Metro Zu – “Sell Ma Hoe“

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from MINK RUG (Mixtape, 2012)

Metro Zu is a Miami crew that is loosely affiliated with SpaceGhostPurrp, or at least have a song with him. They are hyper-productive, their videos look like this and their songs sound different from other rap songs and they sample the Animal Collectors all of which inevitably adds up to them being the rappers that all of the weird just discovered rap through Clams Casino avant bloggers get really excited about in the near future. Which is perfectly fine. The Zu certainly wouldn’t be their worst choice. Mink Rug has some very high points, the highest of which is “Sell Ma Hoe.” It owes a lot to Lil B, which is to be expected at this point with young fringy experimental underground rappers, but the thing that separates it from most other young fringy experimental underground rap is how hook driven it is. Yes it’s wonderful being yourself and hilarious and weird and spontaneous and lo-fi but none of that has any value if you aren’t actually writing songs that are likable. B’s success was as much about his hook writing ability as it was his personality. “Sell Ma Hoe” is simple enough but it sticks to the inside of your brain, with its “second things first” nonsense and the sheer amount of conviction that’s put into the performance. You can imagine the kid pulling his arms into his chest as he croons, like some sort of demented preacher/pimp hybrid. (Prod. by Mr. B the Poshtronaut)

Torch f/ Meek Mill, Wale, Gunplay, Stalley & Young Breed – “Slow Down“

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from UFO 2 (Coming Soon)

There should be a law in hip hop in which any and every rapper, regardless of house or creed, is required to jump on some old Ultimate Breaks And Beats shit once a year. It should be like tithing or a operational exam. Here all of MMG – minus the Bawse who could only phone in some ad-libs from WingStop – hits EPMD’s “Rampage” (or by extension Lowell Fulson’s “Tramp“) running. I can’t tell who of Triple C’s is rapping where in this lineup, because all of these guys went from sounding like Jeezy to sounding like Chubb Rock for this very special occasion, but they all come off. Meek is in his close-to-Peedi mode, which is always welcome while Wale probably has the weakest verse here, which is ironic considering he’s the only one of these guys corny enough to kick the words “one time for hip hop” in 2012. Show us, don’t tell us, Wale.
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#flex (more…)

It’s been a long time… I’ve been pretty lax about posting new rap music on the Tumblr lately, so I figured I’d make up for the lapse by bringing the old New Rap Music column back. For those just joining us, this is the post where I share recently released rap songs. And before you jump all on my dick about what you’ve had for days understand that recently can be any time in the past six months or so. I’m not on fucking Nah Right time here, I just want to write about rap songs that are good.

Freeway f/ Peedi Crakk – “Snappa Pow“

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from Diamond In The Ruff (Rhymesayers, Coming Soon)
One of the problems I had with The Stimulus Package was that it was too limited a palette. Jake One is a very adaptable producer but it seemed like there his hands were tied by the famous rapper, that he was deferring to the “talent” and giving him Freeway-esque beats. You know, Chipmunk soul. I think now that they’ve established a rapport we’re going to hear them taking more risks together. The Jake produced “Snappa Pow” definitely feels more “Roc The Mic” than “It’s Not Right” and that’s exactly the energy level that the State Prop clique needs to be at if anyones going to continue to care about them. (See also: Young Chris’ name drop heavy but kinda banging “Philly Shit.”) The beat isn’t mindblowing, it’s pretty much a rehash of any number of radio rap records from five years ago (or a New York radio hit of today! Hyo) but a perfect vehicle for him and Peedi to trade bars over. Every time they rap together I’m reminded of that Young America interview where Peedi talks about Freeway’s childhood ninja costume. (more…)

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from Til The Casket Drops (Sony, Available 12/8)

Got It For Cheap hipster hyperbole aside, *The* Clipse has always been a four man group. And I’m not talking about Ab and Sand, either. In much the same way Cannibal Ox proved forgettable without El-P or Guru was a horrible solo act, The Clipse are inextricably linked with their producers. Every Clipsetunes track we’ve heard thus far from the album has either been Sonic The Hedgehog melodic pop Neptunes or “Grindin” like simplicity. “Door Man” is P and Chad (maybe? is he still even a Neptune?) expanding into denser palettes. But unlike on say, “When’s The Last Time” Pusha and Mal get crumble under that weight. Their raps are forgettable and for this reason “Door Man” pales in comparison to their best work. But it still outshines most of what we’ve heard from the album so far.

Lil B – “Based“

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from 6 Kiss (Mixtape, Coming Soon)
B at his weirdest, fully unhinged and maybe sending more shots at Drake? He’s a lion in the Pro Tools jungle, calling out Whole Foods inhabitants and perverting the “Successful” hook into a mystic new age yodel about (what else?) being based. (more…)

Everyone else already posted this but I am posting it better. Gucci ushers weed carriers into free floating stardom with great finesse. Does Waka have a deal yet?