stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Nejma Nefertiti x Double AB x Dub Sonata x Tone Spliff – Pigeons

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.

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Werdperfect – Brimstone (ft. Eto) (prod. By Dub Sonata)

Werdperfect is not a name that I am overly familiar with but this new single, Brimstone, he is bound to raise some eardrums. And with Dub Sonata on the production you are off to a terrific start. And then you add a verse from Eto, and you are REALLY cooking. But come to find out…Werdperfect’s pen game is pretty damn good! The drums knock heavy as does the blending of wordplay and wisdom. Lot of bars that you can feel and relate to.

New album, Dog Daze, drops on April 26th.

stefanoneder Video

Dub Sonata — Cold Alliance (ft. Double A.B.) (Video)

I was actually just listening to Dub Sonata’s Tranquilizer Dart project yesterday and that my friends is top notch music. The track with Double A.B., Cold Alliance, serves as the intro to that project and really sets a dope tone for the project as a whole. Dub Sonata laces the dark melodic tones, and Double A.B. gives us some dope wordplay that shows various transitions in the bars, keeping those ears attached to those headphones.

stefanoneder 2022

50 Best Songs Of 2022

Lists of this magnitude are tough to do and I take a great deal of pride in crafting. I think the first ten to fifteen are easy to distinguish and then after, I think the places can be somewhat become interchangeable. All great tracks, where the pecking order becomes less discernible. So many artists could have been included multiple times on this list, but then we lose depth. Artists like Mickey Diamond and Jay Royale could have had multiple entries. As it stands only one emcee, Ransom, got two tracks selected for this list.

In the end, this is a testament to the strength of hip hop in 2022. We can agree to disagree on many points but maybe you will find something dope you hadn’t heard or a new artist to support. This is my hope.

Thanks for your time and readership!

