Videos:
Action Bronson feat. Chance The Rapper – “Baby Blue”
Action and Chance reenacted Coming to America. What else do I really need to say?
Spitta’s fifth installment of his Audio Dope series got a visual treatment that depicts. Fans of Curren$y know what to expect of him at this point, but it’s his Tim Duncan-like consistency that keeps them around wanting more.
India Shawn & James Fauntleroy – “Floating Away”
These two put out a collaborative EP at the beginning of March, and this is one of the standouts from that Outer Limits project. Anything Fauntleroy-related is worth your time and money.
D.R.A.M. is cosigned heavily by Rick Rubin and is one of the artists that Rick said he was excited about working with. This track is from his #1Epic project and exhibits his sing-song delivery a bit.
This is not hip-hop but falls in the blues section of R&B, and I’ll be damned if I don’t include Leon Bridges in this month’s column. He’s the best thing to happen to music in quite sometime, and if you’re looking for some throwback Sam Cooke feels, well, this is your guy.
Chedda Da Connect – “Flicka Da Wrist”
If only for the people who hear this song on Vine all the time. This along with Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen,” Sauce Walka’s “2 Legited”, and Drake’s entire mixtape were the most-heard songs at SXSW playing out of cars and from DJs.
Songs:
Jay Electronica – “Road to Perdition”
There’s just not a better song out right now. Every verse from Jay Elec sounds like scripture and a prophecy at the same time. I just don’t think there’s anyone on the planet that can rap with Jay when it comes to the same powerful delivery, message, and vivid storytelling.
This came out in February but is gaining steam this month, and it’s something everyone should check out. The era of Post Malone is almost upon us.
“Too Bad” is a standout from an impressive project by a young kid from Milwaukee. The project had some cool features and was a really great listen considering I hadn’t heard of the dude. I was pleasantly surprised. This song has an infectious hook and shows a lot of promise from someone who I think will make some noise the next couple of years.
Nosaj Thing feat. Chance The Rapper – “Cold Stares”
This is from Nosaj Thing’s upcoming album. After collaborating on Acid Rap together, I had been awaiting more work from these guys. There’s zero disappointment here.
Kanye West feat. Allan Kingdom – “All Day”
Kanye’s song that he premiered at the BRIT Awards with his performance finally hit the internet. This was a close fourth for most overheard song at SXSW. Definitely the closest attempt he’s had at making an actual rap single in a while. All day. Check the credits on this song.
Vintage Cudi. And my goodness, who doesn’t need that in their life?
Artist to Watch: Allan Kingdom
Photo: Mighty Beardo
Why you should listen: Kanye said so. Also, he’s part of the st4ndard, which is a group that includes Allan, Bobby Raps and internet sensation Spooky Black. He also happens to make really good music that is enjoyable to listen to. He’s got a little Chance The Rapper to him but in his entirely own way.
What to listen/watch: Evergreens
Oklahoma March Spotlight: Blev
Photo: Ronnie Harris
Blev produced a third of Chicago’s buzzing artist Alex Wiley’s project Village Party. He also produced a song for OG Maco when he came into town and he acts as Josh Sallee’s in-house producer. His natural skill set as a musician is incredible, and there is no definite sound that defines Blev. The fact that he is so amorphous lends credence to the notion that he could work with anyone from Kendrick Lamar to Ty Dolla $ign. That kind of dexterity is a rare find, and he’s a gem in the Oklahoma City music scene. His fingerprints will be all over your favorite artists’ projects for years to come.
*The Rise & Empower Benefit Concert for Jasper House Haiti takes place on April 3. It’s hosted by Ryan Drake and there will be performances from Chelsey Cope, Josh Sallee, Jabee, and Bowlsey. For more information, follow @Rayke and @JasperHouseHaiti on Twitter.
**We’ll be curating an H&8th on April 24th with some really awesome artists that have been mentioned here before. So be on the lookout for that.
