I am violating that rule again where I don’t usually post emcees rocking over instrumentals, but when Spit Gemz spits, rules are forgotten and replaced with dope music. Gemz kills this production!
Single You Out: Nutso & Dee Metto – Welcome To The Terror
Ahhhh yeah! I’ve been waiting for this collaboration between our Artist of the Year, Nutso and one of my favorite producers, Dee Metto. It gets no realer than this, folks. Dee Metto hits with production that sounds like audible terrorist attack and Nutso drops some slick/tough wordplay. I am going to assume that this is the intro track for their forthcoming project, Fluushang Metto, which drops on March 1st.
Single You Out: N3WTHOUGHT (My’key Iso , Brandy Shanice, Danny Watts ) – Call Out My Name
This is a heartfelt dedication track from the artists that comprise N3WTHOUGHT (My’key Iso, Brandy Shanice, and Danny Watts). I am not sure about the background of the track but I can tell it was made with the backing of a lot of emotion and features one of the most underrated beatsmiths of all time, Freddie Joachim.
Artist Spotlight: Mr. Live (2014)
I have been sitting on this interview for a minute, waiting for the day to come where I could share it with you guys. I present to you today HHD’s interview with Mr. Live. A lot of new readers may be unfamiliar with Mr. Live, but to those of us who grew up during the advent of the independent hip hop music scene, his name rings bells. Along with groups like Jigmastas and Natural Elements, Mr. Live was releasing a slew of dope 12″ releases that have become revered among heads in my age group. He has one of the most unique voices in the game and I am glad he is back making more music. As 1/2 of Drama Class, along with Earl Blaize, he is releasing his new EP, Conflicted, today. So in conjunction with his return to music, I present words from the man himself…enjoy!
The AbSoulJah – Ninety Something (ft. DJ Safe) (Produced by Gabz of Le Gouffre) (Video)
This is some newness given the video treatment from The AbSoulJah’s latest album, Dim The Light. The track is smooth with some expert chopping by DJ Safe. The AbSoulJah continues to maintain a high level of musical excellence not only with this song, but also the entire album. I hope to have a review done sooner rather than later. If you like that NY/Boom Bap flavor, I would cop this.
2 Man Cypher – Project 48 (Video)
2 Man Cypher released the video for Project 48 in conjunction with their new album, Queen City Bastards. The album is one of the hardest hitting pieces of music in a long time. Project 48 really illustrates the chemistry between Sleep and Cocaine Chris. They execute the exchanges really well over this Dope Antelope production.
I am going to have a full review of the album done by early next week. You really need to check it out. It will grab an instant place in your musical rotation.
Single You Out: Ugly Heroes – Pay Attention
Off of the forthcoming Mello Music Group Compilation, Mandala Vol. 2, Today’s Mathematics, comes the first single from Ugly Heroes. The crew is of course comprised of Verbal Kent, Red Pill, and Apollo Brown. This is a stellar joint if my opinion counts for anything. The sound is really an extension of their self-titled album from earlier this year.
“…some pay dues…I pay attention…”
The compilation drops on January 28th so save the date…
Meta P – Animal (ft. Block McCloud and Fresh Jones) (Video)
Meta P gives the listeners something a little different with the track, Animal. Initially you might think that he is dropping something “animalistic” on the mic or an “animal” in the streets. But those tracks are a dime a dozen. He delivers a track who’s content is about protecting animals, in particular pitbulls. He spits about the topic from a lot of different perspectives.
His album, Evolution, is dropping on March 31st so stay tuned for that.
Bankai Fam – Move On (Video)
I simply missed this one in my inbox. I am not (or was not) up on the Bankai Fam sound but after listening to this track I am going to have start bearing a little witness around here. The team’s got a nice flavor over this Azaia track. The emcees each have distinct voices that play well off of one another. The emcee who drops the second sixteen has one of those gravelly flows that you just don’t hear all that frequently. All in all, you can’t go wrong with the Bankai Fam. I am going right over to Amazon to cop their new album, On My Side.
Producer Spotlight: IMAKEMADBEATS (2013)
It’s time for another Producer’s Spotlight and this time we are going more domestic than imported. IMAKEMADBEATS is the first producer from the United States to be featured in this segment and we are really proud to showcase his talents on HHD. He’s worked with some incredibly talented artists but some of his best work can be featured on MidaZ the Beast’s new album, AU: Another Universe. Definitely make sure you check that release out if you have not already. You should also check out IMAKEMADBEATS’ Daylight/Nightlight EPs.
Hip Hop Dependency 