NYC’s Fokis links up with former Atlantic Records artist Deemi and Jazz legend Olu Dara (Who also happens to be Nas’ Father) to create “History (Thanks Obama)”. Produced by Dahoud Darien (“Still Not A Player” – Big Pun, “Can’t Knock The Hustle” – Jay-Z) Fokis said about the track “It’s only right that we send Obama off the right way”
Over the weekend UK rapper Witness MC dropped his dope debut EP ‘Display Of Force’. Over the past year the talented emcee has been making a name for himself as part of the #Unit731 collective and also as part of the duo Defekted Sektion, as well as on a solo tip with features and a cypher appearance on Itch FM.
Throughout ‘Display Of Force’, Witness displays clever worldplay and catchy killer flows bursting with energy and personality with a barrage of bars on this 6 track EP. The canvas for him to lyrically unleash is provided by head nodding, soulful beats from Jabathakut, his #Unit731 brother Jmin, Oozhe, Dseize, Johnny Slash and Broadley.
With only one feature on the EP from his Defekted Sektion partner in crime Brad Slade on the Oozhe produced joint ‘Trouble’, this gives Witness the platform to display his full range of abilities behind the mic.
This is an impressive debut EP from Witness MC and is a great introduction to a rapper with a load of talent and potential and definitely someone to keep an eye out for in the future. Yet another dope release from the #Unit731 collective be on the lookout for a whole load of music coming in 2017 from them including Witness MC linking up with our HHLAT brother Nephilim as The Highwaymen
Stream and get Witness MC ‘Display Of Force’ EP here
Official video from Stik Figa – ‘Pardon The Interuption’. Stik Figa explains about the video “The open mic has been proving ground for young performers for decades, regardless of genre. For me it created a space to express myself in one of the most freeing ways, always hoping to grab a new ear or two. This particular acapella is one I’ve performed locally for a number of years, and now with the upcoming release of this new project I can share with everyone what folks in my backyard have always known.”
Directed by Joshua Browning
Stik Figa is back on January 27th with his new album “Central Standard Time” on Mello Music Group. This is merely the introduction. The new album features fellow rhyme-smiths Elzhi, Homeboy Sandman, Rappin’ 4-Tay, Quelle Chris, along with production from Black Milk, Exile, Apollo Brown, !llmind, L’Orange, D/Will, and Grammy Award Winner Nottz.
Stik Figa is one of Hip-Hop’s best kept secrets. The Topeka, Kansas lyrical craftsman already has classics under his belt having created an entire EP with DC/Brooklyn star Oddisee and a full length cult classic with L’Orange on “The City Under The City” (that also featured Rapsody & Open Mike Eagle).
Genesis Elijah keeps the hustle and levels high continuing to drop a new track every month with this new song bursting full of positivity and a message for the youth. ‘I See You’ features the talented Bobbie Johnson on the hook and the track is produced by Gens go to producer Pastor Dutchie.
On his Soundcloud Genesis Elijah said “This track is inspired by my work with youth clubs all over the country. This is a message to young people of all ages. . .”
It’s been a busy, productive year for Genesis Elijah from going out on stage at Wembley Arena, to being featured in a prime time commercial during the European Football Championships in the summer. His music has evolved and has developed a slightly new sound over the last 5 months, but despite the change in sound he still delivers music with lyricism and substance. If you have slept on some of his other releases throughout the year check them out below
The first STAR LIVE has launched with UK emcee Wilstar and Diverse Roots (Jaz Bailey on guitar) performing a dope acoustic version of the amazing track ‘Electricity’ straight from the brand new EP ‘Free your Mind’.
Charlotte, NC rapper ILL Tac links with Berlin producer Rice Master Yen for the video and track ‘Wall Flower’. Look out for a 5 track EP coming from the duo in January.
‘The Lay Back’ featuring Quelle Chris is the latest video project from Detroit native MosEL’s 2015 solo album ‘For The Love Of It’, these visuals come in anticipation of new music from MosEL.
With appearances from Scanz and Fresh Daily, the video was shot around Brooklyn by Ronin. Make sure to check out Bandcamp below to hear the full ‘For The Love Of It’ project.
‘Ham on Rye’ is the album opener for Cynic’s ‘Get The Gringo 2’ solo LP dropping in January. Production duties are handled by fellow PENPALS, Rapswell & Squires, as well as a track produced by Killclaw.
You can pre-order the album on limited cassette tape on Bandcamp, it includes all of the album instrumentals on the B-side.