The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 7]

What up ninjas? We’re really excited to be bringing you the seventh edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo. This week’s collection leans a little towards the younger side, with a terrific assortment of raw, up and coming artists and burgeoning underground acts. We start things off on a rather mellow note, as Dally Auston and Joey Purp “do their thang” on the compulsory SAVEMONEY track of the week. The Chicago collective is constantly working to provide us with quality material week after week, and I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with their product. We then slide on over to Tennessee native, Isaiah Rashad’s “Part III,” presumably a reference to Jay-Z‘s classic, “Dead Presidents II.” Those are huge shoes to fill, but Rashad definitely holds his own over the instrumental. Next up, we have Locksmith standing his ground over some stellar 9th Wonder production. It’s nearly impossible to hate anything 9th is involved in, and Locksmith does his part by providing some ill bars. Over some swinging production, Joey Bada$$ and Action Bronson prove “Beyond A Reasonable Doubt” that they deserve to be mentioned alongside the brightest young names in hip-hop.

With summer right around the corner, we decided to dedicate a portion of this playlist to our favorite season of the year. Kicking things off with the breezy vibes are Kool A.D. (of Das Racist fame) and Kassa Overall who make up the tag team duo of Kool & Kass. On “Pleasance,” the two emcees detail some of the thoughts that might circle through your brain during one of those late summer afternoons. One thing everybody looks for during this time of the year is summer love. N’Vante Santos describes his ideal specimen with the fun and hilarious single, “Hipster Girl.” By now you must have pictured the scorching sun beating down on you from above, so why not cool off with a delicious, refreshing beverage? NatNaiel proves that nothing beats the quintessential tall glass of “Lemon-Aid.” Before you know it, you’ll find yourself at the beach, ready to “Take Off” for a dip in the ocean. Let the waves wash over as you relax to UK native, Cynikal‘s ambient, relaxing new single. Once you’re out of the water, it might be time to kick “your shoes” off (if would be weird if you haven’t already) and start a party alongside ATL’s Scotty. Things have progressed pretty fast thus far, and the clock’s now hit “6:10 PM.” What better things do you have to do than toking up a bit and cruising down the coast in your whip (as long as you’re not the driver of course)? We’re pretty sure Chitown’s A.J. Crew would agree nothing. Finally, after that busy day of yours, why not unwind with a few videogames? Maybe you could even dust off that Pokemon cartridge to play on your old “Gameboi.” On “Insert Coin,” Gameboi and his crew of Clear Soul Forces and Illingsworth lace an 8-bit backdrop with some incredibly ill verses.

Things definitely take a turn for the darker side with our next three tracks. Chuck Inglish, crafts together a slinky, trunk rattling new single with bass-heavy “Drops.” The track definitely harkens back to the sound Inglish first established during his early days with The Cool Kids.  Next up, we have a haunting new Harry Fraud single, which brings to our attention the little known issue of “Yacht Lash,” something that occurs when the wealthy among us happent to crash their yachts. Earl Sweatshirt sounds right at home over the brooding instrumental, while Riff Raff seems to serve as little more than comedic relief. We then move on to Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire, who details his desire to forever be “Draped In Gold.”

Our next segment is dedicated to some heavy hitting bangers that are bound to get you amped up and out of your seats. Opening things up is Run The Jewels, a hip-hop duo comprised of Killer Mike and El-P. The two have proven they have chemistry in the past, which is what makes this collaboration seem effortless as the two trade bars over some manic production. Our second offering comes from P-Money, with his new song, “The Hardest.” The track definitely lives up to its name, thanks in no small part to M.O.P., who are literally the kings of hyped-up music. Closing things up in this section is R.A. The Rugged Man, who’s been bringing us quality material all month from his new album, Legends Never Die, which is definitely worth picking up.

This next ensemble of tracks keeps things on a more conscious tip. We begin with two fresh tracks from Eddy B, a name that should be familiar from previous editions of The Hip-Hop Dojo. The North Carolina spitter just dropped his Hopeless Act mixtape, and both “Paper” and “Trouble” are standouts from the project. While the first track describes the daily struggles involved in the quest for paper, the second describes many of the other problems on Eddy’s block. While Eddy recounts his experiences locally, King Wojack decides to tackle some prominent issues ailing this country as a whole in regards to politics and the media. Finally, A.Jay.D. and Maffew Ragazino take us down a trip through “Ghost Lane Drive,” a lonely road that I’m sure many of us have traveled on before.

Rounding out this playlist are three of my favorite tracks from the bunch. All three of them utilize some pretty recognizable samples. In fact, I’ll let you see if you can guess them before I move on. The first one should be relatively easy, as it shares its name with the original Purity Ring single. Angel Haze absolutely murders the lush, cascading backdrop, allowing us to view the song in a whole new light. Next, we shift our attention over to Donwill (1/2 of Tanya Morgan) who eviscerates a keen sample of James Blake‘s “Retrograde.” Ending out our playlist is one of the funnier and more intelligent pieces we have here. MeLo-X produces a nice little ode to Rihanna that serves as a remix of Drake‘s latest single, while also interpolating elements from “Pour It Up” and “Diamonds.” The track isn’t all gimmicks however, as MeLo is able to showcase both his talents as a rhymer and as a producer.

