Metal Lungies

One of the few worthwhile tributes from Dilla Day 2014 was Sir & Iman Omari’s “Designated Driver” which mimics James Yancey to satisfying effect. Also peep Omari’s Vibe Tape +?+?+ (2), which includes an oddly succesful neo-soul flip of Modjo’s “Lady”.

You know something? Kiddo can actually rap. He picks good beats sometimes too. Maybe this isn’t Termanology all over again.

Kingdom pairs the sultry vocals of CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry with club-ready bass in a worthy, perhaps unintended, homage to The Neptunes.

Ne-Yo’s Valentine’s Day EP 3 Simple Rules started off with something special. “New Love” gets its buoyancy from a doo-wop beat but also from Ne-Yo’s soaring Christmas morning performance. Listen and feel good.

I can’t remember a more triumphant moment of brag rap than “High & Kick It”.

Wow, who taught Roscoe Dash how to rap? Yes readers, we’re not above sharing a Roscoe Dash song when it’s awesome. He and Scotty share an impressive double time flow to boot.

Yes, I believe it’s called “twerking.” This gentleman from Georgia has made a song about it.

The bangers that really strike a chord and make you want to scream your head off are the ones that do something interesting structurally. “Champagne” has that with its lopsided rhythmic chant. Allow me to demonstrate: “In the VIP you see my chain, bring me chamPAGNE / In the Louis store I spend some change, drinking chamPAGNE”. Simple and addictive. It looks like MMG’s Tracy T just earned a shot at the spotlight.