Mixtapes

Murs Drops New EP, “Guide To World’s Greatest Cities”

by

Although we’re only eight days into 2023, Murs is certainly off to a busy start to the year. On January 3, he dropped Unreleased, a collaborative EP with Isaiah Toothtaker.

Only three days later, he returned for the release of a solo EP, Guide To World’s Greatest Cities. The project contains five songs and runs for nearly 17 minutes. Throughout its runtime, the L.A. rapper follows an interesting concept.

Over the course of the EP’s five songs, the 44-year-old pays homage to different cities around the world; Tokyo, New York City, Oakland, Ethiopia and Minnesota. He uses his storytelling abilities and descriptive language to paint pictures and set scenes based on his experiences in these places.

He kicks it off by expressing his love for Tokyo and telling the stories of some formative encounters while there. “No google translate back in ’98 / When I was runnin’ these streets, tryna find a date / I did alright, I fell in love twice / And love don’t need to language when it’s done right,” he raps.

However, not every track is entirely positive. On the outro, “MPLS (Punk Ass Promoter),” he reflects on a show gone wrong while in Minnesota one night. He vows to never spend another winter in the city and never do another show with a “punk ass promoter” again. Regardless, the experience is evidently one that Murs can look back and reflect on. Furthermore, his ability to candidly reflect on it represents his maturity and artistic expression.

Additionally, each song’s production reflects the city he’s rapping about in their respective songs. Produced entirely by GLDN EYE, he provides Murs with a diverse range of beats for him to reflect over.

Although known best for his 2015 track, “Okey Dog,” the 44-year-old is continuing to make waves over two decades into his career.

The new project follows up his three full-length releases from last year. The last of which is Three’s Company, which serves as a collaborative album with fellow California natives, The Grouch and Reverie.

Make sure to stream Murs’ Guide To World’s Greatest Cities EP on Spotify down below. Comment your top three tracks afterwards. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest music releases and stories.

Guide To World’s Greatest Cities Tracklist:

  1. T-O-K-Y-O(Bullet Train Backflip)
  2. NYC (Golden Apple)
  3. Oakland (Luv)
  4. Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
  5. MPLS (Punk Ass Promoter)

Bernie Sanders Assists Minnesota State Rep On Her “CAPITOLIO” EP: Stream

by

Is Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders making his rap debut? Technically, no, though he does make an uplifting appearance on Maria Isa’s new CAPITOLO EP. The project arrived on Friday (January 6), and kicks off with a heartwarming (albeit explicit) conversation between the two politicians.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks during the COVID Federal Response Hearing on Capitol Hill on June 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. The hearing was held to examine and update the ongoing Federal response to COVID-19, focusing on current status and future planning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

As HipHopDX reports, the Minnesota State Representative’s new project comes as a reminder to her fans that she’s not done with rap. Even with a successful career in politics, she still knows how to throw down over a beat.

“Of course I’m going to keep making my music — that’s where I get my energy,” Isa previously told The Star Tribune.

Across eight different tracks, the multihyphenate expertly fuses Latin, Caribbean, reggaeton, and finally, hip-hop vibes. “I had been working on it from the first day I was running for the House, and it’s been a part of my campaign trail the whole way,” she dished to the same outlet.

“Music is medication, and we can certainly use that medication in politics right now.”

In the past, other rappers have markedly used their platforms to promote Sanders. Most notably, Killer Mike was once accused of accepting money in exchange for his support.

“Keep it really real. I accept NO MONEY from any politician. I am already rich,” the Run The Jewels member later expertly clapped back.

Stream Maria Isa’s CAPITOLIO EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, find more new music suggestions on our weekly R&B Season playlist update here.

CAPITOLIO Tracklist:

  1. Tío Bernie
  2. Coco
  3. My Love
  4. 1st Class Flights
  5. Bad Chicks
  6. Lo Que Necesitas
  7. Hello to the Weekend
  8. Nena

[Via] [Via]

Homeboy Sandman Drops Ethereal Album, “12 Days Of Christmas & Día De Los Reyes”

by

Queens rapper Homeboy Sandman just released 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes, his new holiday project. Well, kind of: the theme may be based around Christmastime, but it’s still the same abstract word wizardry you’ve come to expect from him. Moreover, he dropped a single from this album every day leading up to its release starting on December 25th. With tracks like “Eighth Day of Christmas,” he built a concise and laidback collection of interesting beats and flows.

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

Each track corresponds to a “day of Christmas”: the first, second, and so on. However, wrapping up the tracklist is “Día de Los Reyes,” referring to the Christian holiday on January 6th. Moreover, it’s a nod to Homeboy’s Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Three Kings’ Day, as it’s known in English, is big in Latin America. So, with that in mind, the 42-year-old gave fans great hip-hop wrapped in a cultural history lesson waiting to be unearthed. Still, even with that extra layer, his style and delivery is too skillful to ignore.

