Tag Archives: khrysis

The Musalini’s 6th Album “Pure Izm” is a Solid Follow-Up to “The Don & Eye” (Album Review)

This is the 6th full-length album from New York emcee The Musalini. Beginning to take the underground by storm since 2018 after dropping his debut mixtape Musalini Season, would go on to release 3 full-lengths & another tape before signing to TCF Music Group. Since then, he’s made himself home by dropping a few EPs & Return of the Oroin the early part of this decade. Last we heard from Mus was at the very beginning of 2022 when he dropped my favorite album of his yet The Don & Eye fully produced 9th Wonder to produce his 5th album from beginning to end & has decided to recruit Khrysis for Pure Izm.

“Weed & Coffee” is a jazzy talking about life being beautiful whereas “Goldie in Town” takes a more sample-based boom bap route taking about he had to straighten up. Ian Kelly & Izzy Hott tag along for the soulful yet classy “Well Done” declaring themselves as the top dogs prior to Reuben Vincent coming into the picture for the piano-driven “$200 Pasta” to talk about that’s how they do.

Meanwhile on “Transmission”, we have Mus delivering a funky prelude to the next joint “2 Step on ‘Em” with King Draft embracing a dustier sound doing just that. “Off the Nest” mixes some pianos & an angelic vocal sample talking about doing this for the culture, but then “Nutella” with Planet Asia brings back the soul loop spitting braggadocio-infused lyricism.

The song “Crab Rangoon” with O-Finesse sonically feels like something ripped from a blaxploitation flick spitting that fly shit while the penultimate track “Ghost” with Izzy Hott shoots for a more solemn tone with the beat swearing that they’ll never go back to prison. “Panamanian Brunch” with Ice Lord is a classy sendoff to the album talking about being the big dogs.

Despite that I still maintain The Don & Eye to be my favorite body of work that Mus has put out yet, this is still a solid follow-up in my eyes. The features are alright, but Khrysis’ sound suits Mus just as well as his mentor’s did with the MC continuing to put his lavish lifestyle on wax

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Smif-n-Wessun Take Boot Camp To South Beach In A Perfect Video For Summer

Back in February, Ambrosia For Heads premiered Smif-n-Wessun’s “Ocean Drive” as a part of the Boot Camp Clik duo’s latest album, The All. As Heads would later learn, the Duck Down Music release was one of SnW’s best works to date. Now the Brooklyn, New Yorkers are treating fans to the visual version of the Rapsody and Musiq Soulchild-assisted cut. The video is pretty on the nose, but composed of some beautiful shots of Tek, General Steele and Musiq pushing a drop-top white BMW down the famed South Beach, Miami drag. With an LP released during a frigid winter in New York and other northern places, this is just the right kind of vibe for the beginning of swimming pool and beach season. Smif-N-Wessun Discuss Giving 25 Years Of Their All To Hip-Hop (Video) Although Rapsody and her verse are not in the video, but it takes nothing away from the track’s conceptual escape to beautiful weather and luxury living. The mood is largely made possible by a feel-good beat courtesy of The Soul Council’s Khrysis. Toward the end, the trio is stopped by law enforcement who are star struck once they find out who they have been stopped. Even as 25-year Rap O.G.’s, Smoke and Steele are not above everyday problems facing all too many. However, once everything checks out, the Brooklyn duo and Philadelphia singer pull off into the sunset. The All was released in February and features appearances from Rick Ross and Raekwon outside of those on “Ocean Drive.” It is entirely produced by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. Outside of its streaming availability, Duck Down Records is offering “The All” bundle packs consisting of The All digital LP, vinyl, CD, hoodie, T-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-n-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digi-album.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Murs Raps About The Pain From His Past In A Hard-Hitting 9th Wonder Reunion (Video)

At the top of this year, it was announced that Murs & 9th Wonder were preparing to release the seventh album in their union. 2019’s upcoming The Illiad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over marks the pair’s first effort since 2015’s Brighter Daze.

