During the mid to late 90s, Cappadonna spit deadly verses alongside his fellow Wu-Tang killer bees on “Ice Cream,” “Triumph” and “Daytona 500.” But those bars were nothing compared to Donna’s masterpiece: the final verse on “Winter Warz.” Darryl Hill held a clinic on how to rap well. He effortlessly delivered some of the most […]
| As Above, So Below: An Esoteric Instrumental Album from MWiLL, the Son of Marley Marl | November 16, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness is the grandson of the Untouchable. After seeing the above cover art, my third eye was opened and all of the sacred chakras were energized. Either that or I wanted to hear what a beat tape from Marley Marl’s 19 year old son MWill sounded like. I love esoteric stuff, but ever since […]
| Question in the Form of An Answer: Nardwuar, the Human Serviette — Interviewed by Jimmy Ness | November 8, 2012 |
Nardwuar the Human Serviette is a squawky voiced, tartan-wearing Canadian who knows more about his interviewees than they do. The man previously called John Ruskin uses his encyclopedic knowledge of music to shock, impress and enlighten. His unorthodox approach includes asking his targets who they are, giving them presents and freezing in a wide mouthed […]
| Good to Go: Freddie Gibbs & Young Jeezy Ratchet Up the Intensity | September 24, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness has judged several semi-professional Twerk competitions. Gangsta Gibbs is on a roll. The ex-train robber once dropped from Interscope has since carved a niche for those who prefer gritty street tales over label-endorsed lollipop guild rap. The Baby Face Killa has recorded an album, three EPs and at least a dozen collaborations within […]
| Bodega Bamz: Versace Robe Connoisseur, Champagne Popper | August 27, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness is still trying to figure out the A$AP equivalent to Sunz of Man. Fried chicken, Versace robes and spilled champagne, the Tanboys dabble in decadence. Bodega Bamz and Willie Hex trade verses about the high life over 808s and a haunting melody. The relatively unknown Hex flows particularly well, name dropping Cam’ron, Attila […]
| Is Nibiru Approaching? Only Ab-Soul Knows | August 17, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness for Prime Minister of Ur, 2012. Ab-Soul stunts with the ancient gods and turns his on Mesopotamian swag. Each TDE member is releasing a new song this week and he follows Jay Rock’s “YOLA” with raps about aliens, pyramids, and conspiracies. If you’re not part of the hip-hop star-gazer society or you don’t […]
| Future’s Adventures in Molly World | August 10, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness knows that the future is plastics. Welcome 2 Mollyworld is the astronaut’s foray into recording under the influence of serotonin hog Molly, also known to white people as MDMA. The mixtape is a collection of popular material and remixes but DJ X-Rated seizes five new tracks, all of which are more listenable than […]
Jimmy Ness ain’t no Ken. Gangsta Boo ain’t no Barbie. One of the south’s premier female MCs, Lola Mitchell spit vicious rhymes as a part of legendary Memphis crunk pioneers, Three-6 Mafia. Her tough attitude and witty lyrics backed by her trademark “Yeah, hoe!” ad-lib earned the respect of peers and fans. Boo appeared on […]
| Nobody Beats the Gigz: Roach Gigz Goes Off | July 19, 2012 |
Jimmy Ness once rapped in the New Zealand Super-Group, The Untouchables. For better or often worse, 2012 is the year of the white rapper. Roach Gigz joins the ranks of the chosen few who rhyme without catering to college bros, performing at the Gathering of the Juggalos or sounding like this. The San Francisco native […]
DJ Burn One’s country rap emerges out of a cloud of smoke vapors to warm the soul. His blues and funk-inspired sound adds an emotive dimension to Southern rap, one reminiscent of the classic UGK and Dungeon Family records. At 26, the Atlanta beat-smith makes the rest of us look like severe underachievers. Burn One […]
