Well readers, it’s that time again…and we’re not talking about Super Bowl Sunday either! No, what you’ve been REALLY waiting for is Insomniac Magazines Weekly Top Ten. So let’s see who led the road to victory without fumblin’ the ball…
1) CHARLES HAMILTON scored a major win with “Correct!” Insomniac was the FIRST magazine to post the elusive emcee’s new track…and as soon as we did, social media sites went CRAZY! Understandably so, because despite Hamilton’s low profile, he hasn’t missed a beat. Lyrically, he’s just as engaging, creative and compelling as ever. The production on the track perfectly captured his unique spirit with its mellow, jazzy groove & the most incredible thing about the song was that we only received a snippet! When you have the power to make listeners around the world rejoice with merely one minute and thirty eight seconds of a tune, you are a General in this Hip Hop game. Charles Hamilton, we salute you!
https://soundcloud.com/charleshamiltonmusic/correct?
2) DJ EFN did it again!!! “If U Run” made us do a spit take every time we played it…but then he hit us over the head with “Revolutionary Ride Music,” featuring Your Old Droog, Royce Da 5’9,” O.C., and Reks! That’s not all. It was produced by the legendary Buckwild!!! No matter how cold it is outside, there will be plenty of heat March 3rd, when EFN’s “About Time” album drops!
3) VIC SPENCER had a “Relapse”…and we loved every minute of it! The lyrical terminator released so many loosies(AND AN EP!!!!)this past week, that we had a hard time determining which one would sit at the top of the charts. But there was something about “Relapse,” with its monstrous beat and must-watch video(shot by APJ Films)that drew us in…’Not like that’s ever been a problem with Vic’s music. Seriously now, if you’re NOT listening to Vic Spencer, what’s the point of listening to music at all?
4) MIC STEW is another returnee to the Top Ten after blowing our minds with “Just A Dream.” Well he does it again with “All Black Chucks!” Mic calls this track a “game-changer,” and he’s 100% correct about that. Listen to that sinister, tribal war beat. Are you checking out that filter on the vocals? Are you paying attention to the lyrics? Hell yeah, you are! This track was on repeat all week!
5) JOHN RIVER has the presence of a superstar. Damn, that kid has energy! Listen to his flow on “Hope City II.” The track and video are irresistible! We find it hard to believe that Drake didn’t sign this kinetic rhyme spitter to his OVO Sound label…but that will probably work in John’s favor, because he has more than enough power & determination to create his own movement!
6) DIRTYDIGGS always represent with top notch production…but then they recruited Hus Kingpin, Rozewood & Agallah for their “V12 Engines” track…and it was OVER!!! When you combine the best people behind the boards with the best people behind the mic, you get the best music…PERIOD.
7) THE MIC JORDAN said he would “Never Slack” in this V Don produced track…and he wasn’t lying! The Bronx born emcee spits the kind of bars that establish the lyricist as a true champion in the game!
8) TYRONE BRIGGS put in “WORK” on his latest track & it paid off in a big way! The Mike Cash produced banger caught our attention and kept things LIVE around the office! Only the best artists have that effect on us!
9) MIKE ZOMBIE has been OVO Sound’s secret weapon for years now…but the secret is out! With “Up To Date” and his new album, “Rebel Without A Cause,” the producer/lyricist proved to the masses that he’ll be around forever!
10) SANDMAN AKA SANDCANNON showcased that charismatic spirit and attitude emcees from Philly are known for on the lyricist’s “Look Around” track. The first thing he did right was use DJ Premier’s “Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers” joint to provide the sonic soundscape for his super-charged delivery. After that, listeners reach a state of Hip Hop nirvana when SandMan blesses the mic. Yeah, readers…THIS is what it’s all about.
Alright Insomniacs, that’s a wrap for this week. Don’t sleep!
– Kevin Keith
