M-Dot – Pain And Haste (Video)

The emcee’s emcee, M-Dot, is back with another banging single from his album, egO anD The eneMy 2: A Dissolute Paradise.

On his new video single, Pain and Haste, he connects with his listeners on the humanity of it all. He addresses self-doubt, depression, alcoholism, fidelity, community violence, being a father, and an artist. He does this all with adept skill, introspection, and one thing I know he values above all…integrity.

As an artist and a man, M-Dot never tosses stones through a glass house. He does it all from the vantage of his own feeling and experience.

Definitely make sure you check this album!

Production is handled by Pro Knows Music. Don’t sleep!

M-Dot – Silver Bullet (Video)

Silver Bullet is the final single before the release of M-Dot’s much anticipated opus, egO anD The eneMy 2: A Dissolute Paradise, which is set to drop on Friday on his bandcamp page. And on this track, M-Dot makes you feel his angst and pressure over production from Pro Knows Music. He articulates on how he changed and adapted as the times changed. When the tours stopped because of covid, M-Dot just sharpened his tools and began producing, and he continues his fight through music while other faces have faded through the years.

I’ve been waiting on this album a long time, and in four days the wait is over!

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.

SoulRocca – Toil (ft. M-Dot) (Video)

M-Dot and company fired this video single off to me, and it’s super fresh. German production team, SoulRocca, provide and excellent and energetic backdrop for one of our favorites to sink his teeth into. I say this all the time, but the track Toil again hits this note for which M-Dot is famous. It’s that hard work infused with talent that sets him apart bar by bar from others. Love this joint.

And you can hear more from SoulRocca off their new album, In Good Company. A lot of dope features on there and you can hear the talent from behind the boards.

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.

Single You Out: M-Dot x Apollo Brown – Done

All I can saw here…is…WOW. Obviously, I am a huge fan of M-Dot. I showcase pretty much everything he puts out because he’s that good and consistent. But I can say without as much as a waver that this is one of his BEST cuts…EVER. This is a shining moment of 2022. M-Dot has worked with alot of dope producers, but man, how he graces this amazing Apollo Brown production is other worldly. And content wise, he puts today’s game on full display and roasts it. Illustrating all the shortcuts and smoke and mirrors that today’s artists utilize save for talent, and fall flat on their face.

…I’m just shinging light like God on the first day…

Album Review: M-Dot – Dining In Dystopia (2022)

Artist: M-Dot

Album: Dining In Dystopia

Tracklisting:

  1. Blood, Sweat, & Tears (prod. L.O.B.)
  2. Price Of Love (prod. Jon Glass)
  3. Decadence (ft. Kool G Rap & Revalation) (prod. The Mighty V.I.C.)
  4. Another Day (Remix) (prod. by Pro Knows Music)
  5. Neck Tie (ft. Conway & Nutso) (prod. by Whatson)
  6. Ricochet (prod. by Whatson)
  7. Thunder Slap (ft. Celph Titled, Esoteric, Big Shug, & DZ The Unknown) (prod. by C-Lance)
  8. Schizoid (ft. DZ The Unknown & Mayhem) (prod. by C-Lance)
  9. Wrath Of The Titans (ft. RJ Payne & The Tangiers (prod. by M-Dot)
  10. Stop Watch (ft. Revalation) (prod. by The Quarter Inch Kings)
  11. Reaganomics (ft. Elzhi, Ras Kass, & Large Pro) (prod. B Leafs)

Note:

M-Dot has been showcased numerous times on our site, but the day he drops anything less than stellar, is the day his project doesn’t reach these pages. But my friends, today is not that day. For 10 plus years we rep him as an artist because of what this project, Dining In Dystopia, embodies. It is one part sheer skill and going for the jugular, and another part personal testament to what it takes to achieve this level of recognition.


Continue reading “Album Review: M-Dot – Dining In Dystopia (2022)”

M-Dot – Blood, Sweat & Tears (Video)

M-Dot has his new project, Dining in Dystopia, dropping on January 28th, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears is yet another ill cut from the project. And while the song, is laden in M-Dot’s talent and skill, the video on the other hand is done with a certain amount of comedic value and light heartedness. It’s pretty funny and entertaining with the narratives that take place during and after. It reminds us that hip hop should be fun, but counterpoint, in the grand scheme of things the reality is that for all the talent and grind that M-Dot possesses, battling against the likes of impostors, frauds, and amateurs isn’t far from the truth lol. L.O.B. on the beat!

Enjoy and check the album when it drops!