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“Madvillainy” Turns 20: MF DOOM & Madlib’s Most Obscure References

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Only a handful of albums in music history earn the pretentious acclaim that they garner, and who would’ve thought America’s two most blunted supervillains would be hip-hop’s best examples of this? Moreover, MF DOOM and Madlib’s legendary collaborative album Madvillainy turns 20 years old today (March 23). To this day, people still champion its lyrical density, its now-iconic and unique sampling, the seamless inclusion of featured guests, and the overall wealth of appeal within its 22 tracks and 46 minutes. In other words, it’s one of the most fun rap projects to listen to thanks to its sharp, witty bars and engaging production while also being fit for scholarly analysis. There are so many samples to unearth and discover, such rich wordplay laden with hip-hop history and double entendre references, and more soul than a sock with a hole.

Furthermore, we decided to take a look at 20 of the many obscure, surprising, under-discussed, or overlooked references on this album (one song at a time) from MF DOOM’s pen and mic, and from Madlib’s Boss SP-303 sampler, his turntable, and his tape deck. Of course, Madvillainy‘s 20-year history and universally celebrated acclaim means that you’ve probably already heard of these. But we found that these inclusions don’t come up as often as others. Some of these are samples you wouldn’t have expected to be samples, others are clever lyrical nods, a few are old entertainment callbacks, and all of them add to this LP’s mystique, character, and timelessness. Sounds dense, doesn’t it? Yet this complexity doesn’t dilute Madvillain’s creativity, fun-loving nature, immediacy, or frankly, their coolness. Such has been the case for the metal fellow and his maniacal liaison ever since New York plates was ghetto yellow.

Read More: Will Madvillainy 2 Ever Come Out?

“The Illest Villains”

Sample starts at the very beginning

Starting off with Madvillainy‘s opener, the musical backdrop is Morton Stevens’ “Beach Trip” off of the original TV soundtrack for Hawaii Five-O from 1968. What makes it ironic is that most of the other sampled clips in this song are from movie trailers but don’t highlight their music, and the music itself on this track comes from a TV show soundtrack rather than a film. This also marks Madlib’s first use of spoken word from James Gordon’s 1989 documentary, The Documented History Of The Fabulous Villains. He also uses clips from this movie in the songs “Rainbows,” “Money Folder,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy” later in the tracklist.

“Accordion”

One of the most iconic songs on this album once made a girl cry, and it was never the same since. MF DOOM’s last line on here is “Won’t take the one with no skinny legs like Joe Tex,” and there are a few reasons for its cleverness. Firstly is Joe Tex himself, a 1960s and 70s singer and songwriter who spoke over much of his material in a faster and less melodic way as a precursor to what rapping would become. He has a song called “Skinny Legs And All” in which he agrees with Metal Fingers’ sentiment -– or rather, the other way around.

However, the other notable background detail about this lyric is that MF DOOM originally had another version of this line: “Wolf likes the girls with the skinny legs.” This was in reference to Peanut Butter Wolf, the founder of Stones Throw Records, whose connection to DOOM and Madlib is well-documented at this point. But when Wolf’s thin girlfriend at the time heard the lyric before the album’s official release, it made her cry. Then, he told his masked friend about it, and without warning, the official version of the album released with the ending line we know today. “I guess he felt bad,” Wolf said of Dumile’s decision.

“Meat Grinder”

“Still back in the game like Jack LaLanne, think you know the name? Don’t rack your brain,” MF DOOM spits on another one of the most iconic moments on Madvillainy. Jack LaLanne was a fitness expert and bodybuilder who continued to sell fitness products, perform feats of strength, and advocate for proper nutrition until his death at age 96. Thus, he was still in the game for a while, but it’s been so long that DOOM doesn’t want you to “rack your brain” trying to remember his name or identify why it might sound familiar to you. To “rack” also means to put a set of weights back on the rack after weight-lifting, or bodybuilding. Not even the illest villain believes in having to know every reference in every bar… but he’ll be cheeky about teasing you to do so, and the temptation is hard to resist.

“Bistro”

You can hear the sample at 0:10 and throughout
Sample starts at 0:20

While this track is mostly just MF DOOM talking casually over a funky flip, Madlib chose to include some lines of dialogue right beneath his partner’s voice that, although barely audible, add some nice texture and context. The clips come from the show McMillan & Wife, specifically the third episode of its fifth season in 1975, “Very Private And Very Difficult Matter To Discuss.” Furthermore, in the dialogue, a character invites another to go get a drink, and the track’s title already points to the perfect destination to do so.

Also, MF DOOM’s final line on here is a very deep reference to the Stones Throw Records crew. “I’d like to dedicate this next joint to my mans, you know, Big Hookie and Baba from the laundromat.” DOOM refers to Hookie & Baba, a comic series created by the label’s art director Jeff Jank. He told Undercover Magazine during an interview that it was a “lewd” project “sold exclusively in [the] San Francisco Bay Area laundromats to local winos.” Given that “Bistro” is a celebration of Madvillain’s entourage, this nod to their partners is quite colorful and, dare we say, wholesome… even if it sounds like a troublesome team.

“Raid” ft. MED

You can hear the sample at 0:59 and throughout
Sample starts at 6:29

For the “chorus” portion of this vibrant and fun head-bobber, Madlib seems to manipulate an existing sound and repeat it to make it sound like “Day, day-day-day”… or maybe that’s just how we’re hearing it. Either way, it’s surprisingly not a manipulation at all, but rather a direct pull from George Clinton’s title track off his 1982 album Computer Games. As for MF DOOM, this contains one of his most multi-layered sets of references on the album. “The doctor told a patient ‘It’s all in your imagination, n***o’ / Ahh, what do he know? / About the buttery flow, he need to cut the ego / Trippin’, to date the metal fellow / Been ripping flows since New York plates was ghetto yellow.” The first part of the line is a reference to the 1949 film Home of the Brave.

In it, a Black soldier is ironically convinced that racism in the military is in his imagination after a doctor calls him a racial slur. But MF DOOM rejects the doctor’s words and thinks he needs to focus on his flow, a metaphor for other rappers needing to cut their bragging and hone their skill. Then, by stretching out the space between “ego” and how the doctor is “trippin’” in the next line, he references the concept of an ego trip, or thinking too highly of yourself. “Tripping” on psychedelics can also provoke “ego death,” an out-of-body experience that can provide another realm of self-consciousness and awareness, thus “cutting” the human ego of an MC. Finally, this references Ultramagnetic MCs’ and De La Soul’s tracks titled “Ego Trippin’” (De La’s version being a “sequel” to Ultramagnetic MCs’ rendition), and DOOM mentions his “flows” again.

“America’s Most Blunted” ft. Quasimoto

You can hear the sample at 0:53
Sample starts at 0:22

With a whopping 19 samples, it was impossible not to include “America’s Most Blunted” on this list. We could’ve picked any of these references and samples, especially the pro-marijuana comedy album A Child’s Garden Of Grass, released in 1971 by writer Jack Margolis, Jere Alan Brian, and producer Ron Jacobs. Fun fact: that also appears on the track “Rhinestone Cowboy” later on Madvillainy. Nevertheless, Madlib’s most curious inclusion here is from Disneyland Records and Walt Disney Records Studio Group’s “Acting Out The ABC’s” from 1962. The song is exactly what it sounds like: a children’s song to get kids to learn the alphabet and dance, act, or move along to it depending on the letter. “If you all gather around the phonograph” (as the sample says), you’ll understand why the dope-smoking anthem has such a bizarrely and contrastingly whimsical or wondrous feel.

