2 Chainz is making 2025 a run to remember. With a great album in Life is Beautiful already in the streets, Tony is starting to point fans toward the long-awaited…
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Brooklyn, New York emcee/producer Kota the Friend back for his 12th studio LP. Breaking out in 2016 off his debut EP Palm Tree Liquor, he would go on to follow it up with 2 more EPs before dropping his debut album FOTO in 2019. Kota has since dropped 10 more under his belt, with my personal favorites being To Kill a Sunrise & To See a Sunset both fully produced by Statik Selektah. 2 & a half years later, they’re linking back up on Once in a Blue Moon.
“Bacon Egg & Cheese” is this soulful boom bap intro advising not to fix what isn’t broke whereas “Blah” featuring Logic goes full-blown jazz rap talking about their shooters having the greens comin’ at your head if you be spewin’ bullshit out your mouth. “How It Is” maintains the jazzy boom bap vibes pullin’ up on their opps’ new crib like “fuck yo couch” as if he’s the late Rick James, but then the tranquil “Let It Go” talks about a place where you’re free head to toe.
Meanwhile on “Free My Dogs”, we have Kota over a mellow boom bap instrumental calling for all his homies to be let out from the pen just before “Northside” joyously talks about buying land up north. “What You Need” featuring PhearNone goes lo-fi asking their romantic interests that very question prior to the jazzy “Mr. Mellow” talking about having it cold. “Get It Done” soulfully wears his heart on his sleeve like it’s jewelry & “Count Your Days” ends by showing his fearlessness.
If you’re like me & you consider both albums that Kota the Friend has previously done with Statik Selektah to be the finest material of his entire career, Once in a Blue Moon drops outta nowhere recapturing the magic of it’s predecessors for an individual both of work satisfactory to fan of both. Statik’s production is jazzy yet lo-fi throughout a good bulk of it & the performances from Kota himself are the most focused he’s sounded in a while.
Score: 9/10
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
Producers Statik Selektah has found himself in a hospital bed, navigating through recent health challenges The news broke out on Sunday afternoon, January 14, when Selektah himself shared a candid update with his fans via Instagram.
The image, a selfie of Selektah in the hospital, complete with an oxygen tube, paints a picture far removed from the studio and stage life we associate with him. While the specifics of what led to this emergency room visit remain undisclosed, the gravity of the situation is palpable.
Selektah’s caption, a mix of gratitude and resilience, reads, “Rush into to have an emergency 1 hour surgery … 2 days later. Life gets complicated. I’m good now breathing on my own & will be back on the streets in a sec. Thanks for the love from everyone. Can’t reply to each of you so if you’re seeing this thank you. Happy to be here. [prayer hands emoji, purple heart emoji] (ps thanks to @mama_selektah holding me down since day 1). Love yours. Not gone lie, I seen that light house a few times in the last 24 hours while I was under & a whole buncha other shit I’ll never forget.”
This update comes in the wake of a significant milestone in Selektah’s career. Just earlier in the week, he celebrated the release of “Welcome Back,” the first official music video from his latest collaborative album with Bun B, titled TrillStatik 3. This album, recorded in a single day on December 21 and released the next, features a star-studded lineup including Method Man, Paul Wall, Benny The Butcher, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, and others. The 15-song album continues the legacy of the TrillStatik series, known for its live-streamed recording sessions and rapid release schedule.
The outpouring of support and love from the hip hop community underscores the respect and admiration Selektah has garnered over the years.
As we await more updates on his condition and recovery, the hip hop world holds its breath, hoping for a swift and complete recovery for Statik Selektah.
As we reflect on Selektah’s impact on the hip hop scene, from his dynamic productions to his collaborative genius, it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond the beats. His journey through this health scare is yet another chapter in his story, one that adds depth to his legacy and reminds us of the human element behind the music.
For now, the hip hop community sends its prayers and positive vibes to Statik Selektah, hoping for his quick return to the studio and the stage.
Get well soon, Selektah – the streets await your comeback.
