To celebrate my eventual move to Los Angeles, I’m throwing up songs from mostly California rappers today. These tracks are all from the last couple months, but the internet moves too fast to keep up with so these range from high profile songs to under the radar gems.
First up in Compton’s own DJ Quik, a guy who is widely considered one of the best producers on the mic ever and gets Dre-like respect in his homestate. “Fire & Brimstone” is the opening track of Quik’s stellar Book of David album, which is really the perfect summer soundtrack. One of the most complete rap artists there is.
The best part of Hieroglyphics front-man Casual’s latest album is how it feels totally uninfluenced by the times. I could have told you this music was recorded in 1995 and you’d believe it. Casual certainly has a way with words, coming from the school of “lyrically lyrical” rappers, but also has alot of personality on the mic.
“Starin’ Thru My Rear View” – Young Gully
Two minutes of incredible rapping over a classic Pac beat. Gully is from the Bay and murders every track he’s on. This guy should have been on the last XXL Freshman cover.
“She Dont Want a Man” – Curren$y
The storytelling here is an impressive turn for a rapper who rarely steps outside his comfort zone. It’s not a particularly memorable or complex story, but it’s nice to see Curren$y sticking to a different topic than his usual material while still making the chillest rap music out. That beat is one of the year’s best, too.
My most played song of the summer. Max B has one of the strangest and catchiest flows and is keeping the old Dipset style alive. He’s also in jail waiting on the appeal to his 75-year sentence.
“Slow Down” – The Raign f/ Dino Casino & Phenex
Never heard of these guys before this song but they have the country rap tunes sound down pat. Whoever raps last is the highlight of the song. Their album is fittingly called “Organic”.
“No Reggie Bush” – inDEED f/ KD
I love that Reggie Bush has become slang for bad weed. Fuck the Saints.
