ScHoolboy Q feat. A$AP Rocky - "Hands On The Wheel"
I really thought I put this song on here a few months ago, but it looks like I forgot, so here it is for all of you to enjoy. This is one of my favorite tracks so far in 2012. Schoolboy definitely has a Kendrick Lamar vibe, which is no surprise since they run in the same crew, and I'm really feelin' A$AP Rocky. This track flips Lissie's cover of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happyness" and has a hook of "Weed and brews, weed and brews, life for me is just weed and brews." Pretty simplistic, but it sticks in your head. You'll definitely be seeing this song again on my Best of 2012 list.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Song of the Day
Apollo Brown & O.C. - "We The People"
O.C. and Apollo Brown teamed up for Trophies, which was supposed to drop next week, but has been released a week early on iTunes. You can download the album for $9.99 and you should do it NOW! I was impressed with Apollo's production on his album The Reset from 2010 and he brings some more of that old boom-bap head nodding hip-hop production on this project with one of my favorite MCs. O.C. has done his best work over this type of production, so there's no surprise that this effort came out so strong. O.C. blesses this track with food for thought while Apollo Brown brings a beat straight outta 1997. This sounds like it could've been on O.C.'s Jewelz, as it has that vintage sound to it. Peep this song and then get on iTunes and purchase the album.
O.C. and Apollo Brown teamed up for Trophies, which was supposed to drop next week, but has been released a week early on iTunes. You can download the album for $9.99 and you should do it NOW! I was impressed with Apollo's production on his album The Reset from 2010 and he brings some more of that old boom-bap head nodding hip-hop production on this project with one of my favorite MCs. O.C. has done his best work over this type of production, so there's no surprise that this effort came out so strong. O.C. blesses this track with food for thought while Apollo Brown brings a beat straight outta 1997. This sounds like it could've been on O.C.'s Jewelz, as it has that vintage sound to it. Peep this song and then get on iTunes and purchase the album.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New Release Tuesday
Only one album worth checking out today, and even if there were 5 albums to check this would be No. 1 on the list, as Reks releases his latest, Straight No Chaser, produced entirely by Statik Selektah. Now I have to admit that I was hoping for another Premo banger on here since "25th Hour" was one of the best songs of 2010, but Statik proved that his production is good enough to carry an entire album on 1982 with Termanology and Well Done with Action Bronson, so you can expect some bangers on here. That and Statik and Reks teamed up for "This or That" which is one of Reks' best songs ever.
2012 hasn't been a huge year for hip-hop so far, but those that have released projects have come correct such as Big K.R.I.T., Action Bronson, Jon Connor, Gangrene and De La Soul. Add Reks to that list as he has another winner on his hands with Straight No Chaser.
And if you aren't familiar with Reks, google "Autographs" and you'll see how damn good he is. Now imagine 13 more songs in the same vein and you'll see what you're getting with Straight No Chaser. Guests spots include Action Bronson, Termanology, Slaine, Wais P, Kali and JFK, so the Showoff family is definitely involved here, but make no mistake it's still a Reks album. Just as he proved with last year's guest heavy R.E.K.S., Reks is willing to share some spotlight with his guests, but he sure as hell ain't gonna get overshadowed.
2012 hasn't been a huge year for hip-hop so far, but those that have released projects have come correct such as Big K.R.I.T., Action Bronson, Jon Connor, Gangrene and De La Soul. Add Reks to that list as he has another winner on his hands with Straight No Chaser.
And if you aren't familiar with Reks, google "Autographs" and you'll see how damn good he is. Now imagine 13 more songs in the same vein and you'll see what you're getting with Straight No Chaser. Guests spots include Action Bronson, Termanology, Slaine, Wais P, Kali and JFK, so the Showoff family is definitely involved here, but make no mistake it's still a Reks album. Just as he proved with last year's guest heavy R.E.K.S., Reks is willing to share some spotlight with his guests, but he sure as hell ain't gonna get overshadowed.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Song of the Day
Showbiz & A.G. - "The Bond"
New Show & A.G. and that's all that really needs to be said. Excited for their new album, which will be released for free on May 8. This track discusses longevity and all the great groups that broke up over time. A.G. spits, "Insane, the fame is a roller coaster." It's a shame to think of all the greats that have had falling outs over the years. Glad to hear these two making music together again. And the song finishes with a new D.I.T.C. album coming? I can only hope that's true.
