Can you believe it’s that time again? Yes faithful readers, Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten is here for another exciting edition of Hip Hop’s latest & greatest. Check out the list below…
1) Detroit’s lyrical heavyweight, FRANK NITT, teamed up with west coast spitter supreme, BISHOP LAMONT, for 3 minutes and 30 seconds of high-powered sonic heat titled, “On This Earth.” The stellar track created by production phenom, Robroy, is featured on the forthcoming “Asphalt Runways” album that drops May 27th. Lyrics of societal outrage (“real life purge/police hunting you”) mesh perfectly with the Boom Bap meets Federation of the Planets styled backdrop. This is what power sounds like! Nitt, Robroy & Lamont are kings of the universe!
2) DP is not the one to be f***ed with! Listen to the VA lyricist’s EK Beatz produced, “You’ll Be Touched!” and you’ll see what we’re talking about. The joint is one of those certified bangers that grows with intensity as DP’s lyrics get more sinister and menacing. Why’d he do it? Money was the motive!
3) K.A.A.N. gears up for the June 3rd release of his K Def produced EP, “Uncommon Knowledge,” by delivering his most irresistibly catchy track to date! “Music” is like one extremely melodic run-on sentence that you pray never ends! Its been said before but let’s say it again – ‘K.A.A.N’s flow is unmatched.’ I mean seriously, WHO RHYMES LIKE THIS?!? The kid is unf***witable! Add those unparalleled mic skills to K Def’s superior sonic seasoning and what’cha got?…A big hit in the making!!!
4) CONSTANT DEVIANTS are fast becoming kings of the bonus track. They caught us off guard & threw us into a frenzy with “Gavone,” a dope side dish from their forthcoming “Omerta” album….and now the crew does it again with another extra clip in the gat called “Cutt For President.” One listen & you’ll feel like you died and went to Boom Bap heaven with hardcore beats complemented by dope lyricism…and of course, top of the line turntablism by the one & only DJ Cutt. Nominate him for president and get those crooks out of office!
5) It’s a Queens-Harlem connection as master producer, RAS BEATS, enlists super lyricist, FEV, for pure, unstoppable hardcore heat on a new joint called “Front Line.” This is a no-frills/ no-holds barred showcase of dope beats & lyricism designed to remind listeners of a time when the only thing that mattered were skills & authenticity. Mission accomplished. “Front Line” leads the pack!
6) Don’t even act like y’all don’t know what DANIEL SON’s all about! He’s the one emcee you can count on to bring ya exactly what you need time & time again! The PhybaOptikz produced, “DOCK HUNTERS,” is the lyricist’s latest gift to the world & needless to say it steamrolls over every other track in its path! Gliding over a smooth, atmospheric groove is the Brown Bag Money spitter’s specialty. If he slides up to your mom’s house with a fresh plate, accept it! Who’s your daddy? His name is Daniel Son!
7) JOHN REILLY & RICH QUICK stomped through the school hallways, shaking down the nerds & stealing enough milk money to pay off four years of student loans on the morally questionable yet laugh out loud hilarious new joint, “Bully Pulpit.” The funky Rediculus produced gem is delivered from the perspective of the meanest kids in school who put their fellow classmates through ordeals that will result in years of intense therapy. We were traumatized after one listen but the ish was so dope we put the song on loop. Disclaimer: Bullying should never be placed on a pedestal. F**k the Disclaimer: This song ROCKS!!!
8) SUBSTANTIAL & MARCUS D linked up with PRECIOUS JOUBERT for a sonic excursion on “The Sub Way.” The hypnotic track from the upcoming “Present” EP equates various destinations on the train to the different paths we all travel in life. As the Maryland lyricist describes the journey he embarked on to make him the man he is today, we can’t help but ponder our own personal voyage. You never know where this particular train will take you but as Substantial says, “we all have to find our own way.”
9) Irish lyrical dynamo, ROB KELLY, joined forces with super spitter, RIM DA VILLIN, for a dope Tranzformer produced banger from the forthcoming “Kel Jefe” album called “Eff Mitch Green.” The track which also features ill turntable work from DJ Mayhem will scare off all ‘challengers not bad enough to compete.’ What challengers? Rob Kelly & Rim Da Villin have no competition!
10) CISCERO enlisted APRIL GEORGE, DIGGS DUKE & MANNYWELLZ for a magical Byron The Aquarius produced gem titled “Ocean Ave.” The uplifting standout track from the forthcoming “Kids Wear Crowns” project, co-opts Kanye’s hook from “We Don’t Care” & melodic flows reminiscent of Chance The Rapper to create a composition that is at once familiar yet vastly original due to its brilliant presentation. We took notice of the artist’s impressive creativity & imagination awhile back and can say with utmost certainty that his album will expand on & push the boundaries of his unique and singular vision. Hold on tight ’cause things are moving fast. Jump on the Ciscero bandwagon now before the train leaves without you!
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