This past weekend, the Los Angeles, California MC and the Winston-Salem, North Carolina producer celebrated the 15th-anniversary of Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition. That heralded Def Jux release (which 9th says “changed his life”) introduced chemistry that has stayed bubbling ever since. With milestones in mind, the duo dropped a quick-strike visual for “Ga$ $tation Gucci Belt.” The video finds Murs delivering some bars that honor his story in front of live graffiti tagging.

Locksmith & Murs Are Stars Who Shine Brightly By Being True To Themselves

One verse can put your eye out / F*ck around and find out / Underground for years, it’s too deep for me to climb out / Tunnels and the catacombs / Runnin’ from a battered home / I told my step-pops I would kill him if I had the chrome / Kept the door locked / Prayed to the warlocks / Right around the time Rodney King met the four cops / My psycho was so violent / I was screaming through the silence / Spray painting public property, unruly and defiant,” spits the MC who says that he buys the toys, clothes, and sneakers that he couldn’t in his youth. He emphatically closes: “Was a boy from the hood, still a ni**a from the streets / And I ain’t a conscious rapper, you can get your ass beat.

In a social media post, 9th confirmed that The Soul Council is taking on production for The Illiad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over. 9th’s team includes Nottz, Khrysis, Ka$h Don’t Make Beats, Eric G., E. Jones, and AMP. Not only have they produced Smif-n-Wessun’s recently released The All, the collective worked on last year’s Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 by Black Thought as well as Jamla Is The Squad II.

Smif-N-Wessun Detail The Making Of The Album Where They Truly Gave Their All (Video)

Next month, Murs and Locksmith will begin a nationwide run, the Over The Odyssey Tour.

#BonusBeat: Murs and Brady Watt recently dropped a “Bars & Beats” video. This verse belongs to Murs’ upcoming “Night Shift” song:

At the top of this year, it was announced that Murs & 9th Wonder were preparing to release the seventh album in their union. 2019’s upcoming The Illiad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over marks the pair’s first effort since 2015’s Brighter Daze.

This past weekend, the Los Angeles, California MC and the Winston-Salem, North Carolina producer celebrated the 15th-anniversary of Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition. That heralded Def Jux release (which 9th says “changed his life”) introduced chemistry that has stayed bubbling ever since. With milestones in mind, the duo dropped a quick-strike visual for “Ga$ $tation Gucci Belt.” The video finds Murs delivering some bars that honor his story in front of live graffiti tagging.

Locksmith & Murs Are Stars Who Shine Brightly By Being True To Themselves

One verse can put your eye out / F*ck around and find out / Underground for years, it’s too deep for me to climb out / Tunnels and the catacombs / Runnin’ from a battered home / I told my step-pops I would kill him if I had the chrome / Kept the door locked / Prayed to the warlocks / Right around the time Rodney King met the four cops / My psycho was so violent / I was screaming through the silence / Spray painting public property, unruly and defiant,” spits the MC who says that he buys the toys, clothes, and sneakers that he couldn’t in his youth. He emphatically closes: “Was a boy from the hood, still a ni**a from the streets / And I ain’t a conscious rapper, you can get your ass beat.

In a social media post, 9th confirmed that The Soul Council is taking on production for The Illiad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over. 9th’s team includes Nottz, Khrysis, Ka$h Don’t Make Beats, Eric G., E. Jones, and AMP. Not only have they produced Smif-n-Wessun’s recently released The All, the collective worked on last year’s Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 by Black Thought as well as Jamla Is The Squad II.

Smif-N-Wessun Detail The Making Of The Album Where They Truly Gave Their All (Video)

Next month, Murs and Locksmith will begin a nationwide run, the Over The Odyssey Tour.

#BonusBeat: Murs and Brady Watt recently dropped a “Bars & Beats” video. This verse belongs to Murs’ upcoming “Night Shift” song:

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Smif-N-Wessun Detail The Making Of The Album Where They Truly Gave Their All (Video)

