You go left when you lace Roc Marciano. You give him beats full of analog fuzz and maybe a searing psych rock guitar sample, sometimes missing drums. See Alchemist’s “The Turning Point.” Gensu Dean went left of left (further left? left-er?). “Ball of Yarn” has crisp electronic keys and strings..

I sifted through E-40’s latest 44 song opus for the three best tracks. You’re welcome. Sphere: Related Content

Oh No remixing Nas just makes sense. Sphere: Related Content

Look out for my Change.org petition to get someone else to rap over this beat. Please don’t tell anyone I posted a Common song on my blog. Sphere: Related Content

A trite juxtaposition in another rapper’s hands is an epic missive from Chicago when Saba and Noname do it.

They say “Street Money,” but this video was obviously financed with that sweet Cheetos product placement.

2016’s most adroit hedonism this side of Billy Bush.

“Pursuit of Happiness without the bathroom scene.” L.A.’s Ryu offers thrilling beat changes.