You made it hard on us again! There were too many dope contenders for the Top 10 throne yet too few slots to fit everyone in. So as usual, we did our best to compile the main standouts for another edition of Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten. Sit back, relax & enjoy while we prepare to stress out over next week’s submissions!
1) When you re-emerge on the scene you want to do so with a banger! THE BAD SEED did exactly that with the Nottz produced heat rocket, “Belt Off.” The joint directly addresses all the young’uns in the game who disrespect the hip hop legends who came before them. The Bad Seed’s been runnin’ thangs since they were in pampers so they better not even THINK about steppin’ to him! Over the most sinister of tracks the gifted lyricist terrorizes those who don’t pay homage. Respect your elders or he’ll beat that ass!!!
2) Last week MAFFEW RAGAZINO unleashed a Sebb Bash produced power gem called “Snowing In Jerusalem.” The Worldwide Paper Gang General painted a vivid & dramatic picture of the seedy underworld of the big city. It’s a rocky journey where the high life is fueled by the drug trade. If you get caught by the Feds you should always have your Hasidic attorney on speed dial. Don’t praise Nicky Barnes or Alpo. Those boys told! Maffew on the other hand, keeps all secrets close to the vest. He’s livin’ life & lettin’ go!
3) TAIYAMO DENKU & JOELL ORTIZ teamed up to spit a barrage of first class bars on the Dcypha produced masterpiece, “I’m Alone.” The supreme lyricists detail how loneliness is a perpetual factor in their lives…even among the company of friends and family. When you’re an artist it’s next to impossible to know who to trust. Despite that, the emcees soldier on to deliver quality music fans can appreciate. But make no mistake, Taiyamo & Joell don’t really need your validation. They know they’re creating great music & they’re doin’ it for themselves!
4) WESTSIDE GUNN drops another one & this time sonic ambassador, Nicholas Craven, provides the production. “Razors” is the latest soul-fueled clip in the lyrical phenom’s cannon of hits. It’s only the first quarter but damn, with music this good we have to wonder…Does the competition even stand a chance?
5) BIG TWINS delivers more of that unstoppable QB energy & links up with 2 WINNERS to boot. ROZEWOOD & HUS KINGPIN join the omnipresent emcee for the Twiz The BeatPro produced, “Power,” that packs more heat than Kanan crawling from a burning building to shoot up his rivals at a summer barbecue. The lyricists go for the jugular and decimate the competition. Lead showers when n***as turn to assholes!
6) By the time RUSS is 24 he’ll be selling out Staples. Hey, Staples Center, Barclays Center, MSG…Any venue that hosts ground-breaking, world-renowned artists better make room for the Diemon Master because he’s destined for the big time! “DIMAGGIO” adds another dope gem to his trophy case of quality tracks with soulful production and BARS that will turn any non-believers into die-hard fans. Salute to Russ. May his winning streak continue!
7) KAZI knows that complete immersion in the fakery of the music industry will only lead to an onslaught of taunting from personal “Demons.” Most artists can’t even look at themselves in the mirror due to the bulls**t they’re constantly spewing! Because of this, the lyricist teamed up with BOBBY EARTH & NICHOLAS RYAN GANT to create a song about the lies and deception. The joint is appropriately eerie…AND FUNKY!!! Would you turn your back on your family for fame? You may think you know the answer, but you can’t truly be certain ’til you’re put to the test.
8) We said BIG TWINS was omnipresent and we weren’t playing ’cause here he is AGAIN on the list! This time the heavy hitter teams up with master of the game, PLANET ASIA, for another Twiz The BeatPro laced showcase called “Last Man Standing.” With two verbal juggernauts like these guys you should expect greatness. Check! That’s exactly what you get.
9) PLANET ASIA gets double chart action this week by kickin’ in the door with a Big Bob produced banger featuring Brownsville lyricist, CHUCK BURNS. “Departed” is the final boarding call for true heads who want to experience Hip Hop in its purest essence. Hop aboard this jet and soar to a higher musical plane!
10) JON WAYNE doesn’t always get the respect he deserves but, “That’s O.K.” WE know he’s bringin’ the heat!!!…which of course he delivers again on this Kiefer co-production. The jazzy gem is a cool out track to relax to. Keep your mind blank and absorb the vibes.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON”T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
