Jae Skeese was a revalation to me last year. His intelligence and insight are such a welcome contribution to hip hop. As a writer, it’s not about clever punches, it’s about telling a story and a perspective with deft mic skills. Definitely feeling his style. And here he quite literally rides the wind taking advantage of Superior’s subtle and understated production.
Testament Of The Times is out now!
I really wanted to showcase this producer, Nef. This man is not getting enough credit for his sound. He has a keen ear for making beautiful backdrops for emcees to tell a story. He recently released another album, The Gentleman’s Board which is extremely dope. I loved Tabula Rasa but this new one is definitively a growth in sound.
I decided to feature the Bobby J From Rockaway track, because these two just have an incredible chemistry. And Bobby J is just so clever with the wordplay. The Mordor line had me run it back. Really dope!
Another single off of Jay Royale’s forthcoming EP, The Bea Gaddy Soup Kitchen. And this project is bound to be just as flames as the last, Criminal Discourse.
Jay Royale solicits the skills of Pete Twist on production, and a verse from Born Unique. So you KNOW this joint is going to be tough. This piano banger from Twist sounds like a horror movie score, which is justifiable once you hear these bars. And those Mobb Deep samples scratched in, really adds that special touch. Don’t Sleep!
We are blessed today with a new one from Spit Gemz, and he’s spitting with some vengeance over this Seth SilenSir production. Linking up with Bub Styles, they illustrate that they aren’t about to be derailed.
All of you pussy I have no doubts about it / In my zone ain’t a man who can take me out it / On my throne ain’t a harlot that can shake me out it
Embarking on a different type of project are artists, Nejma Nefertiti, Double AB, Dub Sonata, and Tone Spliff. You may or may not be familiar with all the names, but trust me these are titans of their perspective crafts. On the track Pigeons, the emcees take on the task on dropping sixteens on the birds that have become synonymous with urban centers. They each have dope narrative and perspective and it’s a unique way to display dexterity and invention. And Dub Sonata laces some soulful boombap flavor that takes to the streets of NY while Tone Spliff (hardest working DJ/Producer in the game) scratches those finishing touches on an already dope track.
Animal Barz drops on March 15th.
Single from producer Big Sproxx featuring the incomparable Tragedy Khadafi. It’s mellow yet “deep” production. The depth of sound really keeps the listener attached to the music. And Tragedy is more than three decades in and still has razor sharp bars that everyone can relate to. His craft is really the stuff of legends and doesn’t get mentioned enough.
I ain’t even touch my zenith believe it the night’s still young – Tragedy
The Bad Seed is only accelerating when it comes to making great music. He just released Everything Means Nothing Vol. 1 and now he’s coming with the sequel in just over a month. And these aren’t filler tracks or left overs…the verbal artillery and the production is top notch. Freakshow is on the boards crafting the perfect backdrop for a posse cut. The guitar loop with the drums is perfect for Seed, Ethemadassassin, and LR Blitzkrieg to conduct their takeover. The pen game on this joint is elite. I especially like Ethemadassassin’s sports bars and metaphors. This is a sure shot!
Everything Means Nothing Vol. 2 coming in April!
Novatore has a new C-Lance sizzler (no pun intended) featuring none other than Celph Titled. C-Lance uses as cascading piano loop and strings to execute the soundscape while the emcees deliver their bars…violently and cleverly.
Those who can’t see me suffer from blind rage / My brain is work of art so imagine my mind frame – Celph Titled
Flashius Clayton and Flu linked up for a dope little project called, Two Piece and a Biscuit, and it’s three tracks of straight dope hip hop. I loved all three tracks from this project, and could have featured either of them, but here’s the track, All About Me. The sample that Flu laces for this track is such a great vibe. It’s got a certain amount of “cool” to it. Love it. And Clayton it puts it into perspective bar by bar…it’s not about you, it’s about me. Great song. Great project.
Oh yes…Copywrite teaming up for some DJ Mighty Mi production! This song smacks! The funky boom bap laced by Mighty Mi is the perfect landscape for Copy to land punch after punch. This might be my favorite Copy song in recent memory. I mean…I stayed rewinding it back with bars like:
This Liberace / You mad cuz the bitches jock me / Cougar in the car like the Ballad Of Ricky Bobby
His upcoming album T.H.E. Last Supper (coming in May) has all the trappings of something really dope! Stay tuned!
