This week has touched both poles on the emotional spectrum.
I think the bad and more somber news should come first. Lil Boosie announced he has kidney cancer and will be undergoing treatment. The response from Hip Hop’s community has been overwhelmingly positive and The Knockturnal’s thoughts and prayers are with Boosie and his family.
Killer Mike connected with Daye Jack on “Hands Up”, titled of course after the mantra used by protesters following the murder of Michael Brown by Ferguson police. In it Daye Jack supplies soulful vocals and Killer Mike pens a heart-tugging verse about living under the boot of police brutality. Yes it’s a topic that’s been written about a lot recently, but that’s only because it’s happening a lot. Black Thought told me music should reflect the times, and Killer Mike is arguably the best at doing so.
Moving on to new music news, Chaz French released These Things Take Time, and it’s up for stream on Audiomack.
BJ The Chicago Kid linked up with Big Krit for a hella soulful track called “The Resume” and dropped a solid video.
Bas pulled on J. Cole for a chilled trap track “Night Job”. Showing a solid mix of soul in the hook and hi hat riding on the verses.
Flo Rida linked up with Sam Martin and came through with a classic Flo Rida track, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on your taste.
Skizzy Mars put together a fun track with pristine production from Michael Keenan in the form of “Alcoholics”. This is marketed as a single from his upcoming release Alone Together.
Akon also decided to drop a track out of nowhere? I can’t really say I’ve been monitoring his releases, my Akon radar is a little dusty. Regardless this track is pretty cutesy, except for the verse from DJ Chose which is unnecessary.
Jeremiah also surprise-ish dropped an album recently titled Late Nights. You can find it on iTunes and check out “Planes” with J Cole for a taste of the project.
Saul Williams has finally announced the pre-order for his upcoming LP Martyr Loser King, after teasing fans with a few singles this year. I’m really hype to see what the legendary poet will bring into the world in 2o16. The album is supposedly a concept following a hacker named Martyr Loser King as the powers that be chase him down.
Prhyme also came through with a gang of new tracks which make up the deluxe portion of their debut album. My favorite among them being the Wishin’ remix with Black Thought who kindly carries the beat to an early grave and leaves Royce to throw dirt on the casket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIBTwtRTPs8&spfreload=10
Finally in absolutely heart warming news, rapper 2 Chainz is assisting the family of a disabled single mother veteran by paying their rent for a full year. It’s great to see artists reaching back to their communities as a family is receiving serious help.
art by your homie, Arthur Banach
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