So is this a Four Loko-themed parody of the Isleys’ “For the Love of You” or is it just a regular old sample? Hip-hop often walks that line where you’re not sure how seriously you’re supposed to take it.
“The Four Loko Theme” deserves props because it’s clearly in the “Bed Intruder”/Numa Numa lane and yet the song is actually really dope. As Steady Bloggin’ put it, “it’s smooth as hell. Way better than it has any right to be, considering it’s essentially a novelty song.” But then there are some nagging questions: why can’t can’t you enjoy a parody the same way you would any other song? And can you call “Big Poppa” a parody of “Between the Sheets” if you think some of the lyrics are funny?
But I’m sure much smarter people have already tackled this question. Footage from the November 17 Four Loko vigil in Union Square after the jump.
How do you not listen to a song called “Jungle Pussy” produced by a guy named Asston Kusher. That’s the best rap name since Hustle Simmons. Rome Fortune is a rapper from Atlanta whose project Apollo’s Playlist drops this Spring.
Sampling a popular artist is a well-worn shortcut to exposure. Frank Sinatra, Queen, every James Bond theme, and many others have gotten the hip-hop treatment from plucky producers vying for attention. Mainstream audiences eat this stuff up. Sure enough, Evidence’s I Don’t Need Love EP, which uses Beatles samples, earned the palest Dilated Peoples member a mention on Vulture.
But chances are grandma won’t make it past the first verse, unless you have a really cool grandma. Evidence doesn’t go for obvious samples and instead seizes upon a hidden bluntedness in the Beatles catalog. Example: when he samples “Eleanor Rigby,” don’t expect to hear the instantly recognizable chorus. “Egg Men” turns “I Am the Walrus” into chillingly nihilistic weed rap and “If Only They Knew” is an acid trip through an Indian rainforest.
Rakaa Iriscience, Oh No, Alchemist, and Fashawn make appearances. Don’t miss out.
Perhaps you’ve been following Madlib’s excursions into Brazilian psychedelia, African funk, and roots reggae throughout this year’s Madlib Medicine Show series. But if your musical taste isn’t on some Carmen San Diego shit, Madlib Medicine Show #11: Low Bedget High Fi Music might be your cup of tea. The album promises “exclusive Madlib collabos w/ A.G., Guilty Simpson, MED, Oh No, Strong Arm Steady” and others. For now, here’s Madlib and Karriem Riggins as The Professionals.
Yelawolf. Interscope rapper. Song called “Swagger Killer.” Big dumb banger, I presume? Something of the “Turn My Swag On” persuasion?
Nah. Just when we thought we had Yela all figured out, he changes lanes with this ditty about stepping to a woman at the bar and having the situation blow up in his face. Yelawolf tackles awkward romance with the same virtuosity as he would a trashy house party. This man obviously has more than a few tricks left up his sleeve.
