Insomniac staffers are armed with a pen & a pad and we’re coming out BLASTING! Yes faithful readers, it’s time once again for our Weekly Top Ten! So ya know what to do. Check out the list below!
1) JADEN CASTRO needs no introduction. We know the artist as the supremely gifted front man of unstoppable lyrical juggernauts, The Voyagers, and a creative force behind the scenes as well with a rising collection of self-directed visuals for his crew & numerous associates. Jaden also happens to have a solo career and…GOTDAMN, he’s not takin’ any shorts in that department either! His latest power-packed, tongue-twisting, sonic document of wondrous wordplay is a Reklews produced gift-wrapped gem for true underground heads called “HA.” He’s knocking out the competition at every turn! Who’s laughing now?!?
2) When have you known HUS KINGPIN to come thru with weak ish? The answer is NEVER. That’s why #TheWinners rhyme powerhouse gives it his all & comes out on top again in his new TCOR produced banger called “The Waveman.” Lord Wavy cements his reputation as “The Beat Whisperer” by carefully finessing the track & bending it to his will before taking full possession & claiming it as his own! This is how Hip Hop is supposed to sound. Hus Kingpin always gets it right!
3) THE VOYAGERS are notorious for keeping an extra clip at the ready…so we knew Jaden & Co. were packin’ heavy ammo with the collective’s latest joint, “Dah Mummi.” The super-group perform trampoline somersaults around an eerie yet funky track that could work as the score for some bizarre Hip Hop/Horror flick mash up. We hear thunder…see lightning…and our onscreen characters cautiously enter the crypt. But please keep The Voyagers away from the tomb. Their mutant rhyme energy will bring the dead back to life!!!
4) MICK JENKINS is gearing up to drop a new project with theMIND & THEMpeople called “SIP!” While refining it for the masses, he decided to give us “$3,000 Advice” that we’ll put to good use wherever we go! Murky, dark, and infectiously compelling…this is yet another dope track to add to Mick’s already impressive collection.
5) It had been awhile since we heard something new from raw spitter, DOMO GENESIS…so when he reemerged on the scene with the Maffyuu produced “KWYM”(Keep Working Young Man), the lyricist made sure it would be a dope joint to remember! Over a mellow soundscape the emcee recounts the stress and pressure he’s faced throughout the years while maintaining his winner’s spirit. According to Domo, an album is about to drop at any moment. We’ll be ready!
6) When CASUAL & PHAT KAT(Ronnie Euro) teamed up as RON JON BOVI for some UnJust produced heat titled “Time Tunnel” we got excited. Our excitement hasn’t diminished a bit since playing the dope track. Uh uh! In fact, it makes us wish we could travel through a time tunnel of our own & teleport ourselves to February 19th when their “Neaux Mursi” album is released to the public. The reality is that we’ll have to wait. But unlike a lot of hyped up material that ultimately ends up as a big letdown, our prediction is that Ron Jon Bovi will reward our anticipation with lyrics & production that will define the industry’s future!
7) WASHEYI CHOIR teamed up with PLANET ASIA & TRISTATE of DURAG DYNASTY for another representation of sonic excellence from DirtyDiggs called “Black Tux” that got the entire staff amped up for the forthcoming, “Eyes Like Fire” EP. The emcees deliver gritty rhymes over a unique soundscape that merges 90’s BoomBap with elements of Doo Wop & classic soul. It’ll get you in the mood to button up & throw on that Black Tux…But keep on the Timbs!
8) SAGEINFINITE possesses the kind of voice & delivery that instantly draws you into a world of cinematic street scenes powered by a hustler’s journey toward fame & fortune. The Raw Minerals produced “New Money” serves as the perfect showcase for an emcee with skills…and yeah, the New Jersey native’s got plenty! This is how it’s done on the east coast. With all the record sales & tour dates we predict in his future, he’ll have lots of new money to burn!
9) MEMPHIS BLEEK linked up with MANOLO ROSE to hilariously mock all the haters on the JClyde produced, “So Different.” Wannabes, Trash talkers, Bloggers (GULP!) can all go to hell because while you’re laughing he’s cashing checks! None of this would mean anything if the song was trash. Well, it’s far from that…as you probably guessed from its placement on the list! We hope they continue to laugh all the way to the bank as more listeners embrace the track.
10) The question we asked ourselves with IVAN AVE’s Mndsgn produced “Obedience” was whether a song that’s been out for over a year can be considered new. Then we finally decided, “Hell, it’s new to US so it’s gotta be on the list!” Truth be told, not many Hip Hop publications on these shores were privy to the super-talented lyricist from Oslo, Norway. But if this track is any indication, his anonymity will be a thing of the past with the release of the emcee’s forthcoming project, “Helping Hands.” Listen to the way Jakarta Records’ rising star rides Mndsgn’s lush, note perfect soundscape and you’ll understand why the track is having such a strong resurgence across the ‘net. Colorful abstract lyricism mixed with laid back Boom Bap add up to an obedient audience hanging on to Ivan’s every word.
Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!
– Kevin Keith
