stefanoneder 2021

Top 5 EPs (2021)

This is the toughest arena to choose because this is the era of the quick hitter (which I like). Projects with 5-9 tracks seem to dominate the indie hip hop scene. And that’s how I am defining this category, 5 to 9 tracks constitutes extended play, anything more, you have an album, anything less, you have a maxi single. So let’s get it moving on this very competitive category. Here are my Top Five extended plays for 2021.

#5

Daniel Son x Slim One – Bloodlust

I am not sure how many people have heard this project as it hasn’t been released on major DSPs. So it may be a hidden jewel. Slim One has showcased amazing production talent time and again, and from the main attraction to the interludes he crafts some brilliant music. Likewise Daniel Son, has been a stalwart emcee for a few years now, bodying everything in sight. These two proved to be a formidable duo in 2021 and worth the extra effort to hear this joint.

#4

AM Early Morning & Nightstalker – LNEM III

AM Early Morning and Nightstalker put together a true vibe with their recent EP, L.N.E.M III. From the jump you get this smokey jazz club vibe injected with all the hip hop elements we come to love. I think the artists did an incredible job giving these tracks a dope consistency in sound throughout while keeping the listener engaged. It’s jazzy, it’s bluesy, and it can at times be sobering. But the bottom line is it’s unique and a sure shot listen for years to come.

#3

Spit Gemz – Pardon My Poetry

This is the shortest endeavor on this list, but Spit Gemz has a tendency to deliver alot of lyricism and talent in any given amount of time. And he delivers with such intensity you just can’t ignore him. He commands that attention. With joints like Shoot The Fair One and Maury’s Wigs he drops more gems here than most can in a full length album.

#2

Wounded Buffalo Beats – Wounded

This represents the sole, ‘production based’ EP on this list. And Wounded made it for good reason! This joint knocks from start to finish. It’s ridiculous in it’s quality of dope production, guest emcees, and quality bars. When all of the aforementioned are taken into account, you have one of the dopest projects in 2021. Favorite tracks? I think they are all five of five to be honest. Each as dope as the next. But The Victor by Ruste Juxx is truly insane.

#1

Ransom – Se7en

Ransom steals the show in the extended play category with his tribute to the seven deadly sins. By now everyone knows that his talent level is ridiculous. He has surpassed so many bars (literally) and as an artist he seemingly has no ceiling. And here he takes on each sin, and gives it depth and personality like no one else could. This project is my favorite as it is more tightly woven than any project this year. My favorite sins? Gluttony and Wrath.

stefanoneder Video

Spit Gemz – New Scar (Video)

This video has been out for a few weeks, but it’s Spit Gemz, and it’s important to share his music whenever a chance to presents itself. This joint is off of his most artistic endeavor, Pardon My Poetry.

This man has such a tenacity as an artist, and he does it with great intellect. You can hear a microphone slaughter occuring, but inside of that carnage is amazing turn of phrase. Case in point is his Caduceus line.

New Scar is produced by Jazzsoon.

Make sure you check out his new project.

stefanoneder Video

Rikers Island Boxing School – Rifle Experts (Video)

This track has been out for a while, but I simply have to post it. Better late than never and this head simply has to be recognized. Spit Gemz and Eff Yoo combine talents to form Rikers Island Boxing School. And these guys have a vicious spit game that they are bringing to the future on this track, Rifle Experts. They are surveying the post-apocalyptic landscape of Queens in 2099. And they visit courtesy of the production of Project Porter. This is a dope track that signals a dope project is on it’s way.

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Eff Yoo – Seppuku In B Minor (ft G.S. Advance, Aye Wun & Spit Gemz) (Prod The Kurse)

Eff

Eff Yoo and The Kurse are back in the lab and cooking up some heat.  If you add such chefs as G.S. Advance, Spit Gemz, and Aye Wun to the mix then you have music as food for days.

The Kurse puts together a beat as a blessing for the emcees to launch salvos over.  This vocal sample echoes in the background, while there is some savagery occurring on the mic.

I can’t wait for the new project to arrive.

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Organik Poisons – Respect Fire (ft. Spit Gemz x Mitchell Aims)

Organik

I had to re-showcase some material from this album, Chemical Monkeywrench, from Organik Poisons.  The song dropped almost a year ago, but the album was just recently released. I am really feeling the guitar licks and drums from the song Respect Fire.  Plus it features bars from the much respected Spit Gemz and Mitchell Aims.    This is some pure head not effect on here.

Definitely check the album,  it’s a dope listen that I don’t think should be left to go gently into the night.  Lots of bangers on deck here!

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Famoso – Burgundy Clouds (ft. Spit Gemz)

It’s been a long time since I have featured from music from the artist Famoso, but he just released a project called, Tales From Tha’ Dopeside, and he needs to be represented again. The project is eleven tracks long and they are ALL bangers.

Burgundy Clouds features the one and only Spit Gemz so I selected this track as the feature from the album. And while this track is a few years old, these guys show great chemistry and unleash a fury of wordplay over production from Alterbeats.

Check the project! You won’t regret it!

stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Banga K – Who Cares? (ft. Spit Gemz)

You know the drill. If I see a cut has Spit Gemz on it, I am probably going to post it. This one is no different, plus you have production from Stu Bangas, so you know the joint is going to go hard. Banga K, while not someone I am all that up on him, delivers some pretty tough bars as well.

I am not sure if this is art of a project but we are definitely due for a Broken Home album at this point! I hope that comes soon.