2022 music

Homeboy Sandman Starts Year With New Song “Eighth Day Of Christmas”

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Homeboy Sandman blessed fans with a single every day in the holiday season, with his latest being “Eighth Day of Christmas.” Moreover, he began on December 25th, and his end goal is his new album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de los Reyes, set to drop on Three Kings Day (January 6th). As such, each day leading up to the 6th brought us a new single off the album from Sandman.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – JULY 06: Homeboy Sandman performs at Revolution on July 6, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images)

While a track a day can seem daunting, the Queens MC wrote varied and high-quality tracks for each day. Some of his earlier singles were woozier, more energetic, and laced with spontaneous drums. However, “Eighth Day of Christmas” displayed Homeboy Sandman in a drumless, more reflective state. The beat is based on a smooth, glamorous, and lush sample, with many different instruments elevating the track.

For example, there’s the subtle chunks of electric guitar that give the track a funky feel. Also, the keys go from low bass notes to high-pitched tones with ease, which add some dynamism to the track. There’s not a lot of percussion here, with a light hi-hat and rimshot used as sparse elements. Finally, the deep bass is what grounds the track, balancing out the track’s melodic elements.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old delivers a subtly emphatic performance, despite the track’s low-key and dreamy atmosphere. All of the beat’s elements come through very densely, but Homeboy balanced them with a confident and raspy flow. While there are a few abstract bars here and there, there are also powerfully simple proclamations against traditional success and not getting his due credit.

Furthermore, the flow is consistent, but he spit a lot of internal rhyme schemes and cheeky references. Everything makes for a great performance to ring 2023 in, consistent with his impressive output from last year. For example, he assisted the Oakland-based Oakstop Alliance in their debut album, Royalty Summit.

What did you think of Homeboy Sandman’s newest track, “Eighth Day of Christmas”? Moreover, are you excited for his new album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de los Reyes? Let us know in the comments and check out some standout bars down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest great music drops of the week.

Quotable Lyrics

Laughin’ at the premise that I’m good for one penny,
Peep the independence, y’all gon’ need to come get me,
Example: tell my niece ‘Never need mimic,’
No need to even speak of a speed limit

Ab-Soul Calls His Latest Album, “HERBERT” Top 5 Of The Year

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As 2022 quickly comes to a close, fans and artists alike are continuing to share their favorite music of the year.

Ab-Soul’s latest offering, HERBERT, has only been out for a couple of weeks. Regardless, the L.A. native thinks it’s a top-five album of the year.

Elliott Wilson and Ab-Soul attend backstage at Irving Plaza on October 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

He took to his Twitter account on Friday (December 30) to share his thoughts on his own fifth studio album. “ALSO. My album IS top 5 of da year. F*cc all dat humble sh*t. Dead homies,” he writes in his remark. Evidently, being humble isn’t in the “Illuminate” rapper’s New Year’s resolutions. However, the argument is definitely a fair one, as the album has garnered a positive reception.

The project serves as the TDE rapper’s first album in six years, following 2016’s Do What Thou Wilt. Throughout HERBERT‘s 18-song tracklist, the 35-year-old explicitly addresses the state of his mental health and his battles with depression.

As part of the rollout for the album, Ab-Soul sat down with Charlamagne Tha God for an intimate interview. During the pair’s talk, which lasted for over an hour, Soulo opens up about a suicide attempt.

“I pretty much finished the album before I did what I did. I jumped off a freeway overpass, man. It was about 50 feet. I think a car broke my fall. [I] walked from my mom’s house to the bridge and jumped off on the freeway overpass. Imagine, like, you’re walking and you blink and then you’re further. You blink and then you’re further, you blink and then I’m on a fence,” he details.

“My jaw is f*cked up. I got a lotta work to do still. I’m about 85% on my foot. My foot is completely reconstructed, all the way to my pelvis, my femur, everything, was affected except my knee. If my knee would’ve been affected, I might not be walking,” he says after stating that he wasn’t in control while it was happening.

HERBERT boasts features from the likes of Joey Bada$$, Jhené Aiko, Russ, Big Sean and others. Furthermore, it evidently showcases Soul getting deeply introspective.

Considering it was released so late into the year, it will certainly be interesting to see how many year-end lists it makes its way onto.

