I am really not sure who comprises Ivory Gates but I like the sound. I am also not sure about the concept of a “Video EP” but I suppose in a world of cookie cutter emcees/producers any differentiation is good.
Single You Out: Al-One – Money Maker (ft. Rocket One)
New music from Sandpeople member, Al-One is always a welcome treat in the inbox. This track is coming off of his forthcoming album, Shallow Al, which is dropping on April 20th.
Mayhem & Jerz – You May Not Understand (ft. Tribeca & EK) (Video)
New video from Mayhem and Jerz’s MayJerzachusetts Island project. Jerz give this track the bluesy touch withe the production. Tribeca, EK, and Mayhem make the most of the dope beat and rock it proper. Check out this mixtape when you have a moment. It’s worth the time but maybe you weren’t meant to comprehend it…
Single You Out: Napoleon Da Legend – Truth Serum (ft. Spit Gemz)(Prod by DUS)
Man, this is a moment that needs repenting: I have not checked out Napoleon Da Legend’s latest album, Awakening. I am ashamed of that because this joint is proof that the man has a serious skill set. He goes bar for bar with my current favorite artist, Spit Gemz. That’s saying something. So let us correct ourselves and give this album a spin, shall we? As purveyors of fine hip hop, that’s a definitive duty.
Phene – Obliged (ft. Maffew Ragazino) (Video)
Phene’s God On A Greyhound has been out for a long minute now so seeing this video was a surprise to me. A pleasant surprise. God On A Greyhound is a beast of an album that dropped a couple of years ago so the visual treatment for this track is past due to say the least. But I’ve seen Phene’s name pop over the course of the last few months so maybe word is getting around about the man’s talent. Quan is responsible for the production and Ragazino needs no introduction.
Single You Out: Shaz IllYork – Chopper (G-Mix) (ft. Nems, Poison Pen, Nutso & Danse Daimons)
Let the horns blow! It’s like a call to war on this track. Some of my favorite emcees gathered for this remix to Shaz Illyork’s Chopper. We got Nems, Poison Pen, Nutso, and Danse Daimons. I am not familiar with the latter artist but the former gentlemen are certified body bag rhymers. I was particularly impressed with Poison Pen’s bars. I haven’t heard him in a long while and he sounded certified fresh on this joint. I can’t wait to get my hands on Illyork’s Deadstock Revival.
Morgue music.
Single You Out: Rediculus – Off The Turnbuckle (feat. J57, Venomous2000, Fdot1 & El Gant)
Some high octane hip hop to get the juices moving this Monday. J57, Venomous2000, FDot1, and El Gant pull off their best Supafly Snooka over this 70s funktastic Rediculous beat. As of last year, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you who Rediculous even was, but he has been responsible for some pretty impressive works over the course of that time. When I get something in the inbox with his name on it, I know I have to pay attention.
Single You Out: Rap-P – The Window (ft. Famoso x Shabaam Sahdeeq)
I am really diggin’ this Timeless Beats produced track. The sampling is on point. (More on point than this artwork that’s cutting off the names of the artists). Rap-P, Famoso, and Shabaam Sahdeeq all showcase their skills proper.
Locksmith – Bear With Me (prod. by Mike TopNoch) (Video)
Nobody does real-life-shit better than Locksmith. He is able to touch on topics that people can relate to and gets personal like no other. His music is probably the best demonstration of how powerful and moving hip hop can be.
His album, The Green Box, is going to drop May 7th.
Single You Out: OnlyOne – Monsters Ink (ft. Chase Moore & Al-G)
I love it. Absolutely love it. OnlyOne drops nothing but heat and now he’s once again teamed up with producer Furtado Yuen for the second installment of their collaborative EPs. The first one is still on repeat in the rotation. Professional is my personal favorite cut off of that project but I digress (pick that up if you have not already)
This is a complete song from the bars to the production to the chorus. All hip hop heads will be liable to play this joint…
Hip Hop Dependency 