On that note of great hip-hop, the instrumental variety is rich on here despite its narrow theme. While Sandman doesn’t focus on overtly holiday-related topics, each song could be a gift to fans of abstract styles of rap. “Second Day of Christmas,” for example, features a heavy guitar-based beat that slams through the speakers. Meanwhile, the very next track “Third Day of Christmas” is a Madlib-like collection of bustling drums and a heady and sprawling verse. Also, he displays a similar creativity on his album with the Oakstop Alliance, Royalty Summit.

Still, what did you think of Homeboy Sandman’s latest album, 12 Days of Christmas & Día de Los Reyes? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, you can check out the project’s tracklist down there as well. Moreover, as always, stay posted to HNHH for more creative releases in the hip-hop realm and beyond.

Tracklist

  1. First Day of Christmas
  2. Second Day of Christmas
  3. Third Day of Christmas
  4. Fourth Day of Christmas
  5. Fifth Day of Christmas
  6. Sixth Day of Christmas
  7. Seventh Day of Christmas
  8. Eighth Day of Christmas
  9. Ninth Day of Christmas
  10. Tenth Day of Christmas
  11. Eleventh Day of Christmas
  12. Twelfth Day of Christmas
  13. Día de Los Reyes

Smino’s “Luv 4 Rent” Gets The ChopNotSlop Treatment: Stream

by

The tail end of 2022 saw the arrival of some undeniably incredible new music. Among the many standout albums is Smino’s Luv 4 Rent, which chiefly landed as October was drawing to a close. Since its arrival, the 15-track project has earned plenty of praise, even nabbing a spot on HNHH‘s yearly roundup of noteworthy hip-hop releases.

Even though it’s been over two months since its debut, the Missouri rapper’s work remains in streaming rotation for many. That’s not likely to change anytime soon, especially considering The Chopstars have gotten their hands on it to curate a fire remix.

Singer Smino performs on Day 2 of Sol Blume Festival 2022 at at Discovery Park on May 01, 2022 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

Their ChopNotSlop cut of Luv 4 Rent landed earlier this week, and already, listeners are singing its praises online. Specifically, tracks like “No L’s” “Ole Ass Kendrick,” and “Pudgy” with Lil Uzi Vert are arising as favourites.

The Chopstars are no stranger’s to flipping popular releases on their head. Earlier this year, they did the same to Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss album, which also received an enthusiastic response from listeners.

“I’m glad Chop and Screw is becoming legitimized BH rappers,” one Reddit user specifically praised the creative group. “These would often get taken down from YouTube, so to see official versions on Spotify is a huge win. Big ups to Chopstars for real.”

Finally, stream The Chopstar’s remix of Smino’s Luv 4 Rent on Audiomack or SoundCloud below. Afterward, tell us what version of the project is your favourite in the comments.

Luv 4 Rent (CHOPNOTSLOP Remix) Tracklist:

  1. 4rm Da Source
  2. No L’s
  3. Ole Ass Kendrick
  4. Louphoria
  5. Blu Billy
  6. Curtains
  7. 90 Proof
  8. Settle Down
  9. Pro Freak
  10. Modennaminute
  11. Lee & Lovie (feat. Reggie)
  12. Matinee
  13. Garden Lady
  14. Defibrillator
  15. Pudgy (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)

Zaytoven Drops Off “Only One”

by

The architect of trap music is back with new heat. Zaytoven slid through with his new project, Only One this morning.

Zaytoven is clearly kicking off the year on the right note. And, it could be an indication of what else he has up his sleeve in 2023. The legendary producer, who played a pivotal role in Gucci Mane’s career, unveiled his new project Only One on Friday. Though it isn’t a full-length body of work, it’s a short effort that highlights Zay’s overall artistry. His production is still top-tier. But, fans who know him for making beats will have a better understanding of his overall skillset.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Zaytoven attends AFROTECH Conference 2022 – Day One at Austin Convention Center on November 13, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for AFROTECH)

The rapper’s new project also showcases his kids’ talents as well. The project includes features from Kamari-Carter and Xhulooo.

Years after cementing his name in Atlanta’s scene, Zaytoven is undoubtedly keeping the momentum high. 2022 was another prolific year for the legendary producer that saw the release of Streetz Got No Heart. The project boasts 10 songs in total with appearances from Bun B, Trouble, Foolio, PeeWee Longway and more.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: Zaytoven attends the premiere screening of “2 Finesse” at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16 on December 08, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

On top of that, the producer continued to produce for high-profile artists, such as long-time collaborator, Gucci Mane. Zay produced a large chunk of So Icy Boyz: The Finale, including GuWop’s “Letter To Takeoff.” He also had two production credits on Quavo and Takeoff’s Only Built For Infinity Links on the songs, “Look @ This” and “2.30.”

Check out Zaytoven’s new project below and sound off in the comments with your favorite track.

Dusty Locane & Kajun Waters Team Up On “-95 DEGREES” EP

by

Dusty Locane and Kajun Waters have teamed up for a special collaborative EP.