“Do Not Fire!”

You can hear the sample at 0:33
Sample starts at 3:30

“Do Not Fire!” is another sample-heavy joint, with nine of them to look at which range from Street Fighter II sound effects and clips to 1970s Indian music and the laughing evil voice from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Regardless, Madlib’s most ingenious and underground inclusion on this Madvillainy cut is a cheering crowd featured in “Back Door Daddy,” a song from a raunchy 1972 comedy album of the same name from Skillet, Leroy & LaWanda. LaWanda Page was a comedian and entertainer dubbed “The Black Queen Of Comedy” who collaborated on this album with Skillet, Leroy & Co., the duo comprised of Sanford and Son co-stars Leroy Daniels and Ernest “Skillet” Mayhand.

“Money Folder”

You can hear the sample at 2:46
Sample starts at 9:35

MF DOOM albums obviously come with many comic book references and media samples, plus a particular love for Dr. Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom. On “Money Folder,” the song’s ending samples the aforementioned Fabulous Villains documentary, which is suddenly interrupted by a clip of the word “DOOM.” This comes from the Spider-Man TV show, specifically its first season’s second episode “Dr. Doom, Master Of The World” from 1981. This is just one of the many instances of “DOOM” clips that Madlib and the London-born lyricist himself use to interconnect with other spoken word samples, and it comes across quite seamlessly. Now for bars: “Egads, he got enough styles to start three fads / True that, she bad, I wonder do she come with kneepads,” MF DOOM raps on the song.

“What a call, what a real butterball / Either I get a strike or strike out, gutterball,” he continues, mixing animal references, food companies, bowling, and baseball. Butterball is a brand specializing in turkey products, and a “turkey” is three strikes (knocking down all ten pins with one move) in a row in bowling, hence “three fads.” “What a call” is a term for successfully calling or predicting a strike (swinging and missing the ball) in baseball. Baseball players also wear knee pads to slide on the field and DOOM wants them for this lady, presumably so she can kneel down and perform oral sex on him. He’ll either enamor her and get a strike in bowling terms, or fail and strike out (three straight strikes) in baseball terms. “Gutterball” is when your bowling ball goes in the gutters on the side of the lane, resulting in no points.

“Operation Lifesaver AKA Mint Test”

You can hear one of the samples at 1:13
This sample starts at 4:37

“Operation Lifesaver” has a couple of samples, but it’s one of the Madvillainy cuts that gets the most mileage out of a single source. For example, Madlib uses many different clips of dialogue and sounds effects from the story album Songs And Stories About The Justice League Of America from 1966 by Tifton Records, namely from the tracks “The Theme Of The Justice League Of America,” “Aquaman – Defeat Of The Dehydrator,” and “Metamorpho: Fumo The Fire Giant.” In addition, he also takes from a similar story album: The Official Adventures Of Flash Gordon (1966) by Jackson Beck. Specifically, it’s from the track “The Decoys Of Ming The Merciless.”

Speaking of story, the narrative behind this song is that MF DOOM is on a date with a woman with bad breath. “Wow, it caught me off guard / I went to breathe out but then she made me cough hard / Contact the God and let him know to slip two in,” he spits over the beat. “Contact the God” is apparently supposed to be a reference to the Nation of Islam, and the number two means wisdom in their numerology. As such, DOOM suggests that he thought about telling her directly that her breath stinks, but opts for more underhanded and less confrontational ways to potentially improve his night out as the song goes on.

“Figaro”

This is a pretty simple one all things considered, but just one of many examples of MF DOOM paying homage to the rappers and microphone fiends before him on Madvillainy. Also, “Figaro” is laden with some of the most discussed, cryptic, clever, and relentless lyrical onslaughts on the whole album, so we had to give it a shoutout and look for less traveled paths down its runtime. “O’s beats and my rhymes attack,” he raps at one point, which might be a direct reference to Marley Marl and MC Shan’s “Scratch.” “All these beats with my rhymes attached,” Shan rapped over Marl’s beat, a rapper/DJ duo akin to Madvillain. The lines rhyme, and “O” is Otis Jackson Jr., better known as The Loop Digga, DJ Rels, Beat Konducta, Quasimoto, Yesterday’s New Quintet, or simply Madlib.

“Strange Ways”

You can hear the sample at 1:25 and throughout

The ending of “Strange Ways” narrates a downtrodden man after his former partner starts seeing another, more rich suitor. The clip itself uses phrases such as “feeling blue,” “an old flame,” “raining cats and dogs,” etc. Madlib took this audio clip from a 1951 cartoon short film titled Symphony In Slang directed by Tex Avery and written by Rich Hogan. In it, God is trying to understand a man telling his life story in heaven, but interprets his slang sayings literally, as depicted by the animation. Narratively, it also perfectly ties into the story of the very next song on Madvillainy‘s tracklist, “Fancy Clown,” which is about two of Daniel Dumile’s alter egos, MF DOOM and Viktor Vaughn, and how the latter’s girl cheated on him with the former. It’s a seamless inclusion that also points to DOOM’s obsession with language.

Speaking of the late legend’s obsession with language, there’s a line on here that isn’t solely included just to set up a rhyme scheme. “They pray four times a day, they pray five / Who ways is strange when it’s time to survive,” MF DOOM raps on “Strange Ways.” “Five” seems to just set up the “survive” rhyme, but the record’s message centers around authorities taking advantage of their subjects for personal gain, whether it’s police abusing their power or religions and governments waging war on their colleagues. Jewish people pray four times a day on the Sabbath or Shabbat, whereas Muslims pray five times daily. DOOM points out that each religion has its own customs and culture that others will wrongfully try to eliminate or oppress. We shouldn’t be focusing on what makes us different, but rather the common struggles we can help each other with.

“Fancy Clown” ft. Viktor Vaughn

You can hear the sample at 0:08
Sample starts at 0:13

One of the more unnoticeable and obfuscated samples on Madvillainy appears in the first few seconds of the aforementioned “Fancy Clown.” While the actual beat and melody samples something else entirely, Madlib chose to include a song on here that sounds soulful enough to warrant a track of its own, but opted to only use a small part of it. It’s the 1972 song “Walkin’ In The Rain With The One I Love” by Love Unlimited. The part that the West Coast producer uses is buried beneath the already sampled vocals, melodic elements, and drums; it’s of a group of folks scattering as rain falls. You can hear one voice yell out, “See you tomorrow!” and there’s a pretty good chance that many of Madvillain’s most ardent fans never noticed it in the mix. Or at least, enough to identify it as a wholly different sample.

As for MF DOOM, he gives out a pretty simple reference here, but one that each new year, generation, and fashion trend cycle threatens to bury deeper in the ground. “Matter fact, gimme back my bracelet and my Shearling,” Viktor Vaughn demands of his girlfriend. A Shearling is a wool coat that really took hold of b-boy and b-girl fashion in the 1980s, but nowadays it just sounds like some nondescript clothing item or brand. The idea certainly gets across, but it’s one of the moments on this album that is the most at risk of losing its cultural specificity over time. Clearly, DOOM meant it under a different context than the people who wear Shearlings today.

