Best Posts: What's Stanfield Been Bumping? (TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2021 SO FAR)

  1. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Oct 3, 2020
    Straight heat, obviously. (No @joeyp363 . Don't even think about it).

    Honestly, I’ve lost track. Despite a second round of lockdowns in London, work has been busier than ever and my listening habits have become increasingly erratic. Somehow the infinitely bizarre mix and match spiralling out of my YouTube subscriptions algorithm has become my primary source of music these past few months. There has been so much good music, I feel like I can’t keep up. Gigantic ‘event’ level albums come and go in the pace of a few days, and I’m diving into discographies of a seemingly never-ending stream of new artists, jumping from Bankhead to Compton to Brooklyn to Brixton. I’m obsessed but also frustrated that its not humanly possible to keep up any more. Only so many hours in a day I guess.

    Anyways, I’m planning to use this thread to chronicle what I’ve been listening to; artists, albums, EP’s, mixtapes, singles, even the occasional throwback. No specific goal in mind, just a way for me to keep track of what I’ve enjoyed (and what I haven’t). And as always, new recommendations always welcome!
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2020
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  2. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    May 16, 2021
    I'M BACK IN THIS b----

    Lil Gray - 10B410
    One of the most promising names coming outta the DMV, Lil Grays been at it for a minute now, having dropped his first tape in 2018 I havent listened to all his work but this is the best, and most complete project of his I've heard. Whether he's reflecting on the comeup, barrelling off tongue twisters or flipping old samples Ludacris used back in the day, Gray's practically buzzing with pop and star appeal. I have a good feeling about the future of his career.


    Conway - La Maquina
    It ain't FKTAG but d---, its not too far off. I think I said it in the album thread on here - this man's making a very strong case for being one of the best rappers working right now. And 'working' is just the way to put it. Conway doesn't overcomplicate s---, just sticks to his formula. Coke, threats, boasts, boom bap. And its working like a f---ing charm.


    Semetary - Rainbow Bridge 3
    I still find myself watching Fantano sometimes. You never know, sometimes he has a dope recommendation or 2. I dont know how I found myself watching his review for obscure goth-rap white trash rapper Semetary, but my curiosity got the better of me the more he kept describing how much Semetary sounds like Chief Keef. And holy s---, he's wasn't lying. This is what would happen if Finally Rich-era Sosa met Ghostmane. I don't think I enjoyed this as much as he did but I gotta say I agree with him for the most part, there's something undeniably weird and catchy and interesting about this. Check it out.


    CZARFACE & MF DOOM - Super What?
    Yeah its pretty exactly what you'd expect. I like most of CZARFACE's stuff, when you're in the mood for some back-packing comic book rap s---. This kinda just picks up where their last collab with DOOM left off, of course now with the sad reality of the Masked Villain's death. Cool little project though.


    Jasiah - War
    My never-ending quest for high-energy gym music has had a new staple added to its rotation. I'm usually pretty iffy on screamo Zillkami-esque rock-rap and even though I liked a handful cuts cuts on Jasaiah's debut tape, I never expected to enjoy his follow up EP so much. I don't know if its the weird cartoony samples and instrumentals, or his infectious energy is or just how brief and to-the-point this is but somehow I've had it non stop repeat since it dropped.


    DJ Khaled - KHALED KHALED
    Gotta give it up to Khaled for the mere fact of his longevity. Mans been doing this s--- since the early 00s and is showing no sign of stopping down. Sure the vast majority of his catalog is a miss but I'm always there to check out the hits. When they hit, they hit. This one is so typically Khaled. I guess the title makes sense. Just a random bunch of who's-hot rappers thrown over a bunch of sparkling, polished, nostalgia-drenched sampled instrumentals. Like literally everything else in his discography, some hit, some miss. By far the most exciting this about all this is finding out theres actually a Baby x Durk album in the works


    Lil CJKasino - War of the Planet of the Apes
    Automatic fire emoji to any new s--- coming out of Texas for me right now. I can't get enough of this s---. CJKasino comes from the same school as fellow young Texas emcees like Quinn NFN and Lil2Z - gigantic, bash your face in the curb energy over ridiculously minimal, eardrum-crunching-bass-heavy instrumentals that sound like metal bars rattling around in your brain. Its just all so... crunchy. It would be way too much if it was Kasino alone but the guests - everyone from HPJ to the Sauce Walka himself on show up packing so much f---ing heat.


