Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten is back with the BOOM BAP! Check out the underground gems below & experience Hip Hop to the highest power! Get yourself in gear and take the ride…
1) NOLAN THE NINJA is fast becoming the go to guy for hardcore lyricism & top quality content. After giving us four months to recover from his sonic steamroller, the “F-ck The Hype” EP, Detroit’s dynamic powerhouse returns with a monstrous 5ynoT produced single titled “dianetics.” Nolan’s savage, rapid-fire delivery remains intact as he shreds the immaculately crafted track to pieces. Your finger will be glued to the REWIND button as you struggle to keep up with the action! This joint is just a preview of things to come on Nolan’s forthcoming “he(art)” LP, slated for release July 1st. So make sure your A.C’s on full blast this summer, ’cause Nolan’s bringin’ the heat!
2) ACTION BRONSON links up with JAH TIGER & trusted confidante, MEYHEM LAUREN, for a Hip Hop/Dancehall combo called “Mr. 2 Face.” The track is featured on the forthcoming “Blue Chips 7000” mixtape & delivers that 90’s inspired Boom Bap torch Mr. Wonderful & Meyhem have proudly carried into the 2000’s…or 7,000’s in this case. Either way, it’s dope!
3) HORSESHOE GANG & KXNG CROOKED banded together for more “Anti-Trap Music” excitement on the Jonathan Elkaer & DJ E.D.D.E.H. produced, “Intro.” The brotherly barrage of venomous flows & ill lyrics showcases why the Gang’s unstoppable. There’s a new crew at the top of the charts. Say hi to the bad guys!
4) KRS-ONE paid homage to A Tribe Called Quest’s 5 Foot Assassin with “The Phife Tribute”(produced by DJ Static) & reflected on the memory of an irreplaceable artist who lives on through his family, friends and musical legacy. When one legend steps up to pay tribute to another you have to take notice. Pay attention. The Teacha is speaking!
5) DAT DUDE BINZ released an album titled, “The Hone-Gurr Gamez, Series 1” back in February featuring a soul-laden POWER track showcasing SEVEN DA PANTHA & SKYZOO on the mic. “Right Here, Standing” got our attention immediately…and kept it! The funky grooves & change ups are especially noteworthy…even more so when paired with two emcees who spit FIRE in the booth!
6) BAD LUCC & PROBLEM feel “No Pressure” to deliver another hit! It’s actually pretty easy since they have Khrysis providing production and are known as two of the top lyricists in the game. This joint bumps in all the right places & highlights the tag team synergy of artists steadily carving their own niche in the industry. Diamond Lane remains on top!
7) COLE JAMES CASH is truly on some next level ish with his “Street Champion” project. The latest masterwork, “Tiger VS. Jaguar,” featuring GORILLA NEMS, LEX & EFF YOO is like a new genre unto itself with its dense, subterranean wall of sound effects that immediately envelop the listener. it’s a completely immersive experience that ends all too quickly, even with the 4:38 runtime. Cole & Co.know how to create an unforgettable adventure. No ticket’s required for the trip. All you have to do is press play…
8) MISTER MIKAL is ready for “Warfare” on his new DTC produced banger that rains lyrical bombs on his competitors! The rising artist flows effortlessly on the track & even toys with the listeners by taking a breather to let the beat ride between verses before launching another attack! He drops “hot 16’s to show ya hell ain’t hot”…You know a lyricist is unstoppable when you’d rather set up shop with The Prince of Darkness than even THINK of battlin.’ Keep doin’ yo’ thang MIKAL. They ain’t prepared!
9) HEEM STOGIED delivered an all-out lyrical assault over a soul-powered soundscape crafted by sonic visionary, Nicholas Craven. “2 Trill” gave us audio entertainment more thrilling than a high-speed car chase in a summer blockbuster! “Out of his mind”…”Ahead of his time”…Heem always comes correct!
10) BLACK SHEEP’s DRES, RED ALERT, CHI ALI & SADAT X teamed up for the second tribute track we received this week from legends in the game on “Peace Phife.” The heartfelt ode to the ATCQ legend is a reminder of the “Butter” emcee’s impact on the lives of those who knew him best. We still feel the loss but are forever grateful for the memories.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON”T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
