Between Yelawolf, Block Beattaz, and Jackie Chain, Bama isn’t messing around this year. There are probably some more names that belong on that list, but my ignorant East Coast ass isn’t read up on country rap. Also, best adlib ever:
All these yellow diamonds got my neck lookin’ like Lisa (Simpson!)
Soul Khan of Brown Bag AllStars writes a letter to his future self on this track from his album coming out this summer. For Soul Khan’s two cents on indie hip-hop, refer to our in-depth interview with BBAS.
It sucks when artists get so wrapped up in “making a difference” that it precludes them from making good music. Nas has been grappling with this issue with his last two albums. Instead of trying to go somewhere interesting musically, he tried to grab everyone’s attention by giving his albums controversial titles. With Distant Relatives, he teamed up with Damian Marley to say something, I’m not sure what, about Africa. Nas told MTV, “We’re tryin’ to show love and stuff with this album. So, the record’s … all about really the ‘hood and Africa also as well.” I don’t think he’s quite sure either.
Given his reputation as the ultimate lyrical MC, Nas feels compelled to be more poignant and meaningful than his peers. But I think all of his activism and positivity is in response to Bill O’Reilly calling him out on his violent lyrics. I get the impression that he wants to protect and improve his image by making message music.
If it’s poignancy he’s after, “Friends” nails it, without all the sociopolitical mumbo jumbo. Rather than taking on poverty, racism, and media bias with a series of platitudes, Nas offers a dark discussion of relationships, to which everyone can relate; much more timeless than “Sly Fox.” Nas should stick to personal subjects, which make for more compelling music, in his case at least.
via Tha Corner
Sphere: Related ContentI 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.
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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.
via MissInfo.tv
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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.
via Xclusives Zone
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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.
Track list after the jump
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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.
Update 2: Rap Radar points out that Alicia Keys’ engineer Ann Mincieli is pissed. She claims that Chad Hugo gave Lupe this song “illegally” without Alicia’s knowledge. She tweeted, “He gave a whole song and Pro Tools Session with all vocals to Lupe.Thats total disrespect.” In retaliation, she posted official Neptunes drum kits.
Sphere: Related ContentDespite 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.
via Billboard.com
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