    Night Lovell - Just Say You Don't Care
    Gotta shout out the man @Lil Squeed for putting me on. The Canadian $uicideboy$ signee Night Lovell sounds like Pop Smoke meets Travis Scott meets Juicy J meets 21 Savage meets Brotha Lynch Hung. This s--- is different. The singles leading up to his second(?) album has me HYPED, and even though I like the final product, I can't help but feel the monotony gets just a tad too much over the course its 33min run-time. Still, some weird-a---, spooky, haunted trap s--- worth checking out on this one.


    ALLBLACK - TY4FWM
    We're not even half-way through 2021 yet but I can easily see this one popping up on year-end lists come December. ALLBLACK's been grinding for a while now and this feels like his breakthrough moment. From the outrageously catchy Kenny Beats-produced, Drakeo-featuring single Ego to the absolute unit of a display of emceesmanship on Cobrai Kai to features from all the best names on the Best Coast right now (even Vince Staples shows up), this is already knocking at the door at my own year-end list.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  3. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Oct 3, 2020
    Starting off with a Saturday Hangover edition: initial thoughts on the Friday drops October 2nd:

    21 Savage & Metro Boomin - SAVAGE MODE II

    A lot of people forget that the first Savage Mode got a pretty mixed reception when it first dropped. It delights me to no end to see how much Savage has improved since then and the recognition and respect he now gets. Its no secret Metro remains in my top 3 producers of all time. I’m actually kinda glad he’s ducked outta the spotlight, only emerging from the depths to drop cinematic masterpieces like this. On first few listens - and with no hyperbole at all - this is the best thing either 21 or Metro has ever put out.

    YG - My Life 4Hunnid

    This sounds rushed. Very rushed. Like YG and his team wanted to capitalise on the success of FTP and hurriedly threw a bunch of leftovers together. To be fair, there’s enough material for a top-tier YG EP here. Some of these singles are taking me back to MKL/SB days. Pity.

    Westside Gunn - Who Made the Sunshine

    I’m astounded at how much music these guys make. It fells like there’s a new full length Griselda album every other week. They’re all kinda blending into one another now, especially Westside Gunn’s latest few drops. There’s a handful of keepers on here like there always are though, and 98 Sabers is an absolute SLAP.

    ALLBLACK - No Shame 3

    You can tell ALLBLACK grew up on the steady diet of Oakland flavoured rap. The E40 and 2pac influences are strong. I haven’t listened to this all the way though just yet but enjoying what I’m hearing so far (after getting put on to ALLBLACK from last year’s full length collaboration with Offset Jim).

    Fivio Foreign - Bop It ft. Polo G

    Yep, this is it. This is the one. I was on the fence on Fivio for a while, but he's been on an undeniable upward trajectory for a while now. Somehow Kenny Beats has managed to wrangle up a beast of a South-Floridian-esque b-----r fused in with distorted drillish warps. Fivio is just straight up having fun. I mean s---, even Polo G sounds like he's having fun on this.

    LBS Kee'vin - Shining ft. 42 Dugg

    Ok to be fair this actually dropped last week but has managed to hold onto a spot in my still-in-roation playlist. Thats how you know its a keeper.

    Megan Thee Stallion - Don't Stop ft. Young Thug

    Ben Shapiro's worst nightmare. Not exactly gonna be in my playlist for very long but a fun song nonetheless. Its been a few years now and I'm still so f---ing happy Thugger's become such a mainstay in these big budget chart toppers.

    Denzel Curry - Live from the Abyss

    Does a song even really exist if its only available on Bandcamp? This is clearly just a warm-up but I like the sound of what Denzel's been doing since that Pig Feet joint with Terrace Martin.
     
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  4. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    May 9, 2021
    A few recent highlights I've been bumping when I'm not drowning in spreadsheets in these days. There's suddenly so much new music I needed to get this down before I forgot about it all lol.

    Vince Ash - VITO (Deluxe)
    Pac ain't dead, he just rebranded as Vince Ash. This dude has only dropped 2 brief projects so far (if I'm not mistaken), and both of them have shown tremendous potential. The Pac influence is obviously the first thing that comes to mind but you can hear plenty of Triple 6 in his upbringing. I'm staying tuned for this one.


