New Releases You May Have Missed (Well, The Ones Actually Worth Checking Out)

In case you've missed Twitter, Facebook, or any real music news in the past week or so, it has been a pretty good week for new hip hop releases. The Dreamville crew returns with a couple drops following rumors of the long awaited Revenge Of The Dreamers 3 project soon to be releasing (though still no definite date set), aside from Dreamville, Bas decides to drop his own random loosie (or is it JUST a loosie? Hmmm...), and Drake fulfills his promises of new music after the Raptors win the franchise's first NBA Championship.  Check out all of the releases below, with a short explanation/review.


Dreamville Compilation tracks - "Down Bad" and "Got Me"




Is there anything else in hip hop worth talking about right now more than Dreamville's 2 new compilation tracks?  Cole and the Dreamville crew made waves on Twitter on June 12th (almost a week ago) after releasing the two tracks above, "Got Me" and 'Down Bad", both featuring several artists, all signees under the Dreamville imprint. Both tracks are sounding extra clean and crispy and adapt much differently to the current hip hop climate, and are sure to raise conversation and excitement moving forward, but if  I had to choose between the 2, I personally have to pick "Got Me" as my favorite release of the last week. It's slow burning and deep penetrating bassline hits your ears and your speakers unlike anything could do, unless it was a straight up knife to the chest. Bump this one in the loudest possible speaker system you can find.

Bas ft. JID - Fried Rice


    
After what many considered the best album of last year (actually just me, literally just me) dropping in late 2018, Milky Way, it is always nice to see an artist like Bas, who always considers quality over quantity, returning with new music. In a song that finds JID shredding a fast paced 2nd verse (has anyone ever talked about how much this guy sounds like Anderson .Paak? No? Alright then) along with Bas' signature awkward, yet somehow-it-always-works-so-well flow, Bas has blessed his fan base with another different style; a rapper of many different traits and flows, a verse chameleon if you will. Definitely worth the listen, especially if you like Bas.

Drake - Money In The Grave (ft. Rick Ross) & Omerta




(*I do not own any of these songs, or the rights to them*)
    
The Toronto Raptors, for the first time in the franchise's short 24 year history, have beaten the Golden State Warriors to become NBA Champions, and as a somewhat, kinda/sorta Cavs fan (I live in Ohio), I could not be more excited to see the "dynasty" fall another year short. Here's to hoping it lasts, KD leaves for Washington, and Klay realizes his worth and goes somewhere else (I can dream). But the most noteworthy detail (hip hop wise) of the Raptors newfound championship glory is the fact that Drake celebrated the title win by releasing 2 new songs!  And I could not be more.... ehh. Don't get me wrong, the songs themselves are decent, I think I like "Omerta" more than "Money In The Grave" (probably because it doesn't attempt to sounding like everything else out), but both songs do not really honestly sound authentic Drake to me, in my humble opinion. And I know I'm just some blogger/writer who types his opinions out on the computer, but that's my 2 cents on the matter. Drake still continues to succeed, and he will as long as he keeps putting some kind/shape/form of music out every year, but me personally, as someone who finds the most enjoyment in hip hop strategy/planning/ consistency in themes; I would like to see Drake put out something that has a bit more bite under it. These 2 songs feel... well, maybe "lifeless" isn't the term, but they don't have that proper Drake edge to them that you would hope for, and all is fun for releasing songs in celebration of your favorite team, but I will say that Drake releases used to feel a lot more... special. Now? Not quite so much. All in all, Drake put out 2 more songs that people will jam to and enjoy, and I can't say that I wouldn't enjoy hearing the songs the next time I attend a party. But will I play them much on my own?  Probably not. In terms of quality, pretty good. But in terms of Drake quality?  Not as good as hoped. End bitter hip hop/Drake blogger rant.        








