Ricky Blaze has been doing his thing for a minute as dancehall and R&B artist. His current project continues to pick up steam as he drops his next single “Top Shotta$” featuring the homie Maino. This isn’t sexy like Gyptians “Hold Yah,” which Blaze produced. But this is definitely minimal ratchetness over a crazy a beat. And Ricky’s vocal adds the right touch.
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With all this talent like Kendrick Lamar and Ab Soul blowing in from the west like a hot ass Cali wildfire, some of the legends are starting to lose their luster. I heard this new joint from Tha Dogg Pound called “LA Here’s 2 U.” It has the classic Cali G Funk feel that laid the foundation for West Coast domination 20 years ago. It’s good to hear Daz, Snoop and Kurupt reunited in rhyme. “LA Here’s 2 U” probably won’t get much burn in the mainstream, but it still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check for this, especially if your out West.
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Big K.R.I.T. is the freshest MC to come from the south, in my opinion, since Outkast. His style is combination of Big Boi and Dre 3000 mixed with a dose of Pimp C and Bun. One listen to his latest offering “Shine On,” which features a dope 16 from the Underground King Bun B, and you can definitely understand where I’m coming from. Aside from K.R.I.T.’s signature style of MCing, it’s his production that is top notch. Like a West named Kanye, K.R.I.T. can go from Shaq on the boards into Clark Kent in the booth. “Shine On” is that funky yet super dope shit.
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One of my favorite hip-hop collectives coming out of NYC is the entire Pro Era crew. They are THE 2013 throwback version of 1993. It was a time that hip-hop music was aggressively reflecting the culture of the streets. Joey BadA$$ and his Pro Era crew have done their due diligence keeping that spirit of real hip-hop sh*t alive. Peep this new “Maxwell” track which features Era members Dirty Sanchez, Rokamouth and (R.I.P.) Capitol Steez. If you listen closely beyond the incredible wordplay you can see this in a modern day hip-hop love song.
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Lanz Pierce’s “Miss You” track probably won’t get any mainstream burn but that’s OK. What she talks about on the records has more substance than any Top 100 chart could ever have. The track explores the violence that plagues our society and in particular makes references to the Sandy Hook tragedy. This isn’t the usual musical menu that you would hear from Pierce but it does show her lyrical diversity. Until We Read Again.
Brandon ‘TNT’ West
Music Exec / Industry Insider/ The Andy Rooney of Hip Hop Culture
Holla at him @tnt718