-Stef aka thathiphopguy

SongArtistNotes
#1 – Done M-Dot & Apollo BrownThis is the track that sets the tone for the entire year and this is what M-Dot and Apollo Brown typify: Hard work and talent!
#2 – Unruly Vandal & NottzA song that gets caught in the head and does not let go. It is a personal anthem.
#3 – Power Nap Nicholas Craven & Boldy JamesBoldy and Craven is a beautiful union and nobody makes me crave a little rest like this cut. Beautiful music.
#4 – A Most Dreadful Symphony Ransom & V DonThis song’s whole vibe gives me chills.
#5 – Chain GretzkyMickey Diamond & Big GhostNo song went harder than this in 2022.
#6 – War I BringSherm LaRock & MidazNo song went harder than this in 2022…except above
#7 – Area 57 (ft. Skyzoo)J57Dope rhymes. Fluid flows. A Change Up. Perfect.
#8 – QtnaDefcee & BoathouseFrom the best album of 2022, you would expect a Top 10 song.
#9 – Highly Favored (ft. Bub Styles & Mickey Diamond)Ty Farris & Slim OneIt’s raw hip hop with a fantastic producer and three consummate emcees.
#10 – Linchpins (ft. Prince Po)Guilty SimpsonThe strings are glorious and the rhymes abound.
#11 – Everywhere I Go (ft. Muja Messiah, Guilty Simpson, and Copywrite)Dub SonataThe connections and cohesion on this joint are unparalleled. So clever!
#12 – Paint Pictures (J.Rocc Remix)XP The MarxmanHip-Hop holds true to it’s purest form on this joint.
#13 – The Most ExaltedIAMGAWDPen game is strong with this one. Glorious.
#14 – 3xMadhattan & NVPied Piper type smooth. Follow the flute and dope flow.
#15 – Sal’s Pizza 38 Spesh & Harry FraudSpesh and Fraud are an elite combination, and you can hear it here.
#16 – Why BitchStarvin B & DustyVibesStarvin B is a regular on these lists and this year is no different.
#17 – No Time To Waste (ft. Jadakiss)Apathy & Stu BangasIf you love sick lyricism this is the joint for you.
#18 – Cancel Myself Ren Thomas & Brutal CaesarYou make a mockery of hip hop so Thomas and Caesar make a mockery of you.
#19 – Immortals (ft. Casual)Lunar HeightsGreat track and the Casual cameo is spot on.
#20 – Keeper Of The FlameMooch & Oh JaySmooth track and crisp flow.
#21 – Gunsmithz (ft. Phat Kat, Asun Eastwood, Recognize Ali)Ol’ Man 80zzzAnother track in 2022 that knocks harder than most.
#22 – Stuck In Our Ways (ft. Rigz, MAV, Mooch)Real Bad ManIt’s Da Cloth!!! Flames!
#23 – Carlito & KleinfeldJay Royale & Kool G RapIt’s that certified street shit featuring a legend with one of today’s strongest.
#24 – Bone TomahawkSpit GemzThis is an intro to Gemz project and packs a lot of heat in a minute’s time.
#25 – Fire Slingers (ft. Snak The Ripper)N.B.S.Yeah. This track stays true to the namesake. They are spitting flames on here.
#26 – Scud MisslePlanet Asia & SnowgoonsLegends unite to give you this heat rock. These guys are at the pinnacle of their craft.
#27 – Roar Of The LionsEl GantAnother track that just “feels” like hip hop. It gets you hype to be a fan.
#28 – SlayJohaz & NottzNottz does it again this time taking you to church with Johaz.
#29 – Dis Could Be BadMAVIt could be bad, but MAV is oh so good.
#30 – Raekwon’s Table Ullnevano & God Sense BeatsNot all are worthy to sit at Raekwon’s Table. But these artists show and prove.
#31 – Lo PanTeek HallTeek Hall is name you should know and when this song gets caught in your head, you’ll remember.
#32 – Hans Gruber (ft. Lil Fame)Wais P & Pete TwistBruce Willis may not approve but the hip hop community agrees this is a banger.
#33 – Diamond Backs (ft. Daniel Son)Maze OverlayNorthside and AZ link up over some Farma heat.
#34 – CompromisedRansomRansom is too talented to not make this list twice.
#35 – Guerrero (ft. Westside Gunn)Benny the ButcherThe power and talent of Griselda is undeniable. This joint feels like it was actually made in a lab.
#36 – Triple Threat (ft. RIM & Frankky Smaccz)Eddie KaineFlamethrower bars over some production from the talented Hobgoblin.
#37 – Both SidesThe TangiersEvery time this cut comes on, my head nods instantly. Drops heavy.
#38 – One Bridge (ft. Fashawn & K-Prez)SnowgoonsThe organ that drives this track is the perfect set up. And the emcees give such great energy!
#39 – Bars After BarsFatt Father & DJ Jewels BabyThe Wu-Tang flip is insane and the bars and flow speak for themselves.
#40 – Museum Piece (ft. Torae)Napoleon Da Legend & Just Music BeatsThis song has the necessary hype and talent equivalent to make the list. Lyricism for days.
#41 – Hamster Wheel LocksmithOne of the most authentic artists in hip hop delivers a virtuoso performance.
#42 – TyrantShabaam Sahdeeq & John Jigg$Two of my favorites link up for some lyrical gold here.
#43 – Dudesovadere (ft. Dro Pesci)Mic HandzThis project is full of bangers and needs to be heard. This is just one of those harbody tracks.
#44 – Too ConvincedNelson Dialect & BigBobThis joint is just so melodic. It honestly should be higher on this list but what’s done is done. Incredible track.
#45 – Queens GambitShaz Illyork & Buon AnniSo good to hear Illyork over these banging beats from Buon Anni.
#46 – Big Coffins (ft. Mickey Diamond and Pro Dillinger)SnottyIt’s The Umbrella posse cut that bodies the competition.
#47 – Bill and Fame (ft. Tone Spliff)The Bad SeedA tribute of sorts to M.O.P. and no one is more set to do it properly than Seed!
#48 – RiotDaniel Son x Futurewave x 36 CypherYes. This joint could easily cause a riot. Everything is intense on this cut.
#49 – It’s Like That (ft. DJ Grazzhoppa)Supreme CerebralSupreme Cerebral slays tracks and he takes this rock infused beat and wreaks havoc.
#50 – Gawds Wrath Massacre (ft. Don Streat x Rico Blox x J Fliz x Jae Hussle x Street Da Villain)Slik Jack & Kng Bondalero)I needed to set off the list with this ill posse cut because this beat by Bondalero is an anthem.
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Dub Sonata – Another Day (ft. Revalation, Bobby J From Rockaway & M-Dot) (Video)

Dub Sonata enlists a superlative cast of emcees for his latest single, Another Day, with the likes of M-Dot, Bobby J From Rockaway and Revalation. This track is the perfect blend of soulful and boom bap. I love the way the beat rolls in and out of the soulful chorus. And the lyrics from all three artists are fantastic relating those stressful experiences to listeners around the world in perfect cadence. Really feeling this joint alot.