What are your thoughts on HERBERT? Is it cracking your year-end list? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates in music and pop culture.

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Smoke DZA Releases Monstrous Song, “What Would Push Do”

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Smoke DZA just released a new album Money For Dummies, and it’s full of varied highlights and a little something for everyone. However, one of the album’s most visceral and immediate moments came in the form of “What Would Push Do.” Moreover, DZA fans might expect an even fusion of smooth flows, cloudy instrumentation, and a more classic-sounding beat. Still, the 38-year-old still has some tricks up his sleeve, as this track is undoubtedly nasty.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Smoke DZA attends Conway “God Don’t Make Mistakes” Album Listening Party on February 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Firstly, the track title might raise some eyebrows at first. In fact, it references Pusha T’s track “What Would Meek Do?” off of his critically acclaimed 2018 album, DAYTONA. Not only does the instrumental follow a similar rhythm, tempo, and swing, but DZA’s delivery is similar to Push’s. Furthermore, there’s a nasty rasp to Smoke’s voice on this cut, to the point that one’s expecting Push’s “Yuuugh!” to pop out anytime.

Still, the obvious homage doesn’t dip too hard into rip-off territory. For one, DZA’s lyrical approach is a little more sprawling and varied. Then there’s the instrumental itself. The chorus of “Today, we selling’ bass” is emphasized by a monstrous drop. Moreover, the bass feels borderline overwhelming on this cut, which one can’t say about a chunk of his previous 2022 output.

What’s more is that “What Would Push Do” is the exception on Money For Dummies, not the rule. There’s more soulful boom-bap, drumless street tales, and wavy weed anthems. However, amid DZA’s skill set, this is a sound that fans surely wouldn’t mind seeing explored and developed.

What did you think of Smoke DZA’s new album cut, “What Would Push Do”? Let us know in the comments and peep some standout bars down below. Still, if you haven’t heard Money For Dummies yet, you can find the new song and album on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, keep checking in on HNHH for the best new hip-hop each week.

Quotable Lyrics

Give you samples on a sample (Uh)
Anytime I get a chance to how I handle
Let ’em chase the crumbs like Gretel and Hansel
I was on the rich like Max was on the Grand Cru

IAMSU! Releases Bouncy EP, “Out The Blue”

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California rapper IAMSU! is closing 2022 with four new tracks on his recently released EP, Out The Blue. On these cuts, the Cali MC maintains a solid sense of bounce and rhythm that oozes with the Coast. Moreover, these summery tracks followed a run of new albums and projects this year. On them, he showcased a knack for charismatic bars and a sense of fun that came through on his “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” remix.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MARCH 23: Iamsu performs during the “Decided” tour at The Masonic Auditorium on March 23, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

When it comes to this EP’s sound, IAMSU! employed two main styles, each for two tracks. “Bounce” and “Fake Love” are more trap-influenced, synthy cuts with a lot of melodic vocal runs. Moreover, the timbres and sounds he chose to play with give the project a particularly spacey sound. Also, the synths and melodies provide a rubbery backdrop for Su’s constant flow. In fact, it might remind listeners of earlier tracks like “Cartier Lens.” In addition, Isthatcj and Dave Steezy spit alongside Su with ease on their respective cuts.

Meanwhile, “Always Rep” and “Ride To” are more in line with the West Coast bounce you’d expect. Show Banga and Skipper respectively give solid performances and IAMSU! takes advantage of faster flows. Like his previous output, including “1300 Stars,” the instrumentation and rhythm places it firmly on the Westside. However, between these two tracks, the former is more melodic while the latter is more raw.

Even when the sound is locked in, there’s still some nice variety to find within. Of course, IAMSU! plays with a couple of different sounds here and there, so the spread is nothing new. However, it would mean little if his performances and pen game weren’t comfortably matching each track’s energy. For IAMSU!, that’s not a problem.

What did you think of IAMSU!’s new extended play, “Out The Blue”? Let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist for yourself below. However, if you haven’t checked the project out yet, you can find the EP on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the best new hip-hop each week.

Tracklist

  1. Bounce (feat. Isthatcj)
  2. Always Rep (feat. Show Banga)
  3. Ride To (feat. Skipper)
  4. Fake Love (feat. Dave Steezy)

Burna Bandz Closes Out 2022 With “Bandemic” Album

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After a few years of turmoil, we’ve (mostly) made it through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Burna Bandz is chiefly gearing us up for the Bandemic with his new album.

