This is na-cho cheese
I really hope some rappers read this column every Friday and catch themselves when they read the corny line of the week that I’ve chosen to accompany the image to the right. It really is a problem when some lines are so cliche in Rap that I can call them out at will each week. I understand there are limited words that you can rhyme with cheese but did the phrase “na-cho cheese” really do it for you every time, guys and girls? In other news, Courtney Love thinks she found the Malaysian plane… And just to clarify, the Kurt Cobain case is still closed. The police is only releasing new photos of the house.
We realize this column has come to include artists you may be more familiar with now. Treat is as a playlist for when you’re tired of the radio and the clubs. You know the drill: Sound off on our Twitter (@TheSource). If you can do better yourself, submit a track or video to SYLR@thesource.com.
Little Simz – “The Hampton” (Prod. Da-P)
The emcee from across the pond gives us another loosie after SXSW. We doubt she’s talking about the Hamptons most American rappers are familiar with.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140567967″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
N.A. – “Red Alert” (C.O.L.O.Rs.: Crimson Tides)
Using !llmind’s “March” off of his #BoomTrap EP, N.A. gets vicious before he drops his C.O.L.O.Rs. project. This is the sound of the beast.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140301833″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Blitz The Ambassador (feat. Seun Kuti) – “Make You No Forget”
Blitz is becoming one of my favorite international artists right now. Here’s a track for anyone a little homesick, where you are. And if you don’t recognize the feature, Google the last name.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140332392″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Wara from the NBHD – “Squeal”
Wara brings the heat over a heavy electric guitar beat. The lyrical and sound density of this track has us anticipating his upcoming Kidnapped project.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140371534″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
ZZ Ward (feat. Asher Roth & King Chip) – “365 Days (Blended Babies Remix)”
One of our favorite producers work their magic again over a ZZ Ward track, adding some new verses from Asher and Tha Ripper. This production duo can do wrong on a remix.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140113672″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Mick Jenkins – “Free Nation Rebel Soldier Pt. 2” (Prod. 6thBoro)
Alabama born and Chicago raised emcee Mick shares some real knowledge about life in the streets. Ain’t no room for debate on this. And as he says, “The Water[s] Coming soon…”
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/138903417″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
*Big Piph (feat. DJ Discipline) – “Balance (Let ‘Em Know)”
The Little Rock emcee is here to preach on the concept of balance in your life. We all know we could use a bit more. Otherwise, he might have to set you straight himself. Check out the dude’s iPad giveaway contest as well that’s all about how you find your equanimity.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140279655″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
*Ray LaCrooks – “Majestic (For The Crew)” (Prod. JD Knight)
Even when you’re out of your mind messed up and with a girl, you have to remember the crew. See how Minneapolis emcee Ray handles all the distractions in his life. Off his upcoming Too Soon To Tell project.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140496942″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Nakim (feat. Kris Kasanova & Smoke DZA) – “3DIDDYS” (Prod. Justin Rose)
What happens when you get some NYC artists to come up with a track as grand as P. Diddy? This track. Expect more of this kind of high octane Hip-Hop on Rose’s and Nakim’s BLKROSES (3/25).
HIT THE JUMP BELOW FOR THE VIDEOS
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
