Songs of the Week: July 7th

By Spencer Lobdell

Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior. To stay up to date on all new music, follow our playlist “Hot 30” on Apple Music and Spotify. “Hot 30” is updated daily to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly by team members at StereoVision with the hottest new rap and hip-hop music. Always 30 songs with the hottest tracks at the top.

Songs of the week:

“Sunset” by J. Cole & Young Nudy

Sunset (feat. J. Cole & Young Nudy), a song by Dreamville, J. Cole, Young Nudy on Spotify

Although Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III collaborative album was packed full of high energy hits, it’s no doubt that head-honcho J. Cole and Young Nudy snatched the best joint on the tape with “Sunset”. The menacing track was originally titled “God Flinch” and featured Drake and while he may have been left off the Dreamville project there is still hope that this verse could appear on producer ChaseTheMoney’s debut album. This track is anchored by a sinister hook from J. Cole that is equal parts addicting and epic. Cole and Nudy both take full advantage of their respective verses, rapping about the dangers of their hometowns without ever forgetting to flex their excessive wealth. “Sunset” is an excellent track that should always be discussed when speaking on Cole’s impressive discography.

“Just made a mil’, I counted it once
I think I go spread it around in the slums
2-6 boy, that’s where I’m from
Help me get used to the sound of the drum”

— J. Cole "Sunset"

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“Phone Numbers” by Dominic Fike

Phone Numbers, a song by Dominic Fike on Spotify

Every morning when we wake up from our night's rest we are one day closer to the inevitable hour where Dominic Fike is the biggest star in music. The young pop-rapper’s overflowing potential is obvious on all three singles leading up to his forthcoming debut album with this weeks release, “Phone Numbers”, potentially being the best of the batch. On “Phone Numbers” Fike takes two perspectives: on the hook, he is an old acquaintance of the artist wondering why Dom won’t call him back or give him something, while on the verses, he is simply Dominic Fike rapping about how fast his incredible life is moving. Fike flexes some serious bars on this track as well as an infectious chorus that’ll have you hitting repeat all day.

“And yes, I moved lil’ shawty from ‘round
And she’ve been all in my business as of late
I got rich so goddamn fast
They want this break, can’t catch a break”

— Dominic Fike "Phone Numbers"

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“Cellout” by 03 Greedo & Travis Barker

Cellout, a song by 03 Greedo, Travis Barker on Spotify

New music from locked-up living-legend 03 Greedo always warrants immediate play regardless of what else is going on. This week, the Los Angeles icon released a brand new EP with drummer/producer Travis Barker titled Meet The Drummers and the intro titled “Cellout” is an instant hit. Throughout the whole song 03 cleverly goes back and forth between “not wanting to sell out” and “wanting to get out of his cell”. While the double meaning of sell/cell is extremely entertaining throughout the whole song, the cut is far deeper than witty wordplay as Greedo dives into what he expects from his homies well he’s locked up and also how life is inside the pen. With every release, Greedo’s musical catalog grows stronger and the chorus of voices simultaneously yelling “Free 03” gets louder.

“So much work keep weighing, think the scale off
Niggas out here broke, steady faking like they well off
Don’t let me go to jail and then get out and heard you fell off
I’ma peel these calendars inside the dirty cell off”

— 03 Greedo "Cellout"

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Thanks for reading, check back in next week for three new songs of the week. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter to get notified when we post:

Top 20 Hip-Hop and R&B Albums of the First Half of 2019

By Spencer Lobdell, Miles Hagan, Kaila Cherry, Carter Fife, & Izzy Stroobandt

Welcome to StereoVision’s top 20 albums of the first half of 2019. It has been a great six months for Hip-Hop, R&B, and music in general making this list challenging yet insanely fun to form. The creation of this list came from compiling all of our writers personal AOTY (Album of the Year) lists as well as extensive album debate and conversation throughout the first half of the year to ensure we have the perfect list that represents exactly what we dig at StereoVision. To get this list out in time, we had to cut off all albums released after June 23rd from consideration meaning albums like “Bandana” by Freddie Gibbs that were released in the last week of June are not eligible for selection. Listen along to our top 20 albums of the first half of 2019 by tapping in to our Spotify and Apple Music playlist which contains three spotlight songs from each selection. Stream it here:

