Singles, Albums, EPs, Mixtapes, and Videos that get the HHD thumbs up.
Yeah I missed this one in late December. But you got to hear it. This is Blak Flag and Sherm LaRock at their finest. These guys only know one way and that’s to bring that hardcore boom bap. Everything these guys drop (which is not often enough) just hits the eardrums hard. Love the production and Flag just puts nails in the coffin, bar by bar.
New video from Eddie Kaine and RIM off of their brand new album, Welcome To Stuyville. That’s definitely something you should have checked out by now. No one has better chemistry on the mic than Kaine and RIM. And on the track, Chop House, you get a melodic laid back approach to that talent over some eassssssy production from none other than Camoflauge Monk.
The album has a lot of different paces and sounds so make sure you check that out.
M-Dot links up with his brethren Kore and Mayhem for the song No One Else, produced by Quiz. And truly, there is no team like the EMS team. Each emcee brings their own style, flow, and lyricism, this time on an uptempo production. This showcases the dexterity of the crew, and it’s really great to hear Mayhem spit a sixteen again. It’s been a while since I have heard him rock.
Serge Severe sent me this single last July, and now it gets the video treatment. The song is strong! The sixteens are all tough, and show and edginess in the belief in his own self. Because in the end Severe is the product…the skills…the presence…the lyricism…and the intensity on full display here.
The talented and spiritual combination of Taboo, Tabinstereo, and Jade Gritty invite you into their cipher with the new single, GodHead. The lyricism is insightful and provoking, but in almost an ethereal way. Almost feels like a seance when these artists link up, bringing you next level thought and concept.
This is available on all DSPs currently, and really hoping for another album from these artists as they do something far different than what others are reaching for.
Dan Johns, after a great 2024, is back with a new project slated to drop with Al Montgomery entitled, Ascent Of The Imperium. You can tap into the full length when it drops later this month on February 21st. Meanwhile, enjoy this first single, Projection, featuring Antonia Marquee. For my thoughts, this track is all about staying in the present moment and appreciate all. It’s also about doing it your way, and not to chase a number or a trend. And Dan Johns as stayed true to that mantra for a couple of decades now. Releasing great music!
Queen Herawin has another solo project dropping. A long overdue one! As a member of The Juggaknots (one of the most revered indie hip hop crews) she showcased a true gift in rocking the mic. Now the spotlight shines direct once again and she shows why she’s a top tier emcee. On the song Manifest, she links up with veteran wordsmiths Apathy and Mickey Factz as they bring the house down on a superlative banger from Supastition! This is pull-no-punches hip hop right here.
Showcasing Nottz production is a no-brainer, if Nottz produces it, it’s worth the time and the purchase. Here he’s locked in with talented emcee Johaz who we have also featured here before. Here Nottz dials up some snapping drums and a harmonious vocal sample to give Johaz the canvas to craft his pen game. And he’s connecting with each of these lines, cracking the competition.
Paradime has a new single on his hands produced by, Astray. This track has a really infectious vibe in large part to the chorus. I can easily see a group of friends gathering around and pouring out a little liquor for those who were left behind while hitting that chorus in unison. That and the piano loop/ vocal sample by Astray also really lends itself to that comradery. It’s a track of reminiscing and sharing those memories through music.
This post is hard for me. Really hard. There was arguably no artist more influential to me than me than Chino XL. And as some artists have passed on, a bit of sadness takes your heart, but this was more. This was the feeling of losing legend and inspiration in one breath. He was and is one of a kind and no one treads exactly in those steps. In Sermon In Crimson, you hear the density and you hear the passion. You can play this track back 25x and hear 25 lines and phrases you didn’t catch, and that is the beauty of the wordsmith. RIP Legend.
Hip Hop Dependency 