Tag Archives: Kendrick Lamar

2014, 31 days of good, best of 2014, music

(31) Days of Good//12.8.14

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sisyphus_cover

If I told you Sufjan Stevens was attached to one of the best hip hop(ish) records of 2014, you might call me crazy. But combine Sufjan with Son Lux and Serengeti, and not only is the self-titled debut one of the best hip hop(ish) records of 2014, it’s easily one of my favorite overall records of the year.

♩ Sisyphus – Rhythm of Devotion [from Sisyphus]

[sisyphusmusic.com]

 

run the jewels - run the jewels 2

Easily the best hip hop of 2014. Killer Mike said it best – “It is the best rap group album since RTJ1.”

♩ Run the Jewels – Blockbuster Night Part 1 [from RTJ2]

[runthejewels.net]

 

kendrick_lamar_taylor_swift

How do you make my favorite guilty pleasure track of 2014 better? Add Kendrick.

♩ The Hood Internet – Backseat Shake Off (Kendrick Lamar x Taylor Swift) [single]

[thehoodinternet.com]

 

Flying Lotus - You're Dead!

Not that Flying Lotus really needs Kendrick’s assistance when it comes to producing such cool and creative tunes, but it sure doesn’t hurt. And when you’re done here, be sure to check out the track’s music video.

♩ Flying Lotus – Never Catch Me (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [from You’re Dead!]

[flying-lotus.com]

 

#31days2014

2012, 31 days of good, music

(31) Days of Good: 12.19.12

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ab_soul_control_system

Part of the TDE crew of LA rappers including Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul continues in the ways of socially conscience rappers like Mos Def. Be sure to check out his side project Black Hippy with his TDE label mates, and frequent collaborations with the likes of A$AP Rocky and Childish Gambino.

♩Ab-Soul – Illuminate (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [from Control System]

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nas_life_is_good

Life Is Good is Nas’ best album in some time featuring guest stars ranging from Rick Ross to Mary J. Blige. “A Queen’s Story” sounds as big as a film score with a string heavy beat under stories from the street.

♩Nas – A Queen’s Story [from Life Is Good]

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killer_mike_rap_music

El-P produced Killer Mike’s entire 2012 release R.A.P. Music, mixing the MC’s southern styling alongside El-P’s experimental production. This does not sound like Top 40 Hip-Hop and that is why we love it.

♩Killer Mike – Big Beast (feat. Bun B, T.I. & Trouble) [from R.A.P. Music]

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azealia_banks_1991_ep

Mixing house music and Hip-Hop, Banks has become arguably the best in a group of new female rappers to burst onto the scene in the past couple years. Banks is the real deal and could hold ground with any of her Harlem cohorts. She has been a muse of fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld and is currently in London working with Florence and The Machine producer, Paul Epworth.

♩Azealia Banks – 1991 (feat. Lazy Jay) [from 1991 EP]
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2012, 31 days of good, music

(31) Days of Good: 12.5.12

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The G.O.O.D. Music crew had a huge year with the release of Cruel Summer.  This record top to bottom has some of the best production in hip hop along with some of hip hops biggest names.  “Mercy” is the standout track in my opinion, especially the verses from Pusha T and 2 Chainz.  Pusha T has emerged as the stand out lyricist of the entire crew, combining clever quips with street credibility.

Kanye West – Mercy (feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, & 2 Chainz) [from Cruel Summer]

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The super hyped Odd Future crew are some of the most blogged about people in hip hop.  Earl Sweatshirt is actually deserving of the hype.  Drawing comparisons to early Nas, Earl has a grim and visceral tone to his music.  The 18 year old MC has definitely established himself as one of the elite up and coming rappers in the rap game.  And when you have a chance, head on over to Stereogum and watch the music video that dropped yesterday.

Earl Sweatshirt – Chum [from Doris]

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Just add the stats of this track and I’m sold: Kendrick Lamar + Drake + a Janet Jackson sample. There are a lot of great cuts from Kendrick Lamar’s major label debut and follow up to his majorly successful mix tape Section.80, but this might be my favorite.

Kendrick Lamar – Poetic Justice (ft. Drake) [from good kid, m.A.A.d city]

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