How do we make it through extremely busy weeks trying make sure that we bring it to you each & every post?

As superheroes, we have certain tracks on repeat @ the highest volume while we our keyboards just cry away.

Ladies & gentlemen, Crew Love once again.

Chris “Preach” Smith

Tragedy, Havoc and Large Professor – “Funk Mode”

A white label gem with a Large Pro beat that’ll crack your neck three ways. Tragedy at his grittiest. One of Havoc’s best verses ever. This track was key to my Memorial Day playlist.

David D.

Hot Styles Feat. Yung Joc – “Lookin Ass Aggin”

Once again, a healthy dose of ignorance in heavy rotation. “Scooby Dooby Doooooooo – Mike Vick Lookin’ Ass Aggin”

Ghostface and Raekwon- “The Hilton”

I hate it when people say that all of Ghost’s albums were great except Bulletproof Wallets. This album had some great songs, dammit! Listening to the latest Rae and Ghost collabo supposedly from the OBCL2 made me wanna revisit this underrated gem.

Darius Sinclairâ„¢

Rell – “Somehow Someway”

Rell is one of the many lost talents left in the debris that was Rocafella Records. But with a “perfect” track such as this, one wonders how he went without an album being dropped. With his vocals and harmony displayed in this mixtape joint, just imagine if awesomeness like this was extended to an album. Somehow, someday.

2Pac Feat. Notorious B.I.G. and Dramacydal – “Runnin’” (The REAL one, with all police references removed)

I bumped this song the day of Sean Bell trail results. It’s fitting subject content and decent Big and Pac’s verses give it replay potential. This is a rarer track; about 15 years old. But it reminds me on how far our society hasn’t moved from policy brutality. R.I.P.

AmpGeez

Lovestink (Jack Splash & Cee-Lo Green) – “Gangsta Boogie”

Funky. With Cee-Lo stepping back in His MC shoes & Jack Splash on the beat & the hook, this 70′s inspired jam all but forces you to get your boogie on. And even though it’s great to hear Cee-Lo spittin’ bars again, the track itself, bursting from the seems with horns & handclaps, is the true attraction. Put this song on & make room for the Soul Train line.

Cam’ron Feat. Nicole Wray – “Do Your Thing” (OG Version)

Originally the first single off of Killa Season, clearance issues got this joint replaced with an inferior version. Half the appeal of this one was the classic EnTouch, “Too Hype” hook, of course flipped DipSet style…”Put on My vest, Can’t believe they’ll start this mess…” Trust me, Killa goes in on this joint.

K1NG
N.E.R.D. Feat. CRS & Pusha T – “Everybody Nose” (Remix)

I’m not sure if it’s the up-tempo pulsating beat or the great lyrical performance by each rapper on the track, but this is definitely near the top of my playlist whether i’m in the car or i’m chilling at the house.

Outkast – “ATLiens”

This song is model Outkast. Andre and Big Boi both bring their A-game over this self-produced gem off of the album of the same name.

Wit-E Beats

Nas Feat. Scarface & Tanya Herron – “In Between Us” (Alternate Version)

Dope Beat. Alternate first verse from Nas. Shares a few lines with “Ether.” Catchy-ass hook. For the record, it’s NOT T-Boz singing the hook!

For comparison, Scarface Feat. Nas & Tanya Herron – “In Between Us” (Album Version)

Ice Cube Feat. Nas & Scarface – “Gansta Rap Made Me Do It” (Remix)

Each MC spits heat. Dope Concept. Nas + Scarface = Always a great combo. In fact, collabo album may be due given their track record (“Favor For A Favor,” “In Between Us,” and this).

Suave

Elzhi and Royce 5’9″ – “Motown 25′ (Prod. by Black Milk)

Absolute RAW hip-hop lyricism live and direct from Detroit. Possibly a TOP duo in the making…

The Jacksons – “Show You The Way To Go”

The Jacksons. What is left to be said with this legendary group. The track simply jumps out of the speakers. Live, clear, and a great representation of how musically FREE the 1970′s were. COME BACK MIKE!!!

LC Weber

Vanity 6 – “Nasty Girl”

1982 produced some crazy shit, including, but not limited to…

1) LC Weber

2) Prince’s funky female manifestation, Vanity 6, with my personal nasty anthem

3) aaaand….

