west coast hip hop

Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Claim Top Spot On Rolling Stone’s West Coast Rap Songs List

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When you think of West Coast hip-hop from all eras, few names come quicker to mind than Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Moreover, the pioneering duo had an incredible run in the 1990s and beyond and blessed fans with multiple classic records- and the classic West Coast rap song, according to Rolling Stone. Furthermore, the publication recently made a list of the 100 best songs from the sub-genre/region, including all sorts of names. From Ice-T to Kendrick Lamar, Tupac Shakur to Tyler, The Creator and many more, they covered a lot of bases. However, at the very top spot stood Dre and Snoop’s 1992 classic, “Nuthin’ But A G Thang.”

In fact, the duo has more placements throughout the list. For example, the trailblazing rap group N.W.A., in which Dr. Dre was a key member, nabbed the silver medal with the 1988 hit “Straight Outta Compton.” In addition, Snoop Dogg’s “Gin And Juice” landed at the number eight spot. Considering their indelible stamp on so many careers and sounds in the region and beyond, their presence is no surprise. Other names included in the top 10 are the aforementioned Kendrick, Ice-T, and Tupac, plus Mac Dre, Ice Cube, and Souls Of Mischief.

Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Top Rolling Stone‘s Best West Coast Rap Songs List

Furthermore, the duo was recently in the news after Suge Knight claimed that Dr. Dre did not, in fact, produce Snoop Dogg records like Doggystyle. “[Daz Dillinger] did the whole- he did everything on Doggystyle. By himself,” Knight alleged. “The whole album was done. He did everything. He produced it. So when it was time to come out, the streets said, well, they want Andre [Dr. Dre] to be on it. And Andre said, ‘I want to be on there.’ So Andre went to Daz and said, ‘Look man, let me say it was produced by me, and put my name on it. You’ll get paid, but let me be the one who produced it.”

Still, Dillinger came through with a takedown of Suge’s claims. “Whats up y’all it’s Daz Dillinger giving y’all the news and info that I’m looking at,” he started. “Hey, Dr. Dre is the best producer in the motherf***ing world. I did not have nothing to do with that, Dr. Dre did that on his own. Suge Knight is lying, I ain’t sign a motherf***ing thing. He’s just covering s**t up because of everything that Snoop has uncovered in the Death Row unveiling of all the business and shady s**t that Alan Grunblatt, little fat f***er, and what they was doing and how they was still in cahoots with Suge Knight. So he’s just making up s**t right now.” Check out Rolling Stone‘s full list here and return to HNHH for the latest on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

The Alchemist Picks Up The Mic On “60 Days” With Larry June

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Hopefully The Alchemist and Larry June are dropping their album soon, because their latest single “60 Days” is so promising. Moreover, the track features both California rap artists in their best elements. On one hand, June comes through with steady and effortless verses, whereas Al- wait, did he just start rapping? Not only does The Alchemist produce here, but he gifts fans a nice 8-bar verse with some engaging rhymes and wordplay. Of course, Al got his start as an MC and that, paired with his decades of experiences, might be lost on newer listeners. Overall, if you had a doubt about either of these artists, “60 Days” indicates that a project could just bring out the best in each other.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 31: The Alchemist performs during NBA Leather Tour at O2 Academy Brixton on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)

First, the instrumental here is classic Alchemist production. For example, the bright and otherworldly string samples and very light beat contrast with deep bass. As perfectly evidenced on albums of his like Sandwich, he’s a master at making a grimy beat feel wondrous, and a dreamy instrumental feel grounded. It also pairs well with June’s more understated delivery here, even as he details his lavish lifestyle. Most importantly, maybe these contrasts are indicative of the tracks themes. A lot can happen in 60 days, and there’s always the conflict between where you are and what it took to get you there.

Still, what did you think of this newest track from Larry June and The Alchemist, the lush “60 Days”? Moreover, are you looking forward to a new album from the two? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the music video and standout bars down below. Also, if you haven’t heard it yet, you can find the single on your preferred streaming service. As always, come back to HNHH for the best new music of the week from top-tier rappers, producers, or both.

