Baller Blog:The New Hotness: January 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Knocking Doors by Billy Blue

The MIA native drops some bars over a chopped n' screwed Pimp C sample produced by Major Seven, dopeness!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Known to stay out the spotlight that his label has garnered, Stalley looks to step out of the dark and stand under the spotlights his label mates embrace (maybe too much) with the release of Saving Yusef.

One month into the new year and Stalley doesn’t waste any time letting his peers and listeners know that his presence is still strong in the game. A native of Ohio, the MMG rapper has dropped another solid project to add his resume.

Saving Yusuf is an engaging and honest project that finds Stalley feeling fully comfortable not only with his own sound, but with himself. The opener of the project “The Page” features he’s mother giving him the highest praises. When the beat hits he lets listeners know he’s hungry and its open season.

From there it sets the tone for the entire project which is a subtle balance between Midwest/Southern production and real thoughts from him. Songs like the infectious-smooth bangers like “Midwest Hustler” and “808z” shows Stalley stepping out of his passive mentality shell and aggressively rapping with passion.

“I take this music thing serious, I ain’t for playing round/N***** try to take me out my zone bet you I lay them down”, he asserts on hazy jam “Laym Down”. He is fully engaged throughout Saving Yusuf, especially when calling out peers on the same track. “I be snapping, bar for bar I’m Kendrick and Cole/But never mentioned, when they mentioned who’s cold/I mean I’m top five in that lopsided list that they hold.”

Standout selections that showcase the steady growth of Stalley’s delivery are tracks 10 through fourteen. “Hunnid Stax,” he talks about hustling to get his hundred stacks that he loss due to his baby mama and record label, “Real” talks about the true definition of being a real n*****, and “Cut A Rug” simply expresses his desire to dance and take home a date featuring Big Krit.

Even though other members of MMG are more interested in rap beefs, Stalley remains out of the fray of the drama and simply focuses on his art and it shows on this project. He delivers one of the best projects of the month with Saving Yusuf. This should satisfy die-hard fans of the bearded one and new listeners will be drawn to it.

Mamas Basement by Zaytoven and Gucci Mane

Zaytoven releases a gem from the past with this project he did with King Guwop. Vibe out to this dirty south greatness, dopeness!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

WU by Jace (of Two-9) (VIDEO)

Thw Two-9 rapper releases a NY-esque joint from his upcoming project "Jace Tape", dopeness!

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Anderson .Paak "Malibu" Album Review

From the second you hear Brandon Anderson Paak's voice, you can tell that he is special. His musical range and artistry is a unique blend of 70’s soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, EDM, Funk, Rock n’ Roll and Blues. He showcases his versatility by effortlessly blending his naturally soft, raspy voice into a straight from the street narrative rhyme style which steadily floats over airy and experimental tracks.

After losing his father to prison and having a gambling addict mother, getting laid off from his marijuana farmer job, homelessness and God knows what, who would’ve thought Anderson .Paak would become an overnight success and produce an album that’s lively and vibrant album as Malibu from his life journey?

On Malibu, .Paak celebrates his progression as an artist and person by acknowledging where he’s come from, the trials he’s endured and things he’s seen. “I had to wake up just to make it through, I got my patience and I'm making do/I learned my lessons from the ancient roots, I choose to follow what the greatest do,” .Paak asserts on the soulful piano/trumpet combination “The Bird” which opens the album and sets the tone for the rest of the project. From there, Anderson .Paak effortlessly transitions and dances through the melting pot of prominent genres sounds 16 track project.

One minute you're listening to an early-’00s neo-soul impression on “The Waters,” then the '60s soul-filled on "Put Me Thru," and next to ‘70s psychedelic funk on “Light Weight”. Paak smoothly incorporates these past sounds with his very own and surprisingly makes them have modern feel towards listeners.

Even with a short list of guest features on Malibu, the songs are still lively and ambitious. "Without You" featuring Rapsody, shares remanence of '90s G-funk hip-hop and On "Am I Wrong", a disco club grooves cut featuring Schoolboy Q, it displays both artists spitting boisterous rhyming about dancing and '90s hip-hop on "Without You."

"I spent years being called out my name, living under my greatness," .Paak asserts on "The Season / Carry Me," a shape-shifting album highlight.

Much like Kendrick Lamar, .Paak skillfully depicts his surroundings while remaining in the foreground.

Malibu offers a sense of wonder that's carefully rooted in funk and soul, and presents a complete vision from a blossoming new artist that's not only fearless, but leading something of a sonic revolution.

Essential Tracks: "Heart Don't Stand a Chance", "The Waters" featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, "Am I Wrong" featuring Schoolboy Q, "Parking Lot", "Silicon Valley" and "Lite Weight"

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Before The Vomit by Amir Obe

The Detroit-by-the-way-of-Brooklyn rapper drops another hazy joint for our listening, dopeness!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

U Wasn't There by Cam'ron

The Dipset general finallt releases some solo music. "U Wasn't There" is Killa reminiscing on his music career with a self-directed, Through The Wire-esque video, dopeness!