Morris Day and The Time – “777-9311″

Man o man… all these instruments are pushed to their absolute limits. You can damn near hear Prince’s thumbs slapping the bass, Can almost see the drumsticks t-t-t-t-t-tapping off the hi-hat. What’s ya phone number, gosh darn it.

Beware

Z-Ro – “Crooked Officer”

Over a Mike Dean beat that hits harder than Miguel Cabrara on the Rangers, this Asshole By Nature absolutley goes off on those lying, cheating, no-good black and whites we all love to hate. This one might deserve a Notable Quotable. Like John Ritter, stay tuned.

R Kelly Feat. Sean Paul and Akon – “Slow Wind” (Remix)

Ever since I heard this at a house party in college, it’s become a staple when having guests over. The overly simple beat is perfect, Akon comes more correct than an Asian kid’s calculus test and it’s the only verse I’ll ever openly listen to of Sean Paul’s. I still can’t believe I’ve never heard this on the radio.

Corey Bloom

Kid Cudi – “Day N Night”

The hook is almost as addicting as the smoked out beat in this debut single by the Ohio born Brooklyn resident. Lyrically, he lets the track breathe and fills the air with introspections and a controlled chaos that most people can related to in some way. The tracks potency is in it’s simplicity, which is not a bad thing at all.

The Roots Feat. Malik B and P.O.R.N. – “I Can’t Help It”

The album is chock full of bangers, but “I Can’t Help It” is always where I get caught up and press the rewind button. Malik B rips the first verse, Black Thought does his thing as always, but P.O.R.N. absolutely murders shit with the third slot. The whole verse is a quoteable, embodying paranoia and destruction in such a profound way you feel guilty for calling it dope.

Drew Ricketts

Drunken Monkeee and iLL Legit – “Push It”

This is a modern take by a duo looking to revise the Salt N’ Pepa party hit. The High Channel, or THC, is their name. I think millennium groups are taking the chance of reinventing the 80′s and 90′s allegiance to thumping drums and rubbery waves of electronic sounds has started to pay off through Chicago artists like The Cool Kids, Kidz N The Hall and now The High Channel. Notable quotable: “I never expected to be in this position with you.” Word to Amy H.

Janelle Monae – “Violet Stars Happy Hunting”

She is not as much from “Outer Space” as she claims, maybe if outer space were fifties doo-wop I’d believe. I guess if it’s unfamiliar to young listeners, it’s outer space. I like songs with attitude, debut ditties and such. I think Diddy’s hyperbolic claims of her being the “next big thing” aside, she will absolutely impress a generation of iPod junkies.

Jada G.

Usher – “Here I Stand”

On the title track of his latest album,Usher separates himself from the R&B boys by reminding us of one simple fact—he can really sing. This soulful ballad is worthy of a spot among the best of the legends who painted pictures of love without the fluff of heavy production.

Nas – “It Ain’t Hard To Tell”

Anticipation of the upcoming release of The Album Formerly Known As the N-word has put Illmatic back in heavy rotation on my iPod. Whether partnered with Nas’ self reflection or Michael’s pure falsetto, the “Human Nature” sample has a coming of age feel. Remember when it was not about controversy and all about the flow?

Jesse H.

Tomyasu Hotei – “Battle Without Honor or Humanity”

From the Kill Bill Vol. 1 soundtrack, this monstrous instrumental is near the top of the list of songs I’d want playing if I was locking Hanzo swords with someone (to be fair, the list is pretty short, I haven’t thought about it much).

Organized Konfusion – “Releasing Hypnotical Gases”

Listen for the sample used in “Midnight In A Perfect World” from Endtroducing. This shit is wild.

DJ Sorce-1

Hood Headlinaz Feat. Lil’ St. Lois – “Soul Glo”

Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Hood Headlinaz utilize the “Soul Glow” song from Coming to America. So ridiculously perfect. I’ve made it my mission to blow this song up.

Danja Mowf – “Strange Fruit”

Eerie, beautiful, and perfect. An amazing work of art from a Mowf’s criminally slept on Word of Mowf album.

Khalid Strickland

Kelis Feat. Markita – “Mafia”

“My love rest assured/ I’ll raise our sons for you / I’ll save our ones for you / load up your guns for you“.

When I get married, these are gonna be my wife’s customized wedding vows.

Rick Ross – “Money Make Me Come”

From the ghettocentric intro to the shotgun blast at the end… this is pure, unadulterated niggadom. And I love it.

MZ

I’m a borderline insomniac who works 2nd shift. I’m trying to be able to wake up before noon again, so I had to go back my old standbys in terms of falling asleep. In my case music definitely soothes the savage beast.

Mos Def Feat. Vinia Mojica – “Climb”

I used to put this & “Umi Says” on repeat back in collage to help me fall asleep. The melody and interplay between Mos & Vinia is beautiful. I’m still not completely sure what they’re talking about and it doesn’t even matter. This song is one of the reasons I don’t immediately cringe when I don’t hear Mos spit to open up a song.

Amerie – All I Have

To quote Estelle’s Teef: “Amerie is Rich Harrison’s muse on this album.” I love the melodies & despite her limited range, Amerie conveys emotion well. At no slight to the album, which as a whole is great, it makes me forget my day and drift asleep. At one point I probably played this for close to a year straight solely to fall asleep. It plays all the way through as well which is a big plus.

Patrick M.

Outkast – “The Way You Move.”

“Hey Ya” may make the rounds in the Pixar movies these days and was the bigger hit at the time. But I always thought this was the far superior track. The funky complexity of the chorus contrasted with Big Boi’s super cool verses make this one of my all time favorite party songs.

Lil’ Flip – “Game Over”

One of those tracks that I just KNEW was going to be huge, because of the gimmicky Pacman beat and some solid spitting from Houston’s own. I really thought Flip would have a bigger career than he has. Let that be a lesson to the Plies’ of the world.

Word?

T.I. Feat. Nelly – “Get Loose”

There are about 4 or 6 songs I’m ashamed to say I’m a fan of. “Get Loose” being one of them. Jazze Pha outdid himself with the beat and despite the subject matter, both Clifford and Cornell came correct. I bet 20 1′s, you play this track for any chick (sober or inebriated), the stripper in her will reveal itself as soon as TI requests, “Ay, I wanna see you dance like them girls in that “Tip Drill” video. 20 1′s. Because, ‘If the beat is alright, she will dance all night!’ – Chris Rock.

Jay-z – “Heart Of The City (Ain’t No Love)”

Jay is part of my everyday life. I’m forever quoting him without even trying. Be it a word or phrase, I quote. Even go as far as finishing the verse the quote comes from. Poor soul on the recieving end either ignores me or participates. Either way, in true OCD fashion, I finish. Jay’s “Heart Of The City” is chock full o’ quotables that I use on an almost daily basis. “Look, I’m on my grind cousin, ain’t got time for frontin…” “I don’t want much, fuck, I drove every car…” “Y’all don’t know my expenses, I gotta buy a bigger place..” “What’s all the fuckin fussin for…” I can go on and on but Gottyâ„¢ gave me a limit so let’s just say the whole song is one big quotable.

Matthew Mundy

Jamie T. – “So Lonely Was The Ballad” and “Sheila”

Last night, I was drinking with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while, and we stood out in the unseasonably cold weather for an hour or two listening to this dude. He’s that good. If you or any of your friends are expecting a child right now, blast this on the uterus, and you will give birth to a titan of an infant. I promise you.

Contraâ„¢

Notorious B.I.G.- “Somebody Got To Die”

I like walking around imagining the most aboslutely gruesome GTA-like occurences around me while humming this song. It makes everything more amusing when you assume that you could randomly pull out a rocket launcher and lick shots at the news helicopter above you as you peel off on an ATV on Venice Beach…

…with a bitch.

Mos Def Feat. Isley Brothers – “Beauty In The Dark” (Remix)

I once found one of the urchins lying on the coffee table with his hands behind his head. He was humming softly, facing the ceiling fan with his eyes closed, headphones blaring. Then he sang:

“My name is Black Dante/ How can I resist when you come my way?”

That 3 year old’s musical taste trumps yours.

TC

Tanya Morgan – “Walk My Way”

The beat makes you bob left while the lyrics make you weave right. Full of the flava like Lifesavers…used to have.

Mia X Feat. Master P, C-Murder, Silkk The Shocker & Mystikal – “You Don’t Wanna Go 2 War”

Fucka Khaled collabo. This is what a Southern posse cut should sound like.

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