And guess what? You are going to be able to hear more from Dub Sonata when his album, Tranquilizer Dart, hits on November 21st.

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Double A.B. – All G (ft. A.L.)

It’s been a looooooooong minute since we have heard some music from Double A.B., but we don’t forget good music around these parts. This emcee has bars and has made some great music, and is apparently STILL making great music.

All G, has a mellow vibe with the twangy guitar taking front and center of the production by long time collaborator, Dub Sonata. And that chill vibe, is the perfect segue for Double A.B. to introduce, or reintroduce himself to fans. Rapping alongside our featured emcee, is A.L., who also drops a dope sixteen.

His new album, Devils & Drugs, drops on April 18th, so stay tuned for that.

stefanoneder Album Reviews

The Aztext – Four (2013)

four-aztext-cover

Artist: The Aztext

Album: Four (Amazon, iTunes)

Tracklisting:

1. Press It Onto Wax
2. All I Know
3. Nor Alone
4. Four
5, Atlas (ft. Wordsworth)
6. Ease U
7. Driftin Away
8. Silent Speakers
9. Just Bein Me
10. Drunk
11. Learn To Talk III
12. Escape (ft. LC)

Note:

When you’re good…you’re good.   The Aztext have been cranking out music for many years now, but it may just be now that they are hitting their stride.  Four is a complete album by any set of standards.  The duo that comprises The Aztext (Pro and Learic) are a unique blend of old school ideology, new school boom-bap,  that is complimented with unique and interesting concepts.

Continue reading “The Aztext – Four (2013)” →

stefanoneder 2012, Awards And Accolades

Top 50 Songs (2012)

Disclaimer:  It is hard and challenging to pick 50 tracks from the thousands upon thousands that dropped this year.  It is merely an attempt to list my favorite cuts of 2012.  Click the links to listen to the song!  I think it’s a great list.  There were a lot of great songs crafted this year and I know I left off some good ones.  I listened to 5,000+ tracks from 2012 alone this year, so as an artist, if you made this list you know you are on the forefront of my iTunes!

1. Megatron Mindstate – Spit Gemz, Shaz Illyork, and DJ Brans brought the banger of the year early on in 2012. For me this track just set a standard that could not be surpassed. The beat was epic and the rhymes intermingled the streets with theology to provide a brief but concentrated delivery of dope.

2. Tragedy Text – RP from the Loyalty Digital game me the chills literally with this track about texting and driving and anyone who can provoke that type of response deserves to be acknowledged.  One of the great conceptual songs in the last five years.

3. The Greatest Mother Ever – Rashid Hadee provides one of the great sarcastic songs of our lifetime with this joint.

4. Little Bunny Rabbit – Locksmith does angst so well.  He raps with a chip on his shoulder and delivers devastation to and and all in his path, in part to his little buddy.

5. Lo Siento Amigo – Dub Sonata x Double AB brought a lot of flavor and context to this joint.   Dub Sonata conjures a little latin boom bap and Double AB continues to be one of the best story telling emcees in the game, narrating a tale of romance, deception, and karma.

6. Local Artist – I could have honestly used any on the cuts off of The 17ths FREE EP.  It’s a damn great EP and you can listen to it through and through.   But this cut puts the listener in the shoes of your “local artist” and his life.

7. Under Their Radar, Over Their Heads – Illmaculate has always delivered dope bars but the production on this joint combined with the lyricism made this a sure shot for out Top 10.

8. Heaven – While this is not on any particular album, Mike Beatz provides an amazing banger for the fans and the visuals from the video give you that serial killer feel.  I can’t wait to hear more from this man in 2013.

9. How Do I Survive – Emilio Lopez and Falside link up for another banger that just makes the listener get out of the seat and get amped.

10. Dirt In The Ground – Premrock’s reworking of Tom Waits music is impressive and this joint is the closing cut.  It’s very innovative and poignant.

11. Rare Flow – Serge Severe and Jon Belz bring you that rare Portland air with this ‘rare flow’ over Terminill production.

12. J.O.Y. – Copywrite features Torae and Jason Rose for this outstandingly soulful song.

13. My Condolences – Snake Hollywood released this beast of a track towards the end of the year and it instantly bypassed 95% of the other tracks out there.  Really dope rhymes.

14. Yesterday’s Gone – Swerve and Co$$ define soul in hip hop with this track.  Just something to put you at ease.

15. 3AM – Journalist 103 is prone to drop a gem on em’ and this is one of my favorite tracks from his most recent album.

