Travi$ Scott: "XX" (Prod. Lex Luger)
As the release of Travi$'s Owl Pharaoh draws, the Houston native drops "XX" produced by the one and only Lex Luger. Previous tracks "Chapels" and "Lights (Love Sick)" take on different moods from "XX", but all of them give off an air of epicness. The beats steadily build, and vocal effects like a electronic stutter add to the effect that there is always something bigger coming. This can't help but have me looking forward to blaring Owl Pharaoh this summer, and after listening to his current catalog I'm sure you'll feel the same.
Asaad: "Dinner At Michele's" (Prod. Problem)
Asaad continues his push towards stardom with yet another track. "Dinner At Michele's" is a mellow track, full of Asaad's luxurious rhymes and real life perspectives. This track will be included on his upcoming Dirty Middle Class 2 tape, a sequel to his debut project that dropped in late 2011.
Asaad: "Dinner At Michele's"
[RH Video Premiere] Alexander Spit: Mansions
Back when I caught up with Alexander for a First Look late last year, he told me that the next project of his would be a beat tape. Two months later he dropped MANSIONS. The project was a change of pace for the artist, where he was able to work creatively "without a rapper's perspective." The 28 tracks that emerged from digging in his catalog are varied and present a very different side of the Spit than you would know after hearing These Long Strange Nights. Click on to check out Spit building the instrumental "So Many Girls They Lapped Up" from the ground up as well as read Alexander's complete perspective on the project and what he has in store next.
2 Chainz: "Like Me" (Prod. Million $ Mano)
2 Chainz and The Weeknd aren't names that are usually used in tandem, but on this latest track a Weeknd sample sets to the tone for a 2 Chainz lyrical massacre ("Her pussy so clean I can go to church in it"). The production is handled by Million $ Mano, who last fall linked up with 2 Chainz at Soundscape studios to give the rapper a listen to some of his production. This song likely wasn't recorded that night, but it certainly came to fruition because of the meet up. Listen to the track below and let the hilarity ensue.
[audio:http://rubyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Like-Me.mp3|titles=Like Me]
Tayyib Ali: "Dear Lord" (Prod. Jahlil Beats)
Tayyib Ali hails from Philadelphia, yet another hot spot of young artists looking for theirs. "Dear Lord" is off of his Keystone State of Mind 2 project and sees him linking up with new Roc Nation signee Jahlil Beats. The track is about Ali's strive for a better life and working with what you've got. With some ill production to lace with rhymes, Tayyib certainly makes the best out of this track. Listen and download below.
[audio:http://rubyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Dear-Lord.mp3|titles=Dear Lord]
[EP] Rich Jones x Dave Coresh: Politely One Hundred
At the beginning of March we got to hear the first track from the Politely One Hundred EP when the video for "Shadows" dropped. Now we get the collaborative EP from Second City Citizen's representer Rich Jones and producer Dave Coresh, an interesting 4 track project blending the styles of the two indie artists. While short, it hits on numerous sounds and is a good example of how interesting and pleasing the genre of indie hip hop can sound. Rich Jones mixes rhyming with more melodic choruses and Coresh shows a similar diversity in his production. Stream the project below and download it via Jones' bandcamp, where you can name your own price.
[RH Review] Big K.R.I.T.: 4EvaNaDay
Big K.R.I.T.'s the most promising artist in the game right now. I will say that without a doubt, and proposition anyone who has a different view to please let me know. The native Mississippian is perfecting a sound that has seemingly been drowned out, a southern sound that incorporates a healthy dose of nostalgia, real life passion, soulful funk and narrative. Unfortunately Def Jam seems to think that his debut album is not yet ripe for release (K.R.I.T. would have $30 of mine if his previous projects had been for sale).
This praise doesn't come from nowhere. 4EvaNaDay is the pinnacle of K.R.I.T.'s career so far, even after releasing two stellar projects previously (Check K.R.I.T. Wuz Here and Return of 4Eva). "I make albums, not hits" the emcee raps on "Handwriting", a fact showcased by the cohesiveness of the project.
4EvaNaDay lacks any features, as K.R.I.T. produced the entire project himself and enlisted only a guitarist and saxophonist for help. This investment means the album progresses smoothly and seamlessly from one track to the next, swinging between moods and tones, mimicking the highs and lows of a career in music and everyday life as a struggling American.
Through it all the most defining feature is the sincerity that emanates from the music. K.R.I.T. eloquently articulates his feelings and you never get the feeling of forced delivery. If you haven't check out the album already, do so as soon as possible and cross your fingers that Def Jam will let loose his debut album sooner rather than later.
Big K.R.I.T.: "Country Rap Tunes"
[audio:http://rubyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/08-Country-Rap-Tunes.mp3|titles=08 Country Rap Tunes]Big K.R.I.T.: "The Alarm"
[audio:http://rubyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/17-The-Alarm.mp3|titles=17 The Alarm]
[Video] Saint Alfred 2012 Spring/Summer BTS
Saint Alfred linked up with Ryan Lau for this dope little piece on their spring/summer collection. Shot at Moral Fibers in Hawaii, the video showcases the silkscreening process behind their shirts, taking a special look at their collaboration tees with David Rasool Robinson. No surprise that the production takes place in Hawaii with the shop's close relationship with Kicks/HI and all that. Head over to Saint Alfred now to cop yourself one of the tees in the video.
http://vimeo.com/36004305