Tag Archives: hip hop

[Hip-Hop] Run The Jewels – Blockbuster Night Part 1

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 14, 2014

Run The Jewels
Blockbuster Night Part 1

What a year 2013 was for hip-hop. Kanye, Cole, and Mac all released chart-topping albums on the same day, while others like Drake and Jay weren’t too far behind. However, one of the most criminally slept on projects of the year was Run the Jewels. Released on Fool’s Gold Records, it still got major blog play, but El-P & Killer Mike‘s first collaborative album was unable to penetrate the mainstream cycle. Simply put, these two are a match made in hip-hop heaven. El-P provides the most in-your-face beats the rap game has seen in a minute while Killer Mike proves his pseudonym to be true as he quite figuratively kills the mic on each record. Run the Jewels 2 is due out next month, but the guys have been kind enough to share the first single off the upcoming project with us. “Blockbuster Night Part I” picks up right where the previous album left off and if this is any indication, the sequel album may be even stronger than the first.

Hip/Hop

[Hip-Hop] Wiz Khalifa – This Plane (nosleep remix)

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 14, 2014

Wiz Khalifa
This Plane (nosleep remix)

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If you’re in the 20-25 year old range, there’s a strong possibility you heard “This Plane” at every party you went to as a teenager. Mixtape Wiz was a force to be reckoned with, and his big single still has staying power today, even more so now that nosleep decided to take it for a spin. The Pittsburgh producer is well-known for his unique hip-hop remixes, however he flipped the script on this one and tried to recreate the Bay Area style of hip-hop. If you ever imagined Wiz & E-40 or Mac Dre on a track, this might be the closest you will ever get. We personally can’t get enough of it, so I hope you guys enjoy it as well!

[Hip Hop/Rap] Smoke Screen – Barry Blanco (Produced by The Kickdrums)

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 14, 2014

Smoke Screen
Barry Blanco (Produced by The Kickdrums)

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One of the biggest mistakes people make in hip-hop is underestimating Cleveland. Wedged between Detroit, Chicago, and Pittsburgh’s titanic rap scenes, it’s hard for the average Joe to name a Cleveland rapper not named Chip, MGK, or Kid Cudi. However, the scene is far more expansive than one would normally think and we believe that with all the sports attention on the Rock & Roll Capital Of The World, the music scene will soon follow suit. Here’s hoping Smoke Screen will be the first on the list. Chemist & Mooke have been linking up for years but on their latest effort, “Barry Blanco” it is easy to see why they are finally ready to take the next step in their career. The Kickdrums, another local act that has paved his own path, delivers one hell of a beat for the duo to spit on and their flow is undeniable. Can’t say enough good things about this track.

Hip/Hop

[Chill] Flamingosis – Juicy

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 14, 2014

Flamingosis
JUICY

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Every beatmaker worth their salt has at least sampled Biggie at one point in their career. It’s a completely different story when one goes above and beyond and creates an entire instrumental around a track, which is exactly what Flamingosis did with “Juicy”. We think you’ll find the redesigned beat to be much more jazzy, which is definitely an interesting take on a classic. The original is textbook hip-hop flaunting so we think this more refined, exotic beat fits the lyric material perfectly, but you be the judge. What do you think?

[Hip Hop/Rap] Skizzy Mars – Way I Live

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 13, 2014

SkizzyMars
Way I Live

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Anyone who grew up in the ringtone rap era will recognize this beat in a second. It’s none other than one hit wonder Baby Boy da Prince’s “The Way I Live” which we can still recite every line to although it came out in 2007. Clearly, it had a huge impact on our generation as Skizzy Mars, always known for keeping his ear to the ground, wipes off the dust and spits his own over it. It’s the perfect cumulation of a childhood well-spent and this track is now officially all Skiz’s. Mars always has something up his sleeve so be on the lookout for more material from the young rapper and soon.

Hip/Hop

[Chill] Mos Def- Ms Fat Booty (WoodysProduce Summer Citrus Remix)

Posted by Jordan Grammer - September 13, 2014

Mos Def
Ms Fat Booty (WoodysProduce Summer Citrus Remix)

Soundcloud

Mos Def may go down in the history books as one of the greatest hip-hop lyricists of all time. As far as I’m concerned, it’s and Andre 3000’s game to lose at this point. Though he has moved into new mediums, there is no denying his artistic capabilities and Ms. Fat Booty was years ahead of its time when it first came out. WoodysProduce is quickly becoming one of Los Angeles’ best kept secret and on his last effort for his Summer Citrus series, he brings new school sounds to the old school classic. Laying down some original guitar work and resampling Aretha’s “One Step Ahead”, the entire composition of the track is shifted and we think you’ll find this version is better suited for your partying needs.

[Hip-Hop] Ninety – Livin In The 90s

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 13, 2014

Ninety
Livin In The 90s (prod. T_T) (feat. Jhabit$)

Soundcloud

West coast hip-hop duo Ninety know how to translate good vibes into music drawing influence from their Bay Area predecessors and the classics of the genre more broadly. Gearing up to release their second project, Tyler Hawkins and MikeyCtheMan dropped off one of their best songs yet a few days ago demonstrating immense growth in the short time since their debut project.

“Livin in the 90s” brings an unprecedented level of energy with a bouncy, layered piano and synth driven instrumental courtesy fellow Bay native, T_Thrust, who actually has quite the following himself as the frontman for a metal band called Nekrogoblikon. Hawkins matches the production opening the song with a quick-hitting flow setting the tone for MCM who provides an equally animated delivery. The soulful hook from JHabit$ ties everything together adding the catchiness that will have you listening on repeat. This jam is perfect for a warm weekend outing. Peep above and look out for their forthcoming project at the end of this month.

Hip/Hop