16. Burn It Down – Gotham Green and Quickiemart bring you a track to tear the club up.  A 1940s club that is because this joint bumps with a nostalgic vibe.  Very unique.

17. Waiting In Vein – Mayhem drops one of the best storytelling joints this year.   You will just have to listen to this one and follow along.

18. Problem Solver – Vinnie Paz brings in the legend, Scarface for this song off of his most recent album.

19.  Futuristic – When is ‘The Wolves’ project going to drop because this collaborative deal between Shabaam Sahdeeq, Eddie B., and Harry Fraud is type ill.

20. Check My Resume – Substantial rocking over some Oddisee beats is the sure shot.

21. Don’t Hate – Of Mice and Musicians are trying to convince the listener they are doing it for their benefit…so don’t hate.  Also, this is off of a great album so make sure you cop that!

22. Big Bro – Fatal Lucciauno dropped a real raw ass album and this song is the crem de la crem.

23. Sorry – Alias & Fakts One apologize for the vicious cycle on this joint but not their dope music.

24. Mr. Governor – The duo of Soul Khan and Akie Bermiss again deliver a dope song with this conscious cut.

25. Drowning Man – Cas Metah and Wonder Brown  offer a Christian message in the form of dope hip hop rhythm accompanied by Copywrite and Elias.

26. Digi Box – C-Rayz Walz pays homage to the hip hop internet scene.

27. Rock To The Rhythm – Ruste Juxx and The Arcitype drop thisself explanatory joint but in the illest, and most high energy way possible.

28. Price & Shining Armor – When Sean Price and Ruste Juxx combine, it’s nothing but a win for everybody.

29. Unfukwitable – Red Eye and company rock over a DJ Bless beat making this the best posse cut of the year.  Hands down.

30. Sushi – Ras Kass is my all-time favorite emcee and he shows and proves his place in history once again with this track.

31. Monte Carlo – King Mez and producer Commissioner Gordon once again combine for this audio masterpiece.

32. Jansport Strings – Skyzoo and the horns are a formidable combination.

33.  Above The Sky – Apollo The Great is one of the best surprises this year to me.  His album is immaculate and this track is one of my favorites.

34. Terminate On Site – CF drops another tough joint.  Last year he brought ‘that fire’, and this year he ‘terminates on site’.

35.  Humid Nights – JR&PH7 link up with The Kid Daytona for a soulful joint off their most recent project.

36.  Success – The Audible Doctor  and Chaundon showcase their verbals over the former’s tightest productions.

37. Walk With The Lions – When Swedish producer Pause Beats comes out with his album in 2013 you will recognize.  A lot of talent on this track.

38. Knob Creek – JustMe, Marcus Wilkerson, and Sheisty Khrist give you a spiritual, soulful and bluesy vibe that this liste needed.

39.  Rabbit Season – Craig G is an OG.  He deosn’t care about end of the year accolades but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve them.  He once again shows these youngsters how it is done…proper.  Kids….go get your shine box!

40.  the Last Great – This is the title track off of MaLLy & The Sundance Kid’s album from this year.  It’s such a different sound and the two work great together.

41. Blame The Label – The Narcicyst asks you to take a leap of faith with him which is easy when he drops an infectious track like this!

42.  Unlearn – Reks and Numonics kill the game with this track.  These are two of my favorites in their selected fields.  You can’t listen to this without stopping what you are doing and paying attention to the music,.

43.  Appreciation – Speaking of ill combinations, Donnie Darko  and DJ Bless continue their run with one of the best track this year.  Darko has a lot of power in his voice and Bless in his beats.

44. Sandstorms – This list needed another ill posse cut and who better to deliver than Blacastan, Emilio Lopez, Outerspace, and V-Zilla?  No One.

45. Holy Smokes – You don’t remember Mr. Complex do you?  Well, I personally think he is one of the most interesting emcees in the game.  A great talent with a great sense of humor.

46. People  – Falside ain’t right for this as he asserts his force on this Juan Deuce track featuring Romen Rok.  Real ill!

47. The First 48 – Apollo Brown and OC brought you one of the illest albums this year and this song typifies that release.  Dope beats and rhymes.

48.  You Know Who You Are – Oddisee is a unique talent with an old soul.  A producer extraordinaire with great lyrical ability.

49.  Balcony – Are you down with the Mission? The Black Opera.  You are either with us or against us.

50.  Time 2 Roll – The Red Giants are not only smooth but also extremely dope and don’t tell me Jermiside can’t flow.  This is ill lyricism and ability!