    Kenny Mason - Angellic Hoodrat: SUPERCUT (Deluxe)
    Kenny Mason is an offshoot of the JID-dy / Kendrick-meets-3K-meets-Carti branch, with hyperactive intertwined flows that spill out into every open space in the instrumental. Difference with Kenny is that one minute he's in his quadruple-time flow zone, then next he's exploding into full-out rock opera choruses, complete with huge stadium guitar riffs. There's a lot of interesting ideas, some that dont quite click, a lot that do. 2 of the best cuts off his new Deluxe album feature 2 other insanely gifted technicians. But if you like these check out his other work.



    Topaz Jones - Don't Go Tellin Yo Mamma
    Say what you will about Pitchfork but I've gotten countless amazing music recommendations from them (especially Alphonse Pierre's column, that place is a d--- goldmine and Alphonse is one of the best hip hop journalists working right now). Their recent review of Topaz Jones' sophmore album had me interested when they described it as 'funk-embroided' and I was not disappointed with the result. This kinda took me back to the sound Kendrick was all over in 2015, that TPAB-ish fusion of funk and soul and blues and jazz (more funk though). This one feels like an @Ordinary Joel special.


    Moneybagg Yo - A Gangsta's Pain
    I've never been as big on Yo as I have been on other Memphis artists - he just doesn't have that same presence as a Dolph or a Glock or even a Blocboy JB. but this one has me suddenly seeing the light. Its no classic or anything but by far the most complete Moneybagg album in his catalog so far. And there's a handful of cuts on here (idgaf, Wockesha - if only for its title alone - is a stone cold classic) that take this to the next level.


    Big Scarr - Big Grim Reaper
    Speaking of Memphis.... Pooh Sheisty's scar-faced brother drops what is probably the hardest of the trio of new 1017 solo albums so far. Not necessarily the best (that honor remains firmly with Shiesty), but Scarr's baritone is almost intimidating as it pummels through a f---ing carnival of Tay Keith and BandPlay instruments. I cannot wait to see what comes next from the new 1017. Throw this one on the gym playlist in the meantime.


    Lil Yachty - Michigan Boy Boat
    Its not the groundbreaking D to the A moment it could have been, but I'm so happy this actually happened and that Rio, Mike, Jay, etc will hopefully get some much deserved shine. There's plenty enough to go around, I just wish some of those classic Youtube loosies would have wound up on this. For Yachty himself, this is such a breath of fresh air in his catalog.

    Teejayx6 & Lex Luger - Generation Scam
    Teejay's kinda disappeared into 'this page cannot be found' background after dropping one of the greatest pieces of music ever made. He's dropped a bunch of lo-fi, s-----y quality youtube mixtapes that are just more of the same, so I usually would have skipped this until I saw Boldy James on the feature list. A Teejay x Lex x Boldy crossover is way too weird to pass up. Was not disappointed.


    T.F. - Dough Networkz Presents "Skanless Summer"
    It took me a while to figure out where I've heard T.F's voice before. Something about that grimy flow and hard-hitting underground instrumentals with a west-coast tinge had me thinking @SKUX GOD would be disappointed in me for not knowing. Turns out he probably would be - the last time I heard T.F he was an unknown feature on Schoolboy Q's Tookie Knows II. But d---, the dude can RAP. And this little project, even though its brief has been in rotation for a good couple of weeks now.


    Ola Runt - Atlanta's Most Wanted
    I'm still mad Ola and Gucci had a fallout. I wanna know wtf happened. He's blowing up regardless though, that combination of a neverending stream of music and insane social media antics (that album title probably isnt far from the truth) is paying off. One of the stranger, more recent offshoots of the Gucci/Thugger/Future family tree with a nasally, squeaky delivery that pitches up then descends into snarls and winds around those thoroughly ATLien trap beats just like Thugger was doing over Metro instrumentals 6 years ago.


    Lil Eazzyy - Rookie of the Year
    I f---ing love Chicago right now. There must be something in the water over there. Lil Eazzy is no expection, from the moment the Jon Williams soundtrack-esque trumpets blare up on Introduction all the way through to the remix of his breakout hit with the big Herbo feature, Eazzyy's just got that natural gift. Can't wait to see what he does next.


