[Independent Hip-Hop:] The U-Express (feat. Defcon) – 9th Wonder
Got some real hip-hop for ya hip-hop heads. This throwback comes from my earlier days (circa 2007-2010) when I was still a much bigger rap head. I had good friends who were plugged into some life-changing rap music from artists such as 9th Wonder, Chaundon, Murs, Little Brother, Cam’Ron, The Alchemist and more. Music from these guys and from that era will live with me for the rest of my life. Not simply because it is real hip-hop, without all the bling, gimmicks, etc. But this is music that will always bring me back to those days several years ago, and anytime I listen to it I feel…uplifted.
Take some time and rewind with this very chill, independent hip-hop number, fresh from my nostalgic mind.
That’s why I never trust niggas man, motherfuck a friend!
Popping up on my Soundcloud feed today, a very nice chill rap track coming to us from Rack Jenkins. “Dead Frenemies” tells the story of a rapper’s journey to fame, coming up in the city and the cautionary tales of dealing with frenemies (friends who are actually f*ckbois in disguise).
From the laidback vocals, to the Asian sounding chords plucked in the background the song sets a very calm, relaxing tone. The beat itself, greatly reminds me of something Nujabes (the mastermind behind Samurai Champloo‘s soundtrack) or Dilla would produce.
In other words, some real hip-hop for ya listenin’ ears.
See I’m straight out the North,
Yeah, I come from the ‘May
A.K.A. Amsterdam, everybody got grams
All our trunks be on wham, pretty bitches goddamn!
Yeah they know who I am, I’m the one with the plan
Two Atlanta rappers come together to rep the North and East sides in “Mayretta” (one local pronunciation of Marietta, Georgia). With a steady, trap beat, catchy hooks and lyrics the song does not only Atlanta, but Marietta proud. B.L.A.C.K. Baron & Scotty ATL have an interesting synergy in this track produced by Larkinbeats. Good to see some quality ATL rap that sounds nothing like Young Thug, Lil’ Yachty, or even 21 Savage. Like they say, you eat the same thing everyday you’ll get tired of it real quick.
Check out more from B.L.A.C.K. Baronhere.
Check out more from Scotty ATL here.
Check out this chill trap track from New Jersey rapper Dougie F. A definite banger for 2016!
[Hip-Hop/Rap] [Real Trap] Dougie F – On Right Now (Produced by Dez Wright)
I’m so faded man, my feet off the ground,
I swear, I’m the man in my town
Everywhere I go they stop and stare me down,
Everywhere I go they stop and stare me down!
Sorry for being a little late posting this as I’ve been busy. New Jersey rapper Dougie F’s “On Right Now,” is a shining example of why we shouldn’t give up on today’s generation of rap. With a heavy trap beat, catchy snares and hooks, and an overall dark, heavy feel, that still comes across as party rap. Impressive.
Also featured are semi-freestyled lyrics that…*gasp actually make sense. Okay, so they might not be Nas or Tech N9ne bars, but Dougie’s realness is certainly perceivable, and far above most current radio rap. If nothing else the song sounds great and you can tell Dougie had a good time recording it; all elements that make up good music.
Check out more from Dougie F on his social media sites:
She say she want some Marvin Gaye,
some Luther Vandross, a little Anita
will definitely set this party of right!
Say she want some Ready For the World…
[Check out more similar-sounding songs from both artists at the bottom of this page]
In today’s Throwback Jams post we’ll be revisiting two classic hip-hop/rap tracks from two of the most influential names in current hip-hop music. The first is the timeless classic and one of media mogul, Kanye West‘s breakout singles “Slow Jamz” with back-up from the none-other than legendary performers Twista and Jamie Foxx.
This soulful staple of the genre samples the iconic Luther Vandross’ “A House is Not a Home”. Twista delivers sonically pleasing, rapidly spoken verses, characteristic of his masterful lyrical delivery on “Overnight Celebrity” which came out around the same time. Jamie Foxx channels R&B legends of the past with his back, and foreground singing. Slow Jamz – 5/5
Next up from none other than the “Moon Man” himself, one of his more mellow and chilled-out tracks, but nonetheless an aural masterpiece. Kid Cudi’s “Pillow Talk” exemplifies everything that was right about the “more than just different” rapper out of Shaker Heights, Ohio who came across as that “weird kid in high school who was also talented.” The song features dreamy soundscapes and vocals mixed with playful, hip lyrics (I know you think I’m shady, but….I ain’t gon’ fuckin’ bounce, fuckin’ bounce). Check it out and relax with some of the spacey music Cudi is well known for.
