Browsing Tag

Old School Hip Hop

Deep Groove Dominion: ‘Bad Habit’ by Thirteen Paris Vandals

Posted on 20 November 2024

Thirteen Paris Vandals, the creative moniker of Jon Norton, injected old-school boom-bap hip-hop with an intravenous shot of funk and disco in his latest single, ‘Bad Habits’. With groove pockets deeper than the Grand Canyon, no one will be immune to the hype of the hit, which crackles with live wire charisma, cutting through the noise with pretence-less bars that establish the Leeds-based luminary as a masterful orchestrator of urban euphoria.

‘Bad Habits’ pulses with high fire, all gas, no brakes energy that infuses each note with sonic serotonin; despite being roughed up with the grit of hip-hop, the track is iridescent as the disco balls that will call for his sound to be played beneath.

The enigmatic nature of his sound unriddles itself by bringing into perspective the artist’s influences, cited as seventies psychedelia and space rock; these elements, in addition to inspiration found within The Beatles and The Beachboys, weave their way into his diverse sonic palette.

With the magnetic charm of icons like Pharrell Williams and Outkast rolled into one, Bad Habits is a testament to Thirteen Paris Vandals’ potential as one of the most promising hip-hop artists in the UK. Don’t just watch this space—be part of his legacy and hit play.

Bad Habit is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aco Draco fires off in his stormer of a rap track, Ray Gun

Posted on 3 September 2024

Departing from sonic mundanity, Aco Draco’s latest single, Ray Gun, burst onto the scene with artillery that’s anything but ordinary. Opening with a faux news report, the track cleverly sets the stage for Draco’s irreverent entry, blending tongue-in-cheek humour with a punchy introduction that hooks listeners from the get-go.

Ray Gun”marries cinematic orchestral strings with classic boom-bap beats, creating a soundscape as expansive as it is epic. Draco’s raspy, convicting rap bars slice through the backdrop, proving that his command of the mic is as formidable as his creative vision.

This up-and-coming Colorado native, who carries influences from Lil Wayne to Metallica, showcases a dynamic fusion of sharp lyricism and high-energy beats that will rattle the hip-hop scene to its core.

From his humble beginnings recording in a closet with an Xbox headset to charting his own course in the rap industry, Draco’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and undeniable growth. His unique style, marked by raw authenticity and emotional depth, is capable of turning heads, bending ears and making waves with its charismatic wordplay and bold execution.

Ray Gun was officially released on the 29th of August; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aaron Thip is fortified with fortitude in the prophetic beats of his latest rap track, I Ain’t Scared

Posted on 27 July 2024

Aaron Thip’s prophetic presence when he steps to the mic was exemplified in his latest fortified-with-fortitude single, I Aint Scared.

Aaron Thip, a seasoned lyricist rooted in the vibrantly gritty underground of NYC hip-hop, grips attention with vice-like intensity from the outset of his latest release which allows you to instantly register the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-raised artist, previously known as Tha Coach, as a conduit of enlightened introspective gold.

His commanding vocal presence over the beats testifies to how he belongs to a league of his own as he revisits the path he walked down to achieve mental clarity and sanctity. Yet, this track is far more than an introduction to Thip’s psyche. He fearlessly tackles the challenge of maintaining peace of mind and resilience as society’s global fabric crumbles into disarray.

In times when many struggle to find solace, optimism and faith amid endless tragedies, Thip emerges as the ultimate role model. His vibe-heavy hit marries mellow, old-school instrumentals with his potent lyrics, delivering sonic salvation for anyone in search of melodic consolation.

Stream I Ain’t Scared on Apple Music and YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nsilo – Peterbilt: A Truck-Sized Tale of Unreckonable Grit

Posted on 25 July 2024

Nsilo’s latest single, Peterbilt, revved onto the hip-hop scene with a force as unstoppable as the eponymous truck it salutes. The narrative arc in the artist and producer’s hit may seem unconventional, yet the juggernaut of the road became a powerful parable as it becomes the centre of the track that positions Nsilo as a fearlessly untouchable contender in the annals of old-school hip-hop.