This platylist contains three spotlight songs off of each of our top 20 Hip-Hop/R&B albums released during the first half of 2019

Without further ado, our top albums of the first half of 2019:

20. Still Summer in the projects by 03 greedo

Release Date: April 19th, 2019

Record Label: Alamo Records

03 Greedo is a living legend and if his face tattoo of that exact phrase doesn’t convince you, one listen through Still Summer in the Projects should do the trick. The album is Greedo’s most cohesive effort to date and plays smoothly from start to finish. Greedo raps about familiar topics such as living life in Watts (“10 purple Summers”) as well as unfamiliar ones like a new perspective he received from being in the middle of a 20-year prison sentence (“Visions”). Overall Still Summer In The Projects is another exceptional release from 03 Greedo and with news that Greedo might be able to get out after five years on good behavior, we can only prey this is the case and continue to support his truly unparalleled music. Greedo is a musical anomaly, a figurehead for his hood, an LA icon, but above all, a living legend. Free 03! -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

10 Purple Summers

Gettin’ Ready

Visions

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19. Grey Area by Little Simz

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Independent

At the beginning of March majority of the United States was introduced to London-based emcee Little Simz and the pleasure was all ours. Deviating from the eccentric, dreamy, synth sounds that characterized her last album, on GREY Area, Simz opted for a blend of aggression, vulnerability, and genre-splicing to convey her experiences growing up and developing as an artist in a male-dominated industry. While following a theme of self-discovery and personal development, Simz displays true artistry through the presence of influences from a variety of musical genres that elevate her voice and message. The English artist displays great strength with hard hitting verses on cuts such as “Offence” and “Boss” but reels it back allowing us to invade her headspace on songs like the excellent “Venom”. With every bar she spits it’s clear that Simz has something to say and she demands you listen. -Izzy Stroobandt

Favorite Tracks:

Offence

Wounds

Venom

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18. diaspora by goldlink

Release Date: June 11th, 2019

Record Label: RCA Records

Diaspora is an ambitious project. GoldLink tasked himself with consolidating the global sounds of the black experience into a single album. And with each genre he explored, he owed it to the culture in which he drew from to do their music justice, to represent them accurately and genuinely with his audience. Diaspora is just that: the amalgamation of the black cultural experience as told through the sound we engage with in each pocket of the world we inhabit. GoldLink features afrobeat, house, Carribean dancehall, reggaeton, trap, classic hip hop, and more on his extremely diverse and funky project. Not the most lyrically strong, GoldLink nearly makes up for it with how well he executed the concept for the album. Diaspora is an accessible project for anyone, from the person who wants to globalize their ear to the person who just needs some tunes to vibe to. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Joke Ting (feat. Ari PenSmith)

Maniac

U Say (feat. Tyler the Creator and Jay Prince)

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17. Baby on Baby by Dababy

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Interscope Records

DaBaby shows the world that short men do in fact have rights with his infectious breakthrough project Baby on Baby. DaBaby does not take himself too seriously in his music or his visual aesthetic. His music videos are completely kitschy and absurd. He has posed as figures such as Scarface and Suge Knight, and even filmed a video that parodied sitcom television. DaBaby’s bars are hilarious and clever. But do not get it twisted: He is not one to mess with. He is tough as hell, and, as he spits in the track “Suge,” if given any disrespect he will “... beat your ass up all in front of your partners and children.” Baby on Baby is a refreshing project that is funny, surprisingly crude, and full of dope bangers prime for all your summer antics. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Suge

Pony

Carpet Burn

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16. We All shine by ynw melly

Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Independent

YNW Melly’s We All Shine is far and away the best music he has every released. The Florida rapper is packed with personality and it comes through on every track. His songs are filled with authentic emotion giving them a powerful effect on listeners. “Ingredients” is fun and infectious to the point where you can’t listen without smiling while “No More” is a passionate public service announcement where he calls out a homie on his bullshit. If it wasn’t for a timely jail sentence, We All Shine showed every sign of being Melly’s coming out party and ushering him towards being a household name. Hopefully he can get out soon and continue to make excellent music full of emotion, substance, and his unparalleled pipes. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Robbery

Mixed Personalities (Feat. Kanye West)

Ingredients (Feat. Fredo Bang)

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15. Flamagrama by Flying Lotus

