Last we heard of Innanet James, the Maryland MC was erecting songs out of raw emotion, radiating pure joy on breezy bops like “Summer” and close-fisted pride on anthems like “Black” (both off his 2016 EP Quebec Place). But after a two-year quiet period, the 22-year-old returns with a more playful approach, devoting his new track, “Bag,” to cash and the motivation it inspires. “I’m really just running for money/Love Flo-Jo chasing the check,” he raps on the chorus, referencing Florence Griffith-Joyner, the American track athlete who shattered records in the 1980s. “I don’t give a fuck/Tell me why I would?” He wields his nasally, carbonated flow like a boxer throws jabs—some lines landing sharply and cleanly, others coming in flurries to build momentum. The song’s jazzy piano chords and four-on-the-floor kick drums add to the carefree feel, but by the second verse, James is peeling away the bull and moralizing truths on the topic of coinage: “Bigger the bag, bigger the beef, bigger the problem.” A weariness underlies the flaunts and stunts of it all, letting us know that James’ thoughtfulness hasn’t gone anywhere.