  

Bas Just Dropped The Best Album Of The Year (Observations From Bas' Milky Way)

If you were to ask me my favorite project that has dropped in the last 5 years, I might give you a decent list of 4 to 5 albums... Cole's 2014 FHD still makes that 5 year mark, Kendrick's TPAB, K.R.I.T's 4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time that dropped in the last 2 months of last year, there's definitely a nice little selection of very meaty and dense projects that could make a case to deserve the "classic" title. One of the most unexpected of those projects, however, came from the Dreamville signee from Queens, New York; Bas. His 2016 album Too High To Riot, which hit me like a "Methylone" train (of unexpected awesomeness, though), was my favorite hip hop project of 2016, a year that saw many, many dope releases. For those that had listened to previous Bas projects, it was no surprise that Too High To Riot offered the profound and somehow scholarly take on drug rap that it did, but for those of us that hadn't heard of Bas at that point were hit with a refreshing take on "quality over quantity" hip hop that offered more than just a lit track to play over your system. And here, now, at the end of August of 2018, Bas offered another project for us all to sink our drugged-like minds into; Milky Way. Not to use bad puns, but if Milky Way has you so hypnotized that you're seeing stars, well... you're most definitely not alone. Here's my observations from Bas' Milky Way.


The Sweetest Sounding Sense Of Saltiness & Disconnection... A Poetic Lesson In Revenge, And Not Caring After Pain Inflicted

 
Some might say that the best and most honest art is created through pain and the rawest forms of emotion...  Bas takes this statement to heart. In his past Bas has made waves (of tears, get it?) with his unreserved bluntness and emotional depth, and though Milky Way demonstrates Bas in a  somewhat more positive light than Too High To Riot, he shows that it takes a low point to get back up to that high point, both found all throughout the album. On the album's introductory track, "Icarus", the track's title can be easily understood from the song's chorus; "since I let go of you and I, lately I've been feeling too alive, flying too close to the sun now, flying too close to the sun now." There's a poetic feeling to the pain ("Icarus", and the numbness resulting from that pain ("Front Desk", "Boca Raton", Fragrance"), which progresses seamlessly to the happiness that results in not caring; a justice serving transition that shows growth, all throughout one 14-song body of work.


Bitterness Resulting In Happiness

(*I do not own these songs, or the rights to them*)

And to do some poetic justice by seamlessly transitioning the feelings felt throughout the album, that numbness and lack of care (specifically from "these hoes" as one may put it) is shown through different examples like Bas focusing on his career ("Fragrance"), still being able to live life through racism and the ever changing cultures of America ("Barack Obama Special"), living while in love ("PDA"), and being able to live without a girl while focusing on self ("Purge"). Bas takes those everyday problematic struggles that hinder the common man's progression and use them as fuel to progress, almost like moving on to the next chapter in the mind of a man who's focus isn't always on his career; because he wants to live, love, and experience, just like any other man.

So does Bas actually milk his way across the Cosmos like the drug laden poetic astronomer that he is?  In Bas' universe, maybe it takes quite a few roads blocks and uhm... spaceship troubles to be able to finally sail and coast around the galaxy with the ease and comfort that he wishes. But that's the beauty in the journey. On Milky Way,  Bas keeps un all enlightened that though the road may be tough, there's still quite a few sights to see, and reinforces the old saying; it's about the journey, not the destination. Well, that, and the fact that Boca Raton sounds like the absolute tits to party in. The much more light hearted, fun spirited Bas comes out along with a lump sum of fun new sounds and melodies, of which Bas is just as good at making, if not better than the next artist. His expert, yet subtle thesis of man and the troubles of man come out in exciting new ways that could drive even the most long faced fellow to shuffle a jig or 2, and his awareness of self and society are utilized in his beautiful song crafting abilities. Yes, Bas is still surfing the Milky Way, and though he may encounter an asteroid of sorts every few light years, he's still set the ship to cruise control and has found a way to enjoy the scenery.                           










             

ICYMI: New Music: Bas - Pinball II (feat. Correy C)

A few days ago (April 10th), Queens based and Dreamville imprint rapper Bas returned with a new single, featuring Los Angles rapper Correy C. The song is titled "Pinball II", and is apparently a follow up to his 2013 record, Quarter Water Raised Me, Vol. II. The song is also apparently co-produced by J. Cole, Ced Breeze and ClickNPress, and is available now on iTunes and streaming services.

After an amazing 2016 with the release of his acclaimed Too High To Riot album, Bas went ghost in 2017, though now it seems like he could be preparing for a big release in 2018. Keep on the look out for that, and checkout the lyric video to Bas' new single below.