    Capolow - Code Name 16
    I've seen Capolow's name popping up a few times but don't think I've ever listened to his music before. I'm glad I gave his latest album a chance though because d---, this is one of the most entertaining, complete bay area/ west coast albums I've heard in a minute (side note - I think ALLBLACK just took the throne with his latest drop though). I think I already recommended it to @Donkey Kong Country , but just in case I didn't, I'm recommending it again. Its just so much fun to listen to. It sounds like E-40 and Future losing their s--- at a Cali pool party, just dousing an ocean of bouncing asscheeks in tequila lol.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  5. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Dec 21, 2020
    Dogystyleeee - Get Paid ft. N Hale


    I have to post this before I forget! Anyone else missing those classic Snoop x Nate collaborations? Doggystyleee, who may as well be the modern day reincarnation of Uncle Snoop, alongside N Hale, who is actually Nate Dogg's son (and sounds just like him) team up on one of the best throwback moments in recent memory.

    @Michael Myers @icecube you both need to hear this.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  6. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 15, 2020
    Big K.R.I.T. - Mt. Olympus


    The craziest thing about Kendrick's storied Control list is that (almost) none of the rappers he mentioned could actually go toe-to-toe with him. I mean even Jay Elect got washed on the very same song. The man was stating facts. He reigned supreme; king of both coasts. Only one of the inhabitants of the hip hop Mt. Olympus dared stand in his path. Its a pity it took Krit another 3 (almost 4) years until he actually made good on his promise with the epic 4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time, and by then Kendrick had already taken over the world, but the song itself still stands as one of the brightest moments in Krit's career.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  7. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Oct 11, 2020
    SUNDAY HAGOVER EDITION VOL. II: October 9th DROPS

    Boldy James - Manger on McNichols

    If there’s one thing I hate about streaming its the f---ing music that isn’t available on streaming services. I am so glad this album made it though, I can’t believe I’ve been missing out. The Price of Tea in China was fantastic (still one of the AOTYs) and even though I did like the latest Griselda-backed project, it didn’t remain in rotation for very long before getting lost in the mix. This is something else though. From the moment Medusa hits the speakers, you're in Sterling Toles' world of a jazzy, funky, soundscape that is at time outright insanity, at others so mellow and smooth, while Boldy’s voice melts into these instrumentals like butter on bread and the result is such an intense listen, its hard to absorb it all at once. I definitely need to give this another few solid listens but can safely say its exceeded my expectations.


    Jay Electronica - Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)
    I still don’t know what to think of this. How to take it all in without the 10 years of context weighing it down so heavily. Its good. Its really good in parts, its d----near immaculate in others. Sometimes it just doesn’t make any sense, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that its clearly still unfinished. Could it have been the genre-defining classic it was meant to be? I don’t know, too soon to say, too many questions surrounding it. Glad it finally got to see the light of day though. I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to the previously leaked Better in Tune (previously Better in Tune with the Infinite), but I’m sticking with my initial take that its one of the most haunting and emotional pieces of music I’ve ever heard.
    No idea how to embed a Tidal link but here it is

    REASON - New Beginnings
    Its been about 3 years now since Reason first showed up as the latest proud member of the ever-expanding TDE roster. His hype-building tape/pre-debut project There You Have It, was re-released on Top Dawg in 2018 and showed a lot of promise. It was also clear why he was signed to Top Dawg, a label that has always maintained a certain sound and style that Reason fit with well. He’s dropping teaser singles ever since, some hits, some misses. And even though its clear Reason isn’t exactly of the same caliber as Kendrick, Q, Zay he has at least been active while his label mates all but seem to have disappeared. New Beginnings is the big TDE debut and its pretty good. Its not the disaster it was shaping up to be at one point, but its no Cilvia Demo either. Reason wears his heart on sleeve, has a respectable pen game and a dream team of features and producers backing him up. Needs more time to settle but its sounding good.


    Blocboy JB - FATBOY
    A few slaps (and one fantastic music video) but Blocboy is very quickly disappearing into the waves of more talented and more interesting Memphis emcees for me. I don’t know, maybe it’ll grow on me with a few more listens.


    Papoose - Endangered Species
    Papoose? In 2020???? Usually I wouldn’t take the time. But I recently stumbled across Boxcutter, an amazingly well-crafted, modern sounding 2000's throwback over an irresistible piano sample and a measured but fiery performance that somehow got me listening to the full album, which, sure, is full of Papoosisms that will have you rolling your eyes, but there’s an intensity, focus and self awareness (“grew up on Biggie and Kim / ever since I was a young’n my mamma dressed me in Timbs”) on this album that is admirable af. The rest of the album follows suit, its surprisingly well-produced and at the end of it all I’m left wondering where it all went wrong for this dude.


