Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten: Don’t Sleep On These New Releases

Are you struggling to keep up with all the new releases? Do you wish you had more time in the day to check in on the latest Hip Hop heat? Don’t worry ’bout it…we got ya! So sit back, relax, and enjoy Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten!

1) DJ RUDE ONE dropped off a new joint from his forthcoming “ONEderful” LP…and DAMN…it was a great one! WESTSIDE GUNN hopped on the producer’s speaker-shattering track to bring his microphone mastery to the table for another Griselda Records approved street sermon titled “Supreme Trunks.” Gunn delivers his trademark venomous, high-pitched flow over a beat that could move mountains. Coming in just under 2 minutes, the infectious track leaves us begging for more!

2) JOELL ORTIZ & production overlord, Domingo, can do no wrong when they team up in the studio! “Last Man Standing” is the latest release from their forthcoming, “That’s Hip Hop,” collabo project & it showcases how powerful music can be when two creative masterminds are at the helm of the action. The excitement is only beginning because the album drops March 15th. Hip Hop’s boundaries have been pushed to the extreme from various artists in the past…but these guys take the genre to a higher level!

3) ROYCE 5’9″ isn’t just a dope lyricist. He’s also a master storyteller & proves so on his new release from the upcoming “Layers” album titled Tabernacle.” Regaling listeners with a TRUE story of how he experienced the birth of his son, the death of his grandmother, and his first meeting with Eminem all on the same day, is enough to waken any non-believer’s faith in a higher power. Royce takes us to church in this spirited gem that shows that the essence of Hip Hop is alive & well in the soul of the Detroit lyricist. “Tabernacle” is a gift from one of the best emcees in the game. Amen to that!

4) D.I.T.C. dropped the best track yet since they reformed to conquer the world! The O.C. featured “Caviar Dreams” is a Motif Alumni produced masterpiece that would fit right at home on an early Nas or AZ album. O.C. rides the beat with the perfect execution that comes from well-honed skills mastered during his decades long career. This is the D.I.T.C. that we know & love! The album looks to be a classic in the making.

5) DIRTYDIGGS are a production duo who have a permanent home on our list. Why? They’re just that good! It was hard to choose one track from their newly released “7 Figure Patterns” album when they ALL stand out but “The Descendants” featuring KILLER BEN & MONTAGE ONE was a joint the entire staff could agree on. The track highlights lyrical star turns from the two emcees and sports a dope soundscape that sounds like someone’s tied to railroad tracks with a locomotive closing in for the kill! We know it’s the raw, gritty ish you love & appreciate. DirtyDiggs, Killer Ben & Montage One bring the heat everytime!

6) YOUR OLD DROOG hit Complex magazine with some dope bars on part one of their Cypher City series & the lyrics return for an encore on the Oh NO produced, “DYLAN!” Reminiscent of the classic B-Boy breakbeat groove from “The Mexican,” the joint makes you feel like running to the club to see Droog rip the mic! So do it on April 4th when he takes over the scene at SOB’s in NYC.

7) CORMEGA & GUNPLAY school the young’uns on what street life is REALLY about on the Harry Fraud produced, “Guns And Butter.” Over a dark, foreboding soundscape the emcees draw the listener into cinematic tales of crime and corruption. There’s a code on the streets that must be followed. Violate them at your own risk!

8) BILL THOUSAND has become a master at delivering hardcore, witty lyrics over moody production that grips listeners by the throat! “Sailor Moon” offers a driving rhythm for the lyricist to tear into with full force. The competition is closing in but Bill is up to the challenge. Don’t turn him into the bad guy. He’s an emcee at the top of his game while you’re a “Care Bear n***a givin’ out hugs!”

9) SIK VIK joined forces with SHOA-TYME to deliver some brand new PA heat for the listeners…but they didn’t stop there! Star spitter, DAVE EAST, also steps in to lend an East Harlem assist for the brand new Kountdown produced banger, “Just Riding.” The track possesses a west coast vibe that should be played at full blast while you’re…yep…just riding. Mic skills overtake the proceedings as the lyricists meld with the funky track to become one sonic force of nature!

10) MAREEZY reminded us of how we used to kick it on the KIMOSABE & BRENTON featured banger, “Grow Up.” Our staff loved the classic 90’s vibe that transported us back to the days when work, bills, and responsibility didn’t matter. We didn’t have a care in the world & the lyricists described those special moments to perfection. There’s nothing like music that recalls a better time in life. Big salute to Mareezy, Kimosabe & Brenton. Thanks for the memories!

Well that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON’T SLEEP!

– Kevin Keith