In the mid-1990s, Smif-N-Wessun burst onto the scene brandishing two barrels locked-and-loaded with raw Rap talent. Following a breakthrough appearance on Black Moon’s seminal Enta Da Stage, the skills of Tek and Steele shimmered on their 1995 debut, Dah Shinin’. Da Beatminerz-produced album balanced vigor, street-smarts, and just the right amount of Brooklyn Soul for a display that cemented the Boot Camp Clik as a force to be reckoned with. Twenty-five years later, General Steele and Tek are still standing strong, with the stars and bars of a decorated career. The pair just released their sixth album, The All. Like their first LP, this body of work pairs the MCs with a respected production team: 9th Wonder & The Soul Council. Moreover, the 12-song effort showcases maturity and vulnerability, all while adhering to their unique brand of Hip-Hop. Featuring Raekwon, Rick Ross, and Rapsody, among others, the Bucktown USA/Duck Down Music release underpins Smif-N-Wessun’s influence on the genre. Now in their forties, Tek and Steele’s artistry is in a state of renaissance, not unlike that of JAY-Z, Royce 5’9, Pusha-T, and other peers. These artists are evolving, shedding skin, and taking listeners to new places. Less than a week ago, Ambrosia For Heads‘ Editor-in-Chief Jake Paine interviewed Smif-N-Wessun at Crown Heights’ Brooklyn Combine. Inside a space where strategic planning happens daily, Tek and General Steele reflect on their career and explain how Smif-N-Wessun reloaded with some of its best music. All can watch the full interview at AFH TV. Masta Ace, Marco Polo & Smif-n-Wessun Team Up To Salute Bucktown (Video) On “Testify,” Tek rhymes, “They say take ‘em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in.” At 3:45 in the interview, the two men explain where their heads are at in 2019. “I think we approached [the album] with an open mind. We had The Soul Council, that was really hands on with us. It wasn’t just dudes giving us beats. We had a guy like 9th Wonder who was like, ‘Yo, I can hear this vibe on this type of track. This vibe sounds like this.’ And it’s like, ‘Word? That’s what you hear? Aight; let’s see if we can catch that vibe right there.’ So, we was really building the tracks up,” says General Steele. The pair made two trips to North Carolina. The mornings began early, not without a stop at Biscuit World, a southern restaurant in close proximity to 9th Wonder’s studio. Many mornings, Khrysis, who produced seven of The All‘s 12 tracks, joined for these breakfasts. “We had to come with the content. We had to come with the words and the content that made sense. So, it wasn’t us just sitting there and just writing in the studio,” he admits. I get older, I don’t like writing in the studio. It feels so contrived to me. But when we was in that space, it was more of like a family space. It was an open lane to create. If you get tired of creating, you can go into the room and watch television, watch Netflix or something like that. We come back, and I’ll be in the studio, and we switch it. We pass off [rhyme] books and stuff like that. So really, like, on our own time, you know?” Smif-N-Wessun Show Boom Bap Sounds Amazing With Live Instruments (Video) After past albums with Da Beatminerz and 2011’s Monumental with Pete Rock, Tek describes the chemistry with The Soul Council. “We was all giving input. We worked with Khrysis the majority of the time hands on. So, even if he gave his input, I gave mine. Khrysis gave his. Not only 9th [Wonder], E. Jones, [Eric] G, even Ka$h [Don’t Make Beats], and Rapsody had their joints [in addition to] singing [by Heather Victoria and others]. We had a [white] board writing the names of the songs down. A lot of the titles of the songs came from the actual record we may have been talking about at the time, or whatever we were just feeling in the song. So, we write it down and we record it, and then we’ll just come up with the content of it.” Smif-N-Wessun Join Termanology On A Song That’s Rugged & Raw (Video) Later in the conversation, Smif-N-Wessun recall their time dabbling with Rawkus Records. Already in the Priority Records family, the pair worked extensively on Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge compilations, in addition to features on Talib Kweli’s solo debut, Quality. The duo recall “Super Brooklyn,” garnering great interest. Sadly, similar to Pharoahe Monch’s “Simon Says,” a sample cease-and-desist halted a much-needed re-awakening to the group entering Y2K. By the late 1990s, Smif-N-Wessun was taking its proverbial industry lumps. A legal battle with the gun company forced a temporary name-change to Cocoa Brovaz at an inflection point. Despite time spent with Tupac Shakur, plans for a One Nation album were tragically halted with his 1996 death. Meanwhile, a fast-rising record like “Super Brooklyn” was stopped right as radio was pushing play. At 34:00, the duo was asked if they feel they have faced a harder road than most. 9th Wonder Brings Smif-n-Wessun & Rick Ross Together For A Song That’s Super Fly (Audio) Steele responds with a powerful sentiment. “Nah. Biggie and Pac [are] dead. Big L is gone. Guru is gone.” Tek interjects, “There’s always somebody who’s got it worse than you. So, the toughest battle is, as long as you breathing every day above ground is a great one.” Steele continues, “Every time we do a show, especially overseas, we always pay homage to the brothers that’s not here anymore. And that’s part of the show where we get a chance to get a breath. Imagine that. We get a breath for all of these ones that set it forth before us. The game has allowed us to perform. It could be worse. It could be worse.” 9th Wonder Closes Out An Incredible Year With More Than 40 Beats & Songs Perspective is critical, and Smif-N-Wessun are positive about a bumpy road. With a statement album newly in fans’ hands, they have reason to celebrate. Watch the full interview at AFH TV. Bundle packs for The All are also available to Heads via Duck Down Music. They include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, t-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-N-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album. Photograph by Photo Rob. #BonusBeat: Smif-N-Wessun’s “Stahfallah” music video:

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Smif-n-Wessun’s First Album In 8 Years Is On Its Way. This Video Shows What To Expect

Following two 9th Wonder-produced records in 2018, Smif-n-Wessun is releasing their first album in nearly eight years. The All will arrive in just over one month, on February 22, 2019. The Duck Down Music release is produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council.

Last month, General Steele and Tek premiered their “Let It Go” music video at Ambrosia For Heads. Now, they follow-up with second album single, “Testify.” The Khrysis-produced cut starts out with shades of Tek and General Steele’s past. A sequence of short shots contains parts of their 1995 classic “Bucktown” and an image of Sean Price, who the duo introduced on 1995’s Dah Shinin.’ While the past is always part of the Boot Camp Clik story, “Testify” shows that Smif-n-Wessun is a force to be reckoned with today.

Smif-n-Wessun Show Bucktown Is Standing Strong In 2018 (Video)

During the song, Tek makes reference to Ruck’s passing and how he deals with it musically. “They say take ’em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in,” he raps on the song. “The game’s different now that my man’s gone / Any song I put a verse on.” The video itself is pretty straight forward with Tek and Steele trading bars at different locations in the borough that their lyrics and visuals made worldwide.

According to General Steele, The All will reflect a lot of the same topics relayed in “Testify.” “9th Wonder and The Soul Council provide the perfect backdrop for Tek and I to deliver heartfelt lyrical content,” Steele told VIBE, who premiered the video. “It’s a true tale of ups and downs, wins and losses, growth and acceptance. It speaks to the hearts and minds of all people; particularly our followers and fans of all ages and ethnicities.”

AZ Takes A Classic Kool G Rap Beat & Demonstrates Why He’s Great (Audio Premiere)

Tek and Steele’s first album since 2011’s Pete Rock-collaboration Monumental is slated to include guest appearances from Rick Ross, Raekwon, Rapsody and Musiq Soulchild, among others. Bundle packs will also be available to Heads, which will include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, T-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-n-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album.

Following two 9th Wonder-produced records in 2018, Smif-n-Wessun is releasing their first album in nearly eight years. The All will arrive in just over one month, on February 22, 2019. The Duck Down Music release is produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council.

Last month, General Steele and Tek premiered their “Let It Go” music video at Ambrosia For Heads. Now, they follow-up with second album single, “Testify.” The Khrysis-produced cut starts out with shades of Tek and General Steele’s past. A sequence of short shots contains parts of their 1995 classic “Bucktown” and an image of Sean Price, who the duo introduced on 1995’s Dah Shinin.’ While the past is always part of the Boot Camp Clik story, “Testify” shows that Smif-n-Wessun is a force to be reckoned with today.

Smif-n-Wessun Show Bucktown Is Standing Strong In 2018 (Video)

During the song, Tek makes reference to Ruck’s passing and how he deals with it musically. “They say take ’em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in,” he raps on the song. “The game’s different now that my man’s gone / Any song I put a verse on.” The video itself is pretty straight forward with Tek and Steele trading bars at different locations in the borough that their lyrics and visuals made worldwide.