    SINGLES ROUND-UP

    Co-Cash - K.R.E.A.M. Free$tyle

    This is the Memphis I like. I would k--- for a Savage Mode-like collaboration project between Co-Cash and Tay Keith, they complement each other so perfectly.

    King Von - I Am What I Am ft. Fivio Foreign

    Two drill capitals connect. King Von is the direct descendent of Herbo, Chief Keef, Durk, etc. His project from earlier this year was a but one-dimensional but he’s coming more into his own with each single he drops, and his next is shaping up to be great. I could listen to Von rap about how much he hates snitches all day.

    Benny the Butcher - Timeless ft. Lil Wayne & Big Sean

    Jesus, Weezy’s been on a killing spree recently. Same goes Benny. s---, even Sean’s been on fire recently. Somehow this one doesn’t really come together as I’d hoped though. Is it the instrumental? Or just a collaboration that sounds good on paper but doesn’t really pan out.

    Juicy J - Load It Up ft. NLE Choppa

    The Hustle Continues. I’m looking very forward to it, especially after this.

    SAINt JHN - Gorgeous

    I’m calling it, this man is gonna be a superstar.

    Travis Scott - Franchise (Remix) ft. Young Thug, M.I.A. & Future

    Still not so sure about this song.... Its not bad and it is cool to hear M.I.A. come out to play again but not sure where Travis is going with this. The addition of Future is a huge boost though, the man's feature game has been the stuff of legend this year.

    Anderson .Paak - JEWELZ

    Andy's last few singles have been hit or miss. This one's got a nice vibe though, I fw it.

    Rah Swish - Rush Hour, Pt. 3

    Pop Smoke's right-hand man comes through with another slap to add to his growing collection.
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2020
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  8. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    May 10, 2021
    Majority is a combination on YouTube, Twitter and the Hip Hop Heads Reddit. I use Apple Music so the suggestions are pretty s-----y, but I have an app called MusicHarbour which allows you to follow artists like on Spotify. Literally every time I come across an artist that seems interesting I'll follow them.

    A few other great places I often check for recommendations:
    The Ones
    Passion of the Weiss
    Stereogum
    HotNewHipHop

    PlusPremiers is the best site I've come across for downloads, they update every Friday with all the latest releases - singles and albums. I always just filter to their hip hop page lol.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  9. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Dec 2, 2020
    Darkeo the Ruler - Polar Bear


    I’m still digesting Drakeo’s new album (on my... 6th? 7th listen?) and as much as I hate to make such bold claims so soon after a drop, this s--- is SO GOOD. Like insanely good. Its 50 minutes of unadulterated homicide, with Drakeo sounding so f---ing cold, completely in his bag as he matter-of-factly whipser-hurls the most ridiculous phrases and threats and boasts in such quick succession you can hardly keep up. Like JoogSZN did just a few months ago, the team of producers craft a perfect environment for Drakeo to just lose his s--- to. There’s even a f---in Lil Mosey feature, which goes. Anyways, I’ll stop now, it hasn’t even been 24 hours lol, I need to let this sit. The closer of the album Polar Bear is classic Drakeo in every sense imaginable. “Bury me in ice I’m a polar bear.” This man is a genius.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  10. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Dec 1, 2020
    Meek Mill - GTA ft. 42 Dugg


    Meek packs are always a blessing. And they always have at least 1 or 2 gigantic, classically Meekish shout-flow slaps that remain in rotation on the workout playlist and hold you over until the next album. This one, off the latest Quarantine Pack features 42 Dugg and an instrumental that inspires visions of Detroit streets bouncing in the guns blazing GTA hyperbole craze thats swept the industry this year.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  11. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 29, 2020
    RjMrLa - Lil b---- ft. Mike Wayne


    Despite the tremendous surge of guest features and collab projects these days, its rare that you can get an actual, quality pass-the-mic back-and-forth where the two emcees sound like they were literally in the booth together, feeding off each others’ energy, trying their utmost to do outdo one another. I’ve been following RjMrLa ever since he first popped up on my radar on YG’s classic 2014 debut album, and though he hasn’t quite reached the career heights as his 4Hunnid label-mate, he has remained one of the most consistently excellent emcees to come out of LA in the past decade. His latest drop was a very below-the-radar mixtape Let Me Talk My s---, yet another impressive notch in his increasingly heavy belt . Its penultimate song features Mike Wayne - more battle rapper than musician, but that doesn’t detract from his appearance here at all. In fact, it only spurs RJ on as the 2 emcees trade bars that sound like they could’ve come out of a 2005 Smack DVD over an instrumental that sounds like it was tailor-made for Eazy-E and Ice Cube.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  12. Zeugma
    Posts: 2,697
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    Joined: Nov 24, 2014

    Zeugma thugger thugger my brother

    Nov 28, 2020
    Sav I played the f--- out of that Deniro Farrar "Wu Tang" track these past few weeks, it's a pure gem, and I would like to thank you for posting it
    that $NOT/Denzel collab was also FIRE.
    love when you post older tracks - I hadn't heard Gucci's "Classical" in ages and it's a masterpiece
    Please continue dropping great suggestions on here for a very long time!


    (random thought: Denzel Curry and Danny Brown both have this very special & rare ear, this very special taste in terms of flow and melody and I would love to hear them collab)
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  13. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 28, 2020
    a few recent standouts…

    22Gz - Fallen Blixkys


    “R.I.P to fallen blixkys,” 22Gz murmurs before rattling off a list of his brothers that are gone too soon. The beat is rumbling, haunting, gothic and laced with those electronic drill synths, matching the graveyard imagery of the accompanying music video - cold and dimly lit and forlorn but cut alongside vivd, head-spinning cuts of guns and flashing lights. Its stark and dark and the best song 22s dropped in a while.

    Rylo Rodriguez - Walk ft. Lil Baby & 42 Dogg


    A duo is great, but a trio makes the cypher complete. Just ask Griselda. Lil Baby came up as a part of an unofficial trio himself, alongside Thug and Gunna, and with the 4PF trio that comes together for the first time on Walk, he has one of his own, one that I suspect is going to catapult to the forefront of rap. The pre-album single Rylo Rodriguez dropped in advance of his debut full-length Goat In Human Form (GIHF) didn’t interest me much but I’m astounded at how well the full album came out. Rylo’s warbling, stuttering flow melts into these polished instrumentals like butter. The man never seems to run out of innovative melodies, but more than that he’s a surprisingly gifted writer and has a penchant for penning deeply heartfelt and often insightful lyrics in clever ways. That makes 3/3 for the 4PF g--- in 2020 and this song one its crowning achievements.

    Eli Fross - GOAT Freestyle ft. Sleepy Hallow


    Speaking of trios, that of Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow and producer Great John has taken the world by storm with their stark, baritone, ‘HUH’ adlib-riddled flows, THICK instrumentals with plodding bass and sparse drums and insanely inventive use of samples, a much needed counter offer to the rest of the Brooklyn drill scene where everyone’s trying to emulate Pop Smoke and 22Gz. With Eli Fross, who just dropped his debut CESAR album this past week, the trio has been extended to a quartet. Fross sounds just like Sheff and Sleepy, and with Great John in his corner has successfully crafted his own chamber in the growing Brooklyn-based collective.

    Blxst - Got It All ft. Dom Kennedy


    I gotta shout out @awhellno for introducing me to Blxst. It won’t be long before this guy is dominating feature lists, playlists, radios, videos across the world. This song sounds like summer. Like Nate Dogg and Ty Dolla $ign clinking champagne glasses in slow motion.

    Young Slo-Be - Program


    Thizzler came through with this one. I’ve never heard of Young Slo-Be before but the insanity pours through as he whisper raps threats over an instrumental that sounds like a ghost dancing in the streets. “b---- I got twin glocks with me, can’t hold hands”. It sounds like a f---ing decayed zombie hand emerging from the grave to pour the wocky in the sprite. I live for s--- like this man.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  14. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
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    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 21, 2020
    DaBaby - Gucci Peacoat