“Rhinestone Cowboy”

You can hear the sample at 0:08
Sample starts at the very beginning

Finally, Madvillainy‘s closing track “Rhinestone Cowboy” provides a discographic history for a Brazilian singer-songwriter and comically self-aware admissions of MF DOOM’s unabashed passion for references, wordplay, language, and humor. Starting with the sample, Madlib actually uses the same artist for the track’s musical sample (beat and melody) and the applause throughout: Santo Amaro’s own Maria Bethânia. The actual beat elements are from 1971’s “Mariana Mariana” off of the album A Tua Presença, whereas the applause is from her song “Molambo” off her record Recital Na Boite Barroco from three years earlier. Looks like Otis was a particularly big fan of Bethânia herself or Brazilian music at large when he was cooking this one up, and that connection across her discography for entirely different elements is a creative homage to the 77-year-old’s catalog.

Then, MF DOOM delivers one of the funniest and most characteristic lines on the LP. “Goony goo-goo, loony cuckoo / Like Gary Gnu off New Zoo Revue, but who knew the mask had a loose screw?” With “loony cuckoo,” we know he’s delusional, and “goony goo-goo” is gibberish from Eddie Murphy’s 1983 stand-up special Delirious. New Zoo Revue was a 1970s kids’ TV show, but Gary Gnu is from a 1980s children’s show called The Great Space Coaster. DOOM’s mix-up proves his “loose screw”: he’s as “cuckoo” as a character being from the wrong TV show. The villains love to make fun of their own jokes, as it’s just another excuse to string more words and sounds together in masterfully creative and fun ways. This humility makes Madvillainy an infinite source of hip-hop craft, sonic wizardry, linguistic transformation, and immersive, curiosity-rewarding knowledge.

The post “Madvillainy” Turns 20: MF DOOM & Madlib’s Most Obscure References appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kenny Mason “9”: 5 Things We Want

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Kenny Mason is a 29-year-old MC from West Atlanta who has made quite a splash in the last few years with his experimental blend of low-key trap and rugged pop-punk. The young rapper is gearing up to drop his latest effort on streaming services on March 14. Fans across social media are already voicing their excitement for the project. The new Kenny Mason album is simply titled 9, and is said to have nine tracks, including two singles, “Jumping In” and “Us,” which were just released.

9 serves as a follow-up to Kenny’s last LP 6, which released in June of 2023. Though 6 had some major highs, some fans felt that there were elements missing from the project which could have made it even stronger. With over 2 million monthly Spotify listeners to please, Kenny Mason may be on track to deliver his first certified classic with 9. Here are five things fans want from the upcoming album.

5. A Full-Length Run-Time

Like many young artists coming up in the TikTok era, Kenny Mason has been known to produce incredibly brief songs in the past. With 9 already confirmed to have only nine songs, fans are hoping the album’s run-time will be sufficiently longer than 15-18 minutes. Though neither of the two leading single tracks released this week have run-times that reach 3 minutes, fans are holding out hope that the album won’t be very short to appeal to young, easily distracted fans across social media. While nobody is asking Kenny Mason to create an 8-minute-long power ballad with an extended guitar solo outro, it would surely please fans to hear a few tracks that last long enough to fully flesh out their themes and ideas.

4. Variety In Production

Kenny Mason is known to produce much of his own material, and 9 will undoubtedly contain at least a handful of self-produced songs from the prolific Atlanta artist. However, fans would surely appreciate Kenny’s impressive vocal range and ability to innovate even more if he took the opportunity to work with some well-known producers. Beat-makers like Hit-Boy, the Alchemist, and JID collaborator Christo would all be excellent picks for a Kenny Mason collab. Of course, Kenny could also use 9 as a means to highlight some other young up-and-comers from West Atlanta by working with underground producers from his neighborhood.

3. Some Well-Placed Vocal Guests

Throughout his career, Kenny has had the opportunity to work with a wide array of excellent vocalists. He has previously collaborated with artists such as Denzel Curry and Freddie Gibbs and even appeared across multiple tracks with JID. His songs with the latter include cuts like “Dance Now” and “Just In Time” with Lil Wayne from JID’s critically acclaimed album The Forever Story. While Kenny Mason is certainly capable of carrying his album with no features a la J. Cole, it would surely please fans to see inclusions from some of his contemporaries on 9. Appearances from the likes of Isaiah Rashad, EarthGang, or SZA could really put the record over the top.

2. Genre-Blending Bangers

As stated, Kenny’s work is known for its genre-blending, with tracks often switching between a laid-back smoke session vibe and a hard mosh pit setting complete with shredding guitars. This sonic mixture has become something of a trademark for Kenny Mason, which many fans hope to see continued on 9. Perhaps the young rapper can even blend a few new styles into his music, with notes of jazz funk like Denzel Curry on Melt My Eyez See Your Future or harsh noise-core samples like JPEGMAFIA’s latest effort Scaring The Hoes. Either way, Mason’s high-energy output often features surprising left-field musical choices that blend seamlessly with his lyrical style, making the artist one to look out for on this year’s ‘best of’ lists.

1. Kenny Mason At His Best

No matter what sonic styles and lyrical one-two punches Kenny Mason delivers on 9, fans are looking forward to the artist putting out his best body of work yet. Kenny has continued to elevate his sound and production quality through each release so far, making 9 a culmination of all his greatest efforts thus far. Based on the leading singles to the album, it’s clear that Kenny is hungry and passionate, with recent social media posts from the up-and-comer confirming that this project will serve as some of his finest material yet.

The post Kenny Mason “9”: 5 Things We Want appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Best Rap Albums & Songs Of February 2024

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We’re a sixth of the way through 2024, and while it was a slower month than its predecessor, February still held a lot of heat for hip-hop. Whether it was huge blockbusters, indie hits, or long-awaited returns, this year is much more exciting off the bat than in 2023’s case. With that in mind, we can only dream of what else is in store for us this spring, when releases will get much more competitive. Make sure to hit the comments section to let us know what your favorite rap releases were this year, and what you think about the year so far for the genre and culture. So get your debate hats on and let’s take a look at the best rap albums and songs of February 2024.

Yeat – 2093

Starting off with one of the best hip-hop LPs of the year so far, and debatably the best mainstream release of February. Yeat took a big step on this 20+ track behemoth, but brought with him the focus and vision of a concise 30-minute drop. 2093 is heavy, industrial, ethereal, visceral, hard-hitting, occasionally gorgeous, and yes, futuristic. But its impact and place in the rap canon for 2024 isn’t because of any pushed boundaries, because this isn’t the most revolutionary sound under the sun. It’s because the Portland rapper (or alien, we should say) synthesized a lot of different inspiration points into something wholly his own.

Quadeca – SCRAPYARD

Along a similar vein, we have this loose but consistently enthralling mixtape that makes something new out of… well, scraps. Quadeca released a few SCRAPYARD cuts last year as little EPs, and much of the material here was devised during the making of his captivating 2022 album, I Didn’t Mean To Haunt You. While they didn’t fit that tracklist, and the Bulgarian -– sorry, Californian creative said a couple of tracks made after it won’t fit on his next, this still feels like a cohesive and cathartic record. Its blends of folk, indie rock, chamber pop, industrial hip-hop, alternative rap, and much more create a uniquely mid-fi portrait of a vulnerable but boundless artist. As far as the less traveled corners adjacent to the genre, nothing else in 2024 feels quite as special as this.

