The slow burn that precedes Major Lazer‘s forthcoming fourth LP, Lazerism, smolders with precision on “Rave de Favela.” The unanticipated followup to January’s “Soca Storm,” the Anitta and MC Lan-enlisting effort arrived unannounced on February 15, marking the electronic trifecta’s third joint project with Anitta and their first with MC Lan.
The track touts all the trappings of a Major Lazer production: sonic flair derived from cultural influence and inspiration, a rolling beat, sumptuous vocals, and linguistically, an alternative to English. Whether “Rave de Favela” arrives as a one-off unassociated with Lazerism or will ultimately surface among the LP’s track listings remains to be seen, but no matter. With Major Lazer’s final studio album on the horizon, the cut is a welcome installment in the legacy-building endeavor that is slowly winding to a close.