When Nsilo waxes lyrical, it’s impossible not to feel the force of his bars that have been honed by his love for 90s hip-hop greats and classic poetry alike. Yet, Peterbilt exhibits the up-and-coming artist as so much more than just an adept lyricist with a razor-sharp ability to find the perfect cadence to make every bar bounce with maximum impact.

The track’s production is a masterclass in balancing dark, layered textures with lighter elements. Waves of caustic reverb slice through the beat, resulting in an atmosphere which haunts as it uplifts and exhilarates. The meticulous synthesis attests that Nsilo knows exactly when to cast shadows and when to let the light in, mirroring the complexities of his storytelling which reflects on the values of blue-collar work, ensuring every hit is infused with authenticity and grit.

Stream Peterbilt on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Loud Monsta wrote a bold testament in the legacy of hip-hop with ‘THE SHHH’, ft $lims Casino

Posted on 4 June 2024

For their latest single, THE SHHH, the hip-hop kings of Queens, Loud Monsta, collaborated with $lims Casino to carve out their own monument in the future of hip-hop.

If it weren’t for the synergy between the polished-with-cinematic-finesse beats and the killer cadence of the bars that shoot to kill with mind-bending wordplay which unravels with superlative metric precision, the rough-with-grit vox and the evocatively affecting luxe production would be a complete juxtaposition. Yet, everything meticulously pulls together to exhibit PlatNum and Mick Manis as unreckonable juggernauts in the contemporary hip-hop scene; instead of leaving the enduring appeal of the old-school by the wayside, Loud Monsta infuses it into their edgy cuts.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Loud Monsta in the rap duo hall of fame alongside Blackalicious, Run the Jewels, and Methodman & Red Man if they don’t let the momentum in their career slip.

After the official music video dropped in April, it has already racked up over 43k streams; be part of the THE SHHH hype by heading to YouTube and catching the rhythmic fever.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Majesty defined her hip-hop legacy in ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’

Posted on 15 May 2024

Karma may be a bitch, but there are few fiercer figures in the hip-hop industry than Majesty, who will be reigning supreme after the drop of her legacy-defining single, What Goes Around Comes Around.

The solid beats, sharp flows and even more cutting wordplay establish Majesty as a triple threat in the genre filled with pretenders that would kill for her ability to deliver conviction with soul. As the luxe jazzy instrumentals that are filtered through a filmic lens take you back to the ‘90s East Coast hip-hop sound, Majesty’s cadence attests to her determination to perfect her craft and inspire through her independently released hits.

Anyone who hits play on What Goes Around Comes Around will find themselves vindicated by the rhythmically explosive exposition on the sweetness of karmic justice. Along with everyone else who can’t get enough of this hit, we can’t wait to hear what Majesty has locked, loaded and ready to drop.

Stream What Goes Around Comes Around, which has already racked up over 3k views on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Baby T Reclaimed Hip-Hop’s Roots in His Soulful Renaissance LP, Prodigal Son

Posted on 9 May 2024

Baby T’s sixth hip-hop LP, Prodigal Son, blends deep-rooted soul influences with a hard-hitting lyrical flow that will leave you instantly attuned to his ability to live up to hip-hop heavyweights and alongside them, matching the stride of the giants that many attempt to emulate, but few succeed as well as Baby T. Instead of painting by numbers to replicate an urban portrait, with every brushstroke on the canvas of this LP Baby T embodies their authenticity while revisiting the foundational elements of hip-hop and channelling the raw, emotional energy that has defined his career.

The Flint-born artist ensures that each of the album’s 17 tracks reverberates with a sense of purpose and passion, reviving the luxurious aura of classic hip-hop through modern expressions and candid narratives. The LP is a vivid exploration of Baby T’s personal journey, marked by his philosophical reflections, life’s vexations, and his confrontations with fear. His dual role as both creator and curator allows him to finely tune every element, ensuring that his tracks not only resonate on a sonic level but also connect on a deeply human one.