We hope you guys enjoyed our seventh edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo as much as we did. As always, send all submissions/suggestions to baseer@themusicninja.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS

’Dally Auston x Joey Purp
Do Ya’ Thang’
’Isaiah Rashad – Part III (Prod. The Antydote)’
’Locksmith – Stand It feat. Anesha (prod. 9th Wonder)’
’Joey Bada$$ – Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Feat. Action Bronson’
’Kool & Kass – Pleasance (WDGAF) (Prod. Carlos Overall)’
’N’Vante Santos
Hipster Girl’
’NatNaiel – Lemon Aid’
’Cynikal – Take Off’
’A.J. Crew – 6:10pm’
’Scotty – My Shoes ft. Starlito & Killa Kyleon (Produced by DJ Burn One)’
’Gameboi – Insert Coin ft. Clear Soul Forces & Illingsworth’
’Chuck Inglish – Drops’
’Harry Fraud – Yacht Lash (Ft. Earl Sweatshirt & Riff Raff)’
’Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire – Draped in Gold (prod. by Bowery Beats)’
’Run The Jewels – Get It’
’P.Money – The Hardest ft. M.O.P.’
’R.A. The Rugged Man – Sam Peckinpah (ft. Vinnie Paz & Sadat X)’
’Eddy B – Paper’
’Eddy B – Trouble’
’King Wojack – Freedom Is Not Free in America’
’A.Jay.D – Ghost Lane Drive feat. Maffew Ragazino’
’Angel Haze – Lofticries’
’Donwill – Miserable (Prod. By seventyMHz)’
’MeLo X – Girls Love Rihanna’
Related items:

The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 3]

What up y’all? The Hip-Hop Dojo is back for round 3 and ready to bring you an onslaught of new hip-hop music. This week was dominated by Harry Fraud and Peter Rosenberg. With Rosenberg dropping his New York Renaissance mixtape today, we were provided with a slew of great releases from some of The Big Apple’s best and brightest young emcees. The intro to the tape, is also the first collaboration between Joey Bada$$ and Harry Fraud. “Day In The Life” showcases that throwback flow that Joey and his Pro Era crew have been perfecting since they first entered the game. On the next track from the compilation, Queens collective, World’s Fair, revive the gritty spirit of the ’96 Knicks, harkening back to the heated rivalry between two of the NBA’s toughest squads of the late 90’s. The last single from the tape is Action Bronson‘s “Compliments 2 The Chef” where he spits a few bars about his favorite subject: exquisite food. Anyone else think a remix with Raekwon is in order for this one?

Speaking of New York, we’ve included a nice little project from Jay Shell that all you hip-hop heads will definitely enjoy. Taking quotes from various rap songs about specific spots in NYC, Jay Shell then posted those quotes as signs around the city in the exact locations mentioned. It’s a pretty neat idea that really connects you with the artists and the meaning behind their lyrics. Check out the video after the playlist.

Before we even get to New York though, we have to travel through Chicago. While Martin $ky tries to capture his memories in the form of a “Polaroid,” SaveMoney‘s Sterling Hayes recruits D2G and Kembe X to reflect on some of their own. We then take a brief detour to the Southwest, to visit a “Church” in “West Texas” as Austin native M.I and Blu reveal their struggles with faith. Next up, we have a great new track from California’s Audio Push, who sample the most badass quote of all time, from the greatest show on television, Breaking Bad.

Our next two tracks may have the illest beats to be featured on here this week. The first of these comes in the form of Smith‘s “Don Sh*t”. Smith, who may want to consider using with a more distinctive moniker, absolutely murders the Woodro Skillson (now that’s an awesome name) produced cut alongside Maffew Ragazino. Following that up, we have a dope, chilled-out track from Al-Fatir , where he describes to us the life of a “Man From The Sky.” We also have “Bubble Gum Blues,” a Mac Miller produced cut that features Top Dawg’s Ab-Soul trading bars with Young Money’s Short Dawg. Making his third appearance in the Dojo, is King Chip, with the grimy new track, “Heinous.” At this point, we might as well just give him a key to the building. We’ll have to see if he keeps his streak going next week.

As we approach the home stretch, we decided to take a turn a more “fun” approach towards the remainder of our selections. Wale‘s freestyle over the group’s “Sight of the Sun” definitely fits the bill, and is a refreshing break from the MMG dynamic we’ve been hearing from the DMV native lately. Sol‘s “Dope” is a light and airy track that definitely lives up to its name. Next up, we have Outasight‘s “Remember Me” which is a smooth leftover from his debut album, Nights Like These. Finally, we wrap things up with a two-for-one with Honors English‘s “Insanity Plea Pt. 1 & 2.” Honors English describes life as an artist with integrity and consequently, an outsider looking in. What originally sold me on the track is the incredible lyrics video, which is definitely a must watch.

I hope you guys enjoyed the third edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo. As always, send all submissions and suggestions over to baseer@themusicninja.com.

 CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS

’Martin $ky – Polaroid’

’Sterling Hayes – Retrospect ft. D2G x Kembe X (prod. Antydote)’
’Joey Bada$$ – “Day In The Life” (Prod. By Harry Fraud)’
’World’s Fair – ’96 Knicks !!’
’M.I – Church West Texas (ft. Blu)’
’Audio Push – Red Wine Remedies (Feat. Kent M$ney)’
’Eddie B feat. AG Da Coroner & Meyhem Lauren – “Michael Landon” (Prod. By Harry Fraud)’
’Action Bronson – Compliments 2 The Chef feat. Lauriana Mae (Prod. by Harry Fraud)’
’ScienZe – The Answer (prod. Lord Quest)’
’Young Roddy – Life Ft Curren$y’
’Rome Cee x Greenspan – The Harvest (prod. August Flight Gordon)’
’OnCue – Live Forever (feat. Skizzy Mars) (prod. by Mike Kuz)’
’Smith – Don Sh*t (feat. Maffew Ragazino) (Prod. Woodro Skillson)’
’Al Fatir – Man From The Sky’
’Ab Soul & Short Dawg – Bubble Gum Blues (prod. Larry Fisherman)’
’King Chip – Heinous ft. Tezo’
’Sol – Dope (Prod. by The Zillas)’
’fun. – Sight of the Sun Freestyle Ft. Wale’
’Outasight – Remember Me’
’Honors English
Insanity Plea ft. Joe Budden Part 1 and 2 (The Complete Saga)’

Continue reading

Related items:
Action Bronson
Morey Boogie Boards (Prod. Harry Fraud)

We already got one Harry Fraud produced heater yesterday, and now we thankfully have another. Featuring some commanding yet laid-back bars from Action Bronson, “Morey … Continue reading »

Related items:

[Hip-Hop] Danny Brown – #HottestMC (Prod. Harry Fraud)

It’s that time of year again when MTV releases its “Hottest MCs in The Game” list, which is always bound to stir up some controversy. A plethora of rappers have already expressed that they feel slighted by their rank, including Kanye West and A$AP Rocky. Now Danny Brown‘s stepped up to give us his two cents. Rather than phoning into any radio shows though, Danny demonstrates why he belongs to be mentioned amongst the top emcees with this brand new Harry Fraud-produced track. Brown comes packing heat on this one, leaving no doubt in our minds that he’s one of the best rappers out there right now.

’#HottestMC Produced By Harry Fraud’
Related items:

[Hip-Hop] Pusha T – Wrath of Caine (Mixtape)

As promised, G.O.O.D. Music‘s Pusha T drops off his much anticipated free project, Wrath of Caine, today with an array of notable features and production. This one is sure to be full of some real heavy hip-hop and impressive lyricism as the veteran and former member of the legendary Clipse prepares to release his solo debut album later this year. If you are heading to Coachella this time around, you won’t want to miss Pusha Ton, who puts on an awesome performance. Check out a few of our favorite tracks below and grab the whole thing free here: Pusha T – Wrath of Caine (Mixtape)

’Pusha T – Road Runner (Feat. Troy Ave) (Prod. By Harry Fraud)’
’Pusha T
Revolution (Prod. By The Neptunes)’
’Pusha T – Take My Life (Feat. Andrea Martin) (Prod. By Jake
One)’
Related items:

[Hip-Hop] Casey Veggies – Life Changes (Mixtape)

Young Inglewood native, Casey Veggies, has been on the hip-hop radar dating back to his features on the early Odd Future mixtapes. Although he has since parted ways with the OF clan, Veggies has certainly shown an ability to hold his own continuing to find cosigns among top-tier emcees. Life Changes, his latest mixtape, may be his breakout project with features and production from the likes of The Futuristiks, DJ Dahi, Dom Kennedy, 1500 or Nothin’ and Harry Fraud. Through out the piece of work we see the 19 year-old spitter emerge with the confidence that comes with your fifth mixtape.

Life Changes is a solid project from start to finish carrying a new age, west coast sound with Veggies exuding ambition, confidence and versatility. While there remains some roughness around the edges, this is certainly a significant step in the right direction for the young emcee. Check out some of our favorite tracks below and grab the whole thing for free here: Casey Veggies – Life Changes.

’She in My Car (feat. Dom Kennedy) (Prod. DJ Dahi)’
’Life$tyle (Prod. Cardiak)’
’I Love Me Some You (Prod. Harry Fraud)’
Related items:

[Download] Heems – Wild Water Kingdom

Today, Heems released his latest project, the Wild Water Kingdom mixtape. The collection is packed with 17 tracks, including a cameo by Childish Gambino and production by some elite talent like LE1F, Harry Fraud, Crookers, and Lushlife. Check out one of its standout tracks “Cowabunga Gnarly” below, and then listen/download the whole thing for free!

Rolling Stone recently did an in-depth interview with the Das Racist member about the mixtape and his Indian American identity, which you can read here.

’Heems – Cowabunga Gnarly’

Related items: