A very introspective and melancholiac song, with a pretty brutal video to add to it. I haven’t heard a song done like this for a long time; Whiiiteboy (spoiler alert, he’s not a white boy) isn’t scared to analyse or expose a darker side of himself and I really respect that, plus I’m really into the guitar instrumental.
I’m always, always going to be a big supporter of CT local (now NY), Awkword. Even though it seems like the term ‘keeping it real’ has been overused to the point of always making it completely invalid, there are still people out there (mainly within the underground scene might I add) that actually keeping meaning to that phrase, and Awkword’s one of those people. He’s a realistic and an optimist, and those things are always extremely prevelent in any material he puts out. He also gives 100% of his profits from his project World View to charities. Now THAT’s keeping it real.
Along with being a real dude, a fantatastic wordsmith he’s also a rapper that only seems to feature, or be featured with with equally solid artists. Tenacity is one of those rappers, and Tranzformer is that producer. ‘Rap Journals’ had me nodding my head like a chicken (yeah that makes sense). Tenacity has a whole heap of style, and stylistic-wise he wouldn’t be out of place paired up with the Doomtree crew. Tranzformer is a smooth producer, and makes good work of a simple beat but polishes it nicely with some cheeky samples and an interest chorus change.
If you’re fan of Doomtree, Atmosphere and Fashawn then you should check this track and the 3 dudes out. Don’t be silly now.
(Photo borrowed from Trackside Burners Radio go check it out!)
In case you weren’t aware, today is the 16th anniversary of the death of Christopher ‘Biggie Small’ Wallace. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can not deny the obvious talent of the late rapper, and the huge influence he had on hip-hop and MCing to this very day. Biggie was a gangsta rapper back when that meant you didn’t just talk about it in your studio in Freshno, that you actually knew what it was like. Now I’m not saying that glamorising violence is a good thing, but I think we can all agree this is nothing worse than a studio gangsta. My mum grew up on a farm in Sommerset and probably saw more guns then you fool.
Anyway, in my humble opinion Biggie was one of the greatest freestyles rappers that has ever lived. Whilst I wasn’t always a fan of his lyrical content I can’t argue that he didn’t have a lot of obvious talent and skill. Whether or not you believe he was shot in a revenge killing by some angry Westcoast cats, or that the 5.0 had something to do with it (the former’s my personal choice), let’s not use today to mourn but to celebrate the legend that is The Notorious BIG.
Biggie Small is the wickedest!
In addition to this, Philadelphia MC, Damo recently recorded a freestyle named ‘Who Shot Ya’ in tribute to the late rapper. It’s not a cheesy cover, or some fanboy track. It’s a tribute in the best way, straight bars and relentless passion, a pretty fitting dedication to a MC known for his straight up bars and relentless flow.
Basically kids, I really, really shouldn’t have to introduce Rakim and Marco Polo. If you don’t understand the impact and importance that Rakim had on the culture of hip-hop, then not only do you loose a good 100 hip-hop points, then you’ll have to send us your address so we can come round to your house and slap you with a big salmon. Seriously though, you think I’m joking you just ask Stix he’ll tell you we aren’t telling lies.
All late-night fish attacks aside; Rakim originally recorded this joint wait back in 2009 but due to clearance issues on the sample it couldn’t be released along with ‘Seventh Seal. 3 years later and it seems all legal issues have been resolved, and Marco’s set to release it with his own fourthcoming LP ‘Port Authority 2’ which wil be released for free (I know right!) via Soulspazm Records. Marco Polo’s a heavy beatmaster and not to be fucked with within his own right, but add the likes of Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Artifacts, Das Efx, Lil Fame (M.O.P), Torae, Ruste Juxx, Masta Ace, Inspectah Deck and Ill Bill, well you really can’t argue. Uh huh.
In all honesty since I was already a fan of Mr Melta of Stakka Lyrics, I wasn’t exactly shocked that I really enjoyed this 6 song offering from the duo via hardworking UK label, Rhyme Pad Records. Stix and I are pretty big fans of both MCs, so anything from these guys is always going to met with a thumbs up.
The first track ‘Anti-Swagger’ gives you a good heads up to what you’re going to expect. Clever wordplay, mildly sarcastic British attitudes and passion. I won’t give you a track, but track run down but this by far one of my favourites next to ‘Girl’ and ‘Hands & Knees’. I have to be honest I’ve only listened to this twice, but so far those are the songs that I’m attached to most. Especially the tripple time vocals on ‘Hands & Knees’; I just can’t fault that.
This EP doesn’t outstay its welcome, and clocks in enough time that it leaves you satisfied but eager to hear a full length. Melta and Stakka are a great team, and their styles are quite similar, which works really well. Lyric-wise this EP will have you nodding your head and smiling simultaneously throughout. They’re such a good example of UK and/or underground hip-hop; and that is that they honestly do not give a fuck what the rest of the industry is doing-as long as they’re making music they’re happy with, then who cares?
