Metal Lungies

MidaZ from Orlando dropped this super dope album of street vignettes in February. He has dusty loops and vivid imagery. The soul flip on “Gore Tex” has strong Wu-Tang vibes. You might remember MidaZ from Alchemist’s 2012 Russian Roulette album.

Hardest track of the year so far.

Cool that Madlib’s Bandana press run and Tiny Desk concert don’t preclude him from stacking up bangers with Oh No. “Timeless Treasure” reuses a beat from Slum Village’s Villa Manifesto EP from 2009.

Loopy and shapeshifting shit from LA. Don’t forget about Pink Siifu and Akai Solo’s album from last year.

Inglewood’s Natia starts his album with a slick storytelling dart.

Duncecap and Quelle Chris with a self-esteem booster.

Eastsidaz vibes via The Martorialist.

Wiki says “My Jew bro taught me to be frugal” in reference to the time I put him onto the Citi Double Cash card, which offers 2% cash back on everything.

Mick Jenkins’ sparse and abstruse smoke break is a great rejoinder to heavier fare from 2018.

LNDN DRGS flipping Blue Magic is one of my favorite parts of 2019.