I wasn’t expecting much when I loaded up Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift. Before this week, I had never listened to E-40 beyond the singles that got nationwide attention. “Quarterbackin'” is the only one that comes to mind, actually.
Three songs in, I realized I’d been missing out. The minimalist beats, the fluidity of E-40’s rhymes, and his unwavering confidence come together in a magical way. Despite his wacky cadence (dude raps like cross between Busta Rhymes and Scooby Doo) and the blatant ignorance of his subject matter (song titles like “I Get Down” and “Bitch”), E-40 takes himself completely seriously. In a time when so many hip-hop artists are trying to be down to earth and humble, it’s great to see someone with some individuality who still acts like we expect rappers to act: comically egotistical yet undeniably talented.
Also peep the video for “Nice Guys” off Night Shift.
Cam’ron and Kid Cudi? AND Alchemist? Apparently, Cudi was just as surprised as anybody to see his name alongside Killa Cam. Explains “The Cud,”
man did yall hear that Cam and Vado joint im on? i did that hook awhile ago with the OG Alchemist (m0re beats please) and i knew he’d find the perfect emcees to body that shit. aint nothing like some good ol classic Killah and Vado went in too. real hip hop shit. we do this. great record fellas, im honored foreal.
My hat is off to Alch. With his brooding backdrop and brilliant use of Cudder’s spooky vocals, he may have reignited my interest in Cam’ron and Kid Cudi all at once. Off Cam & Vado’s upcoming mixtape Boss of All Bosses 2.5. Alchemist, I salute you.
For those occasions where you want to be hood and romantic. Hoodmantic. Off Minneapolis rapper Tony Bones’ album Talk of the Streets, which is out now.
If Flying Lotus’ space odyssey Cosmogramma gives you a headache, you may find his contributions to Jose James’ Blackmagic more agreeable. Blackmagic already lies in a gray area between between jazz and soul, but FlyLo’s three songs (these two plus “Code”) make it even harder to categorize. You should probably avoid that debate altogether and just bump these.
Starlito is officially my new favorite rapper. There’s something magnetic about the way he delivers vivid raps despite sounding half-asleep/constantly inebriated.
On Living in the Past, DJs Dolewite and Scooby of Grind Hard Radio have Lito rap over pre-2000 beats, a concept similar to Joell Ortiz Covers the Classics, but with an entirely different beat selection and presentation. The tape doesn’t so much pay homage to classic beats as it highlights Starlito’s delivery and rhyming ability. It takes the form of a live broadcast, so Lito’s character shows through his banter with the DJs. It’s disheartening that he recognizes “They Reminisce Over You” as ‘the song from NBA Street Vol. 2,’ but he gets a pass on the strength of his amazing video game-reference-filled freestyle.
Bump this tape and you’ll be the coolest kid in school. ML guaranteed.
Former Shady Records artist Bobby Creekwater lays his Atlanta flows over a sparse, minimalist beat. If his project Not Now But Right Now sounds anything like this, he may escape his reputation of ‘that guy who used to be signed to Eminem.’
The Neptunes always give Lupe beats that are a cut above their standard bass-synth fare. “Love Letter” is a great mix of 80s and 90s pop. Alicia Keys sings an epic extended hook; between this and “Empire State of Mind,” Alicia Keys is on a roll when it comes to rounding out rap singles.
It’s unclear if this song will be on Lasers or if it’s the finished version. The file tags suggest it’s a rough version. See also: “I’m Beaming.”
Update: YouHeardThatNew says this was a song that Alicia did with Chad Hugo for her 2007 album As I Am, but didn’t make the cut and somehow Lupe got a hold of it for Lasers.
Despite the indie budget, Tanya Morgan made a marvelous video with amazingly hot women. “Bang N Boogie” happens to be my favorite song on Brooklynati as well (mp3 here). Tip of the hat, sirs.
Another one from the K.R.I.T. Wuz Here mixtape dropping May 3. Between Curren$y and Devin the Dude, Big K.R.I.T’s guests on this tape have consumed enough weed to wake up Bob Marley.
