Musa Reems Presents A Deep Dive Into Motivation with "44 4's"

"Before I knew it, I was moving up, I would forego classes just to get a couple bucks."

Musa Reems is dedicated. That's apparent as soon as you meet the emcee and college student who is quickly earning his stripes in Chicago's Hip Hop scene. Musa is purposeful in much of what he does, and not afraid of hard work. I know, because since September, Musa has been working with AEMMP Hip Hop, the Columbia College run rap label that has a long history of working with Chicago's top talent (Thelonious Martin, Saba, theWHOevers, C-Sick...).

For those that don't know Musa, his latest joint "44 4's" is a crash course he what he does, and who he does it for. The production is handled by Curbside Jones, a familiar collaborator for Musa and they make a good pairing again on this new joint. Listen up.

by Alex Fruchter

Listen To Phoelix's new jam "Drip"

I was on a massive cruise ship with Phoelix one time, out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, watching Gallant and drinking alcohol.  It was fucking amazing. But that's irrelevant right now.

What is relevant is Phoelix's new joint, "Drip", which is equal parts crunchy and raunchy. The vocals are dirty both in delivery and subject matter, and both work out well for one of the Chicago music scene's most versatile contributors. Peep the new one below.

by Alexander Fruchter

Saba and Zack Villere Team Up on "360"

Stream "360 here.

Pivot Gang rapper, Saba, delivers punching lyrics over Zack Villere's bubbly beats in their latest single, "360".

"360" is the first collaboration between the Chicago rapper and Louisiana-native producer. In the song, Saba offers up a perspective on the doubts and concerns of signing off to a major record label while Zack Villere maintains a fun, flickering beat.

Just off a European tour and celebrating the one-year anniversary of Bucket List Project, Saba is currently gearing up for his inaugural John Walt Day concert. Set to be held on November 25th at the House of Blues, all proceeds will be going towards his John Walt Foundation created in honor of his late friend. Tickets are available here. 

by Annie Kane

Kipp Stone Drops New Video and Debut LP Release Date

 

Kipp Stone recently posted on Instagram that his music is meant for listeners that enjoy digging into the lyrics, finding double-meanings, and rewind songs over and over again. It's a great admission, and comes with Kipp's understanding that it is not for everyone. If that does apply to you though, get excited because Kipp is dropping his debut LP, Dirty Face Angel on 12/8.

This long awaited LP has been in the works for two years and will feature artists such as Niia, Nuke Franklin and V’Ari. The project as a whole is produced by Blockhead Johnny and Mr. Anderson, Cleveland natives along with Kipp. The LP is expected to deliver a 360 degree perspective of his beloved neighborhood and community.

We can already see this viewpoint in his latest video for “Vacation”. The video opens up with a wide shot of a city block, showcasing the houses reminiscent to Cleveland. Kipp is perched on the back of a pickup truck as the drone camera pans between him, the road, and the passing environment around him. It ends with a sun soaked scene of Kipp and his friend fishing on a lake, all while his supposed girlfriend angrily waits for him to text her back.

Throughout the song, Kipp throws a lot of references to his neighborhood as well as his desire for a break from the daily turbulences of life. In "Vacation", Kipp raps, "I wish peace of mind was contagious". More details on Kipp's viewpoint from East Cleveland is expected to be laid out in his forthcoming album.

Get a sneak peek of the track list below, and pre-order the album on iTunes or Amazon.

Dirty Face Angel Track List:

  1. Dirty Face Angel ft. V'Ari
  2. Celebration
  3. We Back
  4. 7 Dayz
  5. Millions Billions Thousands
  6. Wishful Thinking
  7. Megatron ft. Nuke Franklin
  8. High Road ft. Niia
  9. Shoebox
  10. Always Love
  11. Vacation
  12. Small Things

by Annie Kane

Rick Ross rather you than me

Review: Rick Ross Redefines Boss With Rather You Than Me

Just when you thought it was over, Rick Ross drops Rather You Than Me and confirms he's going to be here for as long as he pleases. Many thought Rick Ross had lost a step musically. Rather You Than Me proves that not only is Ross solid, but he may have dropped a Top 5 album for his catalog.

Let's get right to what the world is talking about. "Idols Become Rivals" featuring Chris Rock. Rick Ross makes it clear he's siding with Lil Wayne the best way he can. In song as he rips Birdman for his bad business practices and fake jewelry. There wasn't anything that was shocking to hear, but it is the most courageous attack on Birdman ever. Rick Ross's love for Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled did this. Ross takes another shot at Birdman later in the album. You'll hear it. I think Rick Ross may have opened up the floodgates on the already violently bubbling issue. Who's next? We'll see when these Young Money albums drop is my guess.