Little Simz – Drop 7 (EP)

For this next entry, we’re leaving the underground and heading straight to the club to return home at 7AM the next morning. Little Simz kept fans fed ahead of her next full-length with a fun, vibrant, and punchy collection of electronic and dance-inspired cuts. There’s drum and bass worship, a Jersey club jam, house-like rhythms, and even a trunk-knicking and authentic take on Brazilian funk. Regardless, we’re sure that the English lyricist’s next project will be more of a straightforward, complete, and grand experience. But as far as some great music to simply take in and enjoy with no frills, it doesn’t get much more enjoyable or freeing than Drop 7.

Erick The Architect – I’ve Never Been Here Before

Flatbush Zombies are sorely missed in the hip-hop landscape today, but its members are still making their mark on the culture. But I’ve Never Been Here Before feels like a more personal and important artistic step for group member Erick the Architect, not like a retread of what makes the trio so great. It’s a bit moodier than their most popular material and invokes a lot more genres and instrumentation styles, although it’s as reminiscent of their woozy East Coast sensibilities as ever. Also, the album’s sheer versatility really works in its favor and elevates it beyond a comeback moment. Don’t let this one slip from your rotation in 2024.

GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!”

Now it’s time to move on to singles, and there’s only one thing we can say to this Memphis MC about her new banger, and that’s “Yeah, Glo!” It’s very simple: match GloRilla with a grimy and old-school hometown beat and let her flow on it, and you’ll get an anthem for Bluff City. Still, what makes “Yeah Glo!” special in comparison to other takes on this is its infectious chorus and the 24-year-old’s raw energy. While we remain patient for a long-form project soon, it’s great to hear that she’s still got it. Rarely can artists retain the same exciting spark that burst them onto the scene, and this song is a solid example of that.

Don Toliver – “Bandit”

Speaking of sparks, Don Toliver came through with “Bandit” in February, an absolute banger that calls back to his originally seamless fusions of dreamy R&B melodies and amped-up rap flows. Thanks to a triumphant and layered instrumental, the Houston crooner was able to craft one of his most high-octane offerings in recent memory. Sure, he’s more well-known for his softer side these days, but fans are hoping that this kicks off a new era for him. After all, there are rock-adjacent acoustic drums and electric guitar chords here that sound like a stadium. It would be great to see the fusion that made Don such a star come back to the forefront of his work.

SZA – “Saturn”

Hopping over to the R&B realm, SZA surprised fans with a sultry, airy, and transportive preview ahead of her SOS deluxe, Lana. At least, that’s what die-hards hope will land later this year, but we wouldn’t be mad if Solana just drops more excellent loosies like these. Let’s run through the checklist: beautiful vocal performance? Check. Hazy yet lush production with a strong melodic center? Check. An emotively resonant song structure longing for escape, peace, and fulfillment in a compelling and thoroughly entertaining way? Double check, because the TDE superstar made us long for both a trip to Saturn and a journey to whatever world she created “Saturn” in.

Armand Hammer – “Doves” ft. Benjamin Booker

Even though We Buy Diabetic Test Strips came out last year, even its bonus tracks are proving why it will likely be a standout album for years to come. Its creators Armand Hammer, with special guest Benjamin Booker, released “Doves” as an extra treat to this LP, and it’s a near-nine-minute opus. It’s mostly a pretty ambient experience, with group members billy woods and E L U C I D drop languid, complex, but absolutely gut-wrenching verses over it. Pianos, static, faint guitar, and a whole lot of lo-fi noise and distortion will put you in a meditative state. We’d call it a haunting experience, or perhaps a soothing one, but the pallet created by the balance of these two spaces is too evocative to put in a single box.

TiaCorine – “Olive” ft. Zelooperz

Back to the bangers, we have two wildly colorful spitters joining forces on a disgustingly nasty beat from BNYX. This cut appears on TiaCorine’s Almost There EP, which is also deserving of a slot in the best projects section for this month. As for “Olive,” it’s all about their fast flows, zany deliveries, and how they’re able to sound so effortless and locked in over this instrumental. Yeah, it’s one of the most simple and immediate inclusions on this list, but play this in the car and you’ll see what we mean. If not, don’t fret: there are seven other gems on this short record, including “Blick” with Key Glock.

ScHoolboy Q – “Blueslides”

With this pick, you might have a pretty decent idea of who’s going to make our “Best Rap Songs & Albums of March 2024” list. ScHoolboy Q dropped various non-streaming singles ahead of the release of his five-years-in-the-making album BLUE LIPS, of which “Blueslides” connected the most deeply with fans. Many rightfully see it as a tribute to Mac Miller, and the melancholy and tender piano sample compliments the TDE legend’s reflections on his friend’s loss. But it also moves through many other lyrical areas of struggle, mental health, overwhelming pressure, and much more. It’s one of the most emotionally powerful cuts of the year so far, and a treat for hip-hop pen purists and production prudes alike.

Smino – “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months”

Finally, this St. Louis-born rhymer chose to once again prove why he’s been one of the most exciting and idiosyncratic artists in the game. “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months” is not only one of the most fun hip-hop songs of the year so far, but an impressively dexterous rapping performance that treats flows like the world’s most disposable camera: a quick and amazing snap, and onto the next. It’s really like watching Smino dance on a tightrope, and he makes it all the way to the end without breaking a sweat. Please, please drop a project this year, Mr. Misfit!

Let us know your favorite rap songs and albums of the month in the comments section below!

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Rappers Who Support Donald Trump: Weezy, Kodak & More

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In a landscape often associated with progressive ideologies and social activism, the alignment of rap music with hard-right conservatives can seem like a paradox. Yet, the diversity of thought within the hip hop community defies simplistic categorization. Despite the prevailing sentiment that former president Donald Trump is a purported abhorrent racist, there exists a cohort of rappers who openly express their support for him.

While some rappers support Donald Trump due to personal experience with his administration, some others do so out of a desire to engage with a controversial counter-culture movement. Whatever the reasoning, it is clear that hip hop’s political spectrum is far from monolithic, serving as a microcosm of the broader societal tapestry where divergent viewpoints coexist and collide. Here are seven prominent rappers who have expressed their support for the two-time popular vote loser.

7. Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks has remained one of the most controversial figures in hip hop for many years, frequently engaging in public feuds and beefs with other music industry veterans on social media and at private venues. Apparently, Banks is also a known Trump supporter, dating back to comments made during the 2016 election. The singer-songwriter is quoted as saying, “I think Trump is the only one who truly has the balls to bust up big business.”

The notable female rapper reaffirmed her support of Trump during a November 2023 interview, stating, “He’s just f*k*ing funnyyyy. He’s been through how many bankruptcies? How many wives? How many television shows? Seriously, nothing can take him down?”

6. Waka Flocka Flame

Waka Flocka Flame is best known for making anthemic bangers like “Hard in da Paint” and “No Hands.” The rapper has also made a number of pro-Trump comments over the years, with many fans praying that the Atlanta native is joking. In 2020, Waka Flocka claimed Trump was a better commander-in-chief than Obama and has continued to tweet in support of the controversial 45th POTUS ever since. Waka Flocka Flame even received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Trump in 2021, solidifying their bizarre relationship.