(*I do not own this video, or the rights to it*)

 

Best Songs Of 2016

Another year blows by, and more "best of" lists are bound to happen. 2016 brought the people a lot of laughs, a lot of tears, and a lot of good music (but mostly a lot of tears, see Prince fans).  A lot of top tier rappers proved why they are top tier rappers (unless you're a Drake fan), and a lot of not-so-top-tier rappers made their case as to why they should be considered top tier.  Now if you're coming to the site thinking the list is going to include the Lil Yachty's, the D.R.A.M's and the Young Thug's, then you've come to the wrong place.  For those that know me, I'm about more than just the hot-for-the-minute artists who do it without any certain goal or message to get across.  I'm all about a good time and some hot beats (it seems I haven't had any time to acknowledge that Rae Sremmurd were practically knighted by Sir Paul McCartney himself with his Mannequin Challenge earlier this year) but this list is more than that.  Now before I get slammed for any of the songs included in my list, I'm going to start by saying this is MY list, and nobody's views but my own.  With that being said, here are my picks for the best single songs of 2016.

Big Gigantic - All Of Me (ft. Logic & Rozes)

If there is one song that I had simply played nonstop since it's release about 4 months ago, it has to be electronic production group Big Gigantic's "All Of Me" featuring Maryland spitter Logic and Philadelphia bred singer Rozes (who has collaborated with the Chainsmokers and also had an EP come out in February of 2016 by the name of Burn Wild), and appeared on Gigantic's Brighter Future album which released in late August of 2016.  The beat sounds like something you would play to get that much needed musical pump up boost right before your game (or like most kids my age, right before that final exam you need to knock out of the park). The drums thump and pound so hard that if you had anything less than subs or some beats headphones, you wouldn't be doing this song justice. In fact, if you listened to this in your Wal-Mart ass Sony knock off headphones, then shame on you. I expect better from musical connoisseurs such as yourselves. Only kidding of course to the fans out there (I only do it because I love you).

Royce Da 5'9 - Tabernacle



Another emcee that really pushed the agenda this year lyrically, visually, and of course musically was one half of Bad Meets Evil, Royce Da 5'9.  His entire Layers album (which was released in April of 2016) has made a case to be the best roll out and promo run of the year, and for good reason; it was a great album with no drama surrounding the music, or the man making it. "Tabernacle" proved to be one of the most unique and entertaining songs of the year, especially if you're a lyrical head and like the picture to be painted, such as myself.  "Tabernacle" details the most important day in Royce's life, which includes his grandmother dying, his son being born, and also meeting Eminem for the first time, in vivid detail. Truly written like a writer, and rapped like an emcee, and who better to detail such a story than Royce Da 5'9.

Bas - Methylone



Though it came out in February, Bas' Too High To Riot still holds a strong case to be the best album of the year (I posted about J. Cole's protégé shortly after the album came out here).  Lots of drug talk does not drown out the substance (HA) of the album, and a Cole feature on "Night Job" and an Ab-Soul-featured remix of "Housewives" kept this album buzzing for awhile, but "Methylone" is the song that makes Too High To Riot appealing to practically every type of hip hop fan.  The bouncy drums and catchy hook draw you in, and even if you wouldn't know the verses, you'd damn sure be reciting the hook as soon as you learned it.  "Methylone" gets my vote for most underrated party cut.

Kenneth Whalum ft. Big K.R.I.T - Might Not Be Ok



In what is undoubtedly the most powerful song of 2016, Big K.R.I.T poured his heart and soul out in a verse on Kenneth Whalum's soulful message, "Might Not Be Okay".  Shining light on police brutality and wrongful deaths that have occurred over the last couple of years, K.R.I.T turns a truly remorseful verse start into a fiery, angry protest to the point of view of a police officer.  "Mommas' been cryin' and they gone keep cryin', black folk been dyin' and they gone keep dyin', police been firin' and they gone keep firin', the government been lyin and they gone keep lyin'" is only the start to this incredibly powerful realization. This song isn't necessarily a favorite song of the year for me simply due to the circumstances of which it had been released (K.R.I.T discussed with Genius that he and Whalum had a discussion after the death of Alton Sterling), but the power of the song still holds weight and holds true, and I could never deny music with a message, or an attempt at peace.