Release Date: May 24th, 2019

Record Label: Warp Records

Very few names carry the weight that Flying Lotus’s does in music. A mysterious prodigy who masterfully meanders through genres like electronic, experimental, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Lotus returns from a long hiatus to deliver ‘Flamagra’, a 27-track record that spends approximately an hour showcasing Lotus’s musical prowess. It is impossible to sum up this album in just one paragraph, but listening to this album is an experience very akin to Alice’s trip through Wonderland. While some tracks may not last as long as one might wish, they each leave lasting impressions that resonate within long after Flying Lotus transitions to another musical ideas. Featuring help from artists like Thundercat, Toro Y Moi, Solange, David Lynch, Denzel Curry, and Anderson .Paak (just to name a few), Flamagra was certainly worth the wait. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Post Requisite

More (Feat. Anderson .Paak)

9 Carrots (Feat. Toro Y Moi)

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14. Assume form by james blake

Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Polydor Records

James Blake’s presence in contemporary music has grown heavily over the past several years. No longer is the singer-songwriter confined to the occasional appearance or feature on throwaway tracks, instead now Blake has evolved into a cultural mainstay. While previously established as an expert in the realm of laments and dejected tracks laced with heavy electronic instrumentation or glitchy production effects, Assume Form sees Blake exiting a depressive period. Blake quite literally assumes form on tracks like “I’ll Come Too” or “Power On”, where the listener can track in real time Blake shedding his reserved and destructive tendencies in the enjoyment of a new love interest. Each track is just as incredible as the last, featuring help from artists like Travis Scott, Moses Sumney, Andre 3000, Metro Boomin and ROSALÍA. Although some of the moments on this record could be explored more thoroughly, James Blake offers a precise and relatable emotional tone on this record that will not soon be forgotten. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Assume Form

I’ll Come Too

Power On

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13. Foto by kota the friend

Release Date: May 14th, 2019

Record Label: Independent

FOTO was the perfect album for the summer. Kota the Friend is an artist who seems to have really found a signature sound on this project. He mixes his slick flows and relatable lyrics with laid back gorgeous beats. Rather than attempting to force a message on the listener, he paints a vivid picture with each track. A stand out single from the project was “Birdie”. On the album, he added a beautiful saxophone from Hello Oshay which compliments the song perfectly. He captures what it feels like to really be in love with the girl of your dreams. He shines on this project when he is really just rapping about his thoughts and feelings because Kota is a very relatable character. “Hollywood” offers a realistic perspective on fame and all that comes with it. Kota doesn't want to be that stereotypical rapper who went “Hollywood” and forgot who he was, but rather wants to attain this success in the industry through remembering and honoring where he came from. This idea of him paying homage to the people and experiences that brought him to this point is what makes FOTO so endearing to even the most hardened of listeners. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Church 

Birdie (Feat. Hello Oshay)

Alkaline

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12. Outer Peace by Toro y moi

Release Date: January 18th, 2019

Record Label: Carpark records

Within the first few weeks of 2019, fans of Toro Y Moi were blessed with a new album from Chaz Bear himself. During the promotion for Outer Peace, Bear frequently mentioned how he was tired of making sad love songs, and on Outer Peace there is a clear shift from the pensive sadness of 2017’s Boo Boo into a emotional range that while being fun and optimistic, still has its moments of melancholy and doubt. At 10 tracks long, the Bay-Area native provides his fans with a diverse family of tracks, some low-fi and melodic like “New House” or “Monte Carlo” featuring Wet, others infectiously catchy and uplifting like “Freelance” and “Who Am I”. Although I wish it were longer than half an hour, this summery record has something for everyone. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Laws of the Universe

Freelance

Monte Carlo (Feat. Wet)

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11. Rap or go to the league by 2chainz