Ever since the first Cudi song I heard, “Heaven At Nite” through a friend of mine, I knew Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi in the real world) was going to soon be a household name. In fact, coincidentally, a girl I met at a bar here in Atlanta a few weeks back from Ohio tole me she went to Shaker Heights High School with Cudi, was in the same class year and even attended a few parties that he was at.
This source found out of pure serendipity, told me that Mescudi rolled with a big group of friends back then, and most kids at the school thought he was cool. Mescudi was labeled weird and a “stoner kid” in those days.
“Everyone knew that Scotty smoked, in fact him and his friends would always try to get me [and my girls] to come smoke with them…I knew he rapped and did music but never imagined he’d be famous” -Gina
[Alternative Rock:] Saints of Bliss – Born on the Wrong Side
[Quotable Lyrics:]
Born on the wrong side, mixing with the wrong kind,
Misunderstood, and I blame it on the hard life Life is unfair, when you haven’t got a rich dad, And I cannot pay the rent ’cause I’m playin’ in a rock band
As part of the division of genres into pages that will follow on this music blog, I am highlighting one of our first Alternative Rock song features, this one from the band Saints of Bliss with their track “Born on the Wrong Side”. With plenty of alternative and indie feel behind the song, the track is a nice solid listen with plenty of emotional depth in its borderline angst, but pleasurable lyrics, down-tempo chords mixing with alternative-pop rock riffs.
You can check out more from the British band on their sites here:
Hope everyone is having a great week and a good Tuesday, regardless of whether you were at a club that was going up or not (couldn’t help myself). With the coming of Spring I have had a little bit more time to work on new mixes and original choreography. More people are out and about, and as the end of the semester approaches a well deserved break is around the bend as we transition into summer. In Atlanta, the fair weather already has the city more turnt than usual; I was recently enlisted to DJ at a small gathering downtown which was quite a fun, insightful experience (see video down below or click:).
[NEW Mix:] Deeper Cuts ’15 Vol. 2
IG Footage: Dropping Bouncin’ by DJ Bake & C4 at an ATL party/kickback. Jersey House in the building!
I’ve got two brand new mixes for you today released just in time for Spring as more of you are looking to turn up, travel or just enjoy good music. The first of my new mixes is an indie house blend, consisting of some eclectic and harder to find songs from the house and overall EDM genre, titled “Deeper Cuts.” Artists featured include: Thunderheist, Röyksopp, LCD Soundsystem, Fedde Le Grande, Nicky Romero featuring Matthew Koma and more…
Give it a listen (intended for long play, it’s about 30 min) or skim through and check it out where I hope you’ll find something you enjoy and can get down to. Check it out below, whether you want to sit back and chill through the course of the mix, or skim through and see if you find any new interesting songs, give it a listen. Be sure to comment as well, I will read them and like to see them no matter what they say.
My second mix I released about a week or two ago on Soundcloud, titled “ride out (2 This ATL)” is a mix of hip-hop and rap songs that you can ride out to. Several prominent rappers are featured, as well as a wide range of hip-hop and rap songs with a few trap tracks thrown in for good measure. This mix features artists such as: Gucci Mane, Chief Keef, Big Sean, Travi$ Scott, Cam’Ron, Dej Loaf, Kid Ink, Red Cafe, Juicy J and more…
Check it out above:
(note: Both mixes are still rough cuts with further editing and changes pending.)
![[Indie/Locals] [Hip-Hop/Rap:] Rack Jenkins – Dead Frenemies // B.L.A.C.K. Baron – Mayretta (feat. Scotty ATL)](https://illuminousmusic.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/artworks-000140171903-4rrxzw-t500x500.jpg?w=500)
![[Hip-Hop/Rap] [Trap] Dougie F – On Right Now](https://illuminousmusic.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/artworks-000142927084-j7v2ps-t500x500.jpg?w=500)
LUMiNOUS Musings 