5. Benny The Butcher

Benny The Butcher recently came out in support of Donald Trump, although he offered very little reasoning as to why the twice-impeached former head of state would receive his blessing. In August 2023, Benny took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce, “I’m votin Trump 2024,” prompting a slurry of arguments from passionate Griselda fans in the replies. Benny The Butcher refused to provide any specific policy reasons why he has joined other rappers in support of Trump over the incumbent president Biden. However, he did disavow previous lyrics he rapped, which maligned Trump as a poor leader.

4. Sexyy Red

Further, Sexyy Red supports Trump and has even suggested that many people in her neighborhood do as well. Red provided some insight into why the former president has her support during a recent episode of comedian Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast. During her interview, she stated, “I like Trump. They support him in the hood. At first, I don’t think people was f**king with him. They thought he was racist, saying little s**t against women. But once he started getting Black people out of jail and giving people that free money. Awe, baby, we love Trump. We need him back in office.” 

This sentiment echoes Trump’s recent rhetoric, as the former one-term president falsely suggested that his polling numbers were growing within the Black community as his arrests and indictments stacked up. The actual polling data fails to reflect the alleged support, but if Sexxy Red is correct, there may be a silent undercurrent of Trump supporters from the hood.

3. Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne was one of the many incarcerated individuals to receive eleventh-hour pardons from Donald Trump as the former commander-in-chief concluded his term in office. Once Wayne was freed from prison, he joined Trump on stage and offered the former president his loyalty, and has even gone on to shout him out in several tracks. While many other rappers on this list believe in Trump due to a poor understanding of politics, Wayne has a personal stake in the former president’s administration, as no other politician has offered the New Orleans native such clemency.

The Lil Wayne song “Tuxedo,” which dropped in September of 2023, offered lyrics such as “I ain’t Aaron Rodgers ’cause I’m still on that pack, n****. Still got twelve on my motherf****n’ back, n****. Came home from jail, they was tryna send me back, n****. I just called my n**** Donald Trump and that was that, n****.”

2. Kodak Black

Like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black was pardoned by Trump during the latter’s final days in the Oval Office. Since then, Kodak has supported the former president and even accused his political enemies of manufacturing turmoil to justify persecuting him. During an April 2023 Instagram Live, Kodak stated, “I feel like these people are on some other s**t. They are trying to get Trump out the way cause Trump a stand-up n***a… Trump is a real n***a. He’s a soldier… Y’all get off Trump, man.” 

These comments from the rapper specifically followed Trump’s April arrest on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, resulting in the now-infamous Trump mugshot. The image of Trump’s mugshot has been shared and utilized by both Trump supporters and Trump critics.

1. Lil Pump

Lil Pump has supported Trump since the former president unsuccessfully sought reelection in 2020. During the campaign, the “Gucci Gang” rapper joined Trump on stage and hollered his signature catchphrase, “esskeetit,” to a crowd of very confused MAGA Republicans. Since then, Pump has continued to post pro-Trump messages and photos on his social media, including a recent image which shows that the rapper actually got Trump’s wrinkly visage tattooed on his upper thigh. Obviously, Pump’s support of the controversial politician goes significantly deeper than any other artist on this list, as the 23-year-old has branded himself for life.

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Best R&B Covers Of Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” Classic

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On August 25, 1992, Mary J. Blige released “Real Love,” the second single from her debut album, What’s the 411? Over three decades since it dropped, the song is now widely regarded as an R&B classic. During a recent tribute performance by Summer Walker, “Real Love” is one of the songs the singer covers. Unfortunately, the performance has caught mixed reactions since it reached the internet. Although Walker is a great singer herself, fans argue that better covers of “Real Love” exist.

Certainly, many covers of “Real Love” have been made by several artists across different genres. However, many of the best ones we’ve seen keep the song true to its R&B roots. There are a multitude of gifted vocalists around the world, and some truly blessed singers have covered this track. Here’s a list of some of the best covers of “Real Love” that exist.

Ciana Pelekai

Singer and YouTuber Ciana Pelekai uploaded her cover of “Real Love” to YouTube on May 21, 2020. It is a really simple video and shows Pelekai performing the song karaoke-style from the comfort of her home. However, a good vocalist is recognizable with or without big production, and Pelekai delivers a great performance. She infuses just the right amount of emotion into her singing and effortlessly glides through the entire song. Many other covers are available on her channel, but the “Real Love” video is a must-watch. 

Coco Jones

In celebration of Black Music Month 2023, REVOLT and Xfinity invited Coco Jones to perform “Real Love” on an episode of The Link Up. The episode was uploaded to REVOLT’s YouTube channel on June 19, and they describe Jones’s cover as a “modern twist” of the classic. Admittedly so, considering the interesting choices that are made with the performance. It features an ensemble of musicians playing several instruments, ranging from a cello to a vocoder. Everything is held together by Coco Jones, whose voice glides through it all like butter.

Alicia Keys

It’s no coincidence that Alicia Keys is on this list. Despite the drama concerning her performance at the Super Bowl, Keys is a great vocalist, and that’s a fact. During a One Night Only event in 2011, the singer performed Blige’s classic. Although she only briefly covers “Real Love,” Alicia Keys’s performance of the song leaves a lasting impression. While many would argue that nobody else can sing it quite like Mary J. Blige, Keys’ voice is also a really good fit. Her cover, only accompanied by a piano which she plays, is simple but profound. 

Dia Malai

For her blind audition at NBC’s The Voice in October 2022, Dia Malai performed this smash hit. Despite the nerves, she undoubtedly feels Malai covers “Real Love” like a pro. Merely seconds after she started singing, she received a turn from John Legend, and rightly so. While the rest of the performance went by without any more turns, the singer undoubtedly brought the heat on stage. Her vocals and stage presence were right on point.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is the queen of covers, and she absolutely devoured “Real Love” when she performed it on her show. In the middle of every episode of the Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer covers a song that is a hit every single time. Fans now lovingly refer to this segment of the show as “Kellyoke.” Without a doubt, it is one of the highlights of the entire. Time after time, it showcases what an incredible singer Clarkson is. She has a reputation for eating up every song she sings, and she certainly left no crumbs on “Real Love.”

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Best Rap Albums & Songs Of January 2024

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Overall, we have had a fantastic start to the year as it pertains to new albums and new songs. Some of the biggest artists in the game have been dropping, and it is a stark contrast to last year. Although 2023 certainly had some great releases, some fans felt it was a down year. However, we are starting strong in 2024, and that is all that matters. Having said that, we are taking a look at some of the best rap albums and songs of the past month.

21 Savage – American Dream

Firstly, we have 21 Savage and American Dream. Once again, 21 finds himself getting personal with us on a solo album. From the jump, he hits us with some scintillating bars and the production to match. Although the album may be bloated towards the end, we get enough bangers like “redrum” to keep us coming back. If anything, this album officially put the 21 doubters out of their misery.

Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Penalty Of Leadership

Subsequently, we have Boldy James and Nicholas Craven who gave us an early AOTY contender, Penalty Of Leadership. This is easily one of the best rap albums we heard last month. From the sampling to the storytelling and introspection, this album is a feat to behold. We’re sure Boldy will be dropping more music this year, and we cannot wait to hear what he has in store. As for Craven, he continues to prove himself as an immense talent.

