Category Urban/Hip Hop
Fattie B – Rewarmed Second Servings: The GUMBO Remixes (Equal Eyes) [LOCAL]
This collection of adventurous reworkings and mashups of tracks from last fall’s hip-hop opus is currently only available for purchase or streaming at https://equaleyesrecords.bandcamp.com/album/rewarmed-second-servings-the-gumbo-remixes – contact local@wruv.org if you need a download copy. Track Picks: 3, 7, 8, 12 FCC: 2, 5, 11RIYL: Jurassic 5, The Roots, Terrace Martin, Belizbeha
Danny James and Es-K – Heatwave (Inner Ocean) [LOCAL]
Local beatmaker Es-K and keyboardist/vocalist Danny James team up for an album of smooth neo-soul songs and instrumentals, featuring appearances from members of 99 Neighbors and Acqua Mossa as well as an array of super-talented jazz musicians. Track Picks: 1, 3, 9 FCC: 2 RIYL: Kenny Beats, Mac Miller, Kali Uchis, Robert Glasper
Lous and the Yakuza – IOTA (Sony Music Entertainment France)
Congolese-Belgian singer-songwriter Lous and the Yakuza’s second album weaves together a playful pop sound with rich R&B and trap undertones. Lous’s vocals have a dark intensity that make this album stand out from most newer pop. The rhythms are intense and energetic, with some tracks veering close to drill and others taking a reggaeton-like energy. […]
Fattie B – GUMBO (Equal Eyes) [LOCAL]
A brush with death was the inspiration behind the latest album by veteran Burlington MC and DJ Fattie B, but GUMBO is a front-to-back celebration of life and hip-hop. A sprawling double album with far too many special guests to mention, layered grooves often built around live instrumentation, and Fattie’s deep, authoritative voice and deft […]
Velcro (SR) Te la Buscaste
Puerto Rican MC, DJ, Producer, and Local Legend with a 20+ year career gives us a diverse and well balanced release here. Every song has its own flavor and his lyrical stylings keep things fresh. If you want Latin Hip-Hop at its best, look no further! Try: No Bulto, La Caza, Ficciones, Pa’ La Loiza, […]
FOZ. – Building Blocks (The Swamp) [LOCAL]
BTV’s FOZ. keeps making strides in his rhymes and productions on his latest release and first full-length album. Gorgeously warped samples provide the backdrop, while his nonchalant delivery disguises complex multisyllabic rhymes. Track Picks: 1, 3, 4, 9 FCC: 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 RIYL: Nujabes, A Tribe Called Quest, Madlib, Eyedea
Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge – Gary Bartz JID006
Spaced out jazzy jams featuring the one and only saxophone legend Gary Bartz. Layered production from Younge and Muhammad and intricate grooves from Greg Paul create a lush soundscape for Bartz’s improvisation, which takes up the majority of the record. Track Picks: 1, 3, 6 FCC: Clean RIYL: Return to Forever, DOMi and JD BECK, […]
Brownskin_Moses – The Flower Hour (Self-Released)
Soundcloud inspired rap album balancing the beats between hip-hop and the underground rap scene. Paving the way for soundcloud rappers to join streaming services. It is definitely an album. GMR: no FCC: all explicit RIYL: Pop Smoke, Lil Mosey Recommended: none
FOZ. – the artist state [Self-released] (LOCAL)
The latest single from BTV rapper FOZ. features chorus vocals from fellow local Pilate’s Dream, a woozy sample flipped by producer faux sala, and seriously clever lyrics about the process of becoming an artist. FCC: Clean RIYL: Atmosphere, KAYTRANADA, Eyedea, Madlib
CLIFF BEACH – W.A.J.A. K.F.S (EP) [CALIFORNIA SOUL MUSIC]
A more electronic sound than usual from Cliff Beach on this EP. Old-school hip hop beats compliment Beach’s soulful, easy breezy vocals. Lots of different moods to choose from, take your pic and play! FCC: 2, 4 (email blues@wruv.org for clean versions) TRY: Any and all! Make sure to get clean versions before you spin […]
FOZ. – Stepping Stones (Self-released) [LOCAL]
The latest EP from BTV MC FOZ. puts the rapper’s focused flow over woozy, jazzy beats produced by Cam Barnes for a hypnotic combo. Track Picks: 1, 4 FCC: 3 RIYL: Madlib, Mac Miller, NxWorries
FOZ. – young, mystical, and unlimited [3392111 Records DK]