According to General Steele, The All will reflect a lot of the same topics relayed in “Testify.” “9th Wonder and The Soul Council provide the perfect backdrop for Tek and I to deliver heartfelt lyrical content,” Steele told VIBE, who premiered the video. “It’s a true tale of ups and downs, wins and losses, growth and acceptance. It speaks to the hearts and minds of all people; particularly our followers and fans of all ages and ethnicities.”

AZ Takes A Classic Kool G Rap Beat & Demonstrates Why He’s Great (Audio Premiere)

Tek and Steele’s first album since 2011’s Pete Rock-collaboration Monumental is slated to include guest appearances from Rick Ross, Raekwon, Rapsody and Musiq Soulchild, among others. Bundle packs will also be available to Heads, which will include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, T-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-n-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

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Evidence’s Weather Or Not Is Your Best Rap Album Of 2018

Last night (December 30), the tournament to decide 2018’s Best Rap Album came to a close. Evidence’s Weather Or Not bested Royce 5’9’s Book Of Ryan, 63% to 37%. Thus, the veteran Los Angeles, California MC/producer takes home the top honors in the second annual month-long voter-decided competition.

Notably, Ev’s third solo LP is the earliest release of 2018 that made the tourney’, which included Ambrosia For Heads‘ Top 15 albums of 2018 in addition to a Wild Card with write-in options (the winner of that was Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz’ Mona Lisa).

Big K.R.I.T.’s 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time Is Your Best Rap Album Of 2017. K.R.I.T. Speaks

While Evidence has already cemented an incredible 20-year-career across his role in Dilated Peoples, Stepbrothers, and an impressive solo catalog, W.O.N. reached a new plateau. In early 2017, the artist born Michael Perretta released the Alchemist-produced “Throw It All Away.” The somber video single saw Ev’ contemplating his life, discussing his relationship with money, and evaluating his career. That reflective mood would ultimately set the table for what built over the next nine months.

In the closing days of ’17, Ev’ dropped the Nottz-produced “Jim Dean” video single. A month later, the Rhymesayers Entertainment full-length release followed. The album addresses the cancer battle that Evidence’s partner Wendy was facing, who is also the mother to his son, Enzo. The highly-personal “By My Side Too” saw Ev’ pledging to be a great father, honoring his companion, and revealing why he may have seemed preoccupied to those not in the know. Sadly, Ev confirmed the passing of his partner several months after the album. Fans familiar with 2007’s The Weatherman can recall an all-too-similar heartfelt dedication to his late mother, “I Still Love You.”

Evidence’s New Video Is An Introspective Look Into One Of The Year’s Best Albums

However, at a full listen, Weather Or Not shows that Evidence refuses to be defined by loss or challenge. Instead, he celebrates the triumphs as an artist capable of claiming to be a fixture in the ’90s Underground Hip-Hop movement who still advances the culture without compromise. Moreover, Ev—who has worked with Kanye West, Everlast, B-Real, and plenty of others, asserts that he has been able to make a good living in Hip-Hop. Although the Rhymesayer may not get proper recognition for his arts, he embraces his place in the game, and raps, produces, and creates on the highest level of competition.

Twenty years after Dilated’s first 12″ singles, Evidence challenges his peers to do better. “Same vinyl crates, but I’m comin’ up with new flips / On my classics, like Karate Kid and Blue Chips / I don’t want to see my friends be broke or be bitter / I don’t want to see my heroes slangin’ verses on they Twitter / Everyone’s an imitation / Spitters copy G Rap, the rest are on some Drake sh*t,” he declares on the DJ Premier-produced “10,000 Hours.” The Rap survivor is unafraid to say what so many folks may be thinking. He shows his mind-state in Rap on “Love Is A Funny Thing.” “They say love is a funny thing / But what’s funny is the company that money brings / Every year my circle’s getting smaller / Not Ben Baller but never had a thin wallet / I got dollars in different forms of currency / I got problems, but ain’t nothing that worry me / And I ain’t saying that I’m worry-free, I’m just saying nothing’s fucking with me currently / Sh*t, I’m my own worst enemy / I make bread just to spend it like it’s 10 of me / It’s Evidence and people call me by my government / Call me for weed, but don’t call me for that other sh*t.