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Def Jam Recordings

It seems like whenever 2 Chainz releases a project at least one song off of it is a hit single in clubs and at parties all over the country. He has made some solid projects over the years, and is an established vet in the rap game. That being said Rap or Go to the League felt different. From the lack of singles before its release, to it being executively produced by LeBron James, this had the potential to be a great album from the well-versed trapper. What we got was actually one of the most cohesive projects of his entire career. A Standout track like “I’m not Crazy Life is” shows just how good this project is when it’s at its best. 2 Chainz flows over stellar production that allows him to really get across a point to the audience. There is a constant parallel between rap music and basketball throughout the album which intentionally alludes to America’s current social climate where young African American males feel like those are their only two ways out of their current situation. While Rap or Go to the League does have a message, there are still some bangers. “Momma I Hit a Lick” may take some listeners a few times to appreciate, but eventually the hard beat and unique flows from 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar are too much to deny. Overall this project succeeds because its feels like 2 Chainz really had a goal in mind this time around, rather than aim for as many radio plays as previous works. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Forgiven (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius)

Momma I Hit a Lick (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

I'm Not Crazy Life Is (Feat. Chance the Rapper & Kodak Black)

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10. the falling man by duckwrth

Release Date: May 17th, 2019

Record Label: Republic Records

For those whose know Duckwrth solely from his earlier works such as I'm Uugly (2016) and An Extra Uugly Mixtape (2017), they will be quite surprised to hear the direction the South Central rapper went for his latest EP, The Falling Man. A complete divergence from the pop influenced lo-fi aesthetic he leaned on for the first leg of his career, The Falling Man shows Duckwrth experimenting with genre, voice inflection, and lyrical depth in a way he has never done before. Duckwrth dips his toes into rock, gospel, and trap throughout the course of the album and each venture is a success. The Falling Man is, for lack of a more creative term, a very solid album. It is a reliable listen that keeps listeners engaged and intrigued. Seeing Duckwrth explore and expand the scope of his music is exciting, and I am eager to see what he has in store for us next. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Bow

King King

Nobody Falls (feat. Kiana Lede, Terrence Martin, Madasin)

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9. Arizona baby by Kevin Abstract

Release Date: April 25th, 2019

Record Label: Question Everything Inc/RCA Records

Kevin Abstract has managed to maintain his individual stardom while being part of the wildly successful super-group, Brockhampton. He has been able to accomplish this rare feat by always making sure his music contains emotion. Each track on ARIZONA BABY, no matter what the subject matter or actual lyrics are, is uncompromisingly honest. Sometimes this honesty is beautiful like on the track “Peach”, which features two of Kevin’s Brockhampton band mates in Joba and Bearface as well as rising star Domonik Fike. Like many of the songs on this project, it is able to mix a more sing song chorus and beautifully played guitars with some solid rap verses from Kevin. While the appeal of this track mainly stems from it just simply sounding beautiful, Kevin really shows his talent as a rapper on a track like “Use Me”. This has one of the most interesting and unique beats to be used in a rap song. Kevin experiments with different flows and tells a compelling story on this cut, but is so impressive because like most of the other tracks on ARIZONA BABY we have never heard anyone spit over sounds like this. This project shows what the bright future of rap in this generation has the potential to be. A seamless combination of rap and incredibly produced pop music. No other mind would be better equipped to spearhead this new sound than the very talented Kevin Abstract. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks: 

Baby Boy

Use Me

Peach

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8. The Life of pi’erre 4 by Pi’erre bourne

Release Date: June 21st, 2019

Record Label: SossHouse/Interscope Records

The return of famed rapper/producer Pi’erre Bourne has been long awaited. Since wrapping up 2018 with his collaborative record with fellow producer Cardo, many have been anxiously awaiting the fourth installment in the ‘The Life of Pi’erre’ saga. When the album finally dropped in June 2019, fans were not disappointed. TLOP 4 is a rollercoaster through contemporary hip-hop from the eyes of the man who has helped shape it. From forming the careers of artists like Young Nudy, Playboi Carti, and 6ix9ine, Pi’erre Bourne’s influence and expertise in modern hip-hop/trap synthesis cannot be understated. On his newest record Pi’erre constantly flexes his production skills and his songwriting abilities, delivering heartfelt and saccharine tracks like “Ballad” and “Racer” in one moment, and fast-paced bangers like “Routine” and “Speed Dial” the next. Each track is dense with expert engineering skills and tactics, while still being accessible enough to appeal to hip-hop fans both old and new. -Carter Fife

Favorite Tracks:

Ballad

Doublemint

Speed Dial

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7. Anger Management by Rico Nasty

