[Mixtape] Justin Rose: "RoseWaVve Vol. 1"
Late last year we profiled New York City product Justin Rose as part of our First Look series. At the time, the 23-year-old producer was hard at work on his debut, while also finishing work on frequent collaborator Kris Kasanova's project. Today, we finally get the product of that hard work as Rose's follow up to last year's release, 22kt: The Instrumental Tape, RoseWaVve Vol. 1 hit the net today with a premier on his own website, Rsgldthewrld.com. The latest features Rose both producing on the back end of the tracks and gracing the songs with his own flow. Tearing down the wall between producer and rapper can be a tightrope job, but Rose does it admirably here. On "Fear and Loathing" Rose transitions between rhyming in a variety of cadences while also helping on the hook. Here he sounds like what I believe Chief Keef might have been had the lean and bad decisions not gotten to him, with a wavy feel to it. Kasanova links up with him on "On It (How 2 Make It In America)" for what is a kick back in itself. The production alone is something to take note of as well. "Moving Tho" is an airy alternative r&b beat that floats off with a dreamy guitar line. The waves are certainly present here and Rose's latest is not to be missed. "Party4Me" is a potential club banger with huge drums paired with a clever hook and interesting inverted guitar riffs, showing the project can straddle several situations.
As artists across the country are coming up with more talents at their disposal, Rose's latest project proves he can hang with the best of them in this stepping out from the boards. Hit the link below to get the free download for the project and keep an eye out for much more to come from Justin Rose.
De La Soul Release Discography For Free
De La Soul celebrated Valentine's Day and the 25th anniversary of their seminal album, 3 Feet High and Rising, by releasing their entire library of music for free on their website today. Beginning at 11 a.m. EST, the full discography of one of the most iconic and progressive rap groups of all time for 25 hours. It's an unprecedented dumping of music by the NYC trio and a furtherance of major artist's use of the Internet to market their music and keep their names in the news cycle. In December of last year, Beyonce dropped her latest album, a 14-track 'visual' album by surprise on the web without any prior marketing or advertising around it. That project went on to shatter sales numbers for the year.
With this move, De La Soul really isn't tearing down too many borders (their discography is easily available via illegal torrent sites), although it could go a long way in re-introducing what many consider a 'golden age' of hip-hop music to a new generation. It's crazy that De La is celebrating a 25 year anniversary, and it would be a fitting homage to their first project if the re-release of their initial offering to fans causes a resurgence in younger listeners. Click here to pick it up for yourself.
[Mixtape] ABGOHARD & Slater: "Rich Yung Pimp"
Lately, we have been hearing a lot of good coming out of the New York City collective "Inner City Kids" (ICK), and just before the weekend the world got the latest from the group's newest MC in ABGOHARD, who teamed up with Slater for a fresh new project in Rich Yung Pimp. The project is an interesting play between a pair of talented up and coming artists on the rise in a burgeoning east coast/New York City scene. Featuring production from the likes of Suicideyear, $1 Bin, Marlee B, Ryan Hemsworth, Rich Yung Pimps is as eclectic as it's title is stereotypical. The pair of artists are at the forefront of the next wave of New York City hip-hop that has emanated from what many have called a renaissance in the NYC scene. The project is boom-bap-ish, with more developed sensibilities, taking a step forward while keeping another firmly rooted in the sounds that curated the scene on the right side of the country in generations before them. It's a rap project, with both Slater and ABGOHARD handling crafty rhyme schemes with ease while ruminating over the ins and outs of the world around their heads. Check out the latest from ABGOHARD and Slater, Rich Yung Pimp, available for stream/download below.
[Video] Aaron Cohen: "Why You Mad For" (Feat. Grande Marshall)
Here at RH, we've had our eye on the New York City-based Seattle transplant with the menacing beard, best known as Decon signee, Aaron Cohen. The young artist has been on his grind since dropping his latest project, Potential Fans back in November, releasing videos and playing shows in support of the Mishka-backed mixtape.
Yesterday, Cohen released his latest video for "Why You Mad For" featuring Philadelphia artist Grande Marshall and produced by EFF.DOPE and Su Bviley via IllRoots. The video, directed by Jason Ano and Mass Appeal, follows Cohen around the city with the haunting beat setting the tone for the day-in-the-life piece. Check out the latest from Aaron Cohen streaming below.
[youtube id="8CEi8fbDhXo"]
[Mixtape] Black Dave: "Black Bart"
We haven't really heard much from Black Dave since he released the Stay Black 'tape back in March. Until now, the New York native had been quietly working on yet another project and making sure the quality was top notch. Today, Dave has decided to finally unleash "Black Bart", his latest body of work, and let fans decide if he lived up to the expectations. Bodega Bamz, Smoke DZA, Boldy James, and RiFF RAFF all make guest-appearances, which should show you how diverse this project will sound. Click play below and judge for yourself.
Chief Keef's First Big Test Happens Tonight In NYC
For the last few months, Chief Keef has existed almost as a myth or urban legend. Confined to his grandmother's home due to being on house arrest, the 16 year-old has generated a million youtube views, brought the Chicago Hip Hop scene to the national Hip Hop scene, and caused an all-out bidding war, which was eventually won by Interscope. Visiting Keef's house during this climb became something like taking a field trip for Chicago media and out of town artists on some, "have you been Keef's yet? Oh, you got to see it."
He created a hit record in his living room, and instead of grovelling and thanking his lucky stars for a Kanye West remix to "I Don't Like", Keef and company accepted it like it was no big deal, just par for the course. His living situation created something of a bubble. People didn't call for him to perform or show and prove because he really couldn't. Keef's music was raw, and his living circumstances only made it more-so. In fact, I think that everything surrounding Keef is just as responsible for his success as the music is. No one really knew where he came from, how he got there, and he was only accessible if you knew somebody. He captured an energy, and showed people a side that is somewhat hard to look at when it comes to Chicago's youth. And for that, he is an immensely important artist for our time. He's all been something that has been all Chicago's, up until he signed on the dotted line. He's no longer just a Chicago guy, one of our best kept secrets.
The veil on Keef is starting to be removed. He's signed on to Interscope for a pretty large deal, one that includes his own headphones and movies. If you don't think they're are going to put his faces as many places as they can, you're wrong. They will. And soon. Tonight Keef will face the first real test of his budding career with a sold out show at SOB's in New York City. Keef is now in "The Mecca", where audiences love to send out of towners home packing, where they show up just to boo you. Ask OJ Da Juiceman how his first New York show went... If you can find him.
Keef and company can't let that happen tonight in NYC. They've got to be prepared for a crowd that asks, "ok, now what?" That's when they have to bring it. Everything he's been working for and thinking about for the past few months kicks off in full tonight, I'm hoping he's ready.
Photos: Kidz In The Hall 4.20 In NYC
Naledge spent 4.20 at NYC's Irving Plaza opening up for Snoop Dogg. That's pretty much all I know, as he sent me these pics with no explanation beyond the subject line. The pics are dope as well and include Donnis and Peter Rosenberg. See them below.