east coast hip-hop

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

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

Bun B &Statik Selektah Release “Trillstatik 2”

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Two hip-hop heavy-hitters from different scenes have joined forces once again. Bun B and Statik Selektah have teamed up for their latest collaborative project, Trillstatik 2. Along with Bun’s Houston drawl and charisma and Statik’s classy East Coast production, there’s a host of amazing features. Some have returned from their first album together, like Big K.R.I.T, Smoke DZA, Haile Supreme, Termanology, and Paul Wall. Also, there are new exciting names like Boldy James, Dave East, Styles P, 38 Spesh, and Papoose.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Bun B attends Trillstatik 2Live Recording Session on December 07, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)

While this release is surely exciting and successful for the Houston icon, it’s also a time of sad reminiscence. Recently, Bun B posted on Instagram on the 15-year anniversary of his partner Pimp C’s tragic passing. He wrote a touching message for his fellow UGK star, acknowledging how making music has been different for him ever since.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t feel the loss,” he expressed. “I just find better ways to cope with it. Missed and loved but appreciated for the time we did have with you. Your spirit lives on in your music and your legacy lives on through your kids. The trillest ever born. They’ll never be another. Love you bro. And it’s still UGK For Life! #LongLiveThePimp.

“I haven’t really enjoyed making music since Pimp passed away,” he confessed to HipHopDX earlier this year. “And so now that I get to make music with friends and I’m not under any contractual obligation, I make music because I want to not because I have to, so it’s a different experience for me. For me, it just has to be fun or I’m not going to do it. I just don’t want to do it.”

Meanwhile, the fun and passion really comes through on Trillstatik 2. For example, the beats are lush and structured to perfection, with Statik slowing down his New York sound just a bit for Bun’s flow. The variety of guests on the project also makes it feel like a dynamic listen. However, maybe the most mind-blowing part about this album is that it was recorded and streamed live from scratch on December 7th. What’s more is that Bun B teases a third installment on the very last track.

Also, you’ll probably recognize a few great samples on this record that you’ve heard on other gems this year. For example, “In My Hand” has the same sample as redveil’s “pg baby” from this year’s excellent learn 2 swim. Moreover, on the lyrical end, Bun B’s as sharp as ever. He’s demonstrated his evergreen skill on other cuts like this year’s “BULLETZ AND BROKEN GLASS” with RJ Payne and fellow legend Ice-T.

What did you think of this album? Let us know in the comments below. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find Bun B and Statik Selektah’s Trillstatik 2 on your preferred streaming service. Also, check out the tracklist below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest drops from the game’s greatest.

Tracklist

  1. Right Back At It
  2. Building Bridges (with Paul Wall & Terminology)
  3. In My Hand (with Big K.R.I.T. & Cal Wayne)
  4. We Live (with Dave East & Jinell)
  5. Devastating (with Styles P & Propain)
  6. Every Hour (with Nems & Papoose)
  7. Only Life I Know (with Smoke DZA, Flee Lord & Haile Supreme)
  8. Acetone (with Boldy James)
  9. Ain’t No Tellin (with 38 Spesh, Grafh & Haile Supreme)
  10. There Comes a Time (with Armand Assante)

Benny The Butcher, Rick Hyde, Elcamino & Heem Drop “We Here”

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The Black Soprano Family is bringing more and more talent out of Buffalo, New York. The Griselda off-shoot, led by Benny the Butcher, has just released a new track. Heem, Elcamino, Rick Hyde, and Benny the Butcher himself spit on “We Here,” the latest from the Black Soprano Family. Over a chilled-out but still sharp beat, each MC delivers cold and confident bars about their success. They’ve been riding high off of it from releases like their Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 19: Music artist and executive Benny the Butcher speaks during the National Urban League 21 Pillars Tour Interrupting Racism Summit at Urban Euphoria LLC on September 19, 2022 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for National Urban League)

In addition to their prolific release schedule, the collective is also committed to honoring those who helped them on the way. DJ Shay, who is a key figure in the Buffalo hip-hop scene, tragically passed in 2020 due to COVID-19. Recently, Benny and the B$F crew spoke on his influence and good-hearted nature.

