Hip-Hop | Hi-Rez — Never Enough (feat. Kinetics) [Music Video]
Posted by jeffwbaird on March 28, 2013
I’ve been aware of Hi-Rez’s growing stardom for awhile now, but it wasn’t until I really delved into his work that I realized how deserving he is. Rez is a talented rapper in his own right, who cares about the kind of hip-hop he represents, and thus works diligently on his lyricism. Joining him on this gripping, melodic Cherne beat is Kinetics, an absolute lyrical warrior, who is becoming one of the blog-world’s most consistent songwriters and emcees. Neither disappoints here, and Kinetics’ enthralling hook is what gives it its true lasting appeal. Be sure to stay updated on these two as their popularity continues to grow — we can only imagine that they are destined for long careers given their talent.
Hip-Hop, Videos | Azad Right – Showtime [Music Video]
Posted by Grubeats on March 20, 2013
[do action=”youtube” videoid=”OmaUijcv8Dg”/]
After months of anticipation, the Cali bred rapper, Azad Right, lands back on our screens with his newest visual set, “Showtime”. Equipped with a ferocious mentality to prove his abilities as a rapper, Azad straps on a camera rig and takes us for a trip around L.A. From Santa Monica to the depths of Hollywood, Azad shows that there is a right way to create soulful, substance heavy hip-hop. “Showtime” is attached to Azad’s upcoming project, For The Hopeful, slated for a late spring release. Production compliments of Jonathan Marquez.
Cover, Videos | PropaneLv – Eyes Like Sky (Frank Ocean Cover)
Posted by Jess on March 1, 2013
After PropaneLv & the LTRMN stirred up Reddit with their Harlem Shake Remix/Video last week, the singer/rapper takes it back down several notches and covers Frank Ocean’s new single “Eyes Like Sky”. Lv draws inspiration from the instrumental and melody then proceeds to make it his own, as usual.
Hip-Hop | Asher Roth – Dude (feat. Curren$y) [Prod. Blended Babies]
Posted by LoffyG on February 13, 2013
As many of you know today is Ash Wednesday (hopefully you didn’t give up hip-hop for lent), so it’s only right that we get a new release from the “dude” Ash Roth. He recruits fellow rapper/chiller Curren$y to accompany him on this Blended Babies production. After hearing the beat drop I knew Ash & Spitta were gonna go in on this one, the production fits their style perfectly. Enjoy this track because we probably won’t be hearing much from Asher as he is about to embark on his European tour!
Hip-Hop | Jeff’s Top 10 of 2012 List
Posted by jeffwbaird on January 17, 2013
Back in September when I wrote the editorial “In the Rubble of Hip-Hop…”, I never intended to write a post like this—paying tribute to so many fantastic releases, and the current state of hip-hop. I’ve spent much of the past few years in fear that the kind of substantial, lyrical hip-hop that I cherish so much was on its way out—surely headed to the doldrums, with hip-hop publicly recognizable as one-in-the-same as pop music by the masses. Surprisingly enough, I’ve been proved wrong by a handful of emcees who have gained popularity through creating authentic, powerful music. The majority of the songs on this best of 2012 list (and the impeccable full-length projects that they were selected from—I elected to only choose one song per artist) were released in the final quarter of 2012, and as a result I look back on 2012 as a rather impressive return to vigor for a deteriorating genre. The following songs are just a selection of music I assiduously enjoyed this past year—an amalgamation of hip-hop’s two primary worlds: the blogosphere and the mainstream. Hopefully this introduces you to some new favorites, and helps you feel reinvigorated by this collection of artists we have supporting our beloved genre in 2013. Note: These songs are in no particular order.
10. Captain Midnite — Ashes Rising (feat. Kyle Lucas & OnCue)
I first heard this song back in October when it was released as a single from Captain Midnite’s EP, and was immediately attracted to it. Rarely do I hear a hip-hop song without recognition with such powerful and rich opening chords. I remember hearing that beat drop right before the 1:00 mark for the first time, and knowing right then that Captain Midnite was something special. Don’t let me forget the phenomenal features here by two terrific emcees, Kyle Lucas and OnCue, whose charismatic performances are largely responsible for making this song have the lasting appeal that it has.
9. B.o.B — Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)
Though I am a longtime B.o.B fan, I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of Strange Clouds. It felt like (and really was) an abandonment of his early sound in favor of the electro-pop style that his new fanbase had grown to embrace him for. Regardless of the unimpressive singles, I got the album on release day and listened through looking for something to catch my ears. Luckily enough I waded through to the album closer, a fantastically unfitting track for this pop-oriented LP. “Where Are You” is an introspective, piano-driven track in which he touches upon many perceived bitter emotions that his friends, fans, and family may have towards him at this point in his career. His acknowledgement of the departure of his sound shows maturity, but it doesn’t really make up for the album being what it is, and doesn’t give any insight to his thought process behind the album’s direction—but it is a reminder of just how talented he is. Hopefully, as the last piece of writing we receive on the album, it also serves as an acknowledgement that the B.o.B of old isn’t gone for good.
Hip-Hop, Videos | G-Eazy ft. Carnage – LOADED [Official Music Video]
Posted by LoffyG on January 16, 2013
Earlier today G-Eazy let loose the visuals for his collaboration with rapper/producer Dj Carnage, and I must say this is nothing less than a banger! It was originally featured as a bonus track on G-Eazy’s recent mixtape release “Must Be Nice“, as well as Dj Carnage’s project “Stoop Kid”, which featured an extra verse from Carnage. This definitely serves as a track that you’d play at high volume while partying with some alcohol induced lady friends to get things jumpin’. It has a very similar vibe to Mike Stud’s collaboration with Dj Carnage on “Athlete” so if you like this take a listen to that as well. Watch the booty filled video and grab the free mp3 below!
Events, Hip-Hop, Rap, Videos | Chance the Rapper – Secret Chicago Show (Video)
Posted by J_Salzer on January 3, 2013
Chance? The Rapper? Yes, ladies and gentleman. Chance, the rapper. He’s here, and he’s here to stay. Chance had arguably one of the biggest years of anyone in the hip-hop game, and he will certainly do big things in 2013. Chance surprised his Twitter followers by announcing that he would be having a show 24 hours from then, and his Twitter followers responded by giving him the opportunity to perform in front of yet another sold out crowd. Only big things coming in 2013 for Mr. Bennett. Check out the video above and be on the look out for Acid Rap dropping sometime in the not so distant future.