Contra™

Jay-Z – “Regrets”

“I think I’m touched..this whole verse I been talking to your spirit…a little too much.”

Life is shorter than you can fathom, children. Anybody out there you’ve got anything to say to, say it now while they and you are here, because a skipped heartbeat will close that window and draw those blinds on you faster than you can imagine.

Sway – “Still On My Own”

This is one of those songs that really embodied a huge chunk of my mentality about four years ago and as such helps me mirror back to better clarify my projections for the future via that retrospect. Plus Sway is good peoples and I respect his hustle.

Isaac Hayes – “The Look of Love”

Classic. Point blank. R.I.P.

Landon A.

Cool Breeze Feat. Sleepy Brown – “Weeastpointin’”

As I attempt to hold onto what’s left of the summer, it’s tracks like this that make it not so much of a chore. Even if I am listening to it on the way to my 10am class.

Fat Joe – “Bronx Keeps Creating It”

I’m partial to any track that samples David Axelrod’s “Holy Thursday”, and yes that most definitely includes Weezy’s “Dr. Carