Alley Boy f. Pill, Yung Ralph & Big Bank Black, “Heavy in the Street” MP3
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
This is a little too full-bodied to be an actual snap song, but Big Bank Black’s growl-sung chorus is giving us crazy visions of when it looked like Fabo was going to ride the funk wave to argyle-socked superstardom (we can still hope). Plus you also get Alley Boy nimbly bouncing over the track, Pill channeling Killer Mike and Yung Ralph fast-rapping and showing some I’m-not-just-Gucci’s-weed-carrier chops.
Download: Alley Boy f. Pill, Yung Ralph & Big Bank Black, “Heavy in the Street” (via BLVD ST)
Video: Several Dudes from Minnesota Rapping
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
At first it was like, The last thing we need in our lives is a six-minute posse cut featuring a grip of rappers we’ve mostly never heard of, but it turns out that is exactly what we never knew we wanted. Every dude on this song raps like this is his big moment, and maybe it is. Maybe Minnesota can be the next Philadelphia (or maybe it already is and we don’t know?), turning out rappers that get us excited about the entire concept of “lyricism” without sounding boring. (via Cocaine Blunts)
G-Side, Huntsville International Mixtape
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
After spending a couple days in Huntsville, Alabama, a couple years ago, we discovered that their music scene is even larger than we could have anticipated. As the artists began to get some shine, an entire secret rap history emerged, and we get the impression we’re only now scratching the surface of its scene. Huntsville International is the next move forward forG-Side, the Block Beataz and other assorted rappers making local names for themselves. The album showcases the rappers’ versatility, as well as shedding light on the Block Beataz’s ability to incorporate cheesed-out trance in a beat (see also: “Rollin“) without it seeming like an empty cash grab.
Download: G-Side,Huntsville International
Video: Bushwick Bill, “Testimony of Redemption”
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
In the scheme of things, this isn’t one of Bushwick Bill’s best songs. Not even close. Instead it works as a primer to those who might not know what his deal is (there is a lot to recap). If we’re judging it by that, it’s pretty good. If we’re judging it by the final scenes, in which Bill is giving a motivational speech flanked by KRS One and Lil Wayne, then it is great and maybe also confusing. When did this happen? Where were we? Can we come next time?
Theophilus London, “Humdrum Town” MP3
- story Peter Macia
If you live in New York City, Theophilus London is one of those people you run into that remind why you moved here in the first place: he hustles, he stays out late, he’s talented and still on some level doesn’t seem to think any of it is that big of a deal. Maybe that’s where the humdrum bit comes from, who knows. The single, a re-recording of “Hum Drum” from London’s This Charming Mixtape, has a new verse and new instrumental courtesy of Mark Ronson and friends, so just pretend you’ve never heard it before because it still jams, and stay tuned for an accompanying FADER TV episode coming soon.
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posted on Nov 18, 2009 in MP3 / STREAMS tags hip hop, Jesse Boykins III, Mark Ronson, Theophilus London
Pill, 4075: The Refill Mixtape
- story Sam Hockley-Smith
- photo Dorothy Hong
Not sure what it says about the rap industry, but we’ve been anticipating this free mixtape more than most actual albums, and that’s a testament to Pill’s power as a rapper. Sure, in a lot of ways he’s a rapper’s rapper—throwing punchlines out faster than we’re able to catch them—but he’s not robotic or boring. He’s not sacrificing charisma to impress with the intricacy of his verses. Plainly put, he’s so clearly having fun that even on the darker moments of this tape (of which there are a lot), the overwhelming impression is that this dude is doing what he’s supposed to be doing.
Download: Pill, 4075: The Refill
Video: Clipse f. Cam’ron & Pharrell, “Popular Demand (Popeyes)”
- story Peter Macia
Killa steps in looking like Rasheed Wallace on vacation and rapping like Purple Haze printed in large type with the Brothers Thornton, but in 2009, if Pharrell’s chorus and lazy horns are the most exciting thing about a Clipse and Cam collabo, you can’t help but shed a lone coke-flavored tear. Directed by Rik Cordero. Til The Casket Drops is out on December 6th.
Dirty Money f. Drake, “Hurt (Loving You No More)” MP3
- story Peter Macia
Listen, we didn’t title our Drake cover story “Drake’s Rise to Fame and Fortune” because he’s our cousin. We’re sure in the time leading up to his debut album, Drizzy will bless many a major song with stellar guest verses, but this one is particularly good, even if it’s on a song where Diddy uses Auto-Tune to sound like T-Pain if he was really depressed and on a ton of Xanax. Like dude, cheer up, let someone else sing and Drake go bananas—it’s still money in your pocket.
Download: Dirty Money f. Drake, “Hurt (Loving You No More)” *Removed by request of Bad Boy Entertainment
Kanye West, “I’m So Appalled” MP3
- story Peter Macia
Praises to the most high Allah/ Praises to the most fly Prada/ Maybe I’m magic ta-da! We got into a debate the other night about Kanye’s level of annoyingness (you probably know what side we’re on) and our best rebuttal was always, “Dude’s funny.” Case in point, the verse above. According to 2dopeboyz this’ll be on Big Mike & DJ Thoro’s new Follow the Leaders 2 mixtape, which we’ll “buy” from the “mixtape store” when it comes out and jam it “in the whip” as long as there’s more entertaining stuff like this.
Download: Kanye West, “I’m So Appalled”
Video: Cool Kids, “Knocked Down”
- story Peter Macia
Mikey and Chuck have the most laissez-faire approach to rap stardom of anyone we can remember since, um, no one. No one is this laid back about this shit. They’re the Joe Walsh of hip hop. And if they do anything to change, we’re going to be pissed. (via MTV)