The project accordingly landed this Friday (December 30). The rapper operates solo across 12 of his titles. On the other three, he enlists help from Casper TNG (“Frustrated”), TallupTwinz (“Ghetto Stories”), and Why G (“Killer Instinct”).

Prior to dropping off the 15-track record, Burna shared a featureless single, “Feel Me,” which has nearly earned 150K streams on Spotify since its debut.

“Why tell me to go when you know you gon’ miss me? / Like who goin’ with you when you going through it?” he asks on the song’s chorus. “I cannot tote nothing unless it hold sixteen / Shots hit his chest and its harder than whiskey.”

Other new titles to come from Bandz on his project include “Art of War,” “Member Zone” and “Heart on Ice,” as well as “Corporate.”

This was an undeniably busy year for the rising star. He previously shared singles like “Shade” and “Benefit” with Yung Tory. Additionally, his Houligan Timing tape saw him work with the likes of Pressa, NorthSideBenji, and Drego.

The album’s most popular titles are “Win” with J Neat and Why G, “A to B,” and finally, “Like a Perc” with Houdini.

It remains unclear exactly what the future holds for BB, though he’s likely to continue to soar to new heights as we enter 2023.

Stream Burna Bandz’ Bandemic project on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, tell us your top three favourite tracks in the comments.

Bandemic Tracklist:

  1. Trackhawk
  2. Pop Out
  3. Corporate
  4. Feel Me
  5. Frustrated (feat. Casper TNG)
  6. Defeat It
  7. Time is Money
  8. W Da Vybz
  9. Art of War
  10. Heart on Ice
  11. Good Riddance
  12. Member Zone
  13. Ghetto Stories (with TallupTwinz)
  14. Killer Instinct (with Why G)
  15. Shade

Smoke DZA & The Smokers Club Drop New Album “Money For Dummies”

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Smoke DZA just released a new album, Money For Dummies, right before 2023 rolls around. Still, it follows a run of great releases this year like his October project 10,000 HRS. Moreover, he released it along with his brand The Smokers Club and the announcement of a new record label. Furthermore, this album matches that excitement with a great set of tracks.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 27: Wayne “Wayno” Clark (L) and Smoke DZA attend Smoke DZA’s “A Closed Mouth Don’t Get Fed” Listening Party at Jue Lan Club on February 27, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Meanwhile, the brand’s co-founder Jonny Shipes announced the inception of Smokers Club Records in 2023 via Instagram.

“Earlier this year Me, DZA & Bubz sat down & mapped out the next phases & goals of The Smokers Club,” Jonny wrote. “When we took a step back & looked at how we started the Club & what influenced us since the beginning, it always came back to Great Music & Smoking Great Weed. 

“Over the years We’ve done some Legendary tours & festivals, launched a clothing line & cannabis brand,” he continued. “We have had a great run these past 12 years. All 3 of us started out making music so it was only right goin into ‘23 we launch Smokers Club Records.”

Likewise, this new album from Smoke DZA offers what he’s best at. Tracks such as the single “Park Bench Blues” are perfect examples of his hazy delivery, era-fusing production, and lyrical skill. While the subject matter is consistent and familiar, the tightly packed tracklist offers plenty of instrumental variety. Moreover, there’s the drumless-influenced title track, the soulful “Quarter Million $ Mattress,” and the bass-heavy banger “What Would Push Do.”

However, the Harlem MC and his producers aren’t the only ones impressing listeners on this album. Curren$y and Bizzle both deliver engaging wordplay and provide compelling atmosphere on their tracks that matches well with DZA’s flow.

What did you think of Smoke DZA and The Smokers Club’s new album, Money For Dummies? Also, what about his other projects from this year? Let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist below. However, if you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find the new tape on your preferred streaming service. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest great albums.