Joe Budden - Idols



Now if you've heard the song then you know why "Idols" appears here on my list, if you get stuck on the fact that Joe Budden appears on the list, however, then you probably can't get past his Twitter antics enough to give his music a chance.  Budden put out one of the more solid projects of 2016 in Rage & The Machine with his producer counterpart (who would be The Machine) AraabMuzik, and it shows a nice maturation process of Budden (which if you know Budden then you know maturing isn't exactly number one on his to-do list).  Though it's hard to see Budden maturing, Rage & The Machine more so depicts Budden being his immature, yet reflective self as usual, and finally coming to terms with it.  Now for the song itself; "Idols" sees Budden following the "Let Nas Down" narrative that J. Cole creates on his song in the beginning with paying homage to the many emcees that have brought Budden up (he even gives props to Jay-Z for TIDAL's launch and accomplishments), but in the second half of the song, he flips that on it's ear; Budden goes from being a student of the game to the teacher.  Over spiritual "I've-found-Jesus" types of production and phenomenal sampling by AraabMuzik, Budden explains why he could never be an idol; or could he?  If Budden ever had one, this would be his swan song; something to ride out in the sunset to while people finally realize what he really meant; in his lyrics, and what he's meant to hip hop.

Now there's a butt-ton of songs that I clearly could have featured and might have forgotten, but as I said earlier, this is MY personal list and strictly my picks. With that being said, I'd love to hear what the people think!  Comment below, on my Google+ page, my Twitter, or on my Facebook page what songs you think I left out that could have made the best of the year list (I only included 5 to keep it short).  A small point to this article was to stray away from the every day droll you hear in hip hop. The difference is... the different.  Sometimes that may be trying something completely new, it could be staying with something that works, or it could be going all the way back to square 1 and starting from scratch.  As a self proclaimed hip hop enthusiast, at this point I almost would rather hear something that sounded a little nostalgic as opposed to what's being put out now.  Not because I don't like what's out now, but because sometimes taking a risk is okay. Here's to hoping 2017 brings out the big guns, and by guns I mean good, competitive rappers trying to make the best possible music.               





             
        
          










           

I'm Late, But Bas' "Too High To Riot" Is Too Dope

I know, I know exactly how you internet fiends get. "Are you serious you're just NOW listening to that?  I've been on that since the millisecond it came out!"  Okay, so I haven't exactly been up to date on the newest and most dope shit lately, but when I see dopeness, I'm most certainly going to point it out. One of J. Cole's Dreamville protégé's Bas has been on the come up for a minute, but it seems like Too High To Riot is his coming out party. I had heard the Queens, NY rapper on a couple of Cole loosie's from back around 2010-2011 (I believe), and I have to admit that I didn't exactly see what was going to appeal him to people, but of course Bas wasn't putting out music like the songs on Too High To Riot back then. It seems Bas has finally found his sound.

Now I'm not going to call this an album review since I hate doing them so much, I mean obviously I'm not the most up-to-the-minute like these other hip hop blogs (since when is doing an album review the day it came out a good idea?), but from now on when I hear a new album, I think I'm just going to point out the things I like about it. And seeing as Bas' Too High To Riot appeals to just about every sense, there is a lot to like about it.



So yeah, Cole is featured on the album, and most would think that this would be the high point of this album, but the great thing is that it's not (speaking of Cole's feature, Bas and Cole have a really fun back and forth on their collaboration off the album, "Night Job"). Bas has what the kids today would call, a "wavy sound" that could get anybody moving. You can party to these songs, or you can just kick back and do some laundry to it, and there's a huge in between. The bass lines in songs like "Methylone", "Housewives", and "Clouds Never Get Old" are perfect to bump in the whip, while Bas also shows his deeper, more reflective side in jams like "Live For", and then he goes and makes ridiculous interlude types of songs like "Miles And Miles" that could lift you up and float you away (even without the smoke, though I'm sure it's heavily influenced).

So all in all, stay awake on Bas. He has an incredible body of work just in Too High To Riot, an album that makes him one to watch moving forward. Being under J. Cole and his Dreamville label could be bad or good, it's too hard to tell so early seeing as Cole doesn't have much experience being the mentor type, though it seems if Bas is going to continue being as dope as he is, Cole will have no problem with letting Bas do his thing.