Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten is here again! The lead up to the latest chart selection provided many love/hate moments in the office. We loved the tracks that made the list but HATED having to leave so many dope joints on the cutting room floor. Unfortunately that’s how things go, so on with the show…and hey, salute to the proud mamas out there!
1) Bigbob & Mr. Jack laced GRAND PUBA, PACEWON, and GRAND SURGEON with classic loops and breaks that took Hip Hop back to “The Essence!” The revered lyricists recall the moments that forever drew them into the culture as DJ Madhandz delivers a powerful sonic contribution on the 1 & 2’s. This song conjures up the fun & excitement of the golden era. Return to the glory days and press play!
2) JOEY PURP crashed through the gates and the top of our chart with “Cornerstore” & now he does it again with “PHOTOBOOTH.” We already predicted that his forthcoming “iiiDrops” album will be a classic & this Garren produced single with funky horns and a Boom bap powered soundscape is quickly proving us right! Rest assured Joey’s got more heat in the cannon. Once you enter the photobooth you’ll never want to leave!
3) POISONOUS DIGGS is the deadly combo composed of cutthroat lyricist, Killa Kali & audio assassins, DirtyDiggs. Their new collabo, “Vagabond Rappers,” is a POWER GEM that showcases the very essence of soul! “Reap what you sow, flame on the torch give you heat stroke, stones off the chrome burn through wardrobe”….Whew! THIS CREW DON’T PLAY!!! Vagabond Rappers wander around aimlessly, but Poisonous Diggs come at ya live and direct!
4) People been sayin’ that MAHD “Act Funny.” If that’s the case we want him to continue because he rips the hell outta this otherworldly Black Milk produced track! The energy and passion delivered by the Detroit lyricist is on some ‘out of body/ I caught the spirit’ type ish! Simply put, it kicks ass!…and that’s nothing to laugh at!
5) Just when we think the week is done, DANIEL SON will slide in a last minute banger that completely BLOWS. OUR. MINDS. The Vic Grimes laced “Modelo Sippin” had us doing backflips around the office and head spins on the desktops! You might find him at ‘the Tandoori spot eating different curries or smoking ’til his vision blurry, watching “Fists Of Fury,’ but you can also catch him on our weekly countdown ’cause dope joints like this mean Daniel Son’s here to stay!
6) THE BLACK OPERA ascend to new heights with the GUILTY SIMPSON, INVINCIBLE & MAGESTIK LEGEND featured “Faces Of Death.” Audible Doctor fuels the sonic slaughter with his special brand of top of the line production. Everyone knows by now that when you want that unstoppable, take no prisoners powered Boom Bap you better give the Doctor a call…and we ain’t talkin’ bout Dre! The lyricists channel off the charts energy, rage, and skill that make “Faces Of Death” a true winner! It’s a track you’ll keep on repeat all week…
7) CHRIS CRACK flows over some H.N.I.C. produced heat and brings a few friends along! WEASEL SIMS & JAE HAZE accompany the prolific lyricist with a dizzying array of brand new bars on “Spiked Lemonade.” This is that raw, we came from the bottom and ain’t lookin’ back type ish we love! Chris & Co. keep the blood flowing through Hip Hop’s veins. That ain’t the lemonade talking. It’s an actual fact!
8) Edo G is the latest emcee to appear on Numonics’ “Year Of The Fox” series & he does so with serious FIYAH in the form of “Just Talking To Em.” Numonics constructs an irresistibly funky groove for the lyrical legend to get his flow on while Canadian DMC champ, DJ Brace, enhances the proceedings with his mastery on the wheels of steel. Ed’s just talking to ’em & we’re definitely listening!
9) ILL LEGIT produces and spits lyrics for the fans on “Stove Top Flow,” but a solo turn can be lonely so he makes it a trifecta! That’s right, CHRIS CRACK & VIC SPENCER provide a super soulful assist on the joint that samples Blaxploitation flicks, vocal harmonies & even throws in a Wookie growl to boot! That Stove Top Flow is what y’all been waitin’ for. Run to the kitchen and turn up the heat!
10) CHILDISH MAJOR really put us in a bind with his dope “Window Seat” track. We don’t usually add cover tunes, remakes, remixes, or freestyles to our list…but there was something so infectious about his version of the Erykah Badu classic that we felt compelled to include it! In fact, there was no way to leave it out! The flow & content were so brilliant it was like listening to the original track for the very first time. An emcee who can make us forget about Ms. fatbellybella’s high-powered joint(if only briefly)is definitely doing something big!
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
