Rollin’ With The Krewe is dropping just in time for Carnival season. The new EP from rap power couple 504icygrl and PoppyH showcases New Orleans hip-hop in the context of Mardi Gras music. The cover by artist Hantwan Louis Alexander pops, same as the beats throughout, and makes it clear this is music for cutting up and strutting.

Here’s what you need to know. Rocking to “Downtown Comin’,” the first track by PoppyH, sets the tone and will put you in in the mood to hit the streets and see this year’s Mardi Gras Indian new suits. Donald Claude Sr. from the 7th Ward Black Foot Hunters adds an elder’s tone.

If you want to make sure the beads and throws are coming your way, turning up “Throw Me Something Big” by 504icygirl on the parade route will guarantee you’ll be holding up your off-hand while sipping something good. Especially so, if at Muses, Endymion, or any of the other named krewes. If there is a song of the batch just waiting to go viral, this is the one.

504icygirl steps back to the mic for “Runnin’,” and this time brings on Flagboy Giz to feature his distinctive vocals. He shows why he just won multiple Best Rap / Hip-Hop / Bounce awards at this year’s Best of the Beat.

The last track, “Ain’t Sweet Mardi Gras Mix,” brings 504icygrl and PoppyH back together. The contrast in vocal styles and tones between them makes me hope for an album of he-said/she-said.

There’s another level to the EP’s title since the label releasing the music is named Krewe. Also the well-respected Raj Smoove, who has put in time in this game and has been building it for years, is on the production side, along with Tuff Tune and Cam Cortez, who bring their A-game on the beats.

A thematic EP is a great idea that more musical artists should consider. If you can have hybrid sounds, features of this caliber, and those behind the board on this level, even more so. Plan on keeping Rollin’ With The Krewe on loop, as the songs sink into your brain while your body moves until Ash Wednesday strikes.