It’s been a minute since we updated the RH Player (on the right) Feeling it was time for some new tunes, we got everyone together, and each person picked two tracks that they are bumping right now. It contains new songs, old songs, and the in between. Below you can check out our picks, and if you’re feeling the choices, feel free follow us on twitter.
Action Bronson feat Smoke DZA: “Big Bad and Dangerous”
Action Bronson and Smoke DZA are two new cats that I feel are championing that underground Hip Hop, the shit that made me fall in love with Hip Hop. They. Are. Nice.
The Fugees :”Zealots”
I listened to The Score in full the other day, and still managed to hear new things. This song contains all the elements that made the LP a classic, and The Fugees a Hip Hop gem. I’m glad I was around to hear it the first time.
Kendrick Lamar: “A.D.H.D”
Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a big Kendrick Lamar fan. The kid is hard and from Compton of all places. He has a great voice that delivers strong, emotional lyrics and sounds like an old soul of hip hop. From this younger generation of artists KL stands apart with some very well put together songs and projects. This song is literally in my head everyday, I pretty much wake up to it and the whole Section 80 project. Lamar shows his skills as a song writer and being able to make conscious music that is still catchy…Fuck Dat!
Lungz: “The Statement”
Man, I’ve been sitting on this “Dream Killaz” project for a few months now. When the team sent it over I knew that RH needed to be apart of it. Lungz is one of those sleeping Chicago MC’s the world is going to wake up to once this project drops Sept. 13th. I think this is a prefect song to get people ready for Lungz and what he brings as a MC. Check out the video trailer for the project we did for this track and tell it doesn’t get you hyped and want to add it to your playlist.
Jason [^_-] Davis: “Kill A N***a Culture”
Inspired by the recent riots in London, this song is a testament to growing up as one of the poor and forgotten, not just in America, but around the world. A very passionate song that deals with some of Jason’s own personal experiences, including his recently incarcerated younger brother. No hooks here either, just snippets of reports from the news in the UK and testimonials from the kids who were living it. All of this over a beat that will catch you right away with it’s unpredictable punches. This track is just some really heavy shit that will get you ready to revolt. Look for it on the Robot Army’s upcoming project, Summer Shots, dropping in September.
The Throne (Kanye West x Jay-Z): “That’s My Bitch”
This song has been getting me super amped lately. Probably not a favorite to most people but hey, my tastes are different. It is definitely the embodiment of sophisticated ignorance, to quote Kanye. The beat is insane and just makes me want to floor my car down I-290 with a girl from World Star Un-cut hanging out of my sunroof. The hook from La Roux adds a whole other melodic and sexy element to the song, breaking up the verses of Jay Z and Kanye. Did I mention Jay Z and Kanye? Oh and a track produced by Q-Tip. Like, how can you not bump that as loud as possible on repeat? It gives you a reason to yell “That’s my bitch!!” Who doesn’t love to yell ignorant shit like that every now and then?
Will: “Stoned in A Stang”
The Thumbs Up representer emerges as another credible MC from the Atlanta based collective on his sophomore offering Stoned in a Stang The title track is definitely one of my beats from 2011 (Prod. by Introspective Minds), as Will displays his dope ability to flow smoothly over the fast paced, jazzy head-nodder even someone like Curren$y may have trouble with.
Topaz Jones: “Wet Paint (Game Over)”
Topaz Jones is also an up and coming emcee that you should take notice of. Working heavily with fellow Tastemaker NJ member Thelonious Martin who produced a majority of his latest mixtape Hello My Name Name Is… Be on the lookout as this Freshman in college has only touched the surface of a profession that will soon be a career.
STS: “STSisGOLD”
This track was the first leak off his recently released The Illustrious. The track samples Phantogram’s “When I’m Small” and STS destroys it with his energetic, relentless flow. Just listen to the poet-turned-rapper spit on this one.
Frank Ocean: “Thinking About You”
The simplicity of the synth-laden instrumentals on “Thinking About You” shines the spotlight on Frank Ocean and he does not disappoint. He uses this track to show off some versatility, working regular singing, falsetto, and a slightly choppy sing song into a single smooth jam.
Hi-Tek featuring Common: “The Sun God”
It’s impossible to credit either Common or Hi-Tek as the reason this song is amazing. The production is so on point that Common could probably rap in gibberish and I would still include it on the list. But he doesn’t, lacing the track with his amazing wordplay for the ultimate “life is hard,but don’t let that stop you” anthem. Every element on this track is tight, making for one of my favorite straight hip-hop songs ever. Common’s examination of life mixed with the scratch on the hook is the reason I love it so much.
Dom Kennedy: “N***A 4 LIFE”
Coming off of Dom’s The Original Dom Kennedy, arguably the best mixtape of the year, “N***A 4 LIFE” seems like a strange pick for a white kid. Here Dom uses the word as a way to refer to one’s bros, homies, friends, brothers. Whatever the slang may be, Dom explores the life long bond between those you’ve grown up with. The formative years of your life come as a youth, as I’m moving forward with mine, this song is a constant reminder of the roots that made me who I am.