New Show & A.G. and that's all that really needs to be said. Excited for their new album, which will be released for free on May 8. This track discusses longevity and all the great groups that broke up over time. A.G. spits, "Insane, the fame is a roller coaster." It's a shame to think of all the greats that have had falling outs over the years. Glad to hear these two making music together again. And the song finishes with a new D.I.T.C. album coming? I can only hope that's true.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Real Summer Blockbuster: The Art of Rap
Ice-T is behind the new movie, Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap, which drops this June and I have to say, this looks great! We had The Show back in 1995 as well as Rhyme & Reason in 1997, both of which were decent documentaries on hip-hop, but The Art of Rap looks like it's going to be better than both. I watched the Tribe Called Quest documentary recently and really enjoyed it, although it still kills me that Tribe broke up, and I'm a big fan of documentaries so I'm sure this movie won't disappoint. Interviews with Common, Eminem, Public Enemy, Rakim, Dr. Dre, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, Raekwon, Kanye West, KRS-One, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Premier, Run DMC, etc. It's a dream team of hip-hop legends past and present. And it looks like it's hip-hop in the purest form instead of getting the "hottest" names and wasting interviews on Flo Rida and Pitbull or Odd Future and 2 Chainz or some shit like that. Peep the trailer, it'll get you amped.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Song of the Day
Organized Konfusion - "Stray Bullet"
This song, I mean HOLY SHIT, what more can I say? Pharoahe Monch's opening verse is one of the best you'll ever hear. This song is told through the eyes of a stray bullet and what it hits as it goes through the streets. The concept is terrific and the execution is even better. Prince Po's verse is really good, but it gets overshadowed by what Monch does with the first verse. Organized's 1994 album, Stress: The Extinction Agenda, is outstanding from start of finish and there are so many highlights that if you haven't heard it yet then what the HELL are you waiting for? Seriously, with all the horrible shit out there these days you owe it to yourself to sit back and listen some real lyricism.
This song, I mean HOLY SHIT, what more can I say? Pharoahe Monch's opening verse is one of the best you'll ever hear. This song is told through the eyes of a stray bullet and what it hits as it goes through the streets. The concept is terrific and the execution is even better. Prince Po's verse is really good, but it gets overshadowed by what Monch does with the first verse. Organized's 1994 album, Stress: The Extinction Agenda, is outstanding from start of finish and there are so many highlights that if you haven't heard it yet then what the HELL are you waiting for? Seriously, with all the horrible shit out there these days you owe it to yourself to sit back and listen some real lyricism.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Song of the Day
Reflection Eternal feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole & Mos Def - "Just Begun"
I remember this shit dropping back in '09, but I never got my hands on it. I've been meaning to get Revolutions Per Minute for a while now, but I get so much new music all the time that I just haven't taken the time to go back and get the album. This song is pure fire though. Talib gets things rolling before Electronica comes in and owns the track. He starts his verse, "Smile on my face, tears of a sad clown/Feelin' out of place as I whistle a cab down/If I tip extra, can I huff a cig?/Blow my smoke out the window, droppin' ashes on the bridge," before spitting "I wanna go to the slum/And throw my money on the floor like the Notorious B.U.M." Cole holds his own and Mos closes the track saying, "The funky Four Horsemen and one more/With Hi-Tek on the score/Once more, of course." And yes, Hi-Tek's production is the perfect sound for these four MCs to get nice on.
I remember this shit dropping back in '09, but I never got my hands on it. I've been meaning to get Revolutions Per Minute for a while now, but I get so much new music all the time that I just haven't taken the time to go back and get the album. This song is pure fire though. Talib gets things rolling before Electronica comes in and owns the track. He starts his verse, "Smile on my face, tears of a sad clown/Feelin' out of place as I whistle a cab down/If I tip extra, can I huff a cig?/Blow my smoke out the window, droppin' ashes on the bridge," before spitting "I wanna go to the slum/And throw my money on the floor like the Notorious B.U.M." Cole holds his own and Mos closes the track saying, "The funky Four Horsemen and one more/With Hi-Tek on the score/Once more, of course." And yes, Hi-Tek's production is the perfect sound for these four MCs to get nice on.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Song of the Day
Curren$y feat. Wale - "What It Look Like"
I really like this track. It's extremely laid back and the beat fits perfectly with Wale and Curren$y. Wale spits punchline after punchline on this one. He always weaves a lot of cleaver shit in there and if you don't listen carefully you can miss some terrific wordplay. Curren$y continues to impress me. His flow and approach are sneaky because he sounds so effortless, but he's pretty lyrical. I can listen to this and sip a beer and be completely relaxed and that works just fine for me.
I really like this track. It's extremely laid back and the beat fits perfectly with Wale and Curren$y. Wale spits punchline after punchline on this one. He always weaves a lot of cleaver shit in there and if you don't listen carefully you can miss some terrific wordplay. Curren$y continues to impress me. His flow and approach are sneaky because he sounds so effortless, but he's pretty lyrical. I can listen to this and sip a beer and be completely relaxed and that works just fine for me.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Song of the Day
Notorious B.I.G. & Frank Sinatra - "Everyday Struggle/A Day in the Life of a Fool"
I've been on a real Sinatra kick lately and I found the Blue Eyes Meets Bed-Stuy mixtape in a stack of my old CDs and had to pop it in immediately. It's a dope project, not on the same level as Danger Mouse's Grey Album, but still good. I love "Everyday Struggle" and this mix is perfect for that song. This project came out years ago, but it's still worth adding if you don't already own it.