On Thursday, the two artists came through with their new joint project, -95 DEGREES. The latest offering is a quick 9-song offering with a sole feature coming from Fergie Baby. Kajun Waters showcases his versatile sound while also pushing Dusty Locane to explore beyond his usual drill stylings.

On the first track, “SAILS” ft. Fergie Baby, Kajun Waters provides breezy production that has more of a West Coast vibes to it. Fergie Baby comes through with smooth delivery but it’s Dusty Locane who comes through with a surprising performance. He maintains his gritty, cut-throat style but he’s also showcasing his melodies even further.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 21: Dusty Locane attends a private dinner at Jue Lan Club on July 21, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Still, Kajun Waters provides a comfort zone for Dusty Locane, who continues to showcase his drill stylings on other songs like “DANGEROUS.”

The project also contains the previously released remix of Kajun Waters single, “Chevelle.”

Dusty Locane’s coming off of an incredibly productive 2022, specifically within the final months of the year. After releasing ROLLIN N CONTROLLIN, he teamed up with a few other frontrunners of the drill movement for a special collaborative effort. Alongside Rah Swish, Ron Suno, and Onpointlikeop, they shared SAY DAT. Finally, Locane dropped off NIGHTMARE ON DA FIFTH compilation before closing out 2022 with the release of CATCH DA FLU.

Kajun Waters is undoubtedly up to big things in 2023. The producer earned credits on Jim Jones and DJ Drama’s WE SET THE TRENDS single, including the titular track ft. Migos. On top of that, he clocked in new collaborations with artists like Don Q, Rah Swish, and City Morgue.

-95 DEGREES is clearly setting the tone for both artists this year, and we’re excited to see what else they have in store.

Make sure you peep Dusty Locane and Kajun Waters’ new EP, -95 DEGREES below.

NBA YoungBoy Gearing Up To Drop First Album Of 2023 This Friday

by

NBA YoungBoy was undeniably one of the most active rappers of the year in 2022. Successfully dropping eight tapes over the past 12 months, the 23-year-old was all over everyone’s playlists.

It seems as though he has his eyes on continuing this trend in 2023 as well.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again performs during JMBLYA at Fair Park on May 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

According to reports from Billboard, the Baton Rouge native will celebrate the first week of the new year by releasing his first offering of 2023. The album is titled I Rest My Case.

The official album cover is circulating on social media in anticipation of its arrival on streaming services on Friday (January 6).

Furthermore, the project will serve as YoungBoy’s first under his new label, Motown Records. He signed the deal in October last year and reports indicated that it would go into effect in 2023.

Following this news, the “Make No Sense” rapper claimed to be turning down large sums of money for potential tours. “I done found time for myself. Every $15 million tour come my way getting turned down. I don’t wanna do no show. I don’t want nothing but a bigger house. It gave me time for myself. My daughter know who I am, b*tch, I know who I am,” he flexes in the Instagram video.

The final of the aforementioned eight albums he released in 2022, was the 21-track Lost Files. Among the other seven are two joint projects with other rappers. The first of which is BETTER THAN YOU with Da Baby. The latter, released in November, is 3860 with Quando Rondo.

It will certainly be interesting to see how many more projects he drops off this year.

What was your favorite release from YoungBoy last year? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, be sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases.

[via] [via]

Boldy James Gearing Up To Drop New Physical-Only EP

by

Boldy James is undeniably one of the busiest rappers in the game. Over the course of the past few years, the Detroit native has worked tirelessly to maintain this title.

Ever since 2020, the 40-year-old has dropped several projects each year. He’s now getting ready to drop yet another one. However, this offering will only be releasing physically.

Boldy James of The Alchemist x Boldy James performs during the NBA Leather tour at The Warfield on February 01, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

The new EP, titled ADU, will be entirely produced by Real Bad Man and will be released via RCC Music. Copies on vinyl, CD and cassettes will be available to purchase on January 16. The official announcement was made by the producer on his Instagram account. “This is a physical release through @rrcmusic.co[.] No digital, no streaming […] no pre-orders,” he writes in part of the post’s caption.

Furthermore, he also reveals the tracklist in small font at the bottom of the photo. It appears as though the project will contain six new tracks. Side A will feature the first three tracks, “Hellblock to the Sunnyside,” “Hot Cakes” and “Big Bags.” Meanwhile, Side B will contain the last three songs, “Sweetest Taboo,” “Jonny On the Spot” and “Give Or Take.”

Additionally, ADU will mark the duo’s third collaborative album. The first one is 2020’s Real Bad Boldy.

In 2022 alone, Boldy released four different albums. All of which are full-length collaborations with different producers. He kicked off his year with the release of Killing Nothing in May, which serves as his second full-length album with Real Bad Man.

The Nicholas Craven collab, Fair Exchange No Robbery arrived in September, followed by the Futurewave-produced Mr. Ten08. Afterwards, he closed out his year with Be That as It May, with Cuns producing the entirety of this one.

Will you be trying to get your hands on the new physical-only album? Comment your thoughts below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and releases in music.

[via]

IAMSU! Releases Bouncy EP, “Out The Blue”

by

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

by

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