    Its only been about 18 months since DaBaby exploded on the scene early last year but it feels like he's been around forever. In today's era of short attention spans and release schedules that necessitate packed release schedules, it almost feels like we've witnessed an entire long-term carer unfold before our eyes. A relatively unknown name becoming on overnight superstar, a XXL Freshman spot, 3 albums, singles on singles (pun intended), a guest feature list that spirals into infinityand creating some genuine all-time anthems of the past two years (see Suge, Bop, Rockstar). But then the excitement wore off. He's still a superstar, still dropping hits, but he's already been relegated to the previous batch of 'new rappers' - a few times now. One of the most exciting things about DaBaby when he first came on the scene though was his rapid-fire delivery, his eagerness to start barrelling into the beat (sometimes before it even started), but more importantly it was that breath of much-needed fresh air as the trap era reached it point of maximum saturation. One of my favorite Baby moments is the Intro of his KIRK album, at the time a complete surprise and change of pace from his usual output, dedicated to the memory of his father. Deeply introspective, musing on his overnight come-up, it showed a whole lot more depth than we initially thought him capable of.

    DaBaby's latest drop is an EP dedicated to the memory of his brother G, who took his own life just a few weeks ago. The projects lead single is Gucci Peacoat, which like Intro is a deeply introspective, thoughtful, sad and frankly - brilliant song where Baby agonizes over the fact he was out campaigning, encouraging people to vote (while wearing a Gucci Peacoat) at the time of his brother's death. I can't lie, I teared up at the end where snippets of a phone call / voice message get played back and Baby stares blank-faced at the camera giving one-word answers. He looks drained, like this has hit him hard and he's still reeling from the blow. I never expect artists to make music this personal, but godamn as a fan I appreciate tf out of it. Man's got me calling my brothers my s---. RIP G.
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2020
    Mar 29, 2024
  15. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 18, 2020
    Sheff G - Lights On


    Sheff G is essentially Biggie reincarnated in drill form. Ok well maybe not as dextrous or as gifted a writer as his husky 90s counterpart, but its uncanny how much of Biggie's energy, his presence he emulates when he's in the booth. Following a whirlwind 2019 and 2020 so far, Lights On is the perfect stepping stone to the next chapter in Sheff's book: he's the neighborhood hero, the underdog, "they never loved me then, I got rich and they love me now", but as is the case in a lot of his music (see his classic debut The Unluccy Luccy Kid), he's still the same antisocial, will-revert-to-violence Sheff G he was before he came up. I can't wait to see what he does next.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  16. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 17, 2020
    Your Old Droog - Pravda ft. Mach Hommy, El-P, Tha God Fahim & Black Thought


    Droog's come a long way since he first appeared on the scene as a suspected Nas side-project. He dropped two sensational projects last year and is now gearing up for his first drop of 2020 - Dump YOD, due to drop this Friday. On Pravda, Droog assembles the avengers in one of the best posse cuts in recent memory: Mach-Hommy, Tha God Fahim, El-P and Black Thought all go in, in an almost Wu-Tang-like fashion, doing their utmost to out culinary reference each other over one of those minimal looped drumless sampled instrumentals that sound like an old record player that was found in a shelled-out 1940's Soviet bloc basement. Who's got the best verse? Its anyone's game but my money's on Droog himself as he injects snatches of Russian into a verse loaded with clever one-liners and similes. I wouldnt be mad if you said it was Black Thought though - where was this guy on SoT3?
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2020
    Mar 29, 2024
  17. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 11, 2020
    Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist - God Is Perfect


    Ever wondered what Gangsta Gibbs would sound like if he teleported back to 95-96 NY, snuck into a h--- on Earth studio session and spazzed the ever-living f--- out over a filthy, head-stomped-on-the-curb instrumental that sounds like Prodigy would break nose bones over? Unless Al’s got ya back.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  18. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 7, 2020
    King Von - Armed & Dangerous


    You already know. Full album on repeat today. Another one gone too soon. RIP VON.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  19. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 5, 2020
    Drakeo the Ruler - Pippy Long Stockin ft. Ketchy the Great & Ralfy the Plug


    It only feels right to post Drakeo today. TYFUGTL was a tremendous accomplishment, but Cold Devil remains one of the weirdest, most entertaining albums to come out of the last decade imo. This song is one of the best reasons why. Can't wait to hear what Drakeo cooks up once he's back in the studio.
     
    Mar 29, 2024
  20. Sav Stanfield
    Posts: 7,478
    Likes: 19,509
    Joined: Feb 15, 2011

    Nov 3, 2020
    Deniro Farrar - Wu-Tang


    ... is forever. From the beat to the rapping to video, this is paying homage done right.
     
    Mar 29, 2024