MadKem is dwelling in the darkness right now. And lets face it, when an artist goes into a dark place, some of the best music gets made. This joint is soulful, and the way MadKem handles the chorus makes it even more so. His forthcoming album. La Vie en Bleu is dropping really soon, and as goes with all Elementality music, I certainly think you should look to copping that.
JMega The God drops something in the same vain as 2Pac’s Death Around The Corner. Death is coming for us for us all…so be ready if someone tries to take it from you forcefully. Purpose of Tragic Allies is the man responsible for the beat. I am presuming that this is a single off of JMega’s forthcoming album, Niggaz Iz Kingz. As an aside, if you have not heard JMega and Junior Makhno’s album, Blood & Thunder, you need to check it.
B-1 got laced by Large Professor with some vintage hip hop production, and evidently he knew exactly what to do with that…he rips it. B-1 has, not just a good flow, but a great flow. He’s putting these young kids on notice with a skill set like this. Good show. The fact that this track comes from the vaults of 1997 is pretty impressive when considering how well it plays over 15 years later. It still sounds fresher than the majority of the sounds coming out at this moment.
According to the Ill Adrenaline press release that accompanied this track, B-1 is working on a new album due out next year and this single (not related to his album) is available at iTunes right now.
Neek The Exotic is going to be dropping his new album, Hustle Don’t Stop, on August 20th. I probably would have let this pass me by if Alterbeats, the track’s producer, didn’t shoot me a link on Twitter to check it out. It’s really a dope piece of work. The production is a creeper with it’s combination of dusty horns and eerie horror music vibe. All the emcees bring something nice to the mic, and more importantly use the term “ratchet” as it was originally referred to back in the day. The video direction is also done well. I like how the lighting remains dark as the camera approaches each emcee during their verse. I am going to get my ears peeled for this upcoming project.
I can’t help it. I am violating my own rules by posting this video of OnlyOne dropping by DJ Klyph’s radio show and rocking a couple of verses. I try to refrain from posting “non-songs” but this was just too good not share. He’s got bars a plenty, and if this video doesn’t clue you in, make sure you check out Police Brutality B-Sides.
Crafsmen. Remember the name. He is another lyricist that not too many people know about right now, but when you listen to his verses and how they flow you really gain an appreciation for him as an artist. He is a very unique talent on Poe Mack’s label, Mackstrumental. This is a great track from his project, Whichcraf?. I bought it when it came out and I strongly encourage you to do likewise. Dr. G on the beat and Detective Dandridge shares the mic duties so you know.
I Am Many is an interesting moniker for someone who is one of a kind. His artistry, content, and style are unique (to put it mildly). Attack Of The Machines is a track that can be found off of his latest project, DISOBEY. I honestly didn’t even know that he had something new out or you would have already heard about it by now. This song goes in perfect step with the title, DISOBEY. Attack Of The Machines isn’t just about the rise of technology and automation. It is also about the automation of hip hop in culture. We are programmed to carry ourselves a certain way and dress a certain way. Disengage.
Every once in a while I want to listen to something ruthless. And that’s what this track Open Season is….ruthless. There’s not a whole lot of complexity going on here. The Savage Brothers and Benihana Kenobi don’t just imply a beat down…they are here to give it. The production credits go out to Chapter7.
This video surfaces from Substance Abuse’s latest album, Background Music. This track is old school and eclectic. What I diverse line up? You have SU teaming up with Myka 9 who has a style all unto himself, and Percee P who has an absolute tenacious delivery. The production takes me back to BDP era and has me feeling nostalgic. Perhaps we should check out this new album….
Two west coast legends (yes, legends) link up for this video single for the cut Kings. The production is handled by one of the most consistent beatsmiths currently doing his thing, Numonics. I love the beat, the lyrics, and the video concept. The wooden throne up in the club is very fitting. Ras Kass kills me with this line:
I cruxcify rappers, give em’ Calvary pain / Like Christ, y’all ni%$as suffer til our salary change
That was vintage Ras Kass. This cut can be found on J57 and Numonics joint venture, LI FTW, which is slated to drop…not soon enough.
Hip Hop Dependency 