DanO, Bobby J, and Little Vic link up for the fly track, Per Usual, which is heavy on the lyrical content and flavor. It’s got some light hearted flair with Vic on the boards for this one, but again the pen game shines with each emcee doing proper work.
Real Bad Man & BLU – Bad News (Video)
Bad News is a great song from a great album from Real Bad Man and Blu. Bad News (the album) is laced with gems. If memory serves correctly, nine of them. I ran through the project today and was really impressed by the entire project. Real Bad Man is simply a marvel at production, and Blu sounds immaculate over these beats. This title track is case in point. I love how the beat switches up and our emcee never loses a step and in fact ups that ante.
This is great hip hop and I implore you to check this one out!
Leedz Edutainment – The Darkside (ft. XL The Beast, Ruste Juxx & The Arcitype) (Video)
XL The Beast and Ruste Juxx let their dark sides out over an ominous banger from The Arcitype. The track, brought to you by Leedz Edutainment, definitely has a sinister feel with the emcees letting you into the shadows of their thoughts. The chorus also gives the join a really infectious feel. Definitely a winner from a camp used to producing winners.
Eddie Kaine & Finn – Leave It To Me (Video)
Eddie Kaine and Finn have linked up for a new project, Quincy Street Blues. And Leave It To Me is a video single from that project. And as the song goes, it not Kaine, than who’s going to do it? You can count on him as an artist, and even doubly slow over some mellow good vibes from Finn.
Lord Juco & Finn – Wheel Of Fortune (Video)
The smooth vibes of Lord Juco and Finn once again commence on the track, Wheel Of Fortune, off of the Company II EP. It’s the soulful introspection we have come to expect from this collaboration. Enjoy!
Trademarc x Mopes- Bag Work (ft. 7L & Esoteric & Vinnie Paz) (Video)
Something dope and unexpected from the collective of Trademarc and Mopes, off of their Strange Famous release, Ham & Eggers.
I feel like I’ve showcased some music from Trademarc perhaps a few years ago, so his name rang a bell. And of course, you add some guest recognition in the way of 7L, Esoteric, and Vinnie Paz, you are going to garner some attention. Pretty nice track through and through, with some crafty lyricism, snapping drums, precise scratches, and a little wrestling flair for the visuals.
DJ AKIL & STARVIN B – Aliens (Video)
Damn. This single from DJ Akil and Starvin B is nice! But would you expect anything less? Actually this joint is nicer than nice. DJ Akil is lacing what strikes me as a 1970s Dragnet type of production with that that perfect hip hop flavor. The production is impeccable. As a matter of fact, you would be hard pressed to find better. And Starvin B shows us once again what an accomplished emcee he is. The flow is effortless…moving ideas and a dope turn of phrase bar by bar. Really enjoying this one.
Planetary Underworld is their new project that is dropping on September 2oth. Bookmark it!
Single You Out: Torah & Marco Polo – The Return
Oh lawd! This is a true and legitimate gift we have been given with “The Return” of music from Marco Polo and Torae. This is that hip hop forged in fire and perfectly molded for eardrums in 2023. It’s got the nostalgic property for those who remember the last project, but also clearly can stand on its own amongst today’s contemporaries.’
This is hip hop with punch on so many levels. Torae hits every bar with tenacity, and Marco Polo leaves nothing to the imagination making you feel each beat.
Really missed this union and can’t wait to hear more from the combination in the very near future. As a matter of fact, September 22nd, the new album, Midnight Run, drops. I can’t wait!
Single You Out: Crafsmen x Van Gunz- Scapegoat
I am going in my own backyward of Virginia to showcase some serious talent. I am pretty sure I showcased Crafsmen many moons ago, and now I found this gem on bandcamp with producer Van Gunz, Grizzled Vets. And this project has me hype. This is the perfect fusion of that clever lyricism and boom bap flavor. I am giving you this Scapegoat for you to sink your ears into. I guarantee you are going to feel the flow and that classical fueled boom bap.
Pounds – Paint Pictures (ft. Max Marciano) (Video)
Pounds has got another dope project out entitled, We Kill Everything We See. And in typical Pounds fashion, he drops dope doses of realness bar by bar, making it a sure shot listen, which I strongly suggest you pick up. On the track, Paint Pictures, he gets busy with the wordplay alongside Max Marciano over an 80s rock infused joint.
Hip Hop Dependency 