Goodness gracious, there have been an amazing amount of solid Hip Hop tracks out over the last week. However, we had to narrow it down for the weekly list, so we toiled and listened until it there were ten. These songs are a great representation of the range and variety that this genre covers. One thing’s for sure, boom bap is no longer a throwback, it’s a must have. Quality means many things to different people. To us, it means solid production, as well as thorough lyrical flow and distinct delivery. Each of this week’s entries meet that criteria. Sit back and enjoy Insomniac Magazine’s Weekly Hip Hop Top Ten. Oh, before you start: How many other sites do you know that have been covering Hip Hop online since the 90s? We know the answer, your on it now. Peace!
1) Vandam Bodyslam- “Careless”
Vandam Bodyslam’s poignant video for “Careless” is a much needed entry into a fairly empty landscape when it comes to socially impactful Hip Hop. The talented lyricist’s powerful yet responsible perspective is one rarely on display in today’s contemporary rap scene. The importance of Vandam Bodyslam “Careless” is two fold. It speaks truths via a platform that rarely addresses the bigger picture of societal woes and it is true to the original essence of Hip Hop- to elevate and speak loudly for the disenfranchised. Check the intellect.
2) Marvelous Mag- “Hus Kingpin and SmooVth”
Marvelous Mag brings some company to deliver a dose of murky hood rap. Joined by Hus Kingpin and SmooVth, they bring a raw, noisy, slow-tempo jewel to those who hunger for the grime. Check the rhymes-
3) Blended Babies- “Make It Work”
What?! Smooth and sultry Hip Hop music in an era of lackluster soulless rap. Blended Babies is a sonic oasis for your ears. The video for “Make It Work” feels like watching A Tribe Called Quest’s “Low End Theory” come to life- and that’s a good thing. Chill neo-rap with soul for days is what you get on this groove featuring Anderson .Paak, Asher Roth and Donnie Trumpet.
4) Killah Priest- “Quantum Spirit of Creation”
Wu-Tang fam Killah Priest delivers a surreal guided tour through a mystical state of mind on his “Quantum Spirit of Creation” video. The visually cinematic feast is a distinctive gem in a sea of template rap monotony. Absorb the this fantastic peek into another dimension of Hip Hop.
5) Eric Sermon f/ Method Man and Redman- “Clutch”
The microphone veterans are taking everyone to school, so bring your notebooks. E-Double, Johnny Blaze and Reggie Noble are as dope as ever on this sonic plate of heaping freshness. Sermon continues to show that he’s one of the most skilled emcee/producers in the game. Respect the vets-
6) Conway f/ WestSide Gunn and Roc Marci- “Rex Ryan”
Conway, WestSide Gunn and Roc Marci are bringing it with intensity on the latest, “Rex Ryan.” The tightest rhymes, soulful boom bap production, and killer delivery- you can’t argue with that. Check the technique-
7) Apollo Brown f/ Chino Xl and Finale- “Brass Tacks”
Producer extraordinaire, Apollo Brown is known to lay down undeniably dope production, and this track does not break tradition. He sets the stage for stellar performances from Hip Hop vet Chino Xl (one of the genre’s most amazing lyricists) and firestarter Finale. Check the technique, it’s straight unadulterated heat. Make sure to check for Apollo’s newest album “Grandeur.”
8) Talib Kweli f/ Problem and Bad Lucc- “Pay Ya Dues”The trifecta of boom bap, Talib, Problem and Bad Lucc show they have more than enough soul on “Pay Dues.” There’s nothing like listening to real Hip Hop! Don’t take our word for it, check the gift.
9) Tsu Surf f/ Joe Budden- “Conversations”
Tsu Surf airs out life stresses on this jazzy Hip Hop head nodder while receiving lyrical wisdom from the one and only, Joe Budden. “Conversations” is amazing track that plays out like an intense therapy session live from the social worker’s couch.
10) Termanology- “Grade A”
This all-star track lives up to its title. “Grade A” features superior production by the amazing 9th Wonder and cuts by everyone’s favorite DJ/producer- Statik Selektah. Termanology’s lyrical delivery is perfection.