Excellent tune from local Burlington/VT producer. Infectious beat and heady lyricism. RIYL: R.A.P Ferreira, Freddie Gibbs, Digable Planets FCC: Clean
PROFESSOR ELEMENTAL – NEMESIS! [SELF-RELEASED]
Well, well, well. If it isn’t the erstwhile hero of early 2010s chap hop, Professor Elemental. He’s back, and this new album catapults us right back to the world of time-traveling, trouser-exploding, tea-drinking, knee-worshipping whimsy. In the vein of earlier albums like “The Indifference Engine”, “Father of Invention”, and “School of Whimsy”, this one tells […]
IZY – FRANTIC (SINGLE) [HOPESTREET RECORDINGS]
Funkiest track I’ve heard in a while. Izy brings bright harmonies, a bassline that won’t quit, and a bouncy groove. Play, play, play! FCC: Clean RIYL: D’Angelo, Bilal, Raphael Saadiq
Jade Relics – Island (Self-released) [LOCAL]
VT hip-hop trio Jade Relics’ latest funky single has two movements – an uptempo dance-pop intro and a slower, smoother second half, both infused with wonderful live instrumentation. Lyrically, the song reflects the isolation brought on by the pandemic, as well as by physical and social barriers between classes and nations. Be sure to only […]
DAVID WALTERS – FREEDOM (FT. VINCENT SEGAL, BALLAKÉ SISSOKO, & ROGER RASPAIL) (SINGLE) [SIX DEGREES]
A melancholy chant with gorgeous guitar instrumentation and somber vocals. Play! FCC: Clean RIYL: B.Alone, Flavia Coelho, Voilaa
Dezron Douglas & Brandee Younger – Force Majeure[Int’l Anthem]
Killer bass-harp duo that was recorded over a series of livestreams throughout the COVID-19 Lockdown. The empathy both players have is awe inspiring.
Micah Graves – Med Nama: Not for the Ordinary [Self-Released]
Philadelphia-based musician and Temple University senior released this album at the beginning of the year. Intense, highly melodic and beautifully lyrical tunes that have a “pop sensibility”. I believe that everyone can find something they enjoy from this record. Recommended.
R.A.P Ferreira – Bob’s Son [Ruby Yacht]
Incredible poetry-emphasized rap music that has such a unique flow to it. Lots of loops created from interviews of poets as well as Ferreira’s own, warbly piano. Highly recommended.
L. TEEZ – THE INDEX TO MY INNER THOUGHTS [HYDROPHONIK]
L. Teez brings smooth hip hop sounds fresh out of Montreal on his latest EP. The project has a strong international influence (L. Teez is quite the international citizen himself) and features bits of classical jazz as well as more contemporary sounds. Give it a spin… FCC: Clean TRY: 1, 2, 6 RIYL: Miles Barnes, […]
ENRIQUE NICOLAS NOVIELLO – THE GREAT HUNGER [SWITCHSTANCE]
Enrique Nicolas Noviello leads us on a musical journey through jazz clubs and rap cyphers alike. Each song is completely unique and tells a story of its own, but Noviello’s creativity and firm grasp on rhythm are evident throughout (though he does lack a formal musical education). Influences of jazz, hip hip, and blues meld […]
Blu & Exile – Miles [Dirty Science Records]
Really beautiful, almost carnival-like beats are juxtaposed against serious and dense lyrics. A vivid imagery that’s come to saturate a truly poetic genre seems to be reinvented here with, of course, themes of colors.
R.A.P Ferreira – Purple Moonlight Pages [Ruby Yacht]
A resident of Biddeford, ME, R.A.P Ferreira evokes the feelings of isolated suburban living in the Pine State. His lyrics are hard to pin down at times, but what is evident is how incredible a rhymer Ferreira is. The sense of realism is very appealing. Check the tracks for profanity before airplay.
Georgia Anne Muldrow, Jyoti – This Walk [eOne Music/SomeOthaShip Connect]
Hard to categorize, polyrhythmic, syncopated goodness from Georgia Anne Muldrow. Play for sure!
Freddie Gibbs – Alfredo [ESGN/ALC/EMPIRE]
Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs released “Alfredo” with The Alchemist in late May to widespread acclaim. Gibbs’ muscular flow is juxtaposed by some killer, sensuous strings and synthesized open harmonies. Recommended. Check lyrics before playing.
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