The post Get Well Soon: Statik Selektah’s Unexpected Hospital Stay first appeared on The Source.
The post Get Well Soon: Statik Selektah’s Unexpected Hospital Stay appeared first on The Source.
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Anarchy is a 42 year old MC from Kyoto, Japan getting his start in 2006 off his full-length debut Rob the World followed by Dream & Drama and Diggin’ Anarchy respectively. Following his debut mixtape D.G.K.A. (Dirty Ghetto King Anarchy) alongside his next couple LPs New Yankee & The King, it wasn’t until Anarchy’s very first EP Noise Cancel celebrating it’s 2-year anniversary of the summer being the last time we heard from him. But for his 2nd EP, we’re being treated to Statik Selektah producing the whole thing.
アナーキーは日本の京都出身の42歳のMCで、2006年にフルレングスデビューのロブ・ザ・ワールドから始まり、ドリーム&ドラマとディギン・アナーキーがそれぞれスタートしました。彼のデビューミックステープD.G.K.A.に続いて（ダーティ・ゲットー・キング・アナーキー）彼の次のカップルのLP「ニュー・ヤンキー」と「ザ・キング」と並んで、アナーキーの最初のEP「ノイズ・キャンセル」は、夏の2周年を祝うまで、彼からの最後の連絡がありました。しかし、彼の2枚目のEPでは、スタティック・セレクタが全体を制作しています。
“Light Up” sets the tone of what’s to come by weaving a rock-inspired boom bap instrumental into the fold so Anarchy can kick some flows in Japanese rockin’ it with Statik once more from start to finish whereas “Reach featuring C.O.S.A. finds the 2 over a cloudy backdrop with kicks & snares talking about the city of dreams. “Brooklyn” pushes near the end of the EP keeps it dusty with a heavenly sample flip paying homage to the titular city in Kings County, New York & “Pass the Mic” ending My Mind on a warm boom bap note encouraging to have the microphone given to him.
「ライトアップ」は、ロックにインスパイアされたブームバップインストゥルメンタルを折り目に織り込むことで、来るべきもののトーンを設定します。アナーキーは、最初から最後までスタティックで日本のロックのいくつかの流れを蹴ることができますが、「C.O.S.A.をフィーチャーしたリーチは、夢の街について話しているキックとスネアで曇った背景の上に2を見つけます。「ブルックリン」は、ニューヨーク州キングス郡の名目上の都市に敬意を表する天国のサンプルフリップでほこりを払い、「マイクを渡す」は、彼にマイクを与えることを奨励する暖かいブームバップノートで私の心を終わらせます。
Although Nujabes & the Teriyaki Boyz have always stood as my favorite acts within the Japanese hip hop scene throughout my life, Anarchy’s been putting it down for nearly 2 decades & this new EP with Statik Selektah has to be one of the best I’ve heard this year. Statik’s boom bap production matched with Anarchy’s improved performances compared to Noise Cancel makes a great introduction to anyone who hasn’t heard of him in America.
しかしヌジャベスと照り焼きボーイズは、私の人生を通して日本のヒップホップシーンの中で私のお気に入りの行為として常に立ってきました、アナーキーは20年近くそれを置いてきました&スタティック・セレクタとこの新しいEPは、私が今年聞いた中で最高のものの1つでなければなりません。スタティックのブームバッププロダクションは、ノイズキャンセリングと比較してアナーキーの改善されたパフォーマンスと一致し、アメリカで彼のことを聞いたことのない人に素晴らしい紹介になります。
Score: 8/10
スコア: 8/10
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
Statik Selektah is a 41 year old producer, DJ & radio personality from Boston, Massachusetts widely considered to be one of the most consistent & hard-working producers in all of hip hop for over a decade now whether it be his output as part of the producer/MC duo 1982 alongside fellow Boston native Termanology or entirely producing projects for the likes of Action Bronson & Paul Wall. Even his 9 solo albums have a chockfull of bangers on them, most notably Extended Play & #WhatGoesAround…. But as the 3 year anniversary of Statik’s last full-length outing The Balancing Act approaches in a couple of weeks, he’s making a Round Trip with the 10th.