Tracklist

  1. Box Otw
  2. Park Bench Blues (Ft. Curren$y)
  3. Money 4 Dummies
  4. 42
  5. Trappin W Dreddy
  6. Quarter Million $ Mattress
  7. What Would Push Do
  8. Only Care In The World
  9. P.O.D (Ft. Bizzle)
  10. Brown Suga / Material Love

redveil Closes Year With Wavy New Single, “2daside”

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After an incredible breakout year, one of hip-hop’s most exciting new talents closed 2022 with a bang. redveil just dropped his latest single “2daside,” which is a synthy and bouncy celebratory cut. Moreover, it’s a fresh, youthful, and soulful take on trap and East Coast strains of hip-hop, combining introspection with raw energy. Also, it’s sure to please fans of one of this year’s best albums, specifically his third: learn 2 swim, where he honed that style.

redveil 2daside
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 28: Redveil performs during the Lollapalooza Festival at Grant Park on July 28, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Instrumentally, “2daside” employs some of the 18-year-old MC’s most engaging production techniques. Breezy synth melodies with varying timbres and textures, crisp and sharp trap percussion, and a generally submerged sound. Also, it’s infused with nostalgia, creativity, and soulful fun in the same way that his best tracks like “pg baby” function. While that nostalgia can sometimes come across as melancholy in his catalog, this new track sounds ironically summery.

Meanwhile, the Prince George’s County, Maryland native delivers a short but impassioned performance. Moreover, the track isn’t even two and a half minutes long, and yet redveil’s energy comes through infectiously. Lyrically, he seems to focus on his skill and authenticity as a rapper, saying he only cares about the love people have for him. As he continues to provide wisdom and maturity beyond his years (and most people’s, frankly), he delivered some of the year’s best material.

What did you think of redveil’s new single, “2daside”? Moreover, have you checked out his other material and features? Let us know in the comments and check out some notable lyrics and its music video down below. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find the vibey cut on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the best new hip-hop, all the way to the end of 2022.

Quotable Lyrics

You punchin’ in bars but what you gon’ do if you wan’ stand out?
Young n***a from Largo, wear my quirks, ain’t got my hands out (Yeah)
These n***as be frauds, these n***as be p***y, these n***as be fans now
These n***as be stalkin’, you wasn’t slick, look how that panned out

M-Dot & Lateb Are “Christmas Trippin” In New Song

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Veteran Boston rapper M-Dot is back with a new single for the holiday season, “Christmas Trippin” with longtime collaborator Lateb. Both spit bars over some clean boom-bap production, complete with jingling bells to match the occasion. M-Dot produced this track as well, and along with Lateb, spits quirky and stylish bars about the holiday. It’s a very different vibe to previous tracks of his like the politically charged “Reaganomics.” Still, their talent as MCs and writers shines through, almost as much as their creativity and sense of humor.

Instrumentally, the track uses samples and a classic boom-bap drum loop to craft a straightforward but effective Christmas theme. Moreover, the bells are quite subtle, so it’s not like the festive nature of the song is overwhelming the instrumental. Also, the guitars cut through the mix the most clearly, so they distract listeners with its main melody. Ultimately, the instrumental fit snugly with the song’s lyrical themes and topics, which are the star of the show.

Furthermore, M-Dot and Lateb bring animated, engaging, and steady performances to this song. “Christmas Trippin” is full of holiday movie references, cheeky mentions of Christmas iconography, and a Bruce Willis shoutout. “I mean, Bruce Willis is Christmas,” the skit at the end proclaims, most likely referencing Die Hard. Still, it’s nerdy and playful in the best way. However, they don’t compromise on the lyrical side of things, with strong command of internal rhyme schemes and flows. It’s very niche, but a perfectly fun listen for the festivities.

But what did you think of M-Dot and Lateb’s holiday jam, “Christmas Trippin”? Let us know in the comments and check out some notable lyrics from the song below. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to find it on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest hip-hop drops and more Christmas festivities from pop culture.

Quotable Lyrics

My cousin wants a BB gun, that’s the style now,
Everybody telling ’em “You’re gonna shoot your eye out,”
Cousin Eddie outside since the s**t is full,
Scrooged on the TV, Bill Murray cynical

Hardo Drops “Top 10 Trappers DOA” Deluxe Album

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Pittsburgh rapper Hardo just released Top 10 Trappers DOA (Deluxe), and its six new tracks are just what you’d expect. Moreover, his street tales move between hard, minimal piano trap and more atmospheric and melodic styles. In fact, it’s refreshing to see him engage with versatility, especially after tough-as-nails projects like last year’s Gangsta Grillz tape with DJ Drama and Deezlee. However, this time around, the distinct tracks compliment a varied sound.

