Trippie Redd directs “Both Ways” video
Fans are once again being treated to two long-sought Juice Wrld gems — the minimal, melodic “Both Ways” and the darkly booming “Cavalier.” The songs continue an ongoing series, arriving as The Pre-Party (Extended) EP via Grade A and Interscope Records. Additionally, “Both Ways” comes with a video starring and co-directed by Juice friend and collaborator Trippie Redd with DotComNirvan.
Blessed with a beat from Juice’s right-hand producer Nick Mira alongside Pharaoh Vice (Iann Dior, The Kid Laroi, Lil Peep), “Both Ways” is low-slung with a subtly infectious groove. Juice is in his zone, casually shifting rhythms and catching melodies, feeling himself and issuing warnings: “If you’re crossing my streets, better look both ways.”
“Cavalier” is special in a different way — fans can still find footage online of Juice recording the song during a 2019 Instagram Live session. Produced by another familiar face, 808 Mafia member Purps (Migos, Chief Keef), with Ian Francis, the track serves up a shadowy mix of moody guitar, skittering drums, and wild ad libs. Juice slays the verse: “They gon’ make me blow my fuse / Got these hatin’ ass b****** and n***** confused / I beat up the rap game, and I give it a bruise / Give ’em black and blues, while I count up the blues.”
The Pre-Party (Extended) follows The Pre-Party, which was released at 9 am on September 9 — “999,” a cherished number among Juice’s fandom that symbolizes the concept of flipping a bad situation into a positive one. That two-pack included another pair of highly anticipated posthumous tracks, “World Tour (Aquafina)” and “Lightyears” featuring Young Thug. Before that came December’s “Lace It” featuring Eminem and produced by Benny Blanco, which confronted the highs and lows of drug use.
In April 2020, Juice’s mother Carmela Wallace announced the Live Free 999 Fund, which receives support from individual donors in addition to Grade A and Interscope. Live Free 999 honors the legacy of Ms. Wallace’s son by supporting young people in their battles, and doing so with love, joy, and emotional honesty. Live Free 999 encourages anyone struggling with mental health and addiction to get help.
