The Grammys are over, you don’t care about the Oscars, and other award shows come & go before you can blink! But there’s one place that honors the best artists EVERY week…Of course we’re talking about Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten. So don’t hesitate a moment longer! Check out the list & pay your respects!
1) HIM LO is a master craftsman of storytelling and proved it by delivering a cinematic crime tale that would make Tarantino proud! No Key Grips or DPs were present in the creation of this sonic extravaganza…but make no mistake, “Bank Heist” IS a MOVIE! The lyricist draws listeners in with his animated vocals and paints a vivid description of every detail of the robbery. The driving, manic track complements the emcee’s flow and serves as a sinister accomplice to the proceedings. THIS is what pure, unabashed creativity sounds like. It’s that Buze Bruvaz ish…and we’re lovin’ it!
2) CONSTANT DEVIANTS returned with a vengeance on their DJ Cutt produced banger, “Gavone.” The 7th Wonder sampled gem is a bonus track from their forthcoming “Omerta” album that makes you wonder, “If this is just an extra joint to tide us over, imagine how dope the rest of the project must be!” This is how they used to do it in the park. True heads everywhere are smiling.
3) BOZACK MORRIS creates dope productions. But to enhance his new banger, “Mak 90,” even more he enlisted an equally dope lyricist! CONWAY THE MACHINE steps up to the plate and knocks it out of the park as only a Griselda Records all-star can! ‘Him & Westside are next guys up.’ You better believe it!
4) WESTSIDE GUNN takes a break from stomping out the opposition with tag-team partner, Conway, and recruits ACTION BRONSON for some ring-side action on “Dudley Boyz.” The Alchemist produced soulfest is just one more reason to cop Gunn’s “FLYGOD” album March 11th. No rising artist has given us more quality music for free than WSG. It’s time to reward his generosity with cold hard cash for a project that’s guaranteed to go down as a classic!…And don’t even THINK about illegally downloading it or the Insomniac staff will “pistol whip you so hard it’ll f**k up your dandruff!” ‘Nuff said.
5) PLANET ASIA & RAS KASS went IN on production master, Numonics’ latest edition of “The Year Of The Fox” series titled “Fire Drills.” The West Coast Kings instantly take control of the infectious track and showcase what true lyricism is really about by spitting flames all over the joint. Being “fancy with the grammar” is a gift few of us possess. But these artists do so with ease & continue their winning streak of sonic excellence.
6) LYRIC JONES & SEAN ROSATI teamed up for some #ChainWinners Boom Bap titled “Fly Aura.” The bOoM* produced banger gave us everything we could ask for on a track…Dope lyrics, soulful grooves, and beats that shook the very foundation we were standing on! Yeah, THIS is Hip Hop. It feels so good!
7 VEE SKEENO demonstrated the “hidden art of dope MCing” on 4 minutes of sonic heat titled, “Posh Posse.” The MCMXCIV produced gem finds a subdued Skeeno fighting the temptation to release his anger on round one of the joint before completely unleashing his lyrical fury at the end of round 2. The ease in which he alters his style and flow is like witnessing a master illusionist make the Empire State Building disappear. The shock and awe of the situation goes from being a momentary feeling to one that lingers for a lifetime!
8) DJ KAY SLAY has another winner on his hands with the TONE TRUMP, FRED THE GODSON & MR. PAPERS featured, “No Time To Lose.” Each emcee delivers top of the line lyrics that allow them to flex on the triumphant track produced by none other than the one & only Stan Da Man. Brooklyn’s music mastermind crafts another gem for the listeners that makes “50 Shades Of Slay” the mixtape to beat!
9) RIM(OF DA VILLINS)was blessed to have one of the most talented Hip Hop mentors in the form of late, great lyricist, Sean Price. The legendary artist’s influence is evident on the DJ Skizz produced “Llamas” when similar cadences to King Ruck emerge in the rising artist’s breezy delivery. Despite the overlap, Rim has more than enough talent & personality to stand on his own. He rides Skizz’s soul-drenched track with the skills & confidence of a champion!
10) WARA FROM THE NBHD displayed vulnerability & lyrical craftsmanship on his new “Skin Tone” track. The emcee delves deep into the issue of being judged purely by the color of his skin…stating that no matter what he accomplishes he’ll always be seen as “just a n***a.” Raw and direct. Honest to a fault. Other emcees need to take notes.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
