Let the power of the chart compel you as Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten strikes again! Check out the latest & greatest hits the underground has to offer. Strap yourself in…we’re steppin’ on the gas!!!
1) Odweeyne of SO CRACKED LAB delivers new heat every 30 days in the form of his monthly series, “The BLACKLIST,” that features one lyrical juggernaut going IN on a raw beat he supplies with a heavy dose of Boom bap! This time the enterprising production visionary enlists NOLAN THE NINJA for his most dynamic edition to date, “The BlackList #4.” Detroit’s supreme spitter barrels through the stellar soundscape with the kinetic force of an Olympic gold medalist in his prime. Comparing the lyricist to a revered athlete isn’t a stretch by any means. In fact, the emcee’s sonic workout on the track produces far more satisfying results than anything that could possibly be achieved in your local gym. Nolan’s take on The BlackList revolves around self-empowerment and winning despite the odds. With Odweeyne’s propulsive track serving as motivation, Nolan The Ninja can’t lose!
2) REKS showcases unparalleled mic skills honed by years of dedication to his craft on a new Nottz produced gem titled, “The Recipe.” The track(featured on his forthcoming “The Greatest X” album)contains impressive cuts on the 1 & 2’s courtesy of DJ Kerosene and speaks on the banishment of watered down rap(“let the wack rap die with the rest of these fools”) in favor of true, authentic hip hop lyricism which REKS embodies in every manner, shape, and form you could ever possibly imagine. Anyone seeking dope bars over dope beats issued by a REAL emcee should look no further. REK’S got the recipe…TRUE!
3) LIGHT THE EMCEE emerged from the lab with a monstrous creation from mad scientist, Custodian Of Records, that threatened destruction to all competitors who dared resist the force of their unstoppable “Gulf Clap.” Powered by Boom bap beats and horns that made us feel like we were trapped in the middle of Mardi Gras, this whimsically insane cut took hold of our souls and encouraged us to laugh at all the commercial clowns (“Uncle Magic!”) and view them as the untalented roaches they really are (“Cucaracha!”). Zany, fun, and undeniably dope, “Gulf Clap” is a track to applaud!
4) “Got so many rhymes, I don’t think I’m too sane…” That Nas sample from DANIEL SON’s Giallo Point produced banger, “SILVIO,” is the perfect way to describe the lyricist’s unwavering work ethic that allows the emcee to drop joints with witty jewels like, “People askin’ son, “why the CD late?”/My dude come home in September/that’s a release date.” Wooo! Lines like that keep us coming back for more! And with Crate Divizion’s finest turning up the heat way past boiling level ya know the action’s just gettin’ started! NOTE TO ALL COMPETITORS: Daniel Son is at the center of a roundtable that’s only reserved for a few. In other words, step your game up and MAYBE you’ll grow up to be just like him. Keep dreaming!
5) K.A.A.N’s mic skills are so otherworldly that the supposed “talent” of artists who dare to call themselves emcees pales by comparison. The lyricist’s ascendancy to the hip hop throne has been building for some time but “Prince,” produced by rising behind-the-boards mastermind, Blev, adds another stamp of authenticity & quality to the future king of the music industry. The lush soundscape is so full and forward thinking that we can’t help but think that Mr. Nelson is peering down from a purple cloud sending his blessings. Quality is always at the forefront of each K.A.A.N. release. Once again he delivers.
6) AESOP ROCK delivered a HOMEBOY SANDMAN & OPEN MIKE EAGLE featured bonus track from his “The Impossible Kid” album that was way too dope to be tossed off as an extra. “Syrup” showcases three incredible lyricists flexing serious skills over a hypnotically funky track that doesn’t sound like anything else on the scene. When your dirty dishes become self-aware it either means you’re trippin’ heavily on that syrup or trippin’ out on THE SYRUP created by Aesop & the crew! Both methods will result in your mind being blown…but the latter one is far more fun!
7) A true artist never retires. After announcing his exit from the industry via a 2015 EP called, “Jonwayne Is Retired,” the lyricist/producer returns a year later with the spectacular new single, “Wonka.” JONWAYNE is firing on all cylinders as the progressive artist lets haters know that he’s the ONLY muthaf***a in the game with a golden ticket! JW ain’t afraid of y’all! The man brings music manna to the masses. Yep, he’s back in business. The work day’s just begun!
8) Brooklyn’s TJ SAVALIS made us “Smile” and nod our heads incessantly to the brief but EXTREMELY effective Meddy Foxx produced banger, “Smile.” Flowing like a BEAST over a sample of Shanice’s “I Love Your Smile” and some golden era “Impeach The President” enhanced Boom bap was all we needed to recognize the skills from this incredible talent on the rise. Take a listen. Smile. Then give the BK spitter a big salute!
9) Straight outta Dallas, Texas, CA$ABLANCA teams up with LIL SAL for some dope lyrical action over Vic Grimes supplied heat on “Awkward Offense.” The emcees rip into the track with full intensity while the Crate Divizion approved soundtrack launches them toward victory on the competitive battlefield of hip hop. Witness the rebirth of genuine, authentic lyricism and raw Boom bap beats! Ca$ablanca & Co. are bringin’ that ol’ thang back!
10) People usually get “Baggy Eyes” when they suffer from a lack of sleep. MICHAEL CHRISTMAS on the other hand appears to be extremely well rested(at least judging from the artwork on his soundcloud pic). But now it’s time to “Get Up” and drop a new single for the fans…and man, it’s a dope one! The emcee’s Durkin produced joint possesses a soulful, worldly feel that instantly grabbed our attention. Michael makes it his own by delivering the bold, eccentric style of lyricism that keeps fans’ ears to the speakers. Way too big…Way too funny…Way too crazy…Nah. Just get up off’a his d**k and appreciate the music!
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