“That’s the epitome of Shay right there. He going to correct you because he take pride in mentoring the young n***as,” the Griselda rapper remarked. “So I’m saying, correcting you, pointing you in the right direction. Shay taught me, gave me my routine, too.”

Moreover, that drive and hunger is evident on “We Here.” Each MC has lines that will have you rewinding for another listen over an intoxicating beat. There’s a lot of detail in the verses, whether it’s the luxury brands they wear or their street experiences. Even if the topical focus is less grim or narrative, they still work some sharp lines in here. It’s a craft they’ve delivered consistently with singles like “297 Parkside.”

Rick Hyde opens up powerfully with “F**k them other n***as, s**t, my biggest opp was patience.” There’s also more clever metaphors, like “That’s why y’all be stayin’ out the way in this bucket of crabs.” Also, there’s some darkness in this track from moments like “I come from bad blocks, where murder was good business.”

You can find “We Here” by Benny the Butcher, Heem, Elcamino, and Rick Hyde on your preferred streaming service. Also, peep the music video and some standout bars below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest heat from Buffalo.

Quotable Lyrics

Before you ever heard of Butch, I was low-key rockin’ (N***a)
Whole key coppin’, straight drop, ain’t no re-rockin’ (No re-rockin’)
Before them out of town shows, I was OT coppin’ (OT)
Had packs jumpin’ out New York, like they Obi Toppin (Like they Obi Toppin)

Ransom, Lloyd Banks & V Don Unleash “Short Notice”

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High-caliber MCs are still feeding hip-hop fans all the way to the end of the year. Ransom and V Don are the latest to announce new music, as they’ve linked with Lloyd Banks to release the single “Short Notice.” The track seemingly comes in anticipation of another collab between the New York rapper and producer. They’ve announced Chaos Is My Ladder, an upcoming project from the two set to release sometime this December. Moreover, it follows a streak of quality singles and collaborations, from his October track “Sinatra’s Demons” to “Band of Brothers” with Benny the Butcher and 38 Spesh.

As expected, “Short Notice” is a no-frills track with heavy East Coast energy, from the dominant and emphatic performances to the heavy drums. There’s also some great sample work on display, with a rich instrumental pallet that makes the beat varied. For example, there are shimmering chimes, a passionate string section, acoustic guitar chords, and atmospheric keys. It may sound like a lot, but the way different elements come in and out of the song’s structure and mix is dynamic. It shows V Don’s versatility and production talent, who recently released a sharp collab album with Willie The Kid.

Meanwhile, Ransom and Lloyd Banks also hold their bars to that high standard. They’re able to give the lush beat a raw edge through their flows and authoritative deliveries. If anything, it shows how timeless and universal this sound is, and how it’s still able to captivate. They have a lot of legacy to uphold, as Lloyd Banks paid tribute to his late manager Hovain.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 13: Lloyd Banks “The Course Of The Inevitable 2” Album Listening Party at Quad Studios on July 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In terms of subject matter, the MCs address familiar street tales and attitudes with detailed perspectives. Also, their rhyme schemes don’t crumble under the weight of hardened upbringings and lost friends. As they rap about their credibility and movement, they are still hyper-focused on engaging flows and lines to back up their experiences.

You can find “Short Notice” by Ransom, Lloyd Banks, and V Don on your preferred streaming service. Also, you can find some notable lines from the single below and stay tuned to HNHH for the release of Chaos Is My Ladder this December.

Quotable Lyrics

It’s time we even the score, but if we both shootin’
No way we leavin’ a draw, this game, we sweep ’em in full
You gotta judge a team on how they leavin’ the court,
Heads high, it’s no Biggie, like homie from Bed-Stuy,
Now we don’t need your support ’cause my n***as gon’ get by