Quotable Lyrics
Know how to spot and catch a phony and do the plaxico to myself before the matrimony (Shoot myself)
Stick shift Aston, I’m diggin’ in my trick basket (Yeah)
Fixin’ plays, cut up the pot and split the change (60 days)
A lot of s**t could happen in 60 days

Dr. Dre Receives Inaugural Global Impact Award At 2023 Grammys

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Dr. Dre just accepted the inaugural Global Impact Award from the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective at the 2023 Grammys. In fact, the award is named after him. Moreover, his award came on a night in which dozens of artists came together to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Furthermore, the Global Impact Award “recognizes the contributors, creatives and professionals with a proven track record of uplifting Black music.” During the ceremony, LL Cool J presented the Compton legend with the award. Also, he labeled him “an icon who helped define West Coast Hip Hop.” In addition, LL believes the mogul’s path is “one of the most impactful success stories of our time.” In his speech, Dr. Dre had much to be thankful for.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Honoree Dr. Dre accepts the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award from LL COOL J (L) onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Before he spoke, however, the ceremony featured an MC Late-narrated video of the 57-year-old’s many accomplishments. From his early days with N.W.A., his solo success, and his business acumen, they hailed him as a trailblazer. “I’m extremely moved by this award,” he remarked. “I want to say thank you to the Recording Academy and the Black Music Collective for this honor, and I know everybody in here probably knows this already, but this is the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. Make some noise for Hip Hop! Where would I be without it? Where would a lot of people be without Hip Hop, to be honest? Hip Hop became a lifeline for me as a teenager growing up in Compton, and it started with a song called ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel.’”

Moreover, the artist continued to thank his collaborators and supportive loved ones. “What I love about this award is that it uses my name to inspire the next generation of producers, artists and entrepreneurs to reach for their greatness and demand that from everyone around you,” he concluded his speech. “Never compromise your vision at all, pursue quality over quantity, and remember that everything is important. That is one of my mottos: everything is important.”

After Dre received the honor, LL Cool J and The Roots hosted a tribute to hip-hop’s 50th. It featured legendary acts, groundbreaking artists, and current titans of the game. “From The Bronx to the five boroughs, to the West Coast to the Heartland; overseas to Europe, to Africa, to Asia; TikTok, whatever’s next,” LL expressed towards the performance’s end. “Because thanks to the 33 Hip Hop artists on stage and the countless more we love, Hip Hop is a global platform today. We’re celebrating. Happy 50th anniversary to Hip Hop, baby!” As always, come back to HNHH for the latest on Dr. Dre and to celebrate all things hip-hop.

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Celly Ru Releases “Hush” With OhGeesy

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Celly Ru just dropped “Hush” featuring OhGeesy, which will surely fit snugly on your West Coast playlist this week. In it, Celly and Geesy trade bars over a menacing piano loop, sharp drums, and a grandiose vocal sample. Moreover, it’s Celly’s most high-profile single in a while. Last we heard from him on HNHH, he collaborated with Mozzy and E Mozzy for the H.G.M. mixtape.

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 12: OhGeesy performs during Rolling Loud at NOS Events Center on December 12, 2021 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/WireImage)

While this is one of Celly’s most notable releases in a while, the Sacramento rapper has been putting in work consistently. He already threw his name in the ring this year with the E Mozzy collab tape Middle East. Moreover, his hustle resulted in increasingly confident verses, better beat selection, and overall upward trajectory. Sure, we’re used to hearing Celly collaborate with Mozzy and company quite often, but to link with Geesy is another treat in and of itself.

Instrumentally, each element of this track is effectively understated. Still, the focus is on the bars and flows, although the beat has some creative details that make it dynamic. For example, the main piano lines go up in pitch as the flows switch up, and there are more melodic elements than the track lets on. Atmospheric and almost opera-like vocal samples, an extra key line, and Geesy’s catchy hook.

However, it doesn’t make the song feel any less cold-blooded. As Celly and his featured L.A. guest go through their performance. there’s a husk to each of their voices. Meanwhile, the sharp hi-hats and snares contrast well with the dreamy texture of the instrumental. Lyrically, there’s a lot of debauchery and hedonism to talk about, whether it’s their money-making exploits or their relationship to others in their circle. What’s clear is that Celly adds a slightly faster, more dramatic approach to this Southern sound.

What did you think of Celly Ru’s latest track, “Hush” featuring OhGeesy? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments, and peep the music video and some standout bars down below as well. Also, if you haven’t checked the track out yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the best new hip-hop each week.

Quotable Lyrics

I’m on the s**t, let her drive the whip and I don’t know the b***h,
She know we rich, spent $200K and I ain’t notice it
We blowin’ s**t, blow that s**t again then run it up,
That b***t left and tried to double back, these h**s be dumb as f**k

IAMSU! Releases Bouncy EP, “Out The Blue”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tracklist

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

Oakstop Alliance & Homeboy Sandman Deliver New Album, “Royalty Summit”

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Oakland-based nonprofit Oakstop Alliance has released a new compilation album titled Royalty Summit. Moreover, Homeboy Sandman curated that summit with the nonprofit to showcase the region’s best MCs, producers, and artists. As such, the album delivers soulful but summery beats, a lot of charisma, and eccentric flows and deliveries. They’re similar to Sandman’s last single, “Get Yours.”