Xaviersobased – Keep It Goin Xav

Xaviersobased is an artist who has certainly been able to navigate the internet world with ease. He is a king of the contemporary underground, and continues to forge new sounds within the New York hip-hop scene. On Keep It Goin Xav, the artist showcases just how strong of a songwriter he is. From wavy and hypnotic production to silky flows, Xaviersobased keeps you wanting more. While some may enjoy more traditional forms of rap, this album is still worth a listen.

R.A.P. Ferreira & Fumitake Tamura – the First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap

Another great album from this past month is R.A.P. Ferreira and Fumitake Tamura’s The First Fist to Make Contact When We Dap. Once again, R.A.P. Ferreira delivers a project worthy of your attention. The bars, the production, and everything in between is on point. If you are a fan of this style of rap, then you should absolutely stop what you’re doing and give it some attention.

Benny The Butcher – Everybody Can’t Go

Benny The Butcher is an artist who is consistently found on best rap albums lists and for good reason. Overall, the Buffalo artist is extremely consistent. On Everybody Can’t Go, delivers tracks produced by Alchemist and Hit-Boy. Overall, this makes for a captivating listen. While some have proclaimed that it is not their favorite Benny project, it is still incredibly strong and worthy of inclusion on this list.

Ice Spice – “Think U The Shit (Fart)”

Transitioning over to songs now, we have Ice Spice with “Think U The Shit (Fart).” Okay okay. We know. That opening bar is a bit of a meme. However, the overall song is actually extremely catchy. Moreover, once the hi-hats hit in the middle of the track, it really catches its stride. If you like fun, then you will definitely enjoy this cut.

Playboi Carti – “EVILJ0RDAN”

What more can be said about Playboi Carti and his recent rollout? There has been so much good music dropping, it is easy to forget that one of the best and most reclusive artists in rap has a new album coming. As for his most recent single “EVILJ0RDAN,” it lives up to its name. The production is straight-up demonic, and Carti is coming with a new sound that is quite promising. Hopefully, the album lives up to the hype.

Maxo Kream – “Bang The Bus”

Maxo Kream and Evilgiane teamed up for “Bang The Bus,” a truly captivating song with a Frou Frou sample that may take you by surprise. That said, Maxo is known for his bangers, as well as his incredible flow and voice. That is no different on this new track, which is a must-listen. Hopefully, Evilgiane continues to get the credit he deserves as it pertains to being a producer who is creating new sounds.

Young Miko – “Bzrp Music Sessions”

Young Miko is a Puerto Rican artist who has been showcasing immense talent over the last few years. Her sound is nothing short of amazing, and her BZRP Music Sessions collaboration is something that has been on repeat. The way she weaves in and out of the hook and verse is a marvel to behold. She is certainly not a new phenom, but she is one American audiences need to pay attention to.

SiR – “No Evil”

It had been a while since we had heard any new music from SiR. Now, he is back, and we are thanking our lucky stars for that. On “No Evil,” SiR embodies the spirit of D’Angelo, all while delivering some of his best vocals to date. Oh, and the instrumental will have you shook and coming back for more. What are you waiting for? Give the song a list, right now.

Anycia & Latto – “Back Outside”

Anycia is an artist who continues to showcase her raw talent. She got a massive co-sign from Veeze, who had an incredible 2023. This past month, she came through with “Back Outside” which features Latto. The flows, the beat, and the charisma jumps out at you and it is impossible to not be intrigued. Moving forward, we cannot wait to hear more from her.

21 Savage – “redrum”

We couldn’t deliver a best songs of January list without including 21 Savage’s track “redrum.” Overall, this is a pure banger that does a great job of making a statement on American Dream. If you like Savage and his flows, then this is going to be a song you will gravitate to. It doesn’t get more straightforward than this.

Megan Thee Stallion – “Hiss”

Lastly, we have the song that has pretty much set off an entire firestorm on social media. Of course, we are talking about “Hiss.” The song features Megan Thee Stallion at her best lyrically. Yes, she is taking shots at Nicki and a host of others. However, beyond that, this is a banger. It shows that Meg is back, and we could not be more grateful.

Let us know your favorite rap songs and albums of the month, in the comments section below

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Best “Year Of The Dragon” Sneakers For Chinese New Year 2024

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If you celebrate Chinese New Year, then you know that 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. Overall, this is a wonderful celebration, and there is a lot of historical significance to it. Every single year, Nike delivers a collection of Chinese New Year-inspired sneakers. Consequently, we are looking at five incredible Year Of The Dragon shoes that you should be checking out right now.

Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG “Year of the Dragon”

Air Jordan 1 Low
Image via Flight Club

Firstly, we have this Air Jordan 1 Low in the “Year Of The Dragon” colorway. It is a shoe that is packed with unique colors. From the green overlays to the shimmery red Nike swoosh, this shoe hits you with a punch. Moreover, there is some gold on the sneaker which gives you even more of a reason to pay attention. All in all, this is a sneaker you cannot go wrong with.

Adidas Harden Vol. 7 “YOTD”

Year Of The Dragon
Image via Flight Club

Secondly, we have the Adidas Harden Vol. 7. This is one of the more out of the box sneakers to come out over the past year or so. However, it certainly pays off, as does this “Year Of The Dragon” offering. From the white quilted pattern to the black and gold aesthetics of the back heel, this is a cool entry. If you want something that will help you stand out, this will definitely work.

Wmns Air Jordan 1 Low SE “Year of the Dragon”

Air Jordan 1 Low
Image via GOAT

Once again, we have an Air Jordan 1 Low on this. However, this time is a women’s colorway. Overall, this offering has a white base, burgundy overlays, and a gold Nike swoosh. In fact, this Nike swoosh has some nice patterns on it that bring the Chinese New Year aesthetic together. It’s an awesome aesthetic and one that should not be overlooked.

Nike Zoom KD 4 “Year of the Dragon 2.0”

Year Of The Dragon
Image via Nike

Next up on our list, we have the newest version of “Year Of The Dragon” Nike KD 4. This new offering is one that is going to jump out at you thanks to the colors and the silhouette itself. Firstly, the shoe is covered in neutral clay tones that layer perfectly with one another. Furthermore, the red Nike swoosh on the lace strap gives this shoe the perfect pop of color. All KD fans need to go out and get these.

Air Jordan 2 Retro Low “YOTD”

Image via GOAT

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have this Air Jordan 2 Low “Year Of The Dragon.” This shoe has a unique white upper to it with some burgundy on the back heel. Furthermore, there is some gold trim to really make it pop. Burgundy and light green emerge from the outsole for good measure. Needless to say, it is another great return for the AJ2 Low.

Let us know which of the sneakers is your favorite, in the comments section down below

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Toxic Love: Essential, Wild R&B Songs For Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With this holiday comes a season of love, affection, and romance. Further, R&B is the perfect genre for Valentine’s Day, whether you are single or in a committed relationship—or anywhere in between. There is a lane of the genre for everyone, including wholesome declarations of love and toxic soundtracks to pain.