Evidence’s Latest Video Is A Trippy Journey Through His Brilliant Mind

Evidence involves a cast of guests, without losing the cohesive feel of a personal solo album. Longtime affiliates like Defari and Dilated band-mates DJ Babu and Rakaa are present. While 20 years ago, a Styles P and Evidence collaboration may have seemed like a far-reaching idea, the two lyricists sound great together, especially with Rapsody also in the mix. Ev’ also trades deft bars with Jonwayne, and lights the biggest stage to date for low-profile hardcore Hip-Hop sensation Mach-Hommy. Musically, the LP contains some of the most evocative Alchemist production in a truly incredible year for the other Stepbrother. Preemo and Nottz make their moments count, as Hip-Hop Heads can forever trust. Al’s homie Budgie as well as Twiz The Beatpro shine as well. Fresh off of producing a whole project for Defari in ’17, Evidence shows his versatility with three tracks of his own. Much of the album has come to video, including some incredible treatments by Jason Goldwatch and Ev’s own direction.

A show-piece within Weather Or Not is the Slug collaboration, “Powder Cocaine.” The song may be the intersection of the introspective and the more kick-back moments. “I be fine like powder cocaine / And that’s a hell of a drug, and that’s a hell of a saying / They need elephant trunks to get it off of the plate / I wanna better myself, they wanna dwell in the pain / I wanna better my health, no umbrella for rain / And that’s a hell of a bug, I wanna live in my dreams / Got an ocean in mind, they wanna settle for streams / I wanna settle for more / I wanna get knocked down so I could settle the score / Better than before as if that was possible / To shake the demons of my mother in the hospital,” raps Ev over one of Alchemist’s greatest beats of all time. The excerpt tackles the state of the art, self-improvement, and some of the most personal things the artist can reveal. Slug matches the energy with lines like: “I want knowledge of self and also everything else / But the gravity helps, yeah, reality’s real / When I finally fell, I told my family ‘Well, when a battery dies it goes to battery hell’ / Bent, intent, inflict a dent in the cement / Magnificent, brag like Sisyphus / Boast like the host with the most up-votes / I bought a spot in coach but got the bump-up hopes.” The song is catharsis from two peers who have helped shoulder a Hip-Hop movement, and still fight to pressing this incredible music to vinyl and CD.

Evidence & Krondon Show That L.A.’s Underground Vets Now Do It Big (Video)

Weather Or Not forecast a cloudy year in music, politics, society, and the personal lives of so many. However, the director of photography artfully put things in focus. This album played all year long with honesty, vulnerability, and the unwavering foundation of dope beats and rhymes.

Last night (December 30), the tournament to decide 2018’s Best Rap Album came to a close. Evidence’s Weather Or Not bested Royce 5’9’s Book Of Ryan, 63% to 37%. Thus, the veteran Los Angeles, California MC/producer takes home the top honors in the second annual month-long voter-decided competition.

Notably, Ev’s third solo LP is the earliest release of 2018 that made the tourney’, which included Ambrosia For Heads‘ Top 15 albums of 2018 in addition to a Wild Card with write-in options (the winner of that was Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz’ Mona Lisa).

Big K.R.I.T.’s 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time Is Your Best Rap Album Of 2017. K.R.I.T. Speaks

While Evidence has already cemented an incredible 20-year-career across his role in Dilated Peoples, Stepbrothers, and an impressive solo catalog, W.O.N. reached a new plateau. In early 2017, the artist born Michael Perretta released the Alchemist-produced “Throw It All Away.” The somber video single saw Ev’ contemplating his life, discussing his relationship with money, and evaluating his career. That reflective mood would ultimately set the table for what built over the next nine months.

In the closing days of ’17, Ev’ dropped the Nottz-produced “Jim Dean” video single. A month later, the Rhymesayers Entertainment full-length release followed. The album addresses the cancer battle that Evidence’s partner Wendy was facing, who is also the mother to his son, Enzo. The highly-personal “By My Side Too” saw Ev’ pledging to be a great father, honoring his companion, and revealing why he may have seemed preoccupied to those not in the know. Sadly, Ev confirmed the passing of his partner several months after the album. Fans familiar with 2007’s The Weatherman can recall an all-too-similar heartfelt dedication to his late mother, “I Still Love You.”

Evidence’s New Video Is An Introspective Look Into One Of The Year’s Best Albums

However, at a full listen, Weather Or Not shows that Evidence refuses to be defined by loss or challenge. Instead, he celebrates the triumphs as an artist capable of claiming to be a fixture in the ’90s Underground Hip-Hop movement who still advances the culture without compromise. Moreover, Ev—who has worked with Kanye West, Everlast, B-Real, and plenty of others, asserts that he has been able to make a good living in Hip-Hop. Although the Rhymesayer may not get proper recognition for his arts, he embraces his place in the game, and raps, produces, and creates on the highest level of competition.

Twenty years after Dilated’s first 12″ singles, Evidence challenges his peers to do better. “Same vinyl crates, but I’m comin’ up with new flips / On my classics, like Karate Kid and Blue Chips / I don’t want to see my friends be broke or be bitter / I don’t want to see my heroes slangin’ verses on they Twitter / Everyone’s an imitation / Spitters copy G Rap, the rest are on some Drake sh*t,” he declares on the DJ Premier-produced “10,000 Hours.” The Rap survivor is unafraid to say what so many folks may be thinking. He shows his mind-state in Rap on “Love Is A Funny Thing.” “They say love is a funny thing / But what’s funny is the company that money brings / Every year my circle’s getting smaller / Not Ben Baller but never had a thin wallet / I got dollars in different forms of currency / I got problems, but ain’t nothing that worry me / And I ain’t saying that I’m worry-free, I’m just saying nothing’s fucking with me currently / Sh*t, I’m my own worst enemy / I make bread just to spend it like it’s 10 of me / It’s Evidence and people call me by my government / Call me for weed, but don’t call me for that other sh*t.

Evidence’s Latest Video Is A Trippy Journey Through His Brilliant Mind

Evidence involves a cast of guests, without losing the cohesive feel of a personal solo album. Longtime affiliates like Defari and Dilated band-mates DJ Babu and Rakaa are present. While 20 years ago, a Styles P and Evidence collaboration may have seemed like a far-reaching idea, the two lyricists sound great together, especially with Rapsody also in the mix. Ev’ also trades deft bars with Jonwayne, and lights the biggest stage to date for low-profile hardcore Hip-Hop sensation Mach-Hommy. Musically, the LP contains some of the most evocative Alchemist production in a truly incredible year for the other Stepbrother. Preemo and Nottz make their moments count, as Hip-Hop Heads can forever trust. Al’s homie Budgie as well as Twiz The Beatpro shine as well. Fresh off of producing a whole project for Defari in ’17, Evidence shows his versatility with three tracks of his own. Much of the album has come to video, including some incredible treatments by Jason Goldwatch and Ev’s own direction.

A show-piece within Weather Or Not is the Slug collaboration, “Powder Cocaine.” The song may be the intersection of the introspective and the more kick-back moments. “I be fine like powder cocaine / And that’s a hell of a drug, and that’s a hell of a saying / They need elephant trunks to get it off of the plate / I wanna better myself, they wanna dwell in the pain / I wanna better my health, no umbrella for rain / And that’s a hell of a bug, I wanna live in my dreams / Got an ocean in mind, they wanna settle for streams / I wanna settle for more / I wanna get knocked down so I could settle the score / Better than before as if that was possible / To shake the demons of my mother in the hospital,” raps Ev over one of Alchemist’s greatest beats of all time. The excerpt tackles the state of the art, self-improvement, and some of the most personal things the artist can reveal. Slug matches the energy with lines like: “I want knowledge of self and also everything else / But the gravity helps, yeah, reality’s real / When I finally fell, I told my family ‘Well, when a battery dies it goes to battery hell’ / Bent, intent, inflict a dent in the cement / Magnificent, brag like Sisyphus / Boast like the host with the most up-votes / I bought a spot in coach but got the bump-up hopes.” The song is catharsis from two peers who have helped shoulder a Hip-Hop movement, and still fight to pressing this incredible music to vinyl and CD.

Evidence & Krondon Show That L.A.’s Underground Vets Now Do It Big (Video)

Weather Or Not forecast a cloudy year in music, politics, society, and the personal lives of so many. However, the director of photography artfully put things in focus. This album played all year long with honesty, vulnerability, and the unwavering foundation of dope beats and rhymes.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Black Thought Performs His Solo Material On TV But The Roots Still Have His Back

Black Thought delivered not one but two solo projects in 2018, more than satisfying a very devoted and patient fan-base. While both volumes in the Streams Of Thought series featured dazzling wordplay and quote-worthy lyricism, they each had their unique sound behind them. The June-released Volume 1 featured production from the Soul Council’s 9th Wonder and his Soul Council. Meanwhile, last month’s Volume 2 showcased Salaam Remi’s sonic stylings. Now, in promoting the more recent of the two, the Philly MC uses his regular stage at the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon to show Thought at work.

There, the Roots MC – backed up by his group – performed the project’s first video single, “Conception.” Aside from his obvious rapping prowess, Thought showed off his vocal cords (under his alias “Reek Ruffin”) as the song begins with majestic calls of “What do you believe in?” and “What makes you feel good?” “Conception” also features a hook that Thought sings with a smooth and bellowing voice.

Styles P Explains Why Black Thought Is The Most Dangerous MC Alive

In the performance, Salaam plays bass right beside Thought. In addition to The Roots, there is an elaborate string section that is showcased. As an artist known almost entirely through his group work leading in 2018, this TV performance shows that even his new materials fits in lovely with family.

2018 has been a busy year for Black Thought. Aside from releasing his long-awaited solo work, he appeared on Alchemist’s EP Bread, alongside Roc Marciano, Earl Sweatshirt, and Griselda Records’ Westside Gunn and Conway. In Early November, 9th Wonder’s label Jamla released its second collective effort with Jamla Is The Squad II, which featured Thought on the song “Cojiba.” At this time last year, Black Thought closed out 2017 with the best, freestyles on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 show.

Jimmy Fallon Details How He Convinced The Roots To Be His Show’s House Band (Video)

Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation is included in Ambrosia For Heads‘ Top 15 Albums Of 2018.

Black Thought delivered not one but two solo projects in 2018, more than satisfying a very devoted and patient fan-base. While both volumes in the Streams Of Thought series featured dazzling wordplay and quote-worthy lyricism, they each had their unique sound behind them. The June-released Volume 1 featured production from the Soul Council’s 9th Wonder and his Soul Council. Meanwhile, last month’s Volume 2 showcased Salaam Remi’s sonic stylings. Now, in promoting the more recent of the two, the Philly MC uses his regular stage at the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon to show Thought at work.

There, the Roots MC – backed up by his group – performed the project’s first video single, “Conception.” Aside from his obvious rapping prowess, Thought showed off his vocal cords (under his alias “Reek Ruffin”) as the song begins with majestic calls of “What do you believe in?” and “What makes you feel good?” “Conception” also features a hook that Thought sings with a smooth and bellowing voice.

Styles P Explains Why Black Thought Is The Most Dangerous MC Alive

In the performance, Salaam plays bass right beside Thought. In addition to The Roots, there is an elaborate string section that is showcased. As an artist known almost entirely through his group work leading in 2018, this TV performance shows that even his new materials fits in lovely with family.

2018 has been a busy year for Black Thought. Aside from releasing his long-awaited solo work, he appeared on Alchemist’s EP Bread, alongside Roc Marciano, Earl Sweatshirt, and Griselda Records’ Westside Gunn and Conway. In Early November, 9th Wonder’s label Jamla released its second collective effort with Jamla Is The Squad II, which featured Thought on the song “Cojiba.” At this time last year, Black Thought closed out 2017 with the best, freestyles on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 show.

Jimmy Fallon Details How He Convinced The Roots To Be His Show’s House Band (Video)

Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation is included in Ambrosia For Heads‘ Top 15 Albums Of 2018.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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