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

However, it’s not like Oakland missed out on great artistry before. Many big names call the city their home such as Kehlani, Raphal Saadiq, Kamaiyah, Fantastic Negrito, and so many others. Still, the city’s always wanted to keep pushing things even further to uplift local artists. So, Oakstop Alliance created the Oakland Resident initiative to give more visibility to the area’s local talent.

Furthermore, Royalty Summit is the campaign’s first release. The organization’s executive director, Damon Johnson, pitched the idea to Homeboy Sandman as the latter planned his There In Spirit West Coast tour run. Moreover, they recorded the album’s 12 tracks over three days with over 20 local artists. Despite Homeboy being from Queens, the artistry on display from Oakland locals like Tone Oliver and Simago makes the city’s sound distinctively electrifying.

So, what did you think of Oakstop Alliance’s new compilation album, Royalty Summit? Also, which Oakland hip-hop artist did you discover that you might give a spin again? Although there’s a lot to pick from, let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist down below. In addition, if you haven’t listened yet, you can find the Homeboy Sandman-led project on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, keep your eye on HNHH for the freshest and most exciting hip-hop releases each week.

Tracklist

  1. Bas1 Intro
  2. The Journey (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Simago, and James Wavey)
  3. Just Because (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Honest in 10land, and Tone Oliver)
  4. Programmin’ (ft. Fuze, GAM, Honest in 10land, and Tone Oliver)
  5. Come Around (ft. GAM, Alai the Guy, and Homeboy Sandman)
  6. Now (ft. Mike Fish, Homeboy Sandman, and Michael Sneed)
  7. The Herb Garden (ft. Alai the Guy, Homeboy Sandman, and Ovrkast.)
  8. Just Because [REMIX] (ft. Homeboy Sandman, Jada Imani, and James Wavey)
  9. Look at the Rim (ft. Homeboy Sandman, A-Plus, and Michael Sneed)
  10. Voice of My Own (ft. Simago, Honest in 10land, and Mike Fish)
  11. Witness (ft. Fuze and Homeboy Sandman)
  12. Bas1 Outro

The Alchemist Serves Up “Sandwich” Compilation

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The Alchemist may well be producer of the year, but if you’ve been following hip-hop for the past few decades, you know that’s not uncommon. He’s just released The Alchemist Sandwich, a compilation of his Lunch Meat and Bread EPs from back in 2018. However, he’s also graced fans with two new tracks. Furthermore, these are “Big Syke” with Boldy James and Meyhem Lauren and “Clip In A Tray” with ScHoolboy Q.

The Alchemist's "Sandwich" compilation has graced fans with two new tracks as well.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 31: The Alchemist performs during NBA Leather Tour at O2 Academy Brixton on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)

Al is known as one of the greatest producers to ever touch a studio, and in the very top tier of producers working today. Still, much of his best work is collaborative, pulling the top tier of MCs together. His last collab project was The Elephant Man’s Bones with Roc Marciano, which dropped back in August. Moreover, this Sandwich compilation features some of the game’s best. Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, Earl Sweatshirt, Black Thought, Styles P, and Roc Marciano appear.

Meanwhile, Al’s production on these old tracks sounds as fresh, creative, and inventive as ever. Still, “Big Syke” has his trademarks: lumbering bass, creative sample loops, filtered production, glistening melodies, and a soulful touch. Conversely, Boldy and Meyhem float effortlessly over the instrumental, and it’s a treat to hear Q match with Uncle Al on “Clip In A Tray.” In fact, his aggressive flow fits like a glove on the California producer’s deep beats. Moreover, it’s been great to see Al working with other rappers apart from his standard cohort, like MIKE and Wiki’s One More EP.

Still, what did you think of The Alchemist Sandwich compilation and its new tracks with Boldy James, Meyhem Lauren, and ScHoolboy Q? Were you still bumping those Lunch Meat and Bread EPs? If so, let us know in the comments, and check out the tracklist below as well. Additionally, you can find The Alchemist Sandwich on your preferred streaming service. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the best new hip-hop releases each week.

Tracklist

  1. Dean Martin Steaks (Ft. Roc Marciano)
  2. Judas (Ft. Westside Gun & Conway the Machine)
  3. The Hopeless Romantic (Ft. Action Bronson)
  4. Massacre (Ft. Benny the Butcher & Styles P)
  5. Big Syke (Ft. Boldy James & Meyhem Lauren)
  6. Ray Mysterio (Ft. Westside Gunn & Conway the Machine)
  7. Roman Candles (Ft. Black Thought & Roc Marciano)
  8. Mac 10 Wounds (Ft. Conway the Machine)
  9. E. Coli (Ft. Earl Sweatshirt)
  10. Clip In A Tray (Ft. ScHoolboy Q)