I’m a fan of the soul samples in the record, and that’s probably why two of my favourites have them in them; but come on who doesn’t like Motown? No one, that’s who.
All in all, this a fun and catchy release and makes me like these guys just that little bit more. Actually I’m adding ‘Steng’ to my favorites list, the production and MCing is ridiculous! For fans of B-iLLA, QELD, Durrty Goodz.
Words: Aimee
Shotstoppa released one of my top 5 albums of last year, ‘Shedding Light, Shedding Skin’ produced by the mighty Dead Man Walkn and Supar Nova. In fact I loved it so much I even wrote a big old review about it which you should check out, then download his album. After the release however Shotstoppa did a bit of a disappearing act, and no one had heard much from him. Until recently! He’s uploaded two video of some rough spoken tracks that may or may not appear on an upcoming second release. Here’s hopping. I’m very happy to welcome Shotstoppa back!
Hello, hello. It is I, Aimee. In case you weren’t aware I took a two week holiday from HHLAT so I could go out in to the world and convince people to give me money. Stix held the site down single-handed, oh my gosh.
Whilst I was away however, I didn’t shun all music and still managed to find a few new treats; and one these was the Southend-On-Sea 17 year old rapper, Sonny Green (SGB). I have not heard a rapper his age with as much insight and social awareness for a very long time. Not to mention his grasp of language and wordplay. The kid has style, and he’s not even legally allowed to gamble yet. After hearing his bars for DJ Gone I knew I had to give him some promotion on the site. If The Ruby Kid and Lowkey got married and adopted a child, SGB would be the result of that.
Download his free mixtape ‘When Words Fail Music Speaks’ by clicking the image below.
PUBLIC ENEMY 25TH ANNIVERSARY VINYL COLLECTION LP ALBUM BOX SET RELEASE DATE: 15th April 2013
Public Enemy are one of the most influential, controversial and radical hip hop groups of all time. True pioneers, the band revolutionised hardcore rap in the late 80’s with a trailblazing blend of political themes and innovative music production.
As lead MC Chuck D tackled all kinds of social issues in his rhymes,particularly in the black community, the group brought an intoxicating musical mix with comic ‘hype man’ Flava Flav and the epic unrelenting cut-and-paste beats of their production team, the Bomb Squad. With a militant outlook and lyrical content condoning revolutionary action and social activism, Public Enemy initially gathered much controversy but soon won widespread acclaim to be regarded as the most influential band of their time.
They say it’s different across the bridge, and there is something definitely different about GQ. In the words of 9th Wonder, simply put, “he’s a star”. GQ, who Grammy Award winning producer, 9th Wonder, coins his “secret weapon” is not only a former NCAA basketball champion, but in fact Oakland’s next Hip Hop hero.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, GQ (also known as Quentin Thomas) found his passion for music at an early age; nine to be exact. Influenced by a wide array of music genres and artist, the young GQ became a fan of lyrics and started to pen his first rhymes; all while training to be a college hoops star. In 2004 he was recruited by Roy Williams to play for the University of North Carolina’s storied basketball program; and was a member of the 2005 National Championship team his freshman year. Some years later, and already a champion of one passion, he was well on his way to being a champion of his other – rhyming.
GQ signed with 9th Wonder in 2009, one of the last artists to join the budding Jamla roster, which has grown to be one of the most buzzed about indie labels today. Of the multi-talented emcee, 9th Wonder says, “he isn’t a basketball player that can rhyme; he is a rapper that can ball.” His style is passionate, controlled, lyrical and he is a master of telling the gritty, dark tales of the place we know as “OakTown”.
In 2010, GQ was featured on EA Sports’ NBA Live 10 video game, alongside Mississippi’s own, David Banner. The following year, the Oakland emcee released a few singles, and a three-part mixtape series, entitled “Blended”, before unleashing his first project under the Jamla imprint “Trouble Man.
Currently, GQ is setting up for a big 2013 introduction with his two part release, “Death Threats and Love Notes”, the prequel and his debut album. GQ’s “Death Threats and Love Notes: The Prelude” EP features guest appearances from Nipsey Hussle, Kurupt, Rapsody, Heather Victoria and production from 9th Wonder & The Soul Council. GQ’s “Death Threats & Love Notes: The Prelude” EP will be released On 26-03-2013 via Jamla Records.
iTunes purchase link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-town-single/id613275230
New track from Jister’s upcoming Jister Miscellaneous EP, the track was produced by Jister then Alex Bailey added some bass and jazzed it up a bit.
Track mixed and mastered by Alex Bailey.
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