Highway finally dropped his new project, Highway, on Wednesday (June 29) — and it’s as captivating as expected.
The 10-track EP is an exploration of the compelling sound of one of the underground’s best-kept secrets — essentially ushering in his major label debut as his first release with Victor Victor. In addition to Highway’s gripping vocal and dreamlike melodic delivery, the project is backed by incredibly cohesive and noticeably original production, all co-produced by Highway himself with Jonny Made It, and a few assists from Guk.
Highway has been flying under the radar over the last few years — developing a refreshing, vibey and uniquely captivating sound around his conspicuously Future-like baritone. His striking melodic delivery and ear for gripping production come fully-baked, as early songs like “Better Float” and “Get It Quick” caught the attention of some of the best ears in the industry, including those at Victor Victor.
He announced the new project on June 22 with a characteristically mysterious announcement, accompanied by an equally cryptic video.
The project features two singles he released earlier in June, the comparatively slow and somber “Cash Talk (No Talkin’)” titled after one of his several money-focused catchphrases, and “Next Weekend” whose dynamic, dancey production makes it one the most party-ready tracks from Highway yet. Both came with their own intensely shot black-and-white music video. In retrospect, the laidback vibe and bouncy beat of “Next Weekend” feel almost bizarrely similar to the decidedly polarizing approach of Drake’s forward-thinking new “dance” album Honestly, Nevermind — perhaps a testament to just how on the money Highway’s very particular and unthinkably versatile sound is.
A popular sentiment online since the release of Future’s latest album has been the desire for a full project of more chill, introspective tracks like “Puffin on Zootiez” and the newly No. 1 “Wait for You.” Highway is doing all that with this EP and more. As the type of artist who instantly converts superfans, it’s only a matter of time before Highway really catches fire.
Listen to ‘Highway’ below!
