Seasons change and the fall is upon us…But the one thing that remains the same is Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten list. We’re the only guys giving you an authentic countdown based on sound, style, and execution…and not corporate dollars! Whoops!…Did we say too much? Just pretend we never mentioned it then…and enjoy the Top 10!
1) TALIB KWELI & 9TH WONDER kicked things off with their “Indie 500” compilation in a BIG way by dropping the powerful new Hi-Tek produced track, “Every Ghetto,”(featuring RAPSODY)to the masses. The song is equal parts Hip Hop & Gospel Soul as repeated listens will revive your inner spirit and induce fans to start speaking in tongues! Talib & Rapsody take us to church with complex, meaningful lyrics accompanied by heaven sent grooves, a rousing choir, and Boom Bap beats. We’re hoping the ‘murder rate WON’T hold a permanent place in the Top 10’…but this song sure will!
2) It’s a testament to the talent of SEMI HENDRIX group members, RAS KASS & JACK SPLASH, that they were able to take a TV theme that we despised and incorporate it into a funky tour de force of Hip Hop heat we can’t get enough of! Joined by Tha Dogg Pound’s KURUPT, the artists tear the roof off the sucker with the powerhouse track, “M.A.S.H.” If you’re looking for dope flows & beats, Semi Hendrix’s got ’em. We’ll be first in line for the “Breakfast At Banksy’s” release next week!
3) Kansas City, Missouri’s CES CRU came back with a vengeance on their latest release, “Ricochet.” The take no prisoners cut from GODEMIS & UBIQUITOUS’ “Recession Proof” EP is a sonic showcase of hardcore beats and rhymes, complemented by a stirring electric guitar sample that blows other tracks to bits! The song actually brought to mind classic cuts from the Clipse…but make no mistake, CES Cru are no imitators. Their talented DNA is imprinted in every second of this 3 minute masterpiece! There’s nothing strange about this music except the label name itself. CES Cru hits the bullseye with “Ricochet!”
4) Sexy Tagalog talk, sampled Missy Elliott lyrics, smooth rhymes, and an infectious Louie Lastic dance beat? Yep. All of these things can be found on “Spectrum,” the latest release from Washington, DC super lyricist, GOLDLINK. The visionary emcee and his insanely creative producer are masters at creating club ready cuts that don’t compromise the essence & integrity of Hip Hop’s core. This is some futuristic type ish. If you don’t move to this one you’re probably a corpse!
5) You don’t have to be bilingual to enjoy SALAZAR & DJ HERON’s “No Me Conoces.” LatinBoomBap is alive and well on this MONSTER merger of spanish lyrics & rhythms with a platitude of hardcore beats designed to give your speakers a sonic work out! This is raw and rebellious. That’s exactly how we like it!
6) NIKO IS did his “George Jefferson” strut all the way to the top of the countdown with his latest KRIKOS produced joint! It’s a track from the free Colours of the Culture album, “ROYGBIV: What a Colourful World,” dropping October 13th. This is one of those perfect examples where the flow, lyrics, and rhythm fall into place so perfectly that you’re left wondering how they did it. Then you remember the names involved in the production…and you quickly understand.
7) SHABAAM SAHDEEQ linked up with TORAE, 8THW1, and the late, great PUMPKINHEAD for 4 minutes of non-stop excitement on “Men Of Respect.” Each emcee goes for broke on the mic, spitting a stream of lyrical gems. Big Ape serves up top notch production on the track while DJ Devastate brings high energy scratches that elevate the proceedings even further. If you hold a place of reverence for any artists in the Hip Hop game, these Men Of Respect should be at the top of your list.
8) VIC SPENCER & CHRIS CRACK aka CHRIS $PENCER are working on a project called “Who TF Is Chris $pencer.” As a cool prelude to the collection, the duo gave fans a high-powered loosie with D. Brash & Alex P. Keaton of THE CO-PILOTS. If you were expecting dope beats and rhymes, they were definitely in abundance on “Chris $pencer Vs. Co-Pilots.” Haven’t heard it yet? Well, we’ve got it right here!
9) NOLAN THE NINJA doesn’t just rhyme over the 5ynoT produced, “Gusto”…He ATTACKS the track!!! Passion, energy, and hunger are what we demand from rising lyricists. Well, Nolan possesses all those qualities…and then some! We get the impression that the emcee could slaughter his competitors without a second thought. Don’t stand in his way ’cause you’ll go down HARD as he keeps shining!
10) RED PILL reflected on the end of summertime in Michigan with his new track, “Day Drunk,” and made us nod our heads to the laid back groove driven by piano chords. The lyricist is a compelling story teller who paints a vivid picture of his beloved hometown. It’s a place he knows like the back of his hand. We appreciate the artist for sharing!
Well, that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