Many legendary singers have dabbled in both ends of the R&B spectrum. Some, however, specialize in toxicity, penning some wild lyrics that become irresistible classics. In this modern era, toxic R&B has taken over. During times of heartbreak, listeners turn to toxic R&B, no matter how jarring the content may be. For this year’s Valentine’s Day, we are exploring toxic love by providing a list of essential wild R&B songs. Listed in no particular order, take a look at the selections below.

dvsn-if-i-get-caught”>dvsn – “If I Get Caught”

Canadian R&B duo dvsn make some of the best moody R&B. The lead single from their latest release, 2022’s Working on My Karma, basks in the group’s toxicity. Daniel Daley begins “If I Get Caught” by telling a girl “[she] wouldn’t want [him] if you thought [he] never had hoes” in response to her going through his phone. “Now you’re trippin’, girl, it’s not fair,” he sings. The JAY-Z-sampling song embraces its own toxicity with its catchy chorus. The choir chants, “If I get caught cheating, that don’t mean I don’t love you.” It is a song about cheating and trust that channels classic ’90s R&B records. The wild premise of “If I Get Caught” makes for the perfect toxic R&B for Valentine’s Day.

Ty Dolla $ign – “Horses In The Stable”

Undoubtedly, Ty Dolla $ign’s most toxic song is “Horses In the Stable.” He brags about having women in different area codes, likening his full roster to having horses “that [he] can ride anytime.” After listing off each girl’s name and city in the verses, he admits that “the way that [he’s] living ain’t right” but still says, “You just another girl, and this is just another night.” The song’s soulful swing and impeccable vocal performance make the lyrics seem very emotional, but the song is quite the opposite. Ty sings, “She said she lookin’ for a real one / I told her that she found a real one / Said she looking for relationships / I said, ‘Girl, who you playin’ with?’” The overwhelmingly toxic metaphor of horses in the stable combined with the instrumentation is overtly degrading but makes for a painfully honest song.

Jazmine Sullivan – “Roster”

Like Ty Dolla $ign, Jazmine Sullivan “keeps it honest” by telling someone about her “long list” on “Roster.” From start to finish, she is blunt in her approach and self-aware of how her habits may seem. “Toxic, call me toxic but you’ll never call me stupid,” she begins. “I’ve been told before, I’m ruthless ’cause I’m a player by nature / But I’ll always keep it honest / So for you, there’s one more spot left in my roster,” she continues. Jazmine Sullivan is enjoying herself, singing, “I’m not stopping in my prime / This the best time of my life.” She is interested in the person she’s speaking to but tells him, “Don’t catch feelings” and “You just gotta fall in line.” “Roster” explores having options, appealing to those disinterested in committed relationships around Valentine’s Day.

Drake feat. Ty Dolla $ign – “Get Along Better”

As both a rapper and a singer, Drake has a plethora of toxic tracks. Within the R&B realm of his catalog, many songs stick out as heartfelt expressions of heartbreak despite having a petty and toxic edge. On the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Get Along Better,” Drake ruminates on a past relationship and how it ended. He sings, “You had the nеrve to defend mistakes that you made at the end / You said I was too invested and that’s what had forced you to go and pretend.” Drake even doubles down, passionately singing, “I swear you crazy.” Promising pure intentions and that “this ain’t ‘bout revenge,” he still says, “now I get along better with your friend.” Despite not wanting to seek revenge on his ex, Drake remains frustrated with the way things ended between them but has finally moved on with her friend.

PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Savage Anthem”

“Savage Anthem” is appropriately titled as PARTYNEXTDOOR tells his girl that he will not change for her, sticking to his savage ways. “Don’t hold your breath, don’t wait on my love,” he tells her in the chorus before delivering some ruthless lines in the verses. PND tells the girl that she should not count on him to commit as he sings, “Don’t trust me to capture the moment / Forgive me, it just was a moment.” He is also clearly not open to hearing her side. He sings, “You see, I don’t give no f*cks now / Is it somethin’ we discussed now? / The truth got you in disgust now ’cause I’d rather we just f*ck now.”

Party is self-aware of his toxicity, saying that he puts “the dirt into dirtbag.” He knows “that’s f*cked up” but “that’s what pimpin’ do.” Overall, “Savage Anthem” certainly lives up to its title and is the essential song for those feeling toxic on Valentine’s Day. 

SZA – “Kill Bill”

SZA’s “Kill Bill” is another anthem for those feeling salty about how their last relationship ended. The Grammy-nominated single starts with SZA hating to see her ex happy with a new girl. She uses the metaphor of the famous Tarantino film to sing about being so hung up on her ex that she starts plotting to kill him and his new girl. Singing that she still loves him despite wanting to kill him, she says that she would rather be in jail and hell “than alone.” SZA clarifies that drugs do not influence her thinking, but she doesn’t want her ex to move on without her. The sentiments of “Kill Bill” resonate with listeners who hate to see their old flames move on without them. For that reason, it is the right kind of toxic R&B song for Valentine’s Day.

The Weeknd – “Shameless”

It really does not get more toxic than The Weeknd when it comes to R&B. Dark tales of pain, numbness, and cold-blooded lyrics riddle his discography. Throughout his career, he has enticed listeners with an intoxicated reality, bringing them into conceptual worlds of toxic relationships. Before returning to his “heartless” ways, The Weeknd declared himself “Shameless.” In this song, he details a no-strings-attached relationship with a girl who “lives for the pain” and begs him to come over.

The Weeknd recognizes her emotional baggage, singing, “That’s why you always call me ‘cause you’re scared to be loved.” Understanding the damage created by this relationship, he makes an empty promise to be there for her. Despite not wanting to hurt her, he admits he has no shame and continues staying in the relationship. With its “Shameless” lyrics, The Weeknd highlights toxic love in this song. It is the ultimate soundtrack to those feeling shameless around Valentine’s Day.

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Yasiin Bey’s 7 Best Underrated Hip Hop Tracks

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Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, recently made headlines after sitting down with The Cutting Room Floor for a rare interview. During the conversation, he was asked about whether or not he considers Drake to be hip hop. As he laughed, the rap legend responded, “Drake is pop to me. In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston, and I heard a Drake song. It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping. Or, as you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances.” Bey continued about Drake, saying that his music is “likable” and joked about shopping, exclaiming, “So many SKUs!” On a more serious note regarding the Canadian rapper, he asks, “What happens when this thing collapses?” 

Bey’s remarks took the internet by storm, with Drake’s response referencing an old Method Man interview. The debate on whether or not Drizzy is hip hop divided the rap community, with purists backing Yasiin Bey’s opinion and others coming to Drake’s defense. Many also criticized the artist formerly known as Mos Def for a Fashion Week performance, calling it hypocritical after calling out Drake for making “shopping music.”

No matter the position one takes on his comments, Yasiin Bey is one of hip hop’s most respected lyricists. His prolific career speaks for itself, with classic records including Black On Both Sides and the first Black Star album with Talib Kweli. Beyond his most well-known works are plenty of gems within his discography. Today, we are taking a look into Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs. Check out the list below.

7. “Zimzallabim” (2004)

While not as highly regarded as his debut album, Yasiin Bey’s 2004 sophomore effort, The New Danger, includes numerous underrated highlights. The album combined hip hop with psychedelic rock and soul, with the help of many producers and his band, Black Jack Johnson. One track that effortlessly displays this combination of genres is “Zimzallabim.” Co-produced by Easy Mo Bee and Bey himself, Yasiin applies his signature rap style to a rock-fused track, resulting in one of his most confident vocal performances. The song breathed new life into Bey’s eccentric rap style and remains one of his most underrated hip hop songs.

6. “Champion Requiem” (2004)

“Champion Requiem,” the closing track on The New Danger, is a standout moment that deserves more shine. Produced by 88-Keys, who lent beats to Black on Both Sides and Black Star’s debut, the upbeat track allows Bey to spit tough bars. Some of his best flows are on this song as he keeps up with the thumping groove. Compared to the off-kilter production on the rest of the album, “Champion Requiem” perfectly blends Yasiin’s traditional style with the album’s funky approach. 

