Song of the Day 3/20/17

And we are back! Because as evidenced by the fact that I’m posting on a blog that I have not updated since 2014 (at 3:43 A.M.!) I am desperate for something to do while I am holed up in this Godforsaken house going stir crazy. So what better lucrative hobby to invest m time in than to add to this completely directionless site of the jumbled interests that result from the misfiring synapses in my brain which include amongst other things, music.

Hey, speaking of music Process by Sampha is still easily the best album that I’ve heard this year. This dude deserves to blow up huge so put away that god damn Sam Smith already and…oh shit wait, that’s no good! I swear I’m not still stuck in 2014! I mean put away that uhhh Ed Sheeran! Yes that’ll do. Because as Hayes and Kulap so aptly put it on the most recent episode of Who Charted? (See I get podcasts now. I’m hip, I’m with it. I’m quoting Austin Powers. Oh fuck!) “Shape of You” is a baby song. And not like in a “making babies music” way but as as in literally the instrumental and melody is something a God damn literal baby would create. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Sampha! He is the Brit who deserves your attention so shower him with listens, all ten of you who visit this defunct site. Who are you and what random Simpsons reference brought you here?

Song of the Day 11/24/14

Cormega – MARS (Dream Team) feat AZ, Redman and Styles P

From Mega Philosophy, the 2014 Cormega album produced entirely by Large Professor. Three New York (and one Newark) legends over one of the best producers of all time? Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Definitely one of my favorite tracks of the year.

Song of the Day 11/19/14

Flying Lotus – Medication Meditation

From the new Grand Theft Auto V Radio, a collab between producer Flying Lotus, fresh off his critical smash You’re Dead and hip-hop legend Krayzie Bone. Krayzie’s signature buttery smooth sing song flow and voice fit perfectly over FlyLo’s chilled out instrumental. I’ve been a Bone Thugs stan for about 15 years, but in my opinion Krayzie Bone is one of the most underrated rappers of all time. In terms of longevity and consistency I have no problem putting him right up there with rappers like Black Thought and Ghostface.

Song of the Day 11/18/14

Vince Staples – Limos feat Teyana Taylor

From the fantastic Hell Can Wait EP. Vince has steadily been getting better with every release and with legendary producer No I.D. (and the potential Nas, Common, James Fauntleroy, Jhene Aiko, etc features that come with that) as well as young stars like Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt firmly in his corner I cannot wait for his full length Def Jam debut next year. But until then, Hell Can Wait and songs like “Limos” will definitely stay in constant rotation.

Song of the Day 11/17/14

Jay Rock – Pay For It feat Kendrick Lamar and Chantal

Jay Rock and Kendrick performed this song on Saturday Night Live a couple of days ago, however Jay Rock was never mentioned once. Not even by host Woody Harrelson when he introduced the two as “Once again, Kendrick Lamar.” despite the fact that it’s Jay Rock’s song! So I’m posting this in a futile effort to try and get Jay Rock some shine. The dude has paid his dues longer than anybody else and yet always seems to get pushed to the background. Another recent example of this is the new LeBron Beats by Dre ad which also features this song but only Chantal’s chorus and Kendrick’s verse.

I get that Kendrick is the big star and Jay Rock wouldn’t have even been on SNL if Kendrick wasn’t there to perform “i” in the first place but still it’s unfortunate that he never gets the exposure he deserves even when presented with such awesome opportunities as an SNL performance and a Beats ad. My friend even texted me during the performance and said “Who’s that other TDE guy with Kendrick?”. He’s gonna have to start wearing a hat and t-shirt saying “HI, MY NAME IS JAY ROCK” or something pretty soon.

Here’s the SNL performance unfortunately in shitty quality for those interested You’ll notice that once again, Jay Rock’s name is not in the title. Poor Jay Rock.):

Song of the Day 11/14/14

Black Milk – Black and Brown feat Danny Brown

Before the Detroit duo of Danny Brown and Black Milk hooked up for 2011’s severely underrated EP Black & Brown!, they linked up for this track from Black Milk’s 2010 solo album Album of the Year. On the EP, Black Milk handled the production and Danny rhymed over the tracks. However, Black Milk is clearly no slouch on the mic and this track makes me wish that he got in front of the mic a bit on Black and Brown!

Also, although I shouldn’t complain because I’ve been waiting years for Danny, Eminem and Royce to get on a track together and the finished product is still outstanding, I still wish Black Milk and eLZhi got their chance to shine on “Detroit vs. Everybody”.

Song of the Day 11/12/14

Camp Lo – Luchini AKA This is It

Lately, I’ve been trying to listen to an older classic album that I either haven’t listened to in a long time or I just missed entirely. For the most part, this has been rewarding as I’ve discovered some of absolutely fantastic albums. I can’t believe I had never listened to Prince Paul’s A Prince Among Thieves before. I like Kendrick Lamar as much as anybody, but anyone who says that Good Kid m.A.A.d City is the best concept album of all time has never heard A Prince Among Thieves. That’s the first album that ever had me on the edge of my seat before. Listen to it if you haven’t.

Anyway, the album I chose for today is Uptown Saturday Night by Camp Lo. Camp Lo is one of those 90’s groups who had a critically successful debut that even spawned a hit single (“Luchini”) and then were never able to recapture that magic and sort of just faded away. For lack of a better term, they’re a One Album Wonder, but that album is definitely worth a listen for any hip-hop fan.

Song of the Day 11/11/14

Royce da 5’9″ – Boom (Prod. by DJ Premier)

Nickle Season is approaching, people. With yesterday’s release of the Shady XV Cypher as well as the much anticipated “Detroit vs. Everybody” track and with the release of the aforementioned Shady XV compilation (including Bad Meets Evil and Slaughterhouse tracks), Prhyme and a new Slaughterhouse album it looks like one of the most consistent and underrated MC’s alive is about to get some much deserved shine. Personally I’m the most excited for the release of Prhyme, Royce’s collaborative effort with arguably the best producer of all time, DJ Premier and boasting some big name features including Mac Miller, Jay Electronica, Killer Mike, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q. “Boom” marks the first meeting between the two rap vets and hopefully offers at least a taste of what’s they have in store.

Song of the Day 08/28/2014

The Antlers – Epilogue

For those of you who frequent this site, or at least the stragglers that remain after our long hiatus (There are hopefully DOZENS OF YOU. DOZENS!) I’m sure you’re aware that while I listen to many different genres of music, the majority of my listening goes back to my first love: hip-hop. So while I’m pathetically listening and commenting on every Run the Jewels snippet that leaks, it unfortunately means that I’m usually behind the curve as far as getting around to excellent albums in other genres go; sometimes years behind. Hospice, an album released by The Antlers, which I’m sure all of you indieheads are well acquainted with, all the way back in 2009 is one example of this. Since I’ve discovered this album through a posting of 4chan’s /mu/ essentials list on a music subreddit in an embarrassing Inception of internet forums (WOW A SNARKY POST INSIDE OF A SNARKY POST) I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. It’s a beautiful album and I really recommend any Johnny-come-latelies like myself to give it a listen. 

Song of the Day 08/27/14

 

BADBADNOTGOOD – Six Degrees feat Ghostface Killah & Danny Brown

Last week r/hiphopheads had a thread asking the various precocious pre-teens and Kanye swallowers (WE REALLY OUT HERE!) what they felt the top five hip-hop songs of 2014 thus far are. While this track might not be tmy number #1, it certainly has etched out a place in my top 5 and frankly I was surprised at how few people included it in their lists. I mean Chance hasn’t even really released anything this year besides a cover of the “Arthur” theme song. AND I SAID HEY, WHAT A WONDERFUL KIND OF DAY! Ahem, anyway, two of my favorite rappers over a BBNG beat is a formula for awesomeness and “Six Degrees” doesn’t disappoint.