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 – That Product (Video)
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.
Single You Out: Escapism – GodHead
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.
Single You Out: Dan Johns & Al Montgomery – Projection
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 – Manifest (ft. Apathy & Mickey Factz) (Video)
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.
Single You Out: Johaz – Tar Garden (prod. by Nottz)
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.
Single You Out: Paradime – So Long
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.
Chino XL – Sermon In Crimson (Video)
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.
Skyzoo – Esoteric (Video)
Skyzoo…what can we say about Skyzoo? The man is the consummate emcee. The emcee’s emcee. There is not a flow like this in the game. It is inricate, breathless, and almost sounds effortless which I think is a trademark of a professional. The sound of the single, Esoteric, is melodic, but the poetry and meaning is dense. Have your rewind button handy…it’s going to need the work! DJ Manipulator on the beat!
Keep Me Company is out NOW! And you need that!
Philmore Green – OMG (Video)
Philmore Greene has one of the best album from 2024 in The Grand Design. And you can hear that transcendent sound on this video single, OMG. It’s that straight hip hop flavor but with an edge. The production from Jay P takes on almost an anthem appeal. The Busta Rhymes vocal loop scratched in take the joint over the edge, as Green takes an unapologetic stance to what it means to be a real emcee in today’s climate.
Check the album!
Hip Hop Dependency 