It was another tough week for the Insomniac crew. So much heat flooded our in-boxes that we had to crank the AC to its breaking point just to keep from passing out! Whenever this happens, sullen staffers start moping around the hallways, depressed that their favorite picks for the chart might not make the cut. There’s lots of begging involved, plenty of cursing, a few threats, and idle attempts at bribery, but in the end the list is THE LIST. All we can say is, despite the fact that our entire staff is in serious need of psychiatric counseling from what you put us through, we want to thank all the dope artists out there for making us work even harder! Now sit back & enjoy the Top 10!
1) ROYCE DA 5’9″ is so prolific that he can’t contain his arsenal of rhymes on one album! That’s right, we’re not just getting the “Layers” project, but he’s also delivering an EP before the LP titled, “Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter.” The Antman Wonder produced banger, “Savages,” is the lead single from the collection and it serves as a sonically complex yet accessible showcase for the Slaughterhouse spitter to drop enough lyrical bombs to take out an entire colony of wack emcees! As dope as the song is, we couldn’t figure out what he meant by the line, “Am I in everybody Top 5? Not at all.” Obviously he wasn’t paying attention, ’cause on THIS list Royce is #1!
2) There are so many emcees whose careers have been cut short by tragedy before they truly experienced their time to shine. Taking it back to the 90’s, Kid Hood is an artist who immediately comes to mind(with his blistering verse on ATCQ’s “Scenario” Remix) and now add TASHANE to the list of fallen artists who left behind a trail of lyrical fire in their wake as the impassioned spitter scorches a Showbiz produced gem called “Caffeine.” MAJESTIC GAGE sets up the whole affair with his precise, laid back flow that provides the perfect launch pad for Tashane to erupt on the sinister Boom Bap soundscape & slay the competition with clever lines(“My name Shane, slick wit’ the tongue/slang cane to these zombies, I’m Rick wit’ a gun”)and a forceful delivery! Lyrical heat & a legend on the beat. This my friends is HIP HOP!
3) SAGA celebrated his opening slot on Asher Roth’s European tour by teaming up with champion spitter, BLU, for some jazzy, feel good vibes courtesy of French producer/turntablist, 20syl, on the dope new loosie, “Up.” The track is appropriately titled because you won’t be able to sit down the second the beat drops. Fantastic flows ride the irresistible rhythms that penetrate our ears & bring joy to the proceedings. Blu will erase the blues with a powerful Saga worth listening to. No need to feel low. It’s all UP from here!
4) MEYHEM LAUREN teamed up with partner-in-rhyme, ACTION BRONSON, for a new cut from his “Piatto D’ Oro” project that gelled as naturally as “Garlic And Oil.” The track, a two part production blessed by the sonic mastery of DJ Shadow & A-Villa, serves up a lyrical souffle’ of colorful wordplay & descriptive storytelling that ensures constant replay action. “Garlic and Oil” is the kind of song that will appeal to everyone’s taste. It’s a dessert of riches for the fans.
5) LYRIC JONES joined forces with BIG TWINS, SMOOVTH, & EA$Y MONEY for a BackpackBeatz produced banger titled, “2nd Wind.” This is aggressive, go for the throat styled lyricism that highlights what it means to be a TRUE MC…The power & passion behind the words speaks volumes! Talent & commitment like this is increasingly rare in today’s cookie cutter climate, so it must be rewarded. Let’s do so now with a spot on the list!
6) SMOOVTH knows what it’s like to be a WINNER. He’s been that way since day one & it’s even the name of his crew. On the new “Road Warriorz” from his forthcoming, “SS96J” project, the laid back lyricist runs laps around a Vic Grimes produced gem featuring rhyme brethren, MILANO & SEAN ROSATI. Each emcee brings their own unique style to the cut as they cascade around the soulful soundscape created by the Crate Divizion kingpin. It’s all about skills…and these MCs got ’em!
7) ILLPO continue to bring their movement to the masses with the D.R.U.G.S Beats produced, “Ali.” The track is like a behemoth that barrels through anything that gets in its way…which makes it the perfect sonic arena for the crew’s savage assault on the mic. Sounding like spiritual successors to M.O.P., the super-charged duo demonstrate their ability to ANNIHILATE the competition with ease. Don’t get in their way!…and expect to get knocked the f**k out if you call them arrogant!
8) BLU & super producer, RAY WEST, linked up with AG & DAVE DAR on “Micadelic Furs” to show other emcees what they’re SUPPOSED to be doing on the mic! The “Creators on Concrete” have dope rhymes for days, but unfortunately for us we only get to enjoy 3 minutes & 47 seconds worth of them on this track. That’s okay though, ’cause there’s plenty more on the “Crenshaw Jezebel” project that’s out now!
9) HOMEBOY SANDMAN is dropping his “Kindness For Weakness” LP on May 6th & to get us amped up he delivered the infectiously funky Edan produced joint, “Talking” (BLEEP). As much spoken word piece as it is an all out lyrical assault, Sandman becomes increasingly agitated as the track progresses while listeners’ emotions will run the gambit from joy to pure ecstasy!
10) YOUR OLD DROOG makes top quality tracks. That’s a fact. But what happens when he joins forces with STYLES P & JOEY BADA$$ on a Black Milk produced banger called “Just Rhymin’?” Well, just expect your head to explode! Hopefully you can still read these words after pressing play(It might be a little difficult without your eyes an’ all…), but even if the only thing that’s left is your upper torso & a bloody neck stub, you’ll still appreciate the joint. With Y.O.D., Styles P, and Joey involved, less than the best is never an option.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
