Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten is back with another edition & we’re starting to notice a trend. Mainstream Hip Hop is beginning to take more & more cues from the underground in terms of lyrics and production. Empty bars & soulless rhythms are being phased out in favor of complex, well-thought out verses, relentless grooves, and earth-shattering Boom Bap beats. It’s a direction that will only aid & benefit the development of the genre, so let’s hope for more carefully constructed gems as we peruse the Top 10!
1) This week’s #1 entry isn’t even an official release, but the track was so infectious we couldn’t deny it a place on the countdown! THE GAME & KENDRICK LAMAR teamed up for a cut from “The Documentary 2” album called “On Me” that sent the internet into a frenzy with its brilliant interpolation of Erykah Badu’s “On & On” and a plethora of rhymes so dope it made us smack our mama’s mama and call it a day! Every leak is leading up to what’s sure to be an instant classic. If you haven’t heard the song yet listen below…IF IT’S STILL THERE. And, if not…don’t fret. Part one of the 2 disc opus drops October 9th…and that’s right around the corner.
2) ROCKIE FRESH joined forces with Maybach Music Group mentor, RICK ROSS, for a new joint that made us say “Thank You” throughout the 4 minutes and 11 seconds of its runtime. Truth be told, we’ve been thankful well beyond that because we can’t stop playing this irresistible track from the rising Chicago lyricist. Rockie digs deep to deliver heartfelt, soulful verses that instantly brand this single one of the best of 2015 so far! Ricky Rozay rides the groove with the powerful lyrical resurgence he’s been experiencing since the release of his “Black Dollar” mixtape. Beats and rhymes like this equal top placement on our list. There’s no going back once you embrace the Boom Bap!
3) HUS KINGPIN dropped a powerful new project titled “House Of Kingpin” with a high-powered DJ Skizz produced stand out cut called “Jet Flip.” The triumphant track will make you feel like you’re soaring way above all of life’s problems & Hus’ self-assured delivery will give you all the confidence you need to conquer any obstacle that comes your way. When you want to achieve your goals you roll with a winner…or #TheWinners to be precise. Enter The House Of Kingpin for proper tutelage & take the Jet Flip of a lifetime!
4) Hip Hop producers who also excel at rapping have been represented before with the likes of Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and DITC mastermind, Showbiz. However, we don’t remember many instances when these superhuman production/emcee hybrids linked up for a new single. Behind the Boards genius, SAP, decided to bring the concept to fruition by enlisting HIT-BOY, MIKE ZOMBIE, & HODGY BEATS for a full impact track called “BOOM BAP.” Each emcee…uhhh…producer….uhhh emcee BRINGS serious heat to the table with go for broke bars over Sap’s classic production. Ahhh yesss…It’s a good moment in time for REAL Hip Hop!
5) DJ J HART hit listeners with 15 tracks of pure fire with his new “Passport EP” and enlisted late, great lyricist, SEAN PRICE & Da Villins’ RIM P for the powerhouse track, “Barzini.” It includes Sean’s head-spinning punch lines, a monstrous beat, and a clever shout out to an old friend who runs a popular rap site. What more could you possibly want? The answer is nothing. This joint’s incredible!
6)Super Producer Numonics dipped into his old files and pulled out an unreleased track he created with DJ Heron, featuring lyrical assassin, BLU, titled “Heron.” The cut flaunts a classic 90’s vibe that conjures instant nostalgia of a simpler era. The song is only 2 minutes…but you don’t need any more time to recognize a hit!
7) J-LIVE recruited ROME SUPREME for a mind-blowing & mentally enriching cut from his “How Much Is Water?” album titled “Numbers And Letters.” The track hits listeners in the gut with top notch production and words of wisdom to match. When all elements combine to create a coveted gem like the one below, you realize the numbers and letters we encounter on a daily basis are not stumbled upon by mere coincidence.
8) Boston’s AKROBATIK teamed up with Finnish producer LX-BEATS & superior spitters, REKS, REDRAMA, ARE & CHINO XL for “All Hands On Deck.” The track itself is a case study in lyrical mastery. Even when rhymes are coming at you in a different language your discerning ear will still be able to recognize the brilliance on display. If every emcee possessed as much power and passion as this lineup imagine the new heights Hip Hop could achieve. For now though, we have this song. At the moment, it’s enough to keep our hopes and dreams alive!
9) KOOL KEITH & DANE UNO always push the boundaries of creativity when they collaborate! The DJ Junkaz Lou produced “Black Mob” (a bonus cut on the limited edition vinyl reissue of Keith’s 2014 “Demolition Crash” album) continues their otherworldly partnership as Keith hits fans with stream of consciousness lyrics complimented by Dane’s raspy, rough and rugged delivery. The track sounds powerful enough to conquer the universe…and with these ultra-talented artists working together, we’re pretty sure that was their intention.
10) BILL THOUSAND brought such honesty and passion to “Polar Shift” that we knew it had to be rewarded. Although severely underrated, the lyricist always manages to build his skills and become more revealing, and in turn more powerful, with every cut he releases. The lush, immersive track is an excellent soundscape for his heartfelt vocals. Listen to the track and bear witness to the birth of a rising star. The shift he refers to is most definitely in his favor!
Well, that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
