Monday, December 31, 2012

CRASHprez - Chargin ft Defcee



Who would've known that one of the hardest records of the year would have come from CRASHprez? That's exactly what "Chargin" is due in part to the hard hitting production from Joseph Chilliams and of course CRASH and Defcee deliver. Just another example of CRASH's versatility and again Defcee who brings the heat with his verse just as he did on "Dateline" from the former's excellent project CRASHvillainy. These two might've fucked around and created a new genre, Conscious Trap sounds like a good name to me. I wouldn't mind hearing a collab tape from these two in the future either but for now I'll just enjoy this track, as should you. 

Cal Rips & DeMarco Taylor - Pleasantville



FYM's Cal Rips & DeMarco Taylor link up for this peaceful joint, love the minimalistic approach to the production of the track. Taylor not only impresses with his verse but also with his vocals on the hook, which help to enhance the serene vibe and Rips' wraps up his impressive 2012 with one of his most heartfelt and personal verses yet. Both artist bring their respective talents to truly create a new world "Pleasantville" and a all-around excellent track. 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

[Album Review] Gary Samurai - Lemuria.


Atlanta standout rapper Gary Samurai recently released his latest album Lemuria., which after doing some research I learned is the name of a "lost" land that resided somewhere between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Many theories are out there about whether or not Lemuria actually existed, similar to the lost city of Atlantis. I suggest you read a bit about Lemuria itself, as it will help you further understand the theme of the album and Gary's vision. With that little background info out the way, lets get to the actual Lemuria that exists.

[EP] Curren$y - 3 Piece Set


Curren$y is always in a giving mood and per norm with Spitta he decided to drop off something for the fans. While in Chicago around Thanksgiving, Curren$y linked up with Thelonius Martin and the result of those (closed) sessions comes in form of 3 Piece Set. As the title suggest the project is comprised of three songs, two of which feature long time Jet Lifer, Young Roddy and it is always good to hear Spitta over some soulful production. At nine minutes in length it's definitely short but the quality of the tracks more than make up for that alone. Kick back, relax and enjoy. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

[Video] A$AP Rocky Performs Long.Live.A$AP. on RapFix Live




Featured as the first ever RapFix Live performer, A$AP Rocky took the opportunity to perform the intro "Long.Live.A$AP." from his debut album of the same name. Pretty impressive that he produced the track himself, it's great to hear a traditional trillwave joint from him rather than "Goldie" or "Fuckin' Problems" which were more along the mainstream side. Hopefully we'll see more artist debuting tracks on live TV it's always interesting to see how the crowd reacts, even here when Rocky initially started to perform the crowd wasn't moving at all but by the end the whole audience was vibing out to the record.

[Video] Toro Y Moi - So Many Details



Back in October Toro Y Moi's single "So Many Details" dropped and was/still is one of the best tracks released this year. Two months later Chaz decides to bless us with the visuals for it and I can only describe it as simplicity at it's best, definitely my personal favorite for V.O.Y. Look for his latest album Anything In Return January 22, 2013.

[Video] A$AP Twelvyy - Y.N.R.E.



A$AP Mob member Twelvyy finally releases visuals for his AraabMUZIK produced banger "Y.N.R.E.", watch as he and the rest of the Mob ride around New York and enjoy the nightlife. Be sure to check out the A$AP Mob's Lord$ Never Worry for this track and more.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

[Album Review] rMell - NEOGEO


Although it has been more than a week since the release of rMell's NEOGEO the support for it hasn't stopped. The young artist even trended on Twitter in the Washington area for more than a day and the feedback has been amazing. One of the main reasons I held off on reviewing it or even posting it was because I felt I needed more than just a day or two to critique an album that has been in the works for two years. I didn't want to give a stereotypical "Yo this album is dope be sure to download" type of review. So after listening to it multiple times and contemplating what to say about it, I finally feel confident in my ability to deliver the best review possible for NEOGEO.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Miguel - Adorn (Bad Boy Remix) ft Diddy & French Montana



Miguel's latest single "Adorn" from his sophomore effort Kaleidoscope Dream gets the remix treatment from DJ Ted Smooth. Of course Diddy delivers your typical Diddy verse along with the ad-libs (Let's rock, don't stop. C'mon!) and Bad Boy's single relevant artist French Montana actually drops a solid verse over this smooth mix of Biggie's "Get Money" and Adorn. Dope shit.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

[Album] Surp - for the LOVE of SOUND


Just as with the actual cover to the project, the artist known as Surp is shrouded in mystery. All I know about him is that he has a habit of dropping songs/projects seemingly out of nowhere, he is the SoundCloud God, he raps very well, he is from New York and is in a group called Backwards Society. Surp's for the LOVE of SOUND originally had a release date of October 31st, however it was delayed for whatever reason and than Surp decided to drop it randomly with no warning on November 21st. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least and immediately downloaded the project and listened.

Right off the album starts off in a weird way with "Start ." an instrumental that seems like it would sound more at home on his Blunted Renditions series, needless to say I just chalked it up to typical Surp-ism (new word) and left it at that. What happens over the next 15 tracks is superb lyricism and other worldly metaphors. Aside from "Hello ." which is essentially "Start .", I won't pretend to know why Surp started and ended the album with such odd instrumentation but I won't knock it either. Surp is what underground Hip-Hop is at it's finest. The project features no hooks, and yet you don't seem to notice or mind. Curren$y is another artist, who can do this and still have me invested in the track oddly enough. 

Although every track is dope and for the most part I enjoyed the majority of for the LOVE of SOUND, there are a few tracks which stood out from the rest and I want to give a little shine to those. First off "Prawllum", the track that caught my attention and made me a fan of Surp in the first place. Also, a perfect example of why I think so highly of his lyricism, just a flat out verbal assault of lyricism in the best form. Next is "Bad Character ." which features Surp spitting over a Madlib joint and effortlessly dropping bars, almost as if was freestyled. "MellSURP" is the collaboration between rMell and Surp and stands out due mainly to the former's production and the later laces it and doesn't let the beat outshine him."Hot Hawaiian Punch ." and "Bullshit" both stand out for the same reasons. Lastly, "This is for you ." which is amazing for the simple fact that Surp states his parents were arguing while he was recording it. Now that may not seem like much but for the song to have such a peaceful vibe and for it to have be recorded while something opposite of that was happening and for Surp to be able to maintain the vibe throughout the song made it stand out to me.

To wrap this up, and I promise this isn't a review (Surp don't be mad) just an analyzation. for the LOVE of SOUND is one of the illest projects this year and for some strange reason I feel like Surp wasn't even trying to accomplish that. From my perspective he seems to genuinely enjoy making music and doesn't to much care for the attention that comes with it, as talented as he is. "I could be wrong, even though I maybe be right" (kudos if you know where that's from) but oh well. Nothing else to say other than listen and be sure to keep Surp on your radar for the next couple of years. I think homie is gonna do some big things. 

Stream below or download



Monday, December 3, 2012

[EP] Louseph Bruise Em' - Como Sea


Producer extraordinaire Louseph Bruise Em' is once again back with another EP, however he keeps it strictly instrumental this time around and that necessarily isn't a bad thing. Lou is easily one of the more talented indie producers out right now and one of my personal favorites, at least in my top 3. One thing about Como Sea that sets it apart from his past works is the fact that Lou made this in about an hours time and that's highly impressive for it to sound so great. I don't know if him being around SIR E.U has made him into the monster that he is, but he definitely is the E.U of the producing game.

To elaborate on that, he and E.U both are able to create such excellent tracks and do so in little to no time at all. However, unlike most artist their work doesn't suffer from the lack of time spent in the creating process. The only drawback is that those projects most often are short in duration, which is my only complaint about Como Sea. Aside from all of that, I highly recommend Como Sea even with it's short duration, it's still one of my favorite projects released in the later half of 2012. Good shit Lou.

Stream or download (this jawn) below.


[Video] Lupe Fiasco Talks G.O.O.D Music, State of Hip-Hop & Career


Lupe Fiasco recently stopped by Power 96 and chatted it up with KC Chopz who goes in-depth with some great interview questions ranging from Lu's career and his future, fashion, skateboarding, breaking down the differences in Kanye West and Pharrell's production and way more. A definite must watch for any Lupe Fiasco fan.

[Video] Nitty Scott, MC - Planes, Trains & Automobiles



Nitty Scott, MC the dopest female in Hip-Hop right now period, is back with a video for "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" from her excellent project The Boombox Diaries Vol.1. Not to many artist male or female seeing Nitty on the mic and she is definitely one of the most creative in the game right now. Be sure to check out her TBD Vol.1, you won't be disappointed. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Evolution of rMell


For the last two years that I've known the man, rMell has been working on this huge project. Even though it went under different names and forms it eventually became to be known as NEOGEO. I'll admit there were times when I didn't think this project was coming out but the day for NEOGEO and rMell has finally come. As I write this, less than one hour away from the release of NEOGEO, I couldn't help but think throughout the day about all of rMell's music in general. So I decided to gather some of his work for those who need a reminder or even for those who haven't heard of him yet. 

From the first time I heard him and E.U on Tumblr and their Yuck Feah Fridays series I was a fan. rMell has continually improved with each release and always impresses me with the progression he makes. With his EP Hipsters & Hypebeasts he showed that he could do it solo after dropping Yuck Feah and Kazuya Chronicles with E.U and Avion respectively. FRECKLES was a improvement on the formula that he displayed on H&H. Even though limited, rMell's Grammy Family material is some of his best and at least in my opinion, when his rap skills started to finally reach and even outshine at times his producing skills. He became a true artist. From the few tracks that I've heard from NEOGEO, I can honestly say there isn't a genre I could put it in or anything I could compare it too. It's in a league of it's own. I'm sure NEOGEO will be worth the wait and the best project rMell has made to this date. I look forward to hearing it and seeing what rMell does in the future. 

One question though. Now that we finally got NEOGEO, where's WolfMell?

Yuck Feah Fridays

Hipsters & Hypebeasts EP

FRECKLES

Grammy Family


NEOGEO

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Honestly Speaking...


Honesty is something of a rarity in music nowadays, hell honesty in general is rare these days. One problem that always seems to occur when discussing honesty is, is it based in truth or hate. An even bigger problem is when it applies to music. I'm sure all face this problem but it is no other genre that shows examples of this better than Hip-Hop/Rap.

We all know the story of 2DBZ Vs. Odd Future, the infamous intro of Bastard and the various other and often hilarious disses. Even though I happen to agree with Tyler and his buddies about the site (disrespect intended), 2DBZ actually did nothing wrong other than not liking Tyler's music. We have all seen hating, for example YouTube/WSHH comments. Stroll on over to a Lil' Wayne or Drake video and see just how many varieties of the word "gay" you can find. Wayne's various baby mamas and countless stories of Drake and his stripper saving ways, would prove other wise though. Those are just a few examples of hating on something with no merit. Sometimes however, actual truth can be confused for blind hate and that is where the biggest problem occurs when it comes to criticism in Hip-Hop/Rap.

As a blogger I can share countless stories of criticism gone wrong, you try to tell an artist "Hey this isn't your best" or "I've heard better from you" and you'll be lucky if you don't end up with that artist cursing you out and calling you a hater or other various inane things. I honestly can say that 8 out of 10 times I approach a artist with something another than positivity, I end up being attacked for no reason. So I tend to follow the old saying of "If you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all" when it comes to dealing with artist.

Although, there are simply times when I cannot hold back my criticism. For example a short time ago, a indie rapper (who shall remain nameless) dropped a song on Twitter. I've heard said rapper a few times here and there and dude honestly can rap. So when I saw he was dropping a song I thought here is the perfect chance to check out some solo material and see what he can do on a full track rather than a guest verse. As I hit play I was immediately thrown-off by the singing vocal that was sampled. It was loud and absolutely awful but the actual verses weren't bad. Again. I didn't have a problem with the artist or his verses, it was the production that devalued the listening experience. 

I was left speechless and expressed so on Twitter i.e. (......) and I could see a few other artists shared my sentiment. After some playful joking around about the track between me and the artists, word got back to the creator of the track and his crew. Immediately feelings were hurt and things quickly got out of hand for no reason, other than me and those artist expressing how we felt about the song. I admit it wasn't the most mature way of handling it on my part but it was a criticism of the track, not of the artist and his skill but he and others couldn't see that. It was just a "Oh, you don't like my song? You a hater" type of vibe. 

To get to my point however, it's examples like that, where a fan/blogger/fellow artist can be sharing their honest opinion about an artist music and it simply becomes "hate". Am I not entitled to my opinion? It wasn't as if we didn't listen to the track, we listened and didn't like it for reasons that are completely justified. It wasn't hate it was truth. Simple as that.

If I was a rapper, I'd want to hear honest opinions about my music. I wouldn't want a bunch of yes men and friends hyping me up and allowing me to make shit music. If you don't like this article let me know. If you have a reasonable reason for disliking it, I won't curse you out or claim you to be a hater. I'll chalk it up to a learning experience of what not to do in the next editorial I write. 

If more artist could apply what fans/critics/bloggers say about their music and actually acknowledge and change or improved based upon those criticisms the Hip-Hop/Rap game would be a much better place. I'm not saying change your sound or compromise your artistic integrity for success or mass approval *cough* Wale *cough* but consider what those people are saying. However, in the end it all comes down to opinion whether it be truth or hate, it's an opinion. The Drop God Dictionary (in stores soon) defines opinion as: a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. So the next time someone doesn't like your music or gives you honest criticism, respect their opinion, whether you agree or disagree because AGAIN it's an opinion. Not a fact. Honestly speaking however, if I say you suck at rapping you probably do...just saying...

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Digital Drop Presents: The Rap Up With Plue Starfox



Drop: Plue! It's been a looooong time in the making, finally the interview goes down (laughs). What's up fam? (For those who don't know me and Plue have had this interview on hold due to busy schedules and laziness, on both parties, for about a year)

Plue Starfox: Nothing much Drop God, basically getting it how I live (laughs). Making beats and slowly becoming an ill ass rapper (ugh.)

Drop: You rapping now Plue? Was it always producing first or did you want to be a rapper initially?

Plue: I was rapping in my freshman year of high school I sucked major ass and never did it again in public but that whole time in between then and now, I've been refining those rap skills until they become golden. There's a Plue Starfox x High Class Filth Song I'm working on where I rapped on his beat "PREME" I'll make sure Digital Drop gets that first before anyone does (laughs).

Drop: Appreciate that sir. So Plue, I've been wondering where exactly are you from? How did you end up connecting with local artist in the DMV area?

Plue: I am from Wayne Land (ew), I connected with all the local artists in the DMV area through the Kool Klux Klan. I've been making music with them since I started and other locals just gravitated to me . I really want to do a tape with rMell if he's bout that life.

Drop: That's exactly the same with me, shout out to the Klan I guess haha. rMell x Plue sounds awesome. Let's talk your upcoming project Stone Ocean. What can you tell me about it so far? Will it feature any other artist or will it just be all you like LuveDisc?

Plue: Stone Ocean is my rendition of Ski Beatz'  24hr Karate School, I'm just getting my circle of artists I create with, providing them with dope production and making a dope ass album. Stone Ocean will have hella artists on it (laughs). Levi Watson, rMell, SIR E.U. Phil!, Sol, Surp God, Steezy Grizzlies, Rizz Capolatti, Allen Thomas, Muzzy Legault and more.

Drop: That's wassup. How did you decide who you wanted to be on the project?

Plue: All of the artist I chose are artists I've recently worked with or people I've just noticed have mad talent and I think that we would mesh well.

Drop: I want to talk about the name of the project Stone Ocean. How did that come about? It's interesting seeing as those are polar opposites stone and ocean...or could it possibly be a reference to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?

Plue: It is an reference to Jojo's Bizzare!!! What you know bout that Drop God?

Drop: Ha, nothing at all to be honest. I've heard about it. I don't read or watch it though tis' the power of Google (laughs). Should I check it out?

Plue: Google that shit man! It is crazy, like it's almost as crazy as Fist of The North Star. Fist of The North Star is borderline insane. Exploding heads urrwhurr (laughs).

Drop: While we're on the subject of anime....will there be any theme Stone Ocean will follow similar to how LuveDisc was heavily anime influenced? 

Plue: Stone Ocean is heavily anime influenced, probably more than LuveDisc, which I thought was impossible. For Stone Ocean, I sampled lots of video games too so I should rephrase that and say its anime/video game influenced.

Drop: I know you've stated that the Luve Proper material is inspired when you go on anime binges, so is there any particular thing that inspires your Plue material?

Plue: My Plue material is influenced by everyday shit I do. Like Luve Proper is an hardcore Otaku version of Plue. Where Plue is a more cool laid back version of the Otaku that is Luve. Luve is more experimental whereas Plue is more Nujabes inspired.

Drop: Ok, I see they're different yet similar in that aspect. When can we expect to hear Stone Ocean? 

Plue: Somewhere in the middle of December. I don't know when it depends on when I get all the right stuff done far as the cover, videos and verses.

Drop: I want to ask you somethings about producing in general. How long have you've been producing? Any particular event in your life or song make you want to start?

Plue: I was in 10th grade during the most boring summer of my life, I decided to start learning how to produce with FL Studio, some of my old beats are still scattered around YouTube but if you find em you'll see how much I've progressed since then.

Drop: When collaborating with rappers, do you just let them choose the beat or do you produce with that certain artist in my mind and cater to their usual sound?

Plue: Sometimes while working on collab tapes I heavily use my style when producing the beats for it. That way it would really be a collab rather than a bunch of beats "rappers name" would rap on but what I usually do is send the artist about 2-4 beats and let them choose which beat they want to use and I take the beats they don't use and place them elsewhere.

Drop: Do you feel producers get enough credit for their talents and what they bring to music?

Plue: Producers actually are getting more credit today in the music industry as opposed to 10-12 years ago. Like no one was putting (prod. by ???) in the titles of their tracks up until a few years ago. So I do think we are getting more recognition because of that, on the other hand we aren't because rappers still forget to give the producers their credit sometimes.

Drop: Anything else you're working on? 

Plue: I am working on collaborative tapes with Levi Watson, Phil!, Muzzy Legault, Gary Samurai and Jowin  and another secret one with a dope artist I've worked with before.

Drop: Hmm...could that secret one be a possible Plue x E.U collab tape? 

Plue: (laughs) That is the secret one that's being worked on but it isn't the super secret classified tape I'm working on, that one is with someone I only have one song with at the moment. Can I get extra ignorant with the shotouts?!? (laughs)

Drop: I knew it! You already beat me to the last question haha. Do you then...

Plue: S/O to the girl with the curly hair ( @OGlegs) go follow her. MDNK Academy. Tia with her surp sipping ass. SHOTOGang. Grammy Family, GramFamGang. Kool Klux. XXGRAND. Shikinley with the ass. Nightmare Sensei. Diles$ Mavis. Reggie the Anime God. @ArtSoulLife. Agent K. Nino Lewis & The Tru Hippies. The hashin. Youngin man. Hippie$olo Alexandrea Moraga. Perfect Cell aka DOOM JR. AKA SIR EU THE GREAT AKA HIPPOGODAMUS. My nigga Yamcha for being the most useless character in Dragon Ball Z! Digital Drop and the Drop God for giving me this dope ass interview. Peace. Stay +


[EP] SIR E.U - shortest EP ever


Awesome.




Monday, November 12, 2012

Plue Starfox - A L E X A N D R E A



I normally don't post instrumentals but I had to make exception for immaculate producer Plue Starfox. "A L E X A N D R E A" features a subtle space age sound and all around chill vibe, just a preview of what you can expect when Plue drops his upcoming Stone Ocean project. Be sure to check out his previous project LuveDisc and his interview with Digital Drop coming soon.

Oab Jenkins - Danny Devito (prod. Eu-IV)



Newcomer to the blog is Oab Jenkins who sent me this impressive track named after the actor "Danny Devito". Oab spits some solid bars, to go along with his sharp delivery and flow. Most impressively is how producer Eu-IV flips Boom Clap Bachelors "Tiden Flyver" already a great song and most known for being the sample behind Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" kudos to Eu-IV for that as the two sound nothing alike. Be sure to check out the rest of Oab Jenkins' music over at his SoundCloud too.

[Mixtape] Aceology - Red Eye Poetry: Adventures of $uburbia's Finest


Red Eye Poetry from Aceology is easily one of the dopest projects to drop this year. One of the main reasons why is because Ace maintains his sound, more of a Trill Wave and Trap hybrid, than just Trill Wave without coming across as another A$AP/SGP clone. I actually preferred when Ace strayed away from that typical sound to experiment a little bit. "Nigga Like Me" is the perfect example of this, Ace flows over a minimalistic beat backed by soulful horns, a few soft claps and a excellent guest verse from Mike of Doom. Another track that I felt stood out was "RN$" which featured a spacey sound, some assistance from a unknown female and a very infectious hook.

REP also stands out mainly due to the production of the project, each track has it's own individual sound and I can't say that any particular beat disappointed me. That aspect also helps to serve to hold your interest over the lengthy 18 track project (all though two of the tracks are bonuses) and keep your head nodding, to the at times hypnotic sound. It's almost as you're under the influence of a drug while listening. Very trippy shit.

As a fan of Trill Wave, I particularly enjoyed REP a lot, for the average rap fan the slurred and distorted vocals and tripped out production might be off putting. Although I would recommend you listen even if you despise A$AP/SGP or Trill Wave all together. Mainly because Aceology does such a well job at sticking to the genres roots and still creating his own unique sound which is something very hard to do these days. I can guarantee that you've never heard anything like Red Eye Poetry and Ace should be saluted for that. 

Standout Tracks: Nigga Like Me, RN$, Mxdnxght Cruxze, Zues and Chinchilla Warfare 

Stream below or download

Surp God - MellSURP (prod. rMell)



One of the underground's dopest in Surp God and one of the best producers rMell finally bless the world with their anticipated collaboration "MellSURP" and as always Surp comes through and does it one time for the 99'. Backed by Mell's excellent production, Surp yet again verbally assaults another track. No hook, all lyricism. Hopefully we'll get his project for the LOVE of SOUND soon until than keep this on repeat. I know I will. 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Louseph Bruise Em' - Waiting



Rapper and producer extraordinaire Louseph Bruise Em' worked out of his writer's block to drop "Waiting" the coolest shit he's ever wrote ironically. Seriously. I don't know how he does it but Lou always seems to top his previous effort and this time it's even more impressive seeing how he had the dreaded block. Not to many artists seeing the homie on the production side either, one of my personal favorites from Young Lou.


Dream Koala - Hipster Girl



I'll be honest I don't know much about Dream Koala (cool name) or his music at all. This is the first track I've ever heard from him but I do know good music. "Hipster Girl" is mainly an instrumental aside from a few light vocals here and there but it is great none the less. A very peaceful and trace like vibe is given off from the record. Be sure to support Dream Koala's BLUR EP on which "Hipster Girl" and other tracks like it can be found.

[Mixtape] SIR E.U THE GREAT - KINGHIPPO.TV


The forever working SIR E.U is back (again) with another mixtape this time KINGHIPPO.TV which he claims is better than his last full length project 3000% BLACK EXCELLENCE. I don't know if I would personally compare them but I can say I did enjoy KHTV just as much if not more than I did 3000%BE. This is definitely the best mixtape that E.U has dropped since beginning his promise of a new project every Tuesday and more than makes up for the fact that he missed last Tuesday. 

More so than with his last effort, KINGHIPPO.TV seems to be a fully fleshed out mixtape rather than a few Mango inspired freestyles. E.U delivers as always on the lyrical side and the tape benefits from the TV theme with each track serving as a different channel or show if you will. I don't know how long E.U plans on keeping this up but if each project gets increasely better than I hope it lasts for a few more weeks. KINGHIPPO.TV is one of E.U's best in a ever growing and impressive catalog and should serve as a example of just what the Hippo is capable of in such a short time. 

Stream below or download

[EP] CRASHprez - I Hate All You Rap Niggas: A Thesis


Future Pre(z)sident of The United States CRASHprez dropped his latest work I Hate All You Rap Niggas: A Thesis seemingly out of nowhere. CRASH sent me the intro to the project late last night "Thesis Statement" which in my opinion is one of his best joints yet. The EP itself is a more than enjoyable listen, CRASH is one of the few rappers who finds a way to entice the listener and hold their attention while always rapping about something you should care about (à la Kendrick Lamar). Other tracks such as the dark but necessary "Blasphemy For Everyone" and the hilariously "Finna Go Mainstream" make IHAYRN one of the unique joints to drop this year. Definitely a nice follow up to his last project CRASHvillainy and a better example of CRASH's true skills as an artist. Congrats to CRASH for dropping two great projects in the same year. 

Stream below or download







Surp God - Bad Character



Surp God once again drops another dope track "Bad Character" this time over a Madlib classic. Enjoy this for now until his project for the LOVE of SOUND is released. Be sure to keep up with his SoundCloud as he likes to drop new tracks randomly. 

rMell - Murakami



As the release of NEOGEO approaches rMell releases a single not from the project but something to keep the fans happy. "Murakami" features a minimalistic beat produced by rMell himself (as always) which helps to bring attention to his verse, one of the longest and best I've heard from him. With no chorus to interrupt, rMell spits a tightly knit verse full of truth, ambition and aspiration and more so impressively finds a way to keep that trademark coolness without just rapping about cool shit. rMell seems to always expand himself as an artist and I expect that NEOGEO will take him and his artistry to the next level.

Captain Murphy - Immaculation ft Azizi Gibson & Jeremiah Jae



The enigmatic cartoon rapper Captain Murphy dropped a gem earlier this week in "Immaculation", which finds Murphy and friends ( Azizi Gibson and Jeremiah Jae) flowing over some groovy production. This is presumably from his upcoming project Duality, which will hopefully shed more light on who the Captain is as an artist more so than a person. I like the anonymity of Murphy, it reminds me of someone I know...