I've been on a real Sinatra kick lately and I found the Blue Eyes Meets Bed-Stuy mixtape in a stack of my old CDs and had to pop it in immediately. It's a dope project, not on the same level as Danger Mouse's Grey Album, but still good. I love "Everyday Struggle" and this mix is perfect for that song. This project came out years ago, but it's still worth adding if you don't already own it.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Song of the Day
Jay Electronica - "Dear Moleskine"
When will that Electronica LP drop? Seems to be the most asked question among hip-hop heads. It's been 2-years in the making, but we now have another gem from Electronica to keep the conversation rolling. Just Blaze on the production as Electronica enters a passage into his journal and deals with depression and dealing with pressure to be something great. Jay says, "I'm just a sleep walking robot that's out of gear" and "I'm trying to see the light, but the Devil's trying to blind me." Dude's got lyrics, there's nothing more you can say about it.
When will that Electronica LP drop? Seems to be the most asked question among hip-hop heads. It's been 2-years in the making, but we now have another gem from Electronica to keep the conversation rolling. Just Blaze on the production as Electronica enters a passage into his journal and deals with depression and dealing with pressure to be something great. Jay says, "I'm just a sleep walking robot that's out of gear" and "I'm trying to see the light, but the Devil's trying to blind me." Dude's got lyrics, there's nothing more you can say about it.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
New Release Tuesday
A couple of new albums dropping today, one of which is a no brainer for hip-hop heads. Today marks the release of De La Soul's Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present: First Serve. It's a concept album from Pos and Dave about 2 long-time friends chasing down some big dreams. For the project, Pos and Dave teamed with French producers Chokolate and Khalid and recorded the whole album in Paris.
Now I've only heard bits of pieces but De La has gone the concept route before on De La Soul Is Dead to terrific results and from reading about the album it's described as a "movie on wax" similar to Prince Paul's Prince Among Thieves, which also has me excited as I loved that album. No matter what happens with the story, it's a release from De La and they never miss, so you know you're in for some good hip-hop with this disc.
Release No. 2 is Bottom's Up from Obie Trice. Trice was my favorite artist on Shady Records, but he fell off the map after he and Em split ways (if you want to call it that). I'm glad to see him back, but without the Shady backing and some Dre beats I'm a little bit cautious about this release strictly from a production standpoint. I did hear some of the album and it sounds more like Second Round's On Me than Cheers, so I'll pick it up but not exactly rush out the door to get it. Tracks like "Dear Lord" and "Battle Cry" have that vintage Obie sound and the Eminem assisted "Richard" is decent, but songs like "I Pretend" and "Spend The Day" make me a little hesitant to pick the project up. Then again most hip-hop albums have some R&B-sung filler that doesn't mesh with the rest of the album, so as a fan of Trice, I'll probably just look past it and hit repeat on the good stuff.
Release No. 2 is Bottom's Up from Obie Trice. Trice was my favorite artist on Shady Records, but he fell off the map after he and Em split ways (if you want to call it that). I'm glad to see him back, but without the Shady backing and some Dre beats I'm a little bit cautious about this release strictly from a production standpoint. I did hear some of the album and it sounds more like Second Round's On Me than Cheers, so I'll pick it up but not exactly rush out the door to get it. Tracks like "Dear Lord" and "Battle Cry" have that vintage Obie sound and the Eminem assisted "Richard" is decent, but songs like "I Pretend" and "Spend The Day" make me a little hesitant to pick the project up. Then again most hip-hop albums have some R&B-sung filler that doesn't mesh with the rest of the album, so as a fan of Trice, I'll probably just look past it and hit repeat on the good stuff.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Song of the Day
Kendrick Lamar feat. Dr. Dre - "The Recipe"
Nice new track from Kendrick with help from the good Doctor. Dre takes on Kendrick's flow and does a decent job with it. The hook of "women, weed and weather" is simplistic, but catchy at the same time. Kendrick continues to impress with his verses. This will definitely be a dope song for an album, but not exactly lead single material. Still, how can you complain when you got Dre and Kendrick on the same track. Surprised it had Scoop DeVille on the production as I was hoping for a Dre banger. But Scoop delivers a nice laid back, head nodder and his production really matches Kendrick's style.
Nice new track from Kendrick with help from the good Doctor. Dre takes on Kendrick's flow and does a decent job with it. The hook of "women, weed and weather" is simplistic, but catchy at the same time. Kendrick continues to impress with his verses. This will definitely be a dope song for an album, but not exactly lead single material. Still, how can you complain when you got Dre and Kendrick on the same track. Surprised it had Scoop DeVille on the production as I was hoping for a Dre banger. But Scoop delivers a nice laid back, head nodder and his production really matches Kendrick's style.
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