Hardo Deluxe
AUSTIN, TX – AUGUST 25: Rapper Hardo performs onstage during the ‘Dazed & Blazed Summer 2018 Tour’ at Austin360 Amphitheater on August 25, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)

While his flow is deeply rooted in the streets, previous efforts like his 2020 album Days Inn also saw him leave his comfort zone. Especially on this latest album, he stuck heavily to trap, but he traded bars with J.I.D over a more classic beat on that project. However, Hardo’s been at it for a while, so it’s not necessarily a surprise. Still, Hardo switches back and forth because his talent allows it, and he takes advantage of it on the deluxe. 

Also, he tapped Sama and Rexx Life Raj to be featured guests on Top 10 Trappers DOA (Deluxe). Moreover, their performances are both autotune-heavy, with Sama coming off laidback whereas Rexx’s passion comes through clearly. Overall, the Pittsburgh native strikes an even balance between immediate hype and calming atmospheres.

But what did you think of Hardo’s deluxe version of Top 10 Trappers DOA? Let us know in the comments and peep the tracklist down below. Still, if you haven’t had the chance to listen, you can find the album on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the latest great hip-hop, even during the holiday season.

Tracklist

  1. Trap House Lease In Her Name
  2. You’d Rather Lie (Ft. Sama)
  3. 40 Drums
  4. U Still Stayed
  5. Murda Murda
  6. Apple Tree (Ft. Rexx Life Raj)
  7. Really the Difference
  8. Fake Drilla
  9. Rapper Who? 
  10. Get Em
  11. Bottom of the Trap (Ft. EST Gee & Icewear Vezzo)
  12. Trapn Off the iPhone (Ft. Doe Boy)
  13. Me & You (Ft. Salma Slims)
  14. Frown
  15. Choppa Talk 2
  16. Dats Crazy (Ft. FTR Drama)
  17. Skipped Rolling Loud
  18. Forever TrapN
  19. Let The Dog Out
  20. Hoppin Out
  21. Out The Bagger (Ft. 1700Hec & Goppy)
  22. Biased (Ft. Asco)
  23. Working on the Album (Ft. NDO Dee)

CJ Fly Shares New Song, “TOP”

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Seasoned Brooklyn MC CJ Fly is back with a new single, “TOP.” After this year’s EP, The PhaRaOh’s Return, it seems Fly continued honing that boom-bap sound. In particular, this track is one of the rapper’s most boastful, confident, and self-referential in regards to the rap game. On this song, CJ is hungry, focused on getting his proper flowers for his talent, and displaying it in full.

SANTA ANA, CA – APRIL 20: Rapper CJ Fly performs onstage during the Smokers Club 420 event at The Observatory on April 20, 2017 in Santa Ana, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Instrumentally, the song is some mid-tempo boom-bap with dramatic but distant piano passages. However, the beat itself is very crisp, with a lot of rhythmic variation and a clean acoustic sound. Moreover, the live drums on the song really accentuate its raw nature. Still, it doesn’t get too muddled to the point where CJ becomes unintelligible.

On the bar-for-bar level, the Brooklyn native spits some impressive lines throughout the song. Specifically, he gets competitive, name-dropping some of the best in the rap game. So there’s a lot of talk of his influences as well, such as Biggie, Jay, Nas, and Kendrick. However, CJ rapped proudly of how far he’s come since then. Later in the song, he says he improves with every album and details the other places he draws inspiration from. 

All in all, this new single from CJ Fly is a really smooth performance over a really smooth beat, and it does show his skill well. His delivery is understated but clear, and the song’s direct lyrical nature reinforces the simple instrumental. With whatever he does next, it’s sure to be forward momentum from the Brooklyn MC.

What did you think of CJ Fly’s boastful new track, “TOP”? Let us know in the comments and check out some notable lyrics down below. Still, if you haven’t listened, be sure to check the boom-bap excursion on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, stay locked in to HNHH for the best new music in the rap game every week.

Quotable Lyrics

Competitive, I’m coming for the whole industry,
Dreamville, all of Griselda, the whole TDE,
Drake, Jack, Tyler, Keem, Cordae, Pusha T,
You can’t talk about your top ten and not mention me,
Name your favorite rapper, I’ll put ’em out of their misery