What happens weekly, revolves around Hip Hop, and includes 10 bangers you better not sleep on? That’s right, it’s Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten. Now sit back & relax as the action begins!
1) SLIM ONE is bringing top of the line production heat to listeners everywhere! If you don’t believe us all you have to do is check out the TERMANOLOGY & LIL FAME featured “Respect My Name.” The power-packed cut kicks, stomps, and steamrolls over all other tracks in its path without remorse. We crave that hardcore lyrical ish! This dope joint delivers & gets our utmost respect!
2) ROZEWOOD transcends Hip Hop while embodying all of its elements! The next level lyricist reluctantly emerged from his meditative solitude to survey the current music landscape. Unimpressed with the soul and trap soundscapes that pervaded his circumference, he decided to eschew the sonic influences of the modern world and travel back in time to a simpler place called the 80’s. It was in this analog existence that #TheWinners Wunderkind came across a rebellious singer by the name of Billy Idol and knew instantly that a fantastic lyrical gem could be spun from one of his hauntingly infectious tracks. “Play the hard pavement staring at this puzzle of life/Kiss the moments/Keep my eyes wide/Never miss the omens.” “Eyez Without A Face” is the rare pearl found inside the oyster of the underground. Listen below & be transformed.
3) AUTOMATIK GREATNESS aka Auriel Greatness epitomizes what it means to be a TRUE emcee. He delivered intelligent and thought-provoking bars in a creative way that kept us captivated on his brand new banger, “The Message,” and we couldn’t be more thankful for this slice of sonic brilliance! Majestic couplets and breath-taking lines like: “In these days you either shot or Tased/This more than a phase/ Life is a Net flick/They want the young Luke inside a Cage” or “They say the blacker the berry the sweeter/ but the blacker you are the bigger the target/ you know the system’s retarded” put his genius on display. Greatness can be achieved over time…and the time for this lyricist is NOW!
4) BOB BANNER has been secluded away in the studio for months. But he returns in a BIG way with the Nick Beats laced “Euphoria.” Rap’s 007 immediately sets the party off with more high energy excitement. Hilariously clever lines like: “I love dames, but those bitches never act right/I can see ’em coming(cumming)even better under black lights” prove that he hasn’t lost his touch. Experience the lyricist who can still rock a beat even if they take the drum out…and just remember, when it comes to dope music, always bet on Bob!
5) SBBX teams up with the Griselda Gang again. In fact, this time he joins forces with the mastermind who spearheaded the entire movement, WESTSIDEGUNN himself! “Mula” boasts a triumphant 70’s inspired soul backdrop that the GxFR spitter readily eviscerates. It’s just one more clip in an ever-growing canon of hits. The bank account’s overflowing…
6) HUS KINGPIN can spit over ANYTHING! Bodying a track that would scare away lesser emcees, #TheWinners lyricist reflects on family, friends, the passing of Sean P, and advice from talented peers like Planet Asia. “Dwayne Wave” is also about dismissing the negativity and moving forward with a crew that’s got your back. “It’s just rap, it’s harmless.” Lord Wavy stays focused!
7) AKROBATIK runs off a checklist of song titles from the legendary Prince and incorporates them into his irresistibly catchy Hezekiah laced track about rescuing a woman from an abusive relationship on “Roll With U.” “The Beautiful Ones,” “Adore,” “When Doves Cry,” “Dirty Mind,” “Pop Life,” and so many more are name checked in a such a clever manner that you’ll definitely keep this jam on repeat. It’s a great track that charts on our illustrious list at #”7″….Wait a minute…
8) Rising lyricist, D_Dave, already has an underground stamp of approval for his skills on the mic. He’s a DITC affiliate who ran with late lyrical MONSTER, Tashane, & is also down with G. Fisher’s Enterprize Entertainment roster. On the new cut, “iBeast,” featured on Sly Pro’s forthcoming “FromNYWithLove” EP, the emcee brings sheer destruction to the hardcore soundscape. “Martin said turn the other cheek/ I’m sayin’ fight back.” The battle’s just begun & D_Dave’s already winning!
9) AUTOMATIK GREATNESS took a classic Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo track and brought so much nuance and passion to the joint that it sounded brand new on “Rhode 2 Riches.” The “Hood Transporter 4” banger set the staff into a frenzy and had us tearing up the office with excitement. We’re still cleaning up the mess but it was definitely worth it! “These industry rappers are so horrible”…That’s why we pay them no mind. Do the same & listen to Greatness!
10) Jazzy Jeff & Rhymefest resurrected the JEFF N FESS brand to deliver a dope cut from Marvel’s Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet” called “No Fear.” Jeff & Fess, who have both amassed Grammy Awards throughout the years, deliver impassioned energy and a raw, exotic soundscape based on the character’s origins. Nimble rhymes and out of this world turntable wizardry turn the track into an EVENT. It’s cinema for our minds that can be witnessed below.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