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Digital Drop Presents: The Rap Up With Rashad Stark



Digital Drop recently chatted it up with the SNB's own Rashad Stark about his project SOAR 2, his upcoming project Vigilante, his goals and artistry, past projects and more. 

Friday, November 2, 2012

[Video] On The Road: Kendrick Lamar & TDE



Jay-Z's Life+Times series followed Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar as he performed on the Music Matters tour with Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. Also footage of the Black Hippy (Q) crew talking about who is EATIN' and who isn't, Kendrick meets LeBron James and J.Cole spitting a freestyle for Kendrick. Plus concert footage from Kendrick performing in D.C. and North Carolina. One of the more interesting and in depth videos I've seen in a while.

Earl Sweatshirt - Chum



Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt has been relatively quiet since coming home, only dropping one solo track aptly named "Home" and a few guest appearances. A lot of mysterious still surrounds the young rapper with many fans not to sure in which direction his new music will be going. What we do know is that, gone is the rapper you heard on Earl and earlier Odd Future projects. Also at the same time a lot remains the same from those days.

Earl's second released track since coming home "Chum" is the perfect example of what I was speaking on above. Earl has matured past the subjects of murder, rape and 666 to personal subjects that we've heard him speak on in the past, but more so as a child would handle it. Earl manages to keep that dark sound that his is known for and still evolve into something that he wasn't before. A mature emcee who is able to tell a story of truth and truly put his life into lyrics. I have a feeling that "Chum" is just the beginning for young Earl and that we'll get the full effect of his new found skills when he drops his project hopefully sometime this year.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

[Video] Joey Bada$$ - Fromdatomb$ ft Chuck Stranger



Joey Bada$$ continues to build off the hype for his debut tape 1999 by releasing a visuals for "Fromdatomb$". Joey and fellow Pro. Era member Chuck Strangers kick rhymes while hanging around in Brooklyn, the video definitely gives off that nostalgic feel that Joey is known for. Very reminiscent of Nas' "Made You Look" video. Look for Pro. Era's compilation tape to drop later in the year on December 21st.

Curren$y - Boss Dealings ft Noreaga & Styles P



Late last night Curren$y gave his fans a early Halloween treat with his mixtape Priest Andretti. While it's not his best work, it certainly isn't his worse. You can grab the tape in the link above and judge for yourself, however one thing I am sure about is that "Boss Dealings" is one of the best, if not the best joint from the tape. For the track Spitta grabs some New York bosses in Noreaga and Styles P, and all three absolutely do the damn thing. 

[Video] ScHoolBoy Q Discusses Black Hippy Album, Being On Tour & DMX



Q sat down with ThisIs50's own Young Jack Thriller and discussed many topics including him not being down with Black Hippy, DMX wylin' out and being on tour with A$AP Rocky.

Alchemist - Yacht Rock


California producer The Alchemist dropped an "album" today, I refuse to call something with two tracks an album but nonetheless Yacht Rock has a interesting list of guest ranging from Action Bronson, Chuck Inglish, Roc Marciano, Blu and more. The "album" is available for download over at 9Five's website

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

[Mixtape] Rashad Stark - SOAR 2


Just about a week ago and after much build up, the SNB's own Rashad Stark dropped his anticipated mixtape SOAR 2. Featuring some solid raps from Rashad and a few guest appearances from fellow DMV artists. The project also features some dope production mainly from Rashad himself, who has grown as a producer since dropping his beat tape Hybrid in June. Rashad Stark is one of those few artist who seem to improve with each project. All together a nice listen from one of the more talented artist in the DMV area. Look for Digital Drop's interview with Rashad dropping sometime November.

Stream and download below


[Video] SpaceGhostPurrp - Phxnk & KlvnDvy ft Nell & Rell


Miami based rapper SpaceGhostPurrp is known for his 90s sound and with his latest track "Phxnk" he channels some old school West Coast G-Funk. Later on in the video the Raider Klan keeps up the West Coast vibe by kicking a "freestyle" over a classic in "Dre Day". 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Grammy Family - Autumn



The Grammy Family has been on a tear lately dropping dope track after dope track and "Autumn" continues their flawless streak. Unlike past tracks in which production was handle by rMell, this time around Jaylen! takes the reigns and doesn't disappoint. Backed by Jaylen!'s tranquil and mediative production, Grammy Family members rMell, Miles Meraki and Matt McGhee add to the tracks overall chill vibe. 

One of the most impressive things about the collective is how each member brings something different to each track, whether it be lyrically, delivery or production-wise and yet it all fits together to make a cohesive product. This is definitely the best track from the group so far and I look forward in seeing what the crew has planned next.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

[Album Review] Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city


Me and the blog homies Yoh (TheTapeDeck), Dave and Mark II (Back2Pluto) got together and collectively shared our thoughts on Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated album good kid, m.A.A.d city and created a honest and unbiased review for your reading pleasure. S/O to Felix for hosting the review over at Kidz 'R Evil. Without further ado, I present to you good kid, m.A.A.d city the review.

Aceology - Chinchilla Warfare (prod. Logan Da Great)



Backwards $ocitey's own Aceology dropped an absolute banger in "Chinchilla Warfare" producer Logan Da Great comes with the bass, which knocks so hard that it actually distorts Ace's vocals. Although I'm sure it was intentional, so don't mistake it for low quality or bad mixing. Look for more tracks like this on Aceology's upcoming project Red EyePoetry when it drops November 4th. 