Release Date: April 25th, 2019

Record Label: Sugar Trap Records

Rico Nasty is one of the most awesome, if not the most awesome female rappers to enter the game over the past few years. To take note of her womanhood is not to say that she does not hold her own in comparison to male rappers. It is instead to say that what Rico Nasty does as an artist and a personality is extremely revolutionary, and her gender is a large part of what makes what she is doing right now so impactful. On her newest project Anger Management, Rico Nasty does not water down the aggressive, in-your-face rap style she became known for with singles such as “Smack a Bitch” and “Key Lime OG.” Rico Nasty reclaims anger not as something inherently negative. She rejects the notion that black women are angry without cause. On Anger Management, Rico Nasty explores the various facets of aggression, frustration, and how such emotions dissolve into, or are perhaps fronts for, melancholy and exhaustion. And with the entire tape produced by the dynamic Kenny Beats, Anger Management is not a project to sleep on. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

Cheat Code (Feat. Baauer)

Hatin

Big Titties (Feat. Baauer and EarthGang)

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6. Everythings for sale by boogie

Release Date: January 25th, 2019

Record Label: Shady Records/Interscope Records

Compton MC Boogie made some major waves last October when he received a huge Eminem cosign and an actual record deal from Shady Records. In January, the young rapper returned with his Shady Records debut Everythings For Sale and it did not disappoint. Over the 40-minute run time, Boogies honestly reflects on a broken relationship, new fame, and his current day to day life. Throughout the tape Boogie proves why Pitchfork called him one of the best young emcees in the country. The tape is exceptionally cohesive and if you immerse yourself in Boogie’s world and experiences you should find that 40-minutes will feel more like 20. Boogie’s lyricism is a perfect mix of cool California dialect and witty lines that emphasize his smart and reflective themes. He gives us up-beat bangers like the JID assisted “Soho” as well as introspective reflections like “Lolsmh” or “Whose Fault”. This album is complete, thought-provoking, and one of the best releases of the year. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Silent Ride

Soho (Feat. JID)

Live 95

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5. Crash talk by schoolboy q

Release Date: April 26th, 2019

Record Label: Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records

When a TDE project drops it is almost a lock that it will be one of the best of the year and CrasH Talk seems like an album that Q really made for himself. This album finds the Los Angeles artist in a vulnerable headspace as he not only was going through depression, but also dealing with the passing of two of his peers in Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle. What came out of this tragedy was an album that really gave us an audience a look into the inner workings of Schoolboy Q’s mind. A track like “Numb Numb Juice” is still able to be one of the standouts on CrasH Talk because of just how hard hitting and quality the beat is, and the way Q is able to sound so cut throat during the duration of the song. That being said this is in stark contrast to a song like “Black Folk” which is very self deprecating. Q acknowledges his shortcomings and fears not even just as a rapper, but as a man walking through life. He no longer has the gangster exterior that audiences have grown so accustomed to, but instead is now a vulnerable man who is just trying to do right by himself and the people he loves. That is the whole theme of CrasH Talk and it can be seen even more clearly in the title track “CrasH”. Though we all may not be famous rappers or have grown up in the streets of California like Schoolboy Q, we all could “crash” at some point. No person is invincible to the struggles of life, and Schoolboy reminds us that we should embrace these difficulties and use them to make us that much better in the long run. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Numb Numb Juice 

Drunk (Feat. 6LACK)

Black Folk

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4. ventura by anderson .paak

Release Date: April 11th, 2019

Record Label: Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records

Anderson .Paak’s Ventura showcases everything we love about the soulful California native. Said to be a counter-part to his prior album Oxnard which was released five months earlier, Ventura showcases Paak in his ideal environment being authentically himself. It is musically unmatched and conceptually rich. It’s both sexy (“Jet Black”) and politically charged (“King James”) but always in moderation to keep it tasteful. With Ventura Anderson truly created timeless music as I foresee songs like “Make It Better” and “What Can We Do” staying in my musical rotation until I can no longer hear. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

Make It Better (Feat. Smokey Robinson)

Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)

What Can We Do (Feat. Nate Dogg)

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3. When I get home by solange

