Showing posts with label boombap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boombap. Show all posts




 Demons. We all fight them. Young or old, black or white; no matter who we are, or where we come from, each one of us can relate to this skirmish with the dark side. Forces that push us to do wrong, despite our hearts knowing what’s right. Of all of us, Terock may be the utmost familiar with this plight; and his poignant new banger, “Demons”, distinctly attests. Certainly, the darkness that this Florida rapper has faced throughout life has been unspeakably staggering; however, it is no match for the sparkling tines of this track’s melody. A brightness shines through “Demons”’s instrumentation, complimented by the bounce of 808s, kicks and trap snares. Brilliantly, Terock uses this canvas to paint a picture of his own internal strifes. His voice runs in broad, passionate strokes across the mix; confessing bravely to depression and suicidal thoughts that have plagued him longer than we will ever know. Nevertheless, even in the face of these hardships, this outstanding Southern emcee knows exactly who holds his key to victory: God. In that sense, “Demons” is a four-minute, modern-trap prayer to the Most High. One that expresses his regret for inviting the Devil into his life; and remembrance of God’s power to save him. It is a banger that carries its weight in spiritual gold; especially when you absorb every word he’s spoke.



“Demons”






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Most upcoming artists in Hip-Hop want nothing more than fame. The art takes a backseat to imagery, trends and social media stunts that will garner them a mainstream break. Few rising rap acts truly value the artistry and prospect of Hip-Hop; however, Swiss emcee, Rhyman, refuses to submit to that case. If anything, his new album, “The Wknd”, is a revival of lyricism and substance in a day where those elements seem to be dwindling away. The eleven track project sports of variety of Golden Era-styled beats, yet, this is not the sole factor that assigns “The Wknd” its Hip-Hop greatness. It is Rhyman’s proficiency as an emcee that makes this album an outlier of 2019. Whether you are cruising to the climatic opener, “Welcome 2 The Wknd”; awe-striking boom-bap cuts, such as “What If” and “Heaven”; the tranquil confessional of “No Sen$e”; or the abstract bangers, “Smog & Fire”, “Basick” and “Outro”; you will never hear Rhyman falter. He remains at the apex of his lyrical game for the duration of “The Wknd”. Does he reference wanting fame and a mainstream break as much as his fellow upcoming artists? Absolutely. However, the difference between him and them, is that Rhyman is willing to earn acclaim the only way you should in Hip-Hop: with creativity, honesty, and pure bars. He brings that triple package to “The Wknd”, and in doing so, has created an album that is true to the culture he breathes.



“The Wknd”on Spotify 

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The gunk and grime of 90’s East Coast will cake up on the edge of your speakers after only the first few seconds of rapper, P-Wize the Emcee’s, “Real Life”. Seasoned by almost-cathedral instrumentation, and sparkling, soul-sampled vocals, the gritty verse of out Asbury, New Jersey native splits the mix, announcing himself and that he has a “Story to tell.” Not long after that announcement, a series of snares snap through, before the roll of boom-bap drums and a muddy bassline immediately landslide the entire orchestration. And the emcee’s story beautifully commences. 
With a microphone stolen straight from the coffin of Golden Age Hip-Hop, P-Wize raps his heart onto his sleeve. It is not simply the sonics of the song that will blast you back to the 90s; but likewise, the messages within in the man’s lyrics. “You see the god inside of all of us—“ is just one of the myriad, knowledgable bars he unleashes, displaying that excellent Five-Percenter enlightenment so many others had, as well, in the previous century of rap. Armed with wordplay, lyricism and a filthy, yet passionate deliverance, P-Wize welcomes us all into his “Real Life”. If you love the spirit of 90’s Hip-Hop, its an event you won’t want to miss.


“REAL LIFE” Stream/Download: 


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In a game dominated by mumble rap, true lyricists are a diamond in the rough. Houston has a long historical imprint in Hip Hop from the Geto Boys in the 80's and 90's to the whole Houston movement in the early 2000's. Kweli(not to be confused with Talib Kweli) is next up to carry the torch for H-Town. His new EP 'B4' makes a good case if there were an argument. 

To simply describe the project, short and sweet. The 3 track, 8 minute tape is packed with hard hitting lyrics, gems for you ponder, and witty rhymes over billions mellow production that sounds out of the 1990s. B4 features the sounds from Emani, Lucid Sounds, and the legendary Organized Noize. Though only 3 tracks, Kweli's impressive skills remind me of hearing a young T.I. for the first time. I'm definitely anticipating what Kweli has in store, he's only going to be able to hold us over with B4, but so long.



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