5. “Revelations” (2009)

Many of Yasiin Bey’s best underrated hip hop songs come from his fourth studio album, 2009’s The Ecstatic. Seen as a return to form by many following True Magic, The Ecstatic saw a reinvigorated Bey applying his conscious rap style across a range of musical influences. The album’s quirky and adventurous soundscape contained beats from many producers, including Madlib. The Beat Konducta produced “Revelations,” originally an instrumental from his Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix album. Yasiin Bey’s relaxed flow matches the ominous production and his sung melodies enhance the unique production. Songs like “Revelations” helped foreshadow the sound of Black Star’s Madlib-produced No Fear of Time.

4. “Wahid” (2009)

Another underrated Yasiin Bey song and one of the four beats that Madlib contributed to The Ecstatic is “Wahid.” Bey manages to float over the abrasive production, smoothly flowing over the unpredictable instrumentation. “Wahid” may be a short song, but it is unparalleled in Yasiin Bey’s discography. It is a hard-hitting Madlib production that contains some of Bey’s most impressive rhyming. On an experimental album, it provides a burst of energy that leaves quite the impression. 

3. “Black Fantastic” (2013)

Yasiin Bey’s close collaborator and tour DJ, Preservation, remixed The Ecstatic in 2013, giving each song a reworked instrumental. The album, titled The REcstatic, includes a standout track titled “Black Fantastic.” The Minnesota-produced song replaced “Casa Bey” as the album’s closer, featuring the same lyrics but delivered differently over a gorgeous beat. The stunning piano-based instrumental creates an excellent backdrop for Yasiin to reimagine “Casa Bey” in a brand new, arguably superior way. “Black Fantastic” is an underrated deep cut in Yasiin’s discography.

2. “History” feat. Talib Kweli (2009)

Between Black Star’s seminal 1998 debut and their 2022 return with No Fear of Time, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli released a number of individual collaborations. “History” is quintessential Black Star, featuring a soulful instrumental from the late J Dilla. Both Bey and Kweli sound comfortable over the beat, which samples Mary Wells’s “Two Lovers History.” Outside of the exciting and rare union between both members of Black Star, “History” is arguably one of their best collaborations ever, as it highlights their collaborative chemistry.

1. “Sensei On The Block” (2015)

Over a decade since his last solo album, Yasiin Bey appears to go wherever the wind takes him musically. Whether it is a sound installation, the long-awaited Black Star album, or a rare guest feature, his next move cannot be predicted. In 2015, Ski Beatz promoted a track he produced for Bey titled “Sensei On the Block.” The single saw him returning to the “Mos Def” moniker. However, Yasiin Bey released a statement following its release, saying that “any music that’s been released under that name is without [his] consent” and that “it’s being sold illegally.” Despite it being released against his permission, the song is definitely underrated. Bey’s lyrical performance is on par with some of his most classic works, and the steel drum-laced instrumental still sounds fresh nine years later.

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Tamera Mowry-Housely Ranks Top 6 “Tia & Tamera” Rap References: J. Cole, Doja, Nicki Minaj & More

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It’s been quite a while since the world was first introduced to “Tia & Tamera.” The identical twins became international sensations on the ’90s sitcom Sister, Sister, but that wasn’t the end of their entertainment run. Over the last few decades, the women have built million-dollar brands, starred in films and television shows, had their own reality TV series, released music, launched haircare products, and much more. While Tia and Tamera Mowy’s names and faces are permanently etched into pop culture history, the pair are also regular fixtures in Hip Hop lyrics.

Tamera Mowry has just tapped into a few of these Rap references. While we’re sure there are far more out there in the music ether, Tamera found six “Tia & Tamera” lyrics and references that have been staples. Some, she was already aware of, but others were brand new to her ears. Moreover, Tamera ranked the tracks after previewing them in a video she shared with her Instagram followers. Take a look at the video below, along with the songs ranked in the order chosen by Tamera Mowry.

6. Chief Keef — “Picking Big Sean Up”

Drill giant Chief Keef released “Picking Big Sean Up” back in 2021, but contrary to the title, the Detroit rapper didn’t make an appearance on the track. However, the Sister, Sister twins’ names surfaced when Keef rapped: “Man, these b*tches irri’ / She want a Panamera / Pull the ‘cat and track hawk out, it’s Tia & Tamera.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t Tamera’s favorite in the bunch, and she ranked Chief Keef’s song last.

5. Su’Lan — “Tia-Tamera”

As soon as this song began to play, Tamera was excited. It was obvious to the TV star that Su’Lan’s “Tia-Tamera” was a bop, but it still didn’t crack the 5th spot on this list. Created by the rap duo whose moniker is a split between the names “Su” and “Lan,” “Tia-Tamera” landed on their project of the same name. The har-hitting track paid homage to Old School Hip Hop productions, introducing the young femcees to new audiences.

4. Polo G — “Distraction”

It feels like we haven’t heard from Polo G in a while, so this nod from Tamera was refreshing for fans. “Distraction” arrived in 2022 on the rapper’s hit album with the same title, and on the track, Polo gets introspective. Here, he discusses his placement in the industry, being respected as an artist, and life on the streets. He raps: “Twin Glocks, Tia, Tamera, yeah, these my new b*tches /
Hit they block with two switches, it make my shottas shoot different.”

3. J. Cole — “Cole Summer”

The most raunchy “Tia & Tamera” lyrics on this arrive courtesy of J. Cole. The big boss of Dreamville delivered Truly Yours 2 in 2013, and inside was “Cole Summer.” The tracks on this EP couldn’t squeeze themselves into the Born Sinner tracklist, and they’ve been held as fan favorites. In the song, Cole spices things up when he says: “If I had one wish, I would f*ck Tia and Tamera / At the same time and put name tags on they t*tties / So I don’t get they names wrong, screamin’ ‘Game on’ / Like Wayne’s World, that just came on.”

2. BIA & Nicki Minaj — “Whole Lotta Money (Remix)”

“Whole Lotta Money” was already making major waves for BIA, but the industry imploded when Nicki Minaj added her Rap legend voice to the track. The song’s viral sensation on TikTok helped rocket the song up the charts, and the collaboration is one of the most memorable of 2021. Further, the Queen rapper delivered the “Tia & Tamera” bars when she spit: “I just bent the block, all these b*tches wanna be ya / Prolly cause my waist gone, money long, Nia / Well, I ain’t talking cars, long hair, don’t KIA / In a twin seater, you Tamera? What’s Tia?“

1. Doja Cat & Rico Nasty — “Tia Tamera”

The most recognizable Tia & Tamera track on this list appropriately landed in the top slot. In 2018, two of the most eclectic women in Rap collided in a colorful collaboration—”Tia Tamera.” Doja Cat added the fierce Rico Nasty to a single included in the Deluxe version of Amala, her debut studio album. Over the years, Tia and Tamera Mowry have repeatedly referenced this track, so it isn’t surprising that it took No. 1. The chorus rings: “Hair grow long like Chia / Money go long like Nia / I am the big idea / My twins big like Tia / My twins big like Tia, Tamera (Uh, wait) / Tia, Tamera (Uh, wait).“

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