Release Date: March 1st, 2019

Record Label: Columbia Records

Solange Knowles’ radical album When I Get Home is easily the most artistic project of the year so far. When I Get Home is not easy to explain, to start, what exactly is the genre? Is it hip hop, as suggested by features with prominent rap artists Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane? Is it soul? R&B? Further, what is the “home” that Solange is referring to? Is this place literal or figurative? Solange manages to answer all of these questions throughout the course of the album. When I Get Home is an iconographic representation of the black experience in the most celebratory sense. Solange embraces her black womanhood and embraces Houston, Texas. The project radiates warmth and familiarity. It creates a home within itself. When I Get Home is wholly inviting, sonically stunning, and lyrically beautiful album that I cannot help but come back to when I am in need of empathy, of comfort, of a place to call home. -Kaila Cherry

Favorite Tracks:

My Skin, My Logo (Feat. Gucci Mane)

Jerrod

Beltway

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2. Zuu by denzel curry

Release Date: May 31st, 2019

Record Label: Loma Vista Records

Coming off his most conceptual album to date (TA13OO), many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU, Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. Songs like “BIRDZ”, “AUTOMATIC”, and “RICKY” provide long term Denzel fans with his unmatched flow and clever lyricism that they have grown to expect. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece. -Spencer Lobdell

Favorite Tracks:

ZUU

RICKY

AUTOMATIC (Feat. Tay Keith)

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1. IGOr by Tyler, the creator

Release Date: May 17th, 2019

Record Label: Columbia Records

Tyler, The Creator can't be ignored any longer. It is officially his time. Gone are the days of him trying to shock the audience more and more with each track on an album. On IGOR, Tyler manages to continue his incredible growth while also remaining appealing to mainstream audience. A song like “EARFQUAKE” sounds like nothing else that has been put out this year, but is also topping the charts and is able to seamlessly utilize one of the most unique talents rapping today in Playboi Carti. Not only is IGOR sonically interesting, but it also tells a story of falling in and out of love that any listener could relate too. While a song like “A BOY IS A GUN” has some of Tyler’s best rapping on the project, what shines through is what he is saying about the dangers of falling for someone who may not feel the same way back. What makes this the album of the year thus far is that we are seeing an artist who knows his talents as a lyricist, yet still tries to make an album that is great without the traditional constraints of the rap genre. Each track is produced with great care and focus so that the beats aren't just something in the background of him rapping, but actually what helps the listener really feel what Tyler wants them to feel. The perfect example of this is the closing track of the album “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS”. This is a beautiful conclusion to the journey that Tyler just took us on. On this conclusion, Tyler doesn’t even rap but instead he once again lets his amazing production take the stage and what comes out of it one of the most heartfelt and emotional tracks on an album that deserves every bit of critical acclaim that it has received. Though clearly not a trained singer, Tyler doesn't shy away from his more melodic side and it comes across as honest and real. IGOR is one of the best albums of the year because it isn’t just a great rap album, but a great musical experience throughout. -Miles Hagan

Favorite Tracks:

Earfquake 

A Boy is a Gun

Are We Still Friends

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Songs of the Week: April 21st

By Spencer Lobdell

Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“10 Purple Summers” by 03 Greedo

10 Purple Summers, a song by 03 Greedo on Spotify

This week 03 Greedo released his new album Still Summer in the Projects from behind bars. The project starts hot with one of my favorite tracks 03 has put out. “10 Purple Summers” is an epic ode to his hood that never over-glorifies his lifestyle without bringing listeners back to reality. The hook is addicting and 03’s classic synth lead is ever present holding the instrumental down. “10 Purple Summers” is an essential 03 banger and will be on repeat for months to come.

“Some of my niggas fuck twins, bareback and skins
My lil’ homie in the pen, he got more than the ten”

— 03 Greedo "10 Purple Summers"

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“God’s Warrior” Tee Grizzley

God's Warrior, a song by Tee Grizzley on Spotify

This week Tee Grizzley dropped his second single off his upcoming album. “God’s Warrior” is an aggressive, in-your-face banger that we’ve come to expect from the Detroit rapper. The menacing track switches beats half way through to a minimal beat anchored by gun sound effect allowing us to hear every blood-thirsty bar Tee spits. Grizzley is here to show us that his pen game hasn’t declined since “First Day Out” and that he still deserves the attention of hip-hop fans everywhere.