Monday, October 22, 2012

[Video] Blu & Exile - Maybe One Day



The good ol' duo of the enigmatic Blu and crafter of his tunes Exile come together for this simple yet effective video for "Maybe One Day" sorta like the track. Blu drops some dope rhymes and even touches on his former buzz and as always Exile comes with that soulful sample.

Black Hippy - The Heart Pt. 3 (Will You Let It Die?), Swimming Pools & The Recipe


In celebration of his sophomore album good kid, m.A.A.d city ,Kendrick Lamar dropped part three to his legendary "The Heart" series. It's good to hear the whole Black Hippy crew together once again. The crew also did remixes to both of Kendrick's single "Swimming Pools (Drank)" and "The Recipe". Be sure to buy and support GKMC, the game needs more artists like Kendrick and the Black Hippy crew.



Saturday, October 20, 2012

[EP] SIR E.U THE GREAT x Louseph Bruise Em' - HÜLAGÜSH


DMV artists Louseph Bruise Em' and SIR E.U THE GREAT dropped a (extremely) short EP HÜLAGÜSH about a week ago but due to my loafing and other shxt I just got around to posting this. Although the EP is short, it is a rather enjoyable listen mainly due in part to Louseph's production which is just as electric and spazmatic (new word) as E.U. One of the more impressive things about the EP is that I'm sure most of it is freestyled and E.U still manages to do the damn thing.

It's good to hear E.U having fun again with his rhymes, HÜLAGÜSH is more reminiscent of E.U's past projects FXCK and H I P P O P O T A M U S, both of which where more upbeat than his recent works WOMBO and 3000% BLACK EXCELLENCE. SIR E.U claimed that he would be dropping a new EP every Tuesday for the next couple of weeks and if it was any other artist I wouldn't believed it but the Hippo God knows no limits. Until next week...

Sidenote: The homie Louesph informed me that this was actually made in less than 24 hours. Even more impressive. Props to the homies for that.

Stream below:

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Kendrick Lamar - Backseat Freestyle (prod. Hit-Boy)



"Backseat Freestyle" is the latest track from GKMC to leak, Kendrick backed by a beat from Hit-Boy proceeds to spit a "freestyle". Starting way back with The Recipe, Swimming Pools, Compton and now this I haven't really felt a single/leak yet. It just seems as if there is something missing, those tracks don't have that usual Kendrick feel to me whether it be the beat or the lyrics. I still have hope though, Kendrick has yet to disappoint project wise and I doubt he will. good kid, m.A.A.d city arrives October 22nd.

Flatbush ZOMBiES - Hangover




Fresh off the release of their D.R.U.G.S. mixtape and their appearance of the A$AP Mob tape, the Flatbush ZOMBiES are back with a new track "Hangover". No word on if this is from a new project the crew has in store but I'm sure there is one in the works.

Toro Y Moi - So Many Details



I like to switch it up every now and then and feature other genres on the site so here is a little alternative tune "So Many Details" from Toro Y Moi. Very chill vibes from this track. Toro Y Moi's Anything In Return drops January 22nd.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Curbside Jones - Reflection Champloo (prod. Phill Blanks)



Curbside Jones is a newcomer to Digital Drop but has been on my radar for a while now. I regularly see him on B2P and I trust their musical taste so when I received this track in my inbox I had to listen. Jones' latest work "Reflection Champloo" is a track of self-reflection and UK producer Phill Blanks does well in crafting a serene sound which really sets the mood for the track. Expect to see this and more on the re-release of his project The Cherry Blossom Effect: Endless Dream Theory and to hear more collabs between Jones and Blanks in the future. 

[Mixtape] Chick Gaynor - Slug Gawd: The Lost Memoirs



The Slug Gawd himself, Chick Gaynor decided to drop a tape comprised of tracks that didn't make his first two projects Whatever and Origami. Even for a tape full of unused tracks it still makes for a quality listen, something which we've come to expect from Lord Slug. This should hold you over until Chick drops his next project Macaroni Tony on Thanksgiving. 

[Video] Meek Mill - Burn ft Big Sean



Meek Mill finally gets around to dropping some visuals for "Burn" arguably the best track from Dreamchasers 2, due in part by the excellent guest verse from Big Sean. Haven't seen this much pyrotechnics in a video since Wayne's Fireman. Meek's debut album Dreams & Nightmares drops October 30th.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

[Video] Stalley - Fountain Of Youth ft Rick Ross & Nipsey Hussle



Peeped this on MTV Jams yesterday thought it was a new Ross joint found out its Stalley's. Ironically the track would be better with just Rozay and Nipsey. The video isn't anything too special, watch for the verses and the production which are excellent.

Friday, October 5, 2012

MellowHype - Grill



With their next album Numbers dropping on October 9th, Left Brian and Hodgy let loose one more track from the album. "Grill" finds the duo doing what they do best, LB crafting a tight ass beat and Hodgy spazzing. Left even spits quite a long verse at least longer than what he has in the past. This is definitely the best song they've put out in a while after those (IMO) disappointing MellowHype week tracks. Lets hope this is more of a sign of things to come, we'll find out when Numbers drops this weekend.

