Insomniac Magazine’s Weekly Hip Hop Top Ten: Don’t Sleep On These New Releases

Time flies when you’re having fun. That’s why we broke all the clocks in the office so our sonic pleasure lasts forever! Check out Hip Hop’s mighty mic champs below in the latest edition of Insomniac Magazine’s Weekly Top Ten!

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1) DENAUN PORTER’s ROYCE DA 5’9 & MARV WON featured “God Bless” was one of 4 tracks on his “Connect” EP released back in August. But now that the joint is receiving a singular spotlight & additional shine courtesy of Lanfia Wal’s eye-catching animated clip, it’s time to be properly ordained with the countdown crown. Lyrical firepower is in full abundance on this trifecta of terror that showcases the power of Hip Hop through emcees who say what they want & have the skills to back it up!

2) JONWAYNE pushes more musical boundaries with the expansive, mind-altering sounds of “40 Winks.” The West Coast Wonder flows over an aural landscape that sounds like he bumrushed a bland high school recital to dominate the proceedings with his insanely funky musical stylings. ‘Stay out of his lane & his vision!’ This is Jonwayne at his very best! If you sleep on “40 Winks” it’s your loss.

3) MARC MAVRICK linked up with DA$H for some “Ominous Opulence” courtesy of Antwon Carrera. If you’re caught in a drive by or getting beat down while jogging through Central Park at 3am, THIS is probably what you’ll hear right before the s**t goes down! It’s that sinister gangsta joint designed for the thugs but appreciated by all true connoisseurs of Hip Hop. No ski mask required!

4) ACTION BRONSON & BIG BODY BES throw down over some Knxwledge laced Boom Bap on the brand new, “Durag Vs. Headband.” The action-packed track contains more hilarious stream of consciousness musings from Bam Bam Baklava as Bes makes sure the world knows EXACTLY what to do with his blood after he dies. We don’t know when the dispute between Durags & Headbands began…but in our opinion, both are winners.

5) There’s one on every other block… SABA & NONAME note the landscape of their Chicago surroundings on the dope Cam O’bi laced, “CHURCH/LIQUOR STORE.” The lyricists perfectly detail the depressing aspects of the neighborhood while managing to find hope through their art & creativity. Life can be difficult. The streets might pull you under. Travel away from the madness with the mellow slice of heaven below.

6) KXNG CROOKED teamed up with TECH N9NE to take on a corrupt law enforcement system on “Shoot Back” (Dear Officer). The no-holds barred “Good Vs Evil” track details a planet where a “kill or be killed” mentality is required. Bullets fly… Cops & people of color die. When the smoke clears, take a look around. Spoiler Alert – The planet is Earth.

7) ROCKIE FRESH has been through a lot in his young life but he looks to the heavens for relief on the Bizness Boi produced, “Pray 4 Me.” While working on a new solo project AND a collabo platter with Casey Veggies, the MMG lyricist from Chicago tries to find moments of joy amidst the struggles. We’re praying for the artist right now…and if a slot on the countdown adds to his blessings, so be it!

8) When KILLA WYND, NOSHO & CAPER enter your town expect a “Triple Massacre.” The Gee Dark produced banger from the power trio gives a nod to RZA’s Kung Fu inspired backdrops highlighted on classic Wu-Tang Clan albums & propels the action forward with raw lyricism delivered by the mysterious rhyme assassins. Press play and enter their world. But never try to battle them…You don’t stand a fighting chance!

9) JOEY BADA$$ took his binge-watching of “Narcos” to the next level when he enlisted super producers, Cookin’ Soul, to jack the show’s theme and lace it with some trap meets boom bap action that’s pure FUEGO! “Front & Center” finds the Pro Era lyricist at the top of his game, spitting dope rhymes to his heart’s content. We don’t know what other Netflix shows Joey’s watching, but if they inspire him like this one did we hope he never cancels his subscription!

10) JOE BUDDEN gives a lyrical nod to Jay Z & a musical one to “Into The Woods” as he delivers the araabMUZIK laced, “I Gotta Ask,” to the masses. The Rage & The Machine stand out track showcases Joe’s lyrical fury and well honed skills on the mic as he hits hard with impressive wordplay & clever punchlines. Is Joe takin’ over the game? We can’t believe ya gotta ask!

Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!

– Kevin Keith