I haven’t been very inspired by music in the last couple of weeks, but this track from Blame One with Chill ill on the boards, brought me back. It’s that jazzy, laid back, melodic, yet lyrical flavor that I really needed for a reset. This joint is dope from both a lyrical and visual perspective. A vibe in the truest sense of the word. And having Aloe Blacc do a sixteen alongside Blame is the right choice. That’s the DEFINITION of smooth.
Single You Out: Kahlee & Digital Martyrs – Be Alright
Kahlee and Digital Martyrs put to music the feelings we all may be digesting from time to time. Sometimes we don’t know how we are going to make it, but we always find a way. And many of us find it in the music and lyrics of our favorite artists. So peep the smooth yet poignant offering:
My direction don’t depend on how the Carrot’s dangled
I set seas uncharted searching for perfect angel
The rain’s followed by the Gold pots and rainbows
The road blocks , and boat docks are open to the grateful
Daniel Son & Futurewave – French River (Video)
Daniel Son and Futurewave just released their new project, Baggage Claims on all DSPs. I couldn’t wait for that so I copped it a few weeks ago by purchasing a CD direct when I don’t even own a way to play it just so I could get the download early. That’s how much I love this combination of emcee and producer.
Baggage Claims takes us back to 2018 when the opus Pressure Cooker was made. These are joints that were crafted back at that time and released from the vaults now. And these songs resonate just as hard.
French River is the destination and the aspiration as the hustle continues. Make sure to support and purchase direct.
Single You Out: Defcee & Parallel Thought – Sigils (ft. Fatboi Sharif)
When I first heard Defcee, which for me was the album, For All Debts Public and Private, I was a fan. Nuanced word play. Interwoven meanings. Thoughtful talent. He’s an artist of intention, and that’s a high compliment because how many deliver with intent and skill now days? Here you have both. And while his Boathouse collaboration hit heavier, this project with production duo Parallel Thought speaks a little darker in the shadows. Sigils…ties into demonology…with references to the occult. Fatboi Sharif also casts a dark shadow with a sinister sixteen.
Other Blues, drops next Friday, June 6th. Make sure to check it.
Single You Out: M-Dot & Confidence – No Bail Out
My guy M-Dot is back and coming with a bevy of dope beats from Confidence for their upcoming album, Library Of Sound. I am not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet, as I have been graced to hear the album in it’s entirety, and a full review is coming soon, but this is something special. There is beauty in the symmetry between emcee and producer here. On, No Bail Out, they go after artists and their fake bravado and gimmicks. They are giving no quarter to the competition on this one!
Get ready for the album!
Asun Eastwood x MK Ortiz – Chequing Balances (feat. Shottie) (Video)
So this is a few weeks old in terms of when the video was released but I still wanted to make sure the audience has their eyes and ears squarely on this project from Asun Eastwood and MK Ortiz, Ask God For Help. I really love the sound crafted in this album. As a big Eastwoood fan this is my personal favorite from him. MK Ortiz, with his well orchestrated and musically intriguing production, brings out the evolution and introspection in Asun Eastwood. On this particular track we are talking about the necessity of balance in life, and as we get older, this is a valued perspective. Shottie, who also has been bringing us life insight as of late, shares a dope sixteen to round out the dope effort.
Single You Out: Serge Severe – One Of One (ft. Cool Nutz)
Serge Severe is back with a legit banger produced by Trox. One Of One, has that energy and aggressiveness that immediately grabs your attention and holds it there for the duration of the song. Severe sounds sharp as the razors edge over this production along with Cool Nutz who drops his own dope sixteen. Really feeling this joint!
Fel Sweetenberg – War Of Art (prod. by DJ Brans) (Video)
When they say “reaaaaallllllll hip hop” you should have Fel Sweetenberg appear out of thin air, because this guy screams authenticity when it comes to being an emcee. He is one of the most talented yet unheralded artists of my time. He’s been delivering bars in poetic purity for at least a couple of decades. And every time he picks up the mic, he shines again. War Of Art of slaps listeners with a DJ Brans beat and leaves you waiting for June 27th when he drops the first part of his album, Reign Of The Giants!
Jay Royale – The Jay & Dehaven (Video)
Jay Royale does no wrong. Ever. His brand of hip hop harkens back to that Mobb Deep sound perhaps even with a more lyrical flair. His last three projects are damn near impeccable. The Jay & Dehaven is off of his latest project, Jacked For The City. And you can hear on this track that chemistry with long time collaborator Ray Sosa. This joint is gritty and hits hard in all facets. Sleep not.
Dead Perry – Welcome To Hell (feat. P-Dirt, DJ Eclipse & ILL BILL) (Video)
DEAD PERRY. Remember this name. Keep it on the tip of your tongue. This producer is creating memorable music. Timeless music. His sound is infused with so much depth of talent that is stands alone. It so distinct. And his album, Acoustic Shadows, is the embodiment of all that talent and artistic vision. On one listen, I love this album. On the track Welcome To Hell you have P-Dirt and Ill Bill dropping heavy sixteens over a beat that has the emcees head hunting with DJ Eclipse on the cuts. Don’t miss this album! Your ears will regret and mock you for eternity.
Hip Hop Dependency 