“Fuck a bitch, drop her at her momma crib
Not with the gossipin’, we do that robbin’ shit
Any means, I’m gon’ eat
Slide with the tank on full
Leave with the Glock on E”

— Tee Grizzley "God's Warrior"

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“Family Not a Group” by SOB x RBE & Hit-Boy

Family Not A Group, a song by Hit-Boy, SOB X RBE on Spotify

SOB fans have been spoiled so far this April as last week they dropped their surprise EP Roll The Dice with Marshmallow and this week they released their newest album Family Not A Group produced by Grammy-winning beat maker Hit-Boy. The title track is a perfect example of a group of artists knowing what they do well and executing it in a way that doesn’t sound repetitive. Hit-Boy’s production on this song (and album) allow SOB to deviate from their normal DJ Quick inspired instrumentals and give them a professional sounding final project.

“Coke white buffs, these hoes fresher than a ninth grader
Feel like Maino when I’m in my city, I’m like, “Hi, hater””

— DaBoii "Family Not A Group"

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Throwback Song of the Week:

“Hood Gone Love It” by Jay Rock (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Hood Gone Love It (feat. Kendrick Lamar), a song by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar on Spotify

Jay Rock’s 2014 hood anthem “Hood Gone Love It” is one of the many examples of the unparalleled chemistry Jay Rock and Kendrick have always shared. The two both flex their pen game on the verses while the hook remains simple and catchy. Nearly as impressive as the timeless rapping, the instrumental is unignorable due to the unique sound effects that J.U.S.T.I.C.E League used as percussive elements when creating this beat. I think this song is a classic but honestly, it’s irrelevant if I like it because the hood gone love it.

“From Compton to Baltimore I’ma kill it
I buy a morgue in the minute
The public house, the plastic couch of a section 8 tenant”

— Kendrick Lamar "Hood Gone Love It"

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03 Greedo Remains One of Rap's Most Intriguing Players on His Newest Effort "Still Summer in the Projects"

By Spencer Lobdell

03 Greedo is a living legend. If his face tattoo of that exact phrase doesn’t convince you, a mix of his story and music should do the trick.

Greedo was born in Gardena California but grew up in Watts, a neighborhood just north of Compton known for its gang violence. As an early teen, he lived in the housing projects on Grape Street and became deeply involved with the infamous Grape Street Crip Gang, some even labeling him as “The Wolf of Grape Street.” Greedo always had a fascination with music but begin to pursue it seriously in 2016. He begin to gain a serious buzz, first in his neighborhood, then eventually throughout all of LA. With a sound unlike anything before him and a prolific attitude towards releasing music, his rise to fame seemed inevitable, that is until he was sentenced 20 years in prison for drug and gun possession charges he received in 2016. While Greedo was preparing to go in, he worked extremely hard in the studio to make sure that there was enough music that we wouldn’t forget the name 03 Greedo anytime soon. 2018 saw the release of an two exceptional mixtapes (The Wolf of Grape Street and God Level) before he left for jail and now the incarcerated rapper is back with his newest release Still Summer In The Projects.

Still Summer In The Project starts hot with one of my favorite tracks 03 has put out. “10 Purple Summers” is an epic ode to his hood that never over-glorifies his lifestyle without bringing listeners back to reality. The hook is addicting and 03’s classic synth lead is ever present holding the instrumental down. “10 Purple Summers” is an essential 03 banger and will be on repeat for months to come.

Five tracks later we get the beautiful “Gettin’ Ready”. This slower cut is dedicated to the women in Greedo’s life and is an emotional listen. 03’s ability to layer his one-of-a-kind voice is unlike anything I’ve ever heard and on songs like “Gettin’ Ready” it’s easy to be reminded of his tragic fate. This causes listeners to feel every word he says and experience his music in a totally different headspace. This track is a powerful listen.

“Grapevine” is the second to last track on the album and contains every element of 03’s music we’ve come to adore. Greedo’s lays down some impressive verses and a catchy hook over a flute driven instrumental. I’m unfamiliar with Trilliano, the featured artist, but an impressive final verse inspired me to explore his music.

The final track “Visions” has a similar effect as “Gettin’ Ready” but is undeniably more emotional as Greedo raps about visions of the outside world that are constantly frequenting his head as he’s locked up. The guitar-driven instrumental is absolutely beautiful and creates a perfect soundscape for 03 to pour his heart out on this impactful outro. If you aren’t choked up by the end end of the last hook, the message of positivity that Greedo delivers over the phone from Potter County Texas Adult Detention Facility at the end of the song should do it for you. This is a perfect way to end a powerful project.

