Rapology.org

The release of Angry Black Man On An Elevator from Rhymefest’s upcoming album El Che couldn’t have come with more perfect timing.  I’ve had this post brewing for some time now.

Several months ago, I read with great disappointment that Rhymefest was working with Lil’ John on the new album. Aside from Lil’ John’s signature interjections of “What!” and “Yeah!”, I’m pleasantly suprised. I will withhold any further judgement until the rest of the album is out. I’m curious to hear what other fans think about it though.

Angry Black Man On An Elevator

Rhymefest is my favorite rapper. Discovering his debut release Blue Collar marked the day I really started paying close attention to hip-hop. This was the day I went from hip hop fan to fanatic. Since then, it has become a Tuesday morning ritual for me to sample the week’s new releases, and spend some time perusing blogs and artist/label websites for news of upcoming releases and side projects.

A Chi-town native, Rhymfest got his start as a freestyle battle rapper. He signed his first record deal with Allido in 2003. Blue Collar would follow in July of 2006.

I was drawn to Rhymefest’s voice, and the plush musical elements of his tracks immediately. I would even go so far as to call them songs. I liked his politics and aversion to rappin’ about cash, money, hoes. This was a polished album, from start to end.

Fever
Brand New
All Girls Cheat
Devil’s Pie

Unbeknownst to many, Rhymefest hatched and co-wrote Kanye West’s monumental track “Jesus Walks”.  

Jesus Walks - Original Rhymefest Version

Some other Rhymefest tracks and collaborations of note:

Wanted
Yard 2 Yard - Consequence Ft. Rhymefest
Bang the Ball - Dan the Automator Ft. Rhymefest

I know that there is a lot of music to digest in this post, but it will be well worth your time. I will make Rhymefest fans out of you yet!

Dear beloved readers,

I think about you every day.

I’ve been working so many hours that I just haven’t had it in me to write good music posts for you.  Well, that and the latest new releases in hip hop have been crap. I’m just writing to tell you that I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel, that I have lots of good posts in the works, and that I’ll be back shortly.

Have some tasty tracks to tide you over.

Jeff n’ Fess - DJ Jazzy Jeff Ft. Rhymefest
Hit That - M.I.A. (brand spankin’ new folks!)

love and guns,
-e

Today was a big day in new music releases with Bjork, Travis, Dj Jazzy Jeff, and Sage Francis (to name a few) all puting out albums. So far, most of it disappoints, including the long awaited Sage Francis album, Human the Death Dance.

The one that really caught my attention was DJ Kentaro’s new release, Enter. The 16 track debut album features artists Pharcyde and Spank Rock, among some others less notable.

Personally, I enjoy the standalone tracks more. The beats are blunt and chaotic, but it all comes together in the end.

solo:
One Hand Blizzard - this is the roller, so turn it up.
Enter the Newground
Grateful To You

collabs:
Keep On - featuring the Pharcyde
Free - featuring Spank Rock

I have to admit that I’m one of those hip hop fans that likes hooks.  Tracks that are all flow and no hook tend to lose my attention quickly, unless the artist has a unique ryhthm to their lyric. 

Atmosphere grabbed me because they’re brats.  Comprised of Slug, Ant, Spawn and Mr. Dibbs, formed in Minneapolis in 1994, these guys have already got six LPs under their belt. The content ranges from comical to political.

The Bass and the Movement
The Jackpot/Swept Away

Some lyrics from the Jackpot:

I gotta pay the phone bill, scrape off the roadkill, hold still
here’s another girl acting like king of the mole hill.
Yo step with stride i got this pet named pride
and i’ma-hide him in my pocket til the day that i die
now i got this pet peeve that i only let out to eat
poked hole on the top of the jar so he can breath
and when he’s old enough i will set him free and let him breed,
teach his kids how to build bombs and shoot speed.
true indeed i’m all about the lines around the block
the good times hiphop and writing rhymes about my cock
so fuck the world fuck love fuck man and you
i hope you drown face down in your dandruff shampoo