MHz Legacy - Spaceship ft Danny Brown (prod. Harry Fraud)



Ohio's own MHz Legacy link up with Danny Brown for "Spaceship" who sounds right at home over the spacey production provided by La Musica De Harry Fraud. It's refreshing to hear a Fraud beat that isn't heavy with horns, didn't think it was possible. If you like what you hear MHz Legacy's self titled album drops on October 30th.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

[Video] Pitchfork Selector With Bruiser Brigade


Danny and the rest of the Bruiser Brigade crew come through and wreck Pitchfork's Selector. This is definitely the best freestyle that the Selector has seen all year. In the video up top the crew rips some Mike Will production and in the second video they destroy a smooth track from Silky Johnson. #Style.

Kendrick Lamar- Compton ft Dr.Dre (prod. Just Blaze)




Kendrick Lamar links up with producer Just Blaze for this banger named after K.Dot's hometown of "Compton" featuring Dr.Dre who does his best Kendrick impression similar to their last effort "The Recipe". good kid, m.A.A.d city slated for a release date of October 22nd and is also available for pre-order

[Video] Nardwuar Vs RiFF RAFF


Hilarious. 

[Video] Kendrick Lamar On The Breakfast Club




The Compton spitter stoppped by Power 105.1s The Breakfast Club to chat it up with DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlemagne The God about his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city receiving Lyricist of the Year from BET and more.

Steezy Grizzlies - Pow ft Johny Locus



Digital Drop's favorite coon Steezy Grizzlies dropped a new track for his birthday earlier this week. Listen as he and fellow SNB member Johny Locus flow over Busta's classic "Woo Hah!! (Got You All In Check)". Be sure to look for Steezy's upcoming project Nineteen when it drops and belated birthday wishes to the God of Grizzlies. 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Rashad Stark - Bxtch I'm Yeezy ft Matt McGhee, Johny Locus & Miles Meraki



In preparation for his upcoming project SOAR 2, Rashad Stark drops the first single "Bxtch I'm Yeezy" featuring Grammy Family members Matt McGhee (JD) and Miles Meraki and SNB member Johny Locus. All artist do well and live up to the title, with each spitting bars full of braggadocio raps. Look for SOAR 2 to drop October 20th and Rashad's next single "Kings of Wylin'" to drop next week.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Digital Drop Presents: The Rap Up With Nomad


A week after the release of his sophomore project Nocebo, Digital Drop chats it up with DMV artist Nomad. We talk Nocebo, his previous projects, his group Unsung, his career and more. Check it out.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Kendrick Lamar - Art of Peer Pressure



New leak from Kendrick Lamar called "Art of Peer Pressure", no word on if this will appear on his debut good kid, m.A.A.d city although judging by the subject matter of the track I can only assume it will as it follows the theme of GKMC. Either way will find out next month on the 22nd of October when good kid, m.A.A.d city finally drops. Spotted at TheTapeDeck.

[Mixtape] Willie Jetts - Parachutes


DMV rapper Willie Jetts dropped a project Parachutes a few weeks ago and I had been meaning to listen to it since than but haven't had the time. That is until Willie hit me up and asked if I would check it out and it actually shocked me that he would reach out after our previous encounter which was unprofessional to say the least. I decided to let the past be the past and give the project a listen and come with an open mind.

One thing I can say is that Willie is definitely talented. Parachutes is a good project that suffers from one thing, it is way too long. Comprised of 17 tracks and a time duration of a little under a hour is a long time to hold someone's attention. Unfortunately by the tenth track or so it all becomes a bit mundane. That's not to say the tracks themselves weren't good it's just that Willie doesn't do enough to differ his lyrics or production to hold the listeners attention. 

However, on a good note Willie does impress with his lyrics, and that is what really makes Parachutes. I had no problem with the production featured on the tape, every beat for the most part was enjoyable. The features are 'hit or miss' with most of them being out rapped by Willie aside from a few. Parachutes is a very solid tape, that I think would have been more impressionable if it was slimmed down to 10 or 12 tracks, other than that I enjoyed it. Willie Jetts definitely has potential and talent and I expect that his next project will be his best. Hopefully Willie can take what he did well on Parachutes and build upon that to create an even better tape in the future.

[Mixtape] Cal Rips - Chemical X


Cal Rips dropped a new tape Chemical X out of nowhere I didn't even know about the project until yesterday, that being said it definitely was a pleasant surprise. Over the past few weeks Cal has been making noise mostly by dropping tracks and his guest appearances on SIR E.U's "The Claw" and Mike of Doom's "Great Success". Cal not only impresses but manages to steal the spotlight on a few of the tracks. All that transitioned into Chemical X, which is his best effort yet in my opinion. 

One thing that is noticeable about Chemical X is that it is a more happy record and what I mean by that is compared to Cal's previous project #ThumbsUp which featured a very somber sound, Chemical X will have you nodding your head to the beat and even laughing at some points. It makes for a more enjoyable listen and holds you attention for the duration of the project. In fact "Devil's Cake" is the only track that you could say is more of a traditional Cal track, with its slow and steady beat, it stands apart from the rest of the tape and becomes a highlight track. Overall Chemical X is a great tape from Cal Rips who himself seems to improve his sound with each project and continues to impress me. Props to Cal for that.

Download or stream below.