. As Slatt Zy explores his past living in dire straights and struggles with violated trust, you can’t help but empathize with the guy. The metaphorical “scar” speaks to the reality of time healing all wounds, but like a scar, those wounds are not so easily forgotten.

YSB Tril, “OMG” — The bouncing, light synth melody of “OMG” delivers the kind of exciting energy that can only come from an up-and-comer like YSB Tril. He raps about his desire to set a new standard in hip-hop and talks about how his success is also attracting the ire of the jealous and the established alike. He points out the double standard in which people tend to remain skeptical toward the underdog, only to, “love you when you’re gone.” Regardless of whoever’s standards YSB Tril is trying to meet, his own or the audiences’, he isn’t about to give up any time soon.

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Scorey, “Die Young” — Interpolating the lyrics of The Band Perry’s hit song “If I Die Young,” Scorey sings over a somber piano-trap joint. He laments the loss of his friends and feels haunted by the specter of death around him. Being a protoge to Polo G, it’s no surprise that Scorey is able to deliver such a heavy song with thoughtful prose that will give listeners pause. It’s a fitting anthem for the times in which we find ourselves.

Kasien featuring Odunsi (The Engine) and Manu, “MOVIE SHIT” — opening with an ’80s synth instrumental, Kasien goes hard as he delivers movie bars and shouts out his contemporaries on this two-part track. The latter half evolves into a “Geek Bar Freestyle,” as the instrumental switches up to a more ambient, warping melody. Odunsi and Manu deliver some equally hard-hitting verses that highlight their lyrical prowess and wit.

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Rozei, “Way Back When” — The echoing, triplet guitar strums and driving snares of Rozei’s pop-punk breakup anthem brings me back to my angst-addled teen years. This nostalgic number reflects on the brighter times Rozei spent with his girlfriend, contrasted with the solemn realization that these memories are the fleeting remnants of a failed relationship. There’s more of an emphasis on the pop in pop-punk, with the AutoTuned vocals and whimsical melody—which comes as no surprise since it was produced by Colin “DOC” Brittain, who has previously worked with 5 Seconds of Summer and All Time Low.

Tim’s pick: Perhaps I’m a sucker for this kind of thing, but I have to give this week to Slatt Zy. While there’s no shortage of rappers opening up about the seriousness regarding mental health issues, the vulnerability and honesty he displays feels raw and real. It’s healthy to express emotions like grief and sadness, and that isn’t always the most popular thing to do in hip-hop—hence what makes the track so great as it breaks down the barriers in rap even further. Bonus points to Scorey, for all of these same reasons.

Follow editor Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.