The title track by Posdnuos is a heartbreaking boom bap opener paying tribute to the late Dave of De La Soul who tragically passed away 4 months ago of congestive heart failure whereas “Historic” by AZ & Ransom finds the pair delivering coming together for a jazz rap banger talking about this latest run. “Different League” by Benny the Butcher & 1982 gives off a spookier atmosphere making it clear they’re a different breed just before “Can’t Stop” by Stove God Cook$ & Symba is a more motivational boom bap joint talking about keeping it moving with Nina Sky on the hook.
“Unpredictable” by the greatest hip hop group of all-time Wu-Tang Clan pays homage to that old RZA sound as Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man & Raekwon spit 4 lethal verses leading into “Ain’t Too Much To It” by Ab-Soul, Bun B & Conway the Machine is a somber boom bap ballad with the title saying it all conceptually. “Life & Times” by Joey Bada$$ blends these rich keys with kicks & snares talking about being perfect even though he’s not always right, but then “Droppin’ Bodies” by Millyz has to be one of my favorite songs of his yet with the smooth boom bap instrumental & lyrics displaying his cinematic lifestyle.
Meanwhile, we have Cormega & M.O.P. linking up on the warmly produced “It’s Different” with some jazzy undertones making it clear that this is business while “Lion Hearted” by Boldy James & eLZhi finds the 2 motor city wordsmiths over a more spacious boom bap beat justifiably talking about having flows like no tomorrow. “The New Joe” by NEMS is more sample-based as the Fuck Ya Lyfe general dropping some cutthroat battle raps while “1 4 Ages” by Tha God Fahim whips up a colorful instrumental so the Dump Gawd can talk about not slowing down to chase greatness.
Kota the Friend & Marco Plus hop on top of some kicks, snares & sumptuous pianos for “Right Here” making sure they have shit on lock & even though the vibraphone-inflicted boom bap production on “Limbo” is gorgeous, Russ sounds like a Great Value J. Cole even though I genuinely appreciate him discussing trying to evolve like he did on CHOMP 2.5 last month as decent as that EP was. “The Code” by Lukah, Reuben Vincent & Rome Streetz talks about living & dying by exactly that over a cozy jazz hop beat while “Got 2 Give” by redveil speaks on giving everything that he has with a catchy sample & his infectious performances.
“Vanilla Sky” by G-Eazy has a bluesier boom bap flare to it saying it’s been a minute since he’s decided to chill having a dream of living wealthy while the song “Factory” by IDK has a groovier vibe to it telling y’all not to disrespect him with all that talk. The penultimate track “In the Pocket” by Logic goes chipmunk soul comparing his lyrics going at your dome like an 8 ball prior to “Full Circle” by the Showoff Crew ending the album talking about having their best friends in the end over another vibraphone heavy instrumental.
As someone who’s been listening to Statik since his adolescence, I have a strong feeling that Round Trip will quickly become one of my top 3 solo albums of his because I find myself really enjoying this more than his last few even though they most certainly had their highlights. The Boston veteran’s production gives off a more summer vibe to his signature jazzy boom bap sound & the guest list is incredibly tight although a couple punched under their weight.
Score: 8/10
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
In March Brooklyn rap phenomenon KOTA THE FRIEND in collaboration with STATIK SELEKTAH released the album “To See A Sunset.” Today Kota spins the block to release TO SEE A SUNSET – DELUXE, featuring eight new tracks along with visuals to new single from the project “Brick by Brick,” featuring BLU.
Originally featuring 10 tracks, “TO SEE A SUNSET – DELUXE” offers 18 tracks with features from artists including Dreamville recording artist Cozz, CJ Fly, Termanology, Hannah Got Raps, Blu, South African Hip Hop artist Shane Eagle, Conchez, Louie The Profit, Nachaash G and Michael Minelli.
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
New York-based Nym Lo just dropped the video for the Rome Streetz-assisted single entitled, “Crystal Controls”. Nym and Rome trade bars depicting the mobster/gangster lifestyle that most people wish they could live. They have fun, sipping champagne and rapping at the local horse ranch in the video. Peep the visuals above.