The single MISUNDERSTOOD, a fresh take on Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, stands out as a powerful testament to Baby T’s ability to connect with listeners through relatable and potent storytelling. Meanwhile, ICON hits with the force of a seasoned lyricist, packed with dynamic energy and undeniable swagger.

As Baby T gears up for a summer tour and rolls out music videos to bring his tracks to visual life, Prodigal Son is already shaping up to be a pivotal release.

Stream the Prodigal Son LP on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Stic N Move’s This is My Life became a vibrant new pulse in the heart of hip-hop

Posted on 22 April 2024

Stic N Move merged the vibrant soul of Reggaeton-inspired beats with the core of hip-hop in his latest single, This is My Life, which radiates the warmth of exotic rhythms and a palpable sense of old-school hip-hop grit.

The intrinsic authenticity within every element of Stic N Move is a refreshing divergence from the cliché rap tracks with rappers waxing lyrical on what they think the genre wants to hear. The instant hit showcases an infectiously charismatic approach that’s bound to captivate any hip-hop enthusiast.

Stic N Move, born Eric Braxton, lives his lyrics, expressing a genuine pursuit of passion over the trappings of fame. His music isn’t crafted from the fabric of superficiality; instead, it’s woven with the threads of personal truth and dedication to family.

The construction of the track is killer. The polyphonic keys are a vibrant extension of his personality, seamlessly matching the energy and conviction in his voice. The result is a sound that could light up any room and invigorate any playlist.

Stic N Move continues to redefine his journey by committing to projects like a new podcast and writing new songs weekly. His relentless drive and innovative spirit are making significant waves, promising a future rich with potential and new anthems for his growing audience.

“This is My Life” is more than just a song; it’s a statement, a manifesto of an artist who refuses to blend into the background, urging everyone to live authentically and passionately. As Stic says, leave your hatin’ at the door and embrace the groove.

This is My Life is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

B-Guy Griffin earned a place in Idaho’s hip-hop Hall of Fame with his seminal release, Rick Ross

Posted on 1 April 2024

Serendipitous enough that it may as well have been foretold, B-Guy Griffin’s third LP, Long Time Comin, is a cunningly cultivated collection of tracks, featuring a solid line-up of featuring artists.

The standout single, Rick Ross, embodies the titular artist’s larger-than-life persona over the mic as the lyrics cascade in a fiery cadence that will leave you psyched on the potential of B-Guy Griffin and his collaborators on this track, Tnyg & Twigg.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, the playful polyphonic melodies and solid boom-bap backbeat in this seminal track keep it old school in the contemporarily slick production as B-Guy Griffin waxes lyrical and gives the airwaves a taste of how his cheeky wit translates through his wordplay, which has easily earnt him a place in Idaho’s hip-hop hall of fame.

Long Time Comin was officially released on March 22; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Baby T echoed the soul of the ‘MISUNDERSTOOD’ in his hauntingly hard-hitting hip-hop hit.

Posted on 25 March 2024

After a four-year break from the airwaves, the Emmy award-winning hip-hop artist, producer and emissary of innovation, Baby T is back, and his sound isn’t just bigger than ever; MISUNDERSTOOD stirs emotions from the depth of the soul to evoke a viscerally profound response.

Waxing lyrical around the nostalgically arcane air and cinematic flair of the 1960s classic, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, may have been a sure-fire way of Baby T playing havoc with heartstrings, but his fiery original verses – modernised for maximum resonance – and the percussive passion which brings bass-drenched depth allowed MISUNDERSTOOD to hit hard enough that you’ll feel the emotional bruises.

As we exist as ideas in the minds of everyone we meet, there’s plenty of our identity that can be lost in translation when we’re poured through everyone’s perception filters, but even the knowledge of this irrefutable fact isn’t enough to take away the sting of feeling unseen, disrespected or underestimated. Baby T’s candid introspection, laid out through instantly ensnaring vocal hooks, is all the consolation and motivation you’ll need to stay on your authentic path.

MISUNDERSTOOD is a flawless testament to his prestige. Haunting and hard-hitting in equal measure, it’s a serious contender for our favourite hip-hop track of the year.

Stream MISUNDERSTOOD on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast