A$AP Ferg – Plain Jane

“You can hear the desire crackling out of every line, the urge to be great with each passing bar within the first verse.”

A$AP Ferg’s latest mixtape, Still Striving, offers a variety of hits to keep you going into the Fall time but the one song that stands out to me is “Plain Jane.” Naming the song after a line within the song where he references his “plain jane” Tourneau presidential watch. Later going on into detail over at Genius, he mentions how putting diamonds on a watch actually lowers the value and instead of doing so, he treats his watch like an investment. I didn’t have this in mind when I first listened so it adds an extra depth to the song that wasn’t needed but is welcomed.

In “Plain Jane” Ferg comes off as grittier and darker than what I would expect from him. Swift mentions of suicide and childhood trauma blended in with bars decorated with his cocky flare leave me as a listener picturing a more complex character in A$AP Ferg within the exclusivity of the song. You can hear the desire crackling out of every line, the urge to be great with each passing bar within the first verse. Granted, the hook is obviously a tribute to Three 6 Mafia, specifically Juicy J’s “Slob on My Knob,” there’s still a cutting tone behind it due to the energy of the actual song.

Honestly, this is the most I’ve ever been invested in understanding A$AP Ferg as an artist. Don’t get me wrong, I love listening to him but this exact song makes me want to understand him on a personal level which is an effort most artists can’t get out of me right now. I don’t expect, or want, him to come out with a super personal project but I wouldn’t mind a few songs or an album that makes me want to invest my time into getting to know A$AP Ferg.

 

Link: A$AP Ferg’s Genius breakdown of “Plain Jane” from Still Striving

Hare Squead – Supernormal EP

I first discovered Hare Squead while listening to the Goldlink remix of “Herside Story” on “At What Cost?” where shortly after I decided to check out the Squead and see what they were about. Their debut EP, Supernormal, instantly caught my attention with “Got a Long Way to Go” which is reminiscent of a shining Pharrell record with a myriad of other Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B influences. Describing themselves as “three black Irish kids making waves,” Hare Squead’s fun and energetic sound fit right in with the trend of young carefree eccentric Black acts in the Hip-Hop scene such as Chance the Rapper, Masego, Goldlink, D.R.A.M., and Aminé to name a few.

D.R.A.M. – Gilligan ft. Juicy J & A$AP Rocky

Almost out of nowhere, D.R.A.M. dropped “Gilligan” two weeks ago featuring Juicy J, who collaborated with the Virginia-based rapper on the production, and A$AP Rocky. My first thoughts are that this is a very different sound from the other singles D.R.A.M. dropped in anticipation for his debut album, Big Baby D.R.A.M. which were mostly whimsical with bangers like “Broccoli” and “Cash Machine” as well as the more R&B focused “Cute. It has a darker, more hypnotic sound with a druggy haze covering up the booming soundscape. Even the features are different with Juicy J and A$AP Rocky being known for pulling out grimier vibes with their verses even when they’re paired with artists outside the realm of Hip-Hop.

D.R.A.M. delivers the starting verse setting the mood right before letting the chorus come back in which leads to Juicy J throwing us some sweet quotables like “Three 6 Mafia probably fucked your momma back in ’98.” and then we have A$AP Rocky on the last verse who steps it up with one of the meanest flows I’ve heard since the year started. Each verse is succinct but doesn’t feel rushed, however the song overall feels like a teaser of some sorts for what’s to come. I was surprised that D.R.A.M. didn’t go harder on this track because, unlike most of his fanbase now, I do know D.R.A.M. can really kick some bars if he felt like it. I do hope for a return to form for that D.R.A.M. but I’m really enjoying whatever he’s dropping or being featured on at this point because the man obviously has a good eye and ear for music.
https://itun.es/us/yoOkjb?i=1227523226 

Fly Anakin & Koncept Jack$on – Chapel Drive

The dynamic duo of Fly Anakin and Koncept Jack$on from Mutant Academy drops another project with their album Chapel Drive which is their best collaborative effort to date. Armed with experience, an incredible affinity for their craft, and a team full of rappers and producers large enough to be mistaken a guerrilla cell, Anakin and Kon formed a well-structured piece of work. While it’s obvious that the two are at the center stage of Chapel Drive, the album is colored with the other members of their RVA based collective which makes it an even more thrilling ride. Big Kahuna OG and Henny L.O. both steal the spotlight in their own right. While not especially aggressive, their overall sound is a dominant one which is a good thing when it’s two to four rappers sharing a track together and everyone needs to be able to mesh together well while also having their own defined voices. It’s evident that Anakin, Kon, and the rest of the features have a powerful chemistry as they seem to come together flawlessly like a debuting Wu-Tang Clan.

Packed with heavily atmospheric production and stylish lyricism, it seems like each track was made to one up the next. Despite the bragging, there are many introspective bars laced into the album such as Koncept Jack$on on “vag manifesto” where he spits “My food for thought is how my mouth get fed. It’s the conglomerate. Never voice your love is what your vagina said” in a self-aware fashion. Lines like, “How you want it? With the red dot vision or something different? You the man? I don’t know your name, these bitches just pictures” from Fly Anakin, really rip into the tracks to give us that dominant sound I mentioned earlier. The beats range from a chill (“Memory Foam” featuring Henny L.O. and produced by Henchmen) to hard-hitting(“dime$” produced by Sycho Sid) while keeping a smooth transition.

My favorite tracks from Chapel Drive would have to be “madblunts,” “memory foam,” “kingpin,” “dime$,” and “when thugs cry” although I definitely enjoyed listening to the album through and through. The most vital parts of the album would have to be the chemistry, and not just between the rappers but with the producers as well. Everything seems to come together perfectly on the album with no bad choices of beats, timing, and use of lyricism although the Mutant Academy camp almost never has that problem anyways. Being a big portrait of the Academy’s soundscape, this is the perfect album to jump into as a starting point in their ever growing discography.

https://itun.es/us/oKJmjb

Kendrick Lamar – Humble (Video)

I don’t really get excited about rappers unless their names are Kanye West, Pusha T, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Less than an hour ago, Kendrick’s VEVO on Youtube released a video for “Humble,” a brand new, very different song from Kendrick Lamar. In 2017, at any table you sit at, Kendrick Lamar’s name is synonymous with “introspective” and “conscious.” This song, “Humble” aims to flip those thoughts on their heads. This is definitely not Kendrick’s first braggadocio but it’s obvious that “Humble” as a title is meant to be subverted by the fact that most people would assume Kendrick to take a different approach on this song. This subversion is also reinforced in the beginning of the song, as well as the thumbnail where Kendrick Lamar is dressed in religious garb standing in light almost seeming too religious for who he is. There are much more subversions within the video and in the song itself and it’s really interesting to analyze.

Injury Reserve – All This Money

This bouncy, electrifying earworm in the form of “All This Money” by Injury Reserve had my head nodding when I turned to Pigeon and Planes Takeover on Beats 1. I knew nothing of this Arizona-based Hip-Hop group when I first listened to them. I even forgot that I saw the name Injury Reserve before, most likely through Pigeons and Planes, multiple times and ignored them each time for whatever reason, admittedly some of those reasons being them not catching my eye as I scroll through my Twitter timeline. I wish I didn’t ignore them though because if this one song and the general consensus by critics across the board is anything to take note of, they’re a promising Hip-Hop clique. Their odd energy reminds me of Odd Future while the sound of “All This Money” is more comparative to a mixture of club songs from the 2000’s. Check out “All This Money” down below and don’t miss out before it’s too late.

Mike Strong – Subject of Sadness

“I can’t lose, I got a war to win”

If you know of my love for Virginian artists then it’s a huge chance you’ll know that Mike Strong is one of my favorite emcees. He’s a very well-rounded rapper compared to a lot of his peers. He’s clever, complicated, edgy, and has the skill to back up those attributes. The gritty sound on Subject of Sadness is reminiscent of his other works like Doors Close, Skies Don’t, yet it’s updated without compromise. Strong’s smooth delivery comes as a contrast to his intricate flow and versatile storytelling which often makes me feel like he’s confiding in me about the secret truths of his life. Subject of Sadness is dark, to say the least, but it also has an eccentric side which makes for a colorful project despite some of its bleak undertones.

Some of my favorite tracks include “THIS RAP SHIT,” “Warning Signs,” and “Mojo” which all showcase his versatility. On “THIS RAP SHIT” Mike Strong tackles the existential question that every rapper faces with “How long will it last?” Instead of simply leaving us with a cliffhanger to wait on the answer later, Strong takes a head-on approach and decides that “I just want to get it and go like a real nigga supposed to. I don’t know shit about culture, I’m who I am” in probably what will be one of my favorite rap quotes of the year. “Mojo” is a rather lengthy track but it handles like a planned detour with a lot to bear witness to from between the first second and the last in this seven-minute track. Strong’s attack on “Warning Signs” starts off with another one of my favorite lines, “I can’t lose, I got a war to win” which sets the powerful tone for the song and the rest of the album, with help from a strong buildup thanks to the first two tracks, “Tufa” and “Fast Food,” letting the album become a portrait instead of just a story. You can hear Mike Strong’s hunger throughout Subject of Sadness but you can also hear his rationale calculating and contemplating each move like a predator fighting for his life but in this case it’s not a beast he’s combating, but the streets, the industry, and everything else that wants to get in his way.

Goldlink, Brent Faiyaz, and Shy Glizzy – Crew

Okay, let me tell you guys I’ve probably played this song twenty times today. I’m very much addicted to the Goldlink, Brent Faiyaz, and Shy Glizzy song called “Crew.” Brent Faiyaz offers his vocals on the hook and even though that’s his only part in the song it’s a major part of the formula. Goldlink and Shy Glizzy offer up their eccentric flow and energy to the track, going back to back with a strong contrast that meshes surprisingly well.

Goldlink is as smooth and intricate as ever while still being tender in his approach, making his verse very intimate. Shy Glizzy dominates with his aggressive but flashy vocal presence, letting you know he doesn’t just “seem like the man,” he is the man. I’m not one to really care about radio hits often but this most certainly seems like a banger.

With spring right around the corner, this song can only go up and I imagine around March everyone will be abusing the play button as much as me. Check out the Soundcloud link or the Youtube link I placed below.

 

JAY IDK – “Famous Freestyle”

I have recently been getting back into checking out Soundcloud for music and one of the first artists I ran into on everyone’s favorite free music-streaming app was Jay IDK, the London-born, Maryland raised rapper with a ton of versatility. This isn’t my first go with Jay IDK’s music. I was listening to Jay IDK’s Subtrap, which is short for Suburban Trap, which is a fresh and crisp concept album, and a few singles before Subtrap like “Two Hoes.” I could go over how complex the album is but it’s better to listen for yourself. His sound reminds me of a multitude of artists but I specifically think of Kendrick Lamar when I hear him however I don’t think he’s copy-cat as once you get past the fact that he sounds like a ’08 King Kunta, he differs greatly.

When I did press play I was amazed. I haven’t heard a good freestyle in a while, although I don’t really keep up with them nowadays. This “Hello Pt 2” features Jay IDK spitting on Kanye West’s infamous “Famous” track from The Life of Pablo with his signature viciousness while still having obvious fun with it.

Got their feelings so mixed that they heart got good hair. Put me on the throne, I promise I give it good care.

When I first heard it I was left shouting “whew” as the bars start hitting. It’s fun listening to him, as he always delivers and takes pride in his work. He’s gaining traction by actually putting work into his craft, something you can’t hate. I recommend him to anyone who loves a witty rapper with clever lines like Lil Wayne or a rapper who can deliver complex content like Kendrick Lamar.

Jay IDK has several freestyles out most of them on Youtube and Soundcloud. Below you’ll find a link to the “Hello” the part one to this part two you just read about where Jay IDK freestyles on the classic Wu-Tang Clan track, “Ice Cream” as well as a link to his freestyle on the Sway show for the Friday Cypher, in case you want to check out more of his freestyles.

 

 

Peter $un – “IDGAF”

I think people have been missing out on a lot of good music lately with so much of the good stuff being constantly cranked out. 2016 was a huge run for the music industry in terms of quality, especially for Hip-Hop. It appears that the bubbling strife and turmoil from the last few years have given us new music to get over the musical slump that was 2015 and help us cope with the horrid state of affairs for politics and social issues in 2016. Major artists like Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, and Solange dropped projects reflecting the times in their own vision leading to many think pieces, memes, offline and online discussions, as well as a lot of general attention. Of course, this post isn’t about any of those artists, instead of being about one eccentric rapper name Peter $un.

Peter $un dropped quite a few gems in 2016 such as his project Paradise is a Day Away: Audio Diary, a video for “.American Spirit,” and some other tracks including the song in the title of this post,”Idgaf” which was released in early November. On “Idgaf” $un doesn’t give us a conscious song or even an intriguingly crafted perspective but what he does do is offer up a morsel of his own story with a very basic, and catchy hook, about moving on from the messy business of the day-to-day. In a time where we’re constantly being caught up in the troubles of something new, it’s the very noticeable concept of not being phased by the constant noise.

$un doesn’t try to overdo the song by making it more than what it is like some other artists would which would ruin the song. It’s normalized grittiness and rugged tone keeps it from being another upbeat jam but this is more than okay as with a voice like Peter $un’s it matches well, and the song gains more of an individuality. His brand of crooning layered in the background adds a nostalgic touch which left me wanting to return to the good days that have passed, and while I’m not sure if that was what he had in mind when he was laying down the vocals, it’s appreciated on this listener’s ear. I think Peter $un has a bright future ahead of him as his own work shines through a sea of other music, setting itself apart with Peter $un’s nonchalant energy in comparison to others who try to force their way into even an inkling of attention with their “do the most” attitude.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pedrosol