“Lately I been having these visions
Locked inside a cell with no windows
Hope I make it out of this prison
I’ll be coming back with a vengeance”

— 03 Greedo "Visions"

Overall Still Summer In The Projects is another exceptional release from 03 Greedo. While the first half of the album bleeds together slightly, this is not a big issue with an artist as unique as 03. The standout songs are some of the best music he’s put out and although in overall rating I might put God Level a tick higher, Still Summer In The Projects is undoubtably his most cohesive project and professional release. Recent news says that Greedo might be able to get out after five years on good behavior, so until then we can only prey this is the case and continue to support his truly unparalleled music. Greedo is a musical anomaly, a figurehead for his hood, an LA icon, but above all, a living legend. Free 03!

Best Songs:

10 Purple Summers

Gettin’ Ready

Visions

Rating: 7.5

Listen to Still Summer In The Projects here:

Still Summer In The Projects, an album by 03 Greedo on Spotify

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Songs of the Week: Feb 10th

By Spencer Lobdell

Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“Proud Of U” By EARTHGANG (Feat. Young Thug)

Proud Of U (feat. Young Thug), a song by EARTHGANG, Young Thug on Spotify

The best new song this week came in the form of EARTHGANG’s second single off their highly anticipated debut album Mirrorland. “Proud Of U” is a heartfelt cut where the three Atlanta MCs profess their gratitude for the women in their lives that make everything work. The song is incredibly fun and Doctur Dot’s third verse breakdown is one of my favorite moments in hip-hop this year. Go listen to this awesome song and get excited for what could be one of the best albums of the year.

“When you put them Cinderellas on your feet, yeah
When you shinin’, kinda hard to be discreet, yeah
I’m gon’ put you on vacation, get some leisure
I’m gon’ do whatever it take, baby, to please ya”

— Johnny Venus "Proud Of U"

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“Wish You Were Here” By Skepta

Wish You Were Here, a song by Skepta on Spotify

The king of UK grime rap is back with his first release of 2019. This vicious diss track is aimed at fellow UK MC Wiley. Skepta vs. Wiley has a long history dating back to 2008 and it doesn’t look like it will conclude anytime soon. On “Wish You Were Here” Skepta calls Wiley out for being notoriously known as a no-show along with a slew of other things. The fast-paced instrumental was made by Skepta and keeps the song moving and is perfect for his sporadic flow. In a month where we have had a surplus of diss tracks, this is the one worth making time to listen to.

“Yeah, please don’t talk about war
Man, I got no heart, show you about war
Lookin’ in your eyes, I can see you’re not sure
How you come to the block when you know I’m on tour?”

— Skepta "Wish You Were Here"

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“Cubicle” By Buddy (Feat. 03 Greedo)

Cubicle (feat. 03 Greedo), a song by Buddy, 03 Greedo on Spotify

Six months after Buddy released his excellent debut album Harlem & Alondra he is back with the deluxe version which includes four brand new cuts, the best of these being the 03 Greedo assisted “Cubicle.” 03 and Buddy switch off on the daunting hook that gets better every time you hear it. The instrumental is anchored by an eerie vocal sample and is simple enough to funnel every bit of the listeners attention to the razor-sharp west coast bars.

“I got the block like a cubicle
I keep a Glock and computer, oh
I got the block like a cubicle
We don’t just pop in the studio”

— 03 Greedo "Cubicle"

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Throwback Song of the Week:

“Trouble” By J. Cole

Trouble, a song by J. Cole on Spotify

On this darker Born Sinner cut Cole breaks out his god flow and addresses many of his personal temptations and vices. Cole sounds powerful with a full choir backing him throughout the entire song giving this song a certain climactic energy throughout the four-minute duration. This song is absolutely epic and an essential element to Born Sinner’s “seven deadly sins” narrative. With new Cole on the horizon, his discography has been in rotation recently and this 2013 bop is him at his best.

“Set it off on my left, set it off on my right
Liquor all on my breath, bitches all in my sight
Real niggas tryna fuck, fuck niggas wanna fight
Gun shots into the air, but I ain’t scared for my life”

— J. Cole "Trouble"

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