Nym Lo just dropped his latest project “From The Horse’s Mouth“, a collaboration with legendary DJ / Producer Statik Selektah. The album features guest appearances from Bun B, Curren$y, Dave East, & Planet Asia.
The 9-track LP has the boom-bap production that most have been accustomed to hearing from Statik Selektah. However, there are smooth laidback tracks that give off the vibe of sunsets within Marcus Garvey Park. The content in the album will inspire the listener to get on their grind and find the loot by any means necessary. Standout tracks include: “Ice Jackets” “Palawan Don” and “A Kid From The Town”
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
Rising lyricist SH4MEL connects with producer and DJ Statik Selektah for a new hard hitting single “Bad News”.
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
O.T. the Real is a 36 year old MC from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who came up in 2016 after coming home from prison & dropping his debut single “Papercuts”. His profile began to grow from there after showcasing his skills on radio stations as well as dropping 3 full-lengths & 4 EPs so far, my favorites of the bunch so far being the Heatmakerz-produced The Irishman & the DJ Green Lantern-produced Broken Glass. But fast forward 5 months later since we last heard him, O.T. has recruited Boston veteran Statik Selektah behind the boards for his 4th album.
“Loyalty” is an airy boom bap opener discussing what it means to him to be loyal whereas “Make It Count” works in a symphony providing words of wisdom for the listener. “Revelations” feels like something out of an Italian mobster flick talking about disclosure just before Statik-Free tags along for the soulful “Hardcore” spitting that rugged street shit. Meanwhile on “Turned on Me”, we have O.T. on top of some pianos & dusty drums taking aim at those who betrayed him leading into Merkules coming into the picture for “The Bottom” to talk about never forgetting what having nothing feels like over a cheery instrumental.
G-Weeder definitely has the weakest feature on the album with “Treachery” even though I like the production & the concept of deceiving people, but then “Windows” has some jazzy undertones talking about his coming up. The penultimate track “Came Up Fast” incorporates an operatic vocal sample discussing his meteoric rise in the underground within the last year or 2 & finally, “History” ends the album with an organ advising to check his resume.
I think O.T.’s been putting out some of his best work within the last year & you haven’t checked him out based on The Irishman or Broken Glass yet, then PLEASE give Maxed Out a listen. Statik remains one of the most consistent producers in hip hop today & O.T. continues to put his life on wax ever so sincerely.
Score: 9/10
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
Houston’s legendary lyricist Paul Wall is no stranger to the car community. Now his longtime friend and collaborator, Termanology, joins him riding shotgun as they both spit hard-hitting raps in the new video “Recognize My Car” produced by Pete Rock.
The D Will directed visual used some VHS style footage to capture the H-Town slab culture while both emcees rhyme their verses. Slab is Houston slang for a souped up car, with a special set of rims, called “swangas.”
This isn’t the first time these two artists have teamed up. Last month, the duo released “No Tolerance” featuring Fly Anakin and Nems.
Along with releasing the video for “Recognize My Car,” Paul and Term also announced a joint album is arriving. Paul Wall and Termanology are set to drop Start 2 Finish on April 8.
Start 2 Finish will be a 10-track project executive produced by Statik Selektah and with features from Bun B, Fly Anakin, C Sharp, Millyz, and Nems among others.
Both artists are thrilled to be working with each other on this project. In an exclusive statement to The Source, the “Sittin’ Sideways” rapper said, “I had a lot of fun working with Term on this project! And every time I work with Statik Selektah it brings out the absolute best in me. This album brought out some of the best rap bars I’ve ever spit.”
Termanology shared the same reaction with The Source. “I had so much fun making this album. The production is top quality and Paul Wall went crazy on every verse, which made me get even more creative with my pen game. I think people are going to like this project a lot.”
Enjoy the video for “Recognize My Car” from Paul Wall and Termanology below.
Check out the tracklist for Start 2 Finish, available on all DSP’s April 8.
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