What a strange week! The staff kept having recurring nightmares about some bigoted, sexist, billionaire with a reality show running for president…and WINNING!!! We know, we know…It sounds crazy. But remember it was only a bad dream. Let’s face it, nothing like that could ever happen in America. Just head back into your bomb shelter & check out the Top 10!
1) “I feel like I’m watching America’s series finale.” RAS KASS brilliantly sums up the atmosphere & general mood of a large portion of the american public who realize that “making the country better” will eventually lead to their removal ‘by any means necessary’ on “AmeriKKKan Horror Story Pt. 1 & Pt. 2.” The seven minute sonic triumph is divided into two segments(produced by Nottz & The Olympicks)that take listeners on a journey through the political process with statistics and historical facts interwoven throughout the lyricist’s immaculately constructed foundation of bars. Despite the ignorance of millions of voters, intelligence remains at the forefront of music from this living legend. Thank God for Ras Kass!
2) A TRIBE CALLED QUEST’s eagerly anticipated “We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service” album contains so much heat that in reality the staff could’ve chosen any track for this week’s list and been completely satisfied. “We The People” gets the nod because of its availability(Epic Records’ social media detectives are quick to locate & scrub any tracks they’re not currently promoting)and its topical nature(not to mention the bangin’ beats & always electric synergy between Q-Tip & the late, great Phife Dawg). ATCQ see through the lies and politricks of our President-Elect. They view the world from his twisted perspective and tell anyone who doesn’t represent his perceived vision of America that “they must go!”
3) DANIEL SON & PHYBAOPTIKZ’s “Optimos” is such a powerful & compelling joint that it’s sure to elicit good vibes and waves of nostalgia from anyone who has the pleasure to press play! Daniel Son bodies the beat with his patented ‘SONZARELLI” flow and colorful wordplay while PhybaOptikz, who also produced the track, steps up his game on the mic x 1,000 with his best delivery to date! This is a joint we can play over & over again. Hold on while we do that now!
4) CONWAY doesn’t give a f**k about Top 10 lists…but the unleashed hostility is part of the reason we appreciate him, so of course he and supremely talented brother in beats, rhymes, and life – WESTSIDEGUNN are gonna land on our list! The Daringer laced slow-burn monster joint, “Frankie Lymon,” finds the Buffalo heroes doing what they do best – spitting pure heat on the mic and laughing at the competition while it happens. Bow down to Griselda. There are no other options!
5) Boston’s AVENUE teamed up with DEON CHASE & SMOKE DZA on a Cooking To Kill laced track called “Nobody” that delivered Boom Bap, soul, and of course more power bars than you could ever hope to absorb in one sitting(Check out the Jonbenet Ramsey line as a perfect example). Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you play a great Hip Hop track for the first time. So what are you waiting for? Take a listen!
6) PEOPLE WITHOUT SHOES represent the passion and joy missing in modern Hip Hop. On the track & video for the dope “Optimistically Speaking” cut, “Zero Divide 0.1,” listeners can expect the kind of infectious energy comparable to artists like The Pharcyde, The U.M.C.’s & Andre 3000. It’s feel good music with impressive lyrical content. The energy is electric & mad skills are respected!
7) OBSERVER A is only 18 years old but he rhymes like an industry vet on the E. Smitty produced banger, “Move Rhymes.” The spitter’s skills are undeniable as he performs lyrical acrobatics over a funky track that captured our attention and never let go. With talent like this, we expect more greatness from the rising emcee in the near future. As long as he continues movin’ rhymes we’ll be there to listen!
8) GREY SWEATPANTS’ new Parrish Thomas produced, “Don’t Sit So Close To The TV,” is drenched in a laid back soul backdrop that struts forward with the confidence of Chachi Pajamas’ self-assured lyrical onslaught. The song is pure, uncut dope that “your ordinary Indigo Child” excels at delivering. You’ll nod your head to this ’til your neck snaps! Trust. Personally we feel it’s his strongest cut to date. The flow and musicality are so on point we can only say, “Don’t change a thing!”
9) If you’re going to rhyme over a track that incorporates one of the most heralded guitar riffs in music history you better be good. Fortunately J.O. MAIRS is that AND THEN SOME as he approaches borderline genius territory on the explosive Jimi Hendrix “Purple Haze” sampling gem,”JIMI.” The rhymes land swift and hard, threatening to decimate any weak lyricists who dare enter the circumference of power! J.O. made us true believers with this track. We’re excited to see what’s next!
10) When you need relief from all the darkness & despair, who can deliver a sense of empowerment and hope better than the North Carolina lyrical visionary known as RAPSODY? On the MOONCHILD featured “Fire” the dynamic spitter gets a sonic assist from Kash, Khrysis, and 9th Wonder to remind us that “joy comes in the morning” and the battle rages on with our heads held high. This track is a beautifully arranged composition that allows us to see the sun peeking out from amidst the clouds. Don’t let the system steal your dreams. Stay strong y’all!
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON”T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
