If you are anything like me you were pleasantly surprised by the release of Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment’s SURF. It’s a project we have been hearing about from the wonder power of Chicago talent for months and months and more recently it seems like every day. Fortunately for all of us the wait is over.

Leading up to SURF we anticipated the verses from Chance the Rapper, the blowing brass from Donnie Trumpet and the musical styling of the rest of The Social Experiement but what we couldn’t prepare for were the surprise features throughout. Upon listening you find gems from worldwide stars like J.Cole, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes and Erykah Badu and assistance from rising hometown homies like BJ the Chicago Kid, Saba and Noname Gypsy, each artist playing a significant part and each song carrying its own weight.

No matter how great a project is we all have favorites right? Check out the five tracks that were an instant rewind in the First Listen.