Tag Archive for Hip Hop

15th November 2012

Homeboy Sandman* – Whatchu want from me? (NAT)

Sometimes the universe is trying to tell me something. There are several sources I rely on for music which are broadly broken up into four (sometimes overlapping) parts: friends, the radio, cyberspace and things that catch my ear on a day to day basis.

When I encounter an artist via a few different sources which are independent of each other it tells me that it’s time to investigate them some more. As it happens two of my friends (and sometime guest bloggers) Rory and Matt both recommend this guy in the last few weeks. And I have to give it up, he is pretty fresh.

I enjoy the energy in this song and it’s old school sound, making me think of Jurassic 5 or Arrested Development. I particularly like the simple piano hook underpinning it; it’s nothing flashy but still very effective.

/RjK

*Artist #554

Child Rebel Soldier* – Us placers


This is another hip hop track that has an interesting sample, in this case using The Eraser by Thom Yorke. It isn’t exactly Move On Up (in fairness, what is?) but I think it works really well and reminds me a little of favourites from earlier in the year Jay Electronica and Shabazz Palaces.

Child Rebel Soldier are a hip hop “supergroup” featuring Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Willams which is a pretty solid trio.

/RjK

*Artist #553

7th November 2012

Gift of Gab – Way of the light

This is taken from Oakland MC Gift of Gab’s first solo album 4th Dimensional Rocketships going up. Great album name, even better content. It was a big favourite from university and I have already featured Flashback, which is equally excellent.

This was on my mind because I remembered the really fresh sample while in London over the weekend. My mind’s ear works in mysterious ways sometimes.

/RjK

2nd November 2012

Royce da 5’9* – Boom (GPF)


This mid-90’s Hip Hop banger from Detroit rapper Royce da 5’9 is one of my favourite party tunes. The beat is provided by hip hop legend and genius producer DJ Premier.

I am over in London for the weekend for a friend’s birthday and hope to hear some stuff like this tonight. This is for you Jimmy, here’s to a good night! 

/RjK

*Artist 547

15th October 2012

Lovebug Starski* – Say what you want to say (Rory McDermott guest post)

I often wondered what the crew of the Starship Enterprise listened to when they shook off their nylon suits on the dancefloor bridge/deck. Otherworldly, 80’s futuristic.

I can’t prove it but I am pretty confidant the guy with the funny mangled forehead produced this track somewhere deep in outer space with one eye on the rap culture on planet earth.

This song is progressive. Electronica and rap over a weeping guitar. Light years; I’m not sure, but at least 30 years ahead of The XX etc.

/RMcD
*Artist #533

12th October 2012

Salt-n-Pepa featuring En Vogue* – Whatta Man (GPF)

This is rather cheesy (it is Friday) but has an irresistible groove. I have to confess that I was out for a run (don’t laugh) during the week and when this came on my MP3 player it put a spring in my step.

/RjK

*Artist #532

Common featuring Kanye West – The Food (live)

Chicago rapper Common makes hip hop that is cerebral. This might seem like an oxymoron and whilst they certainly aren’t regular bedfellows the combination does exist. A couple of tracks (including this one) from his album Be, which is one of my favourite rap albums ever, came on my mp3 player today and happily reminded me of this fact.

/RjK

23rd September 2012

De La Soul – Breakadawn

2012 has definitely seen me fall back in love with Hip Hop, probably my first musical love. And while I have posted quite a bit of their music already this year it seems fitting to keep returning to De La Soul the band that really began it all for me, when I purchased their seminal 3 feet high and rising album. Nothing has ever sounded the same since.

This is just smooth, which is just what’s required for a Sunday night while I gather myself together for a busy week ahead. Also, listen out for the choice Michael Jackson sample here.

/RjK

13th September 2012

DL Incognito* – Universal love featuring D-Shade (NAT)

Hip hop banger that I have been meaning to post for a while from Canadian rapper DL Incognito.

/RjK

*Artist #516

Nas – Testify


I love how languid this is, the hook is so fresh. It’s taken from Nas’ Untitled 2008 album.

I was recalling this week when I saw Nas play in Dublin. It must have been around ‘04. I was pretty disillusioned by the crowd (lots of tracksuits) and support acts (I remember one was two lads from Cork “rapping” about the interent), but he still brought it. I also was standing about 10 meters from Kelis, who he was married to at the time.

RjK