Tag Archive for Hip Hop

30th May 2012

Jet Life* – 1st place

Jet Life is the crew of New Orleans rapper Curren$y (love the “$”, could that be any more bling?). This is a classic party tune, I imagine it tearing up a sweaty dancefloor. The languid hook and easy bravado in the lyrics is interesting in a somewhat lurid way. It reminds me of this track I posted last year, which also features an amazing sample.

If samples are something that interest you as they do me, this website is worth checking out. It is a great resource for identifying where great beats originated.

RjK

*Artist #454

26th May 2012

Arrested Development – Mr.Wendall

A perfect summer tune as it felt like it had finally arrived to London today. It is remarkable how different it feels on a sunny weekend.

Had a solid day, went to see the Lucian Frued exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. It was excellent, a little jarring in places but, as always, it was some welcome cultural stimulation. I followed it up with a burger at Meatmarket in Covent Garden, which was also very enjoyable even if it left me feeling a little guilty about the number of calories.

RjK

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Blu and Exile – Blu colla workers

LA rapper Blu was someone I discovered, and posted, last year. Now my relentless quest for new music has eased a little I took the time to revisit his music recently, and really enjoyed it.

This is taken from the 2007 album Below the heavens, which he made in collaboration with the producer Exile. It is typical of the hip hop that speaks to me – funky, energetic beats and clever rhymes delivered with playful yet languid style.

RjK

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Beastie Boys* – Intergalactic

Very sad news. The BB’s were hip hop pioneers. Great, offbeat video here.

R.I.P. MCA.

RjK

*Artist 436

30th April 2012

Jay Electronica – Dear Moleskine

I have heard this a lot recently and really enjoyed it. It seems like Jay Electronica is set to be one of the breakout acts of 2012, certainly in the hip hop world.

The main reason I like it so much is the clever and fresh sounding sample. I have been thinking about samples quite a bit since posting Pete Rock and CL Smooth a few weeks ago. It really is an art form, I am a total sucker for a clever sample.

RjK

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Pete Rock and CL Smooth* – They reminsce over you (T.R.O.Y)

A friend sent me a few tracks last week that had been sampled to pleasing effect. It got me thinking about this, which contains probably my favourite sample of all time.

What imagination Pete Rock must have! To take a 60’s psycadelic track and turn it into this is an extraordinary feat. Also, CL Smooth’s (what a great name for an MC) rhymes are so vivid and powerful here. Together they combine to make this one of the best hip hop tracks in history.

RjK

*Artist #421

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Common featuring Slum Village – Thelonious

This is a gem off Common’s 2000 album Like water for chocolate. Whilst the lyrics are a little indelicate, the beat, from Slum Village’s J.Dilla, is simply irresistible. 

RjK

Clipse* – Nightmares


This was one of the sounds of the year I spent in California. My roommate used to have it as the ringtone on his cell phone. Remember when downloading ring tones was a thing? Do people still do that?

It is a good track, now that I don’t hear it at least a couple of times a day I can finally appreciate it! The hook features Bilal, one of only a handful of modern soul artists that I think are worth a listen.

/RjK

*Artist #415

15th March 2012

Hint* – Aliens Enter (NAT)

Seems like Hip Hop is very much my current flavour. It appears to be the only genre that is moving me of late. I am sure it will pass soon enough as the waxing and waning of these things seem to be cyclical.

The reason I was drawn to this today (apart from the infectious beat) were the shots of Austin, Texas (Hint’s home town) in the video. This brought back very happy memories of being there this time two years ago at the South by Southwest festival and which is also now in full swing again this year. It is always a good showcase for rising artists so I will try to read some reviews and do some research in the coming weeks and pick out some recommendations for you.

It is strange and refreshing to hear a female rapper, especially one this young.

RjK

*Artist #403

12th March 2012

Action Bronson* – Imported Goods

I heard this on a stereo at a houseparty I was at in Kentish Town on Saturday night. I immediately thought it was the legendary Ghostface Killer on the basis of the machine gun cadence and clever, colourful rhymes. But it turned that I was quite wrong, Action Bronson is also from NYC but physically he couldn’t look much different!

I have been hitting this hard for the rest of the weekend, I love the Diana Ross sample and slightly off-beat, dorky video. It has been something of a hip hop purple patch for me of late.

I want my cash stacked higher than the NASDAQ…

Also, while at the party I was talking to a fellow blogger who writes for This Greedy Pig, a pretty interesting fashion and music blog. Something for me to aim at…

RjK

*Artist #402