With all the above said "Trap Trap Trap" with Young Thug and Wale might be the best song on the album. Musically, I think we can all agree, Thugger has quite a few good moments. "She On My D**k" featuring Gucci Mane is funny and has a "Same Hoes" vibe. When Rick Ross is slut shaming, it's entertaining. Period. "Game Based on Sympathy" is fire! It's literally the type of rap song you pray your favorite emcee makes.

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Rather You Than Me also has another dope moment with Ross and Nas on "Powers That Be". There's also a Dej Loaf sighting on "Maybach Music V".  You already know what "I Think She Like Me" with Ty Dolla Sign do and the streets have already embraced "Dead Presidents" with Future, Jeezy and Gotti. Realistically those aren't the best this album has to offer. So if you liked those joints, this album might be your favorite of the year so far halfway through.

I think it's safe to say that Rick Ross is the greatest beat picker of all time. No matter what year or what turmoil. Ross makes sure his beats bang. They're hard, soulful, beautiful, cinematic and infectious. No matter where you have Rick Ross on your top rappers list, you can't deny the man knows how to put together a dope album. Rather You Than Me is exactly that. A dope album.

Check out another album review here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Listen: Jermaine Dupri x Da Brat ft Mishon - "Level Up"

One of the greatest tandems in hip-hop ever is back! They have a brand new joint out now that you may probably want to add to your playlist, ASAP! Legendary producer, writer and mogul, Jermaine Dupri and the first female rapper to go platinum, from Chicago, Da Brat are back together again! Hip-Hop and 90's teens rejoice! The new song is called "Level Up". It features the vocals of up and coming artist and dancer, Mishon.

Historically, JD and Brat make timeless hit records. On Level Up, they take it back and hit us with the back and forth flow, like on the classic, "Funkdafied" from Da Brats debut album. This could be the warm up for an album from JD or Brat or both. Either way, I only see the game benefitting from it.

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I shouldn't have to sell you on listening to legends in the game. Check out their new joint above!

Check out another feature here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Jeff K%nz "Type"

There is a brand new artist trying to make a name for himself in the rap game. He's coming from all the way down in Champaign, IL and his name is Jeff K%nz. That was not a typo. You pronounce the name as "Jeff Koonz". Now since you know the name, so you can check out "Type", his new video shot and edited by "Flyshotz" Williams.

"Type" is a joint that showing off Jeff's lyrical ability as well as let's you know what type of guy he is. This is a pretty good visual. It looks horror flick trailer worthy and it keeps you waiting for a plot twist or dramatic moment. Spoiler alert. There may be a plot twist.

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The video starts off with flashes of K%nz and a young lady who is in a pair of pink sweats you won't be mad at. Then, you see a woman who seems to be having a normal day and ready for shower time. Next, you see K%nz is positioned in a dark and secluded area going out of his mind. That can be taken literally as well as metaphorically if you feel the lyrics of the song.

I know what you're thinking. Is he in her closet? What is he doing in the closet? Does she hear him? Well, you just got to watch the video and draw answers for the questions I'm not going to answer.

Peep another review here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Nick Grant "Return of The Cool"

You don't really notice that "cool" is missing until someone makes an effort to show you what it is or bring it back. Nick Grant is on a mission to bring back "the cool". His attempt was successful with his latest release Return of The Cool.

Return of The Cool is an infectious, soulful and lyrical display of music that is in a class of it's own. While many ride the wave of "what's hot?", Nick widens the degree of separation and proves what he does can't be done by just anybody.

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Album highlights:

"All of You" feat B Hess: He says this one is for the radio. Radio better act right and play this one. Something lyrically clever and cool, but also for the ladies

"Sing Along" feat Rico Barrino: a clever introspection on the game, and all the negative messages that always seem to win big.

"Gotta Be More" feat BJ The Chicago Kid: A breakdown of real people stories and occurrences that all lead to a perfectly placed chorus. There truly has to be more than what we see and what we have right now.

"Get Up" feat Watch the Duck: This one got my mom rocking in the kitchen. This a party starter right here.

"Return of The Cool": The album title track should be fire and it is definitely that. This got a get fly and step out for no reason vibe.

You can't highlight certain songs as a great display of lyrical ability, because every single song is a great display of lyrical ability. You will hear a dope bar every few seconds. Then when you listen again, you will realize you missed something just as dope, if not better than the first one you heard. Nick Grant has the ability to amaze with bars. That's something that isn't done regularly by rappers in this era.

Nick Grant makes the type of music that should silence all complaining about hip-hop. Whether you a "trap in the 90's ni**a" or a "young cat that wants the old heads to get out the way" you should be saluting Nick Grant and appreciating the work he's putting in.

Check out another Ruby Hornet review here.

by @ImCamQuotes