theWHOevers Go All In on New Track "G4B"

I've been a champion of theWHOevers sound and style since the early days of the decade. "G4B", their latest release, sums up everything I love about the duo of JE$$E and Lloyd Dotdot. From the opening snare, this one is a banger. It's got the nostalgic boom-bap that has become a foundation of theWHOevers' sound, without being stale or stuck in the past -thanks in large part to the balance of Dot's rap with JE$$E's harmonizing. They approach the record differently, but cohesively, communicating the urgency and penning a letter of sorts to the music.  In a way, "G4B" feels like a renewal of vows, once again pledging their devotion to the music. This is definitely a marriage I can get behind.

https://soundcloud.com/thewhoevers/g4b


Evidence Shuts Down LA in "Bad Publicity" featuring Krondon

"I'm done proving myself, to people I never met, a new rule in itself."

New drinking game - take a shot every time Evidence name-drops a rapper in "Bad Publicity". You won't get shit-faced, but you will catch a buzz as Slick Rick, Like from Pac Div, and Chuck Strangers all get shoutouts in one of the stand out tracks from Ev's phenomenal (no exaggeration) LP, Weather or Not.  You can adjust the rules and also pour one up for the Keith Richards shoutout in the third verse, and if you do want to change your whole evening stretch the rules and drink to the Kendrick reference in verse 2.

You don't have to be drunk to enjoy this. Since the earliest days of Dilated videos, Ev has always been on point with the visuals. This is no exception as Ev and Krondon walk around an abandoned LA. Weather or Not has my vote for a top album of 2018.

Watch the new clip below, and peep our February interview with Evidence here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKNADxrwKM


No One Told Me Bun B Dropped A New Record. I Need New Friends

"I don't talk loud, I don't move fast."

I also learned this week that B-Real dropped a new LP... back in February?! Man, I've been so busy lately, RH has definitely taken a bit of the back-burner. The semester at Columbia ends May 11th though, and we're about to be back our blog shit.

In March, I had a chance to catch Bun B at The FADER Fort and say what's up to the Trill OG. He told me a little bit about his new album and enjoying life. Both come to the forefront on his record, "Slow It Down", an ode to calming oneself with a little assist from some good greenery. Big KRIT produced this track and is around for the chorus. It's great to see/hear Bun B back at it. His new project is on the way.


Femdot Kicks off Delacreme 2 Season with "Alright"

“There’s something about coming up short, make you reach higher heights.”

Femdot has a great ability at writing, delivery, and storytelling. He showcases all of that on  “Alright”  the first single from his forthcoming LP, Delacreme 2, which Closed Sessions is releasing this summer.

I think the song and video both showcase Femdot’s best qualities, from the clever lyricism and delivery to the way he sticks to a theme behind the record. It’s a proper setup for the new album, and gives the listener context for who he is and what he’s about.

I also think that the video brings up memories of some early 90’s classic rap videos, paying homage but not biting or using a crutch of nostalgia. Fem is an emcee I’ve seen develop over the last 5 or 6 years since he was 15 or 16 years old and he was sending me music for posting on this blog the first time I was running tings.

I’m really excited to have him as part of Closed Sessions and work with him to put out what will be a very important project in the context of his career. The video is above, and the song is available on your streaming platform of choice right here.


YP Returns with "Nothing"

"Way before I heard of Rick Ross, everyday I was hustlin." 

YP shows up and shows out on his new track/video for "Nothing". This one is a bar fiesta, and my first thought was to write up his whole first verse. I then realized that I don't have time for that. Enjoy.


[RH Photos] Fast Times At SXSW by Cooper Fox

Here's a few shots by Cooper Fox showing the high energy hustle that is South By South West. Featuring live performances, quite backstage moments, and everything in between.

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Jameel Bridgewater Announces New Solo Show

Words + Art by Jameel Bridgewater

BRIDGES

The community presents bridges because it wouldn’t be anything without US.

A bridge gives you the ability to expand past your constrictions and over spaces that hold strong directional currents. This collection is the study of the blueprint of a bridge and how we can use those tools to grow as a community and have conversations about what it means to have a solid structure. The four basic parts are all essential to its construction.

-  Foundation, the blueprint. Also, man and women, the women represents growth and fertility. The man represents structure and fluidity.
-  Superstructure, the all-seeing and the road one drives or walks on. It has an ego but also humbleness and wants to be noticed for the right reasons.
-  Substructure, the supporting piece. It serves it’s purpose with no need for praise and has strength in the ability to create behind the curtain. This is the support that propels the success of the higher tiers.
-  Girder, framework and underlining factor. The glue and binding force.
The process of building this collection has helped me grow not only with my craft but also in understanding more about purpose and calling. I have a whole new look at practice and imagination. In this series, it was my first time shooting medium format and also in between being exposed to archives from Jean-Paul Goude, Grace Jones, Jonathan Mannion and many more.    Taking classic techniques, breaking them apart and putting them back together to make new meaning/compositions. I think we take art for granted at times. In today's current state I believe it might be mostly because of the way we share it. I want to create for me, with my friends.
Instead of just creating for them.
With creative age, social media personally has become the most beneficial tool for marketing but may be becoming too dependent on a day to day. It has also made us as a community value things a little different. I aspire to share passions and goals through conversation. I think getting people of all background and walks of life into one room will help us break through the glass ceiling.Comfortability is the key to failure. Uncomfortably will motivate the way we move into the future.

-Jameel Bridgewater

RH Weekly Playlist Volume 5

We've been out of it recently with SXSW and Spring Break exploits taking up most of our time so let's play some catch up with our favorite new music from the past couple weeks:

1. Kaina - 4u

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I love this song and EP so much. Kaina is truly one of Chicago's brightest gems when it comes to true passionate music.

2. Mulherin - Alone

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A smooth R&B track oozing in vibes.

3. Redpest - Angelic

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One of my favorite Lofi Hip-Hop Soundcloud producers, Redpest showcases his trademark chillhop sound on Angelic.

4. KilaMDaPro - Grateful

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An unconventional drum rhythm makes Grateful all the more funky from the DMV producer.

5. Falcxne - Nothing I Can Do

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A glorious flip and a head knocker meant for riding in the vehicle with the roof down.

6. Cae Jones - Honestly

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A surreal vocal delivery and minimalist production make Honestly a must listen experience.

7. Jayaire Woods - Frat Rules Freestyle

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A hype lyrical display and delivery from the Chicago MC.

8. Sean Deaux - Iceberg Slim

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You could say its a gang thing as Sean Deaux and Jayaire Woods rip apart the beat.

9. MANWOLVES - Weather Is Warm

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An uplifting track with a lyrical dexterity that is uncanny. Manwolves continue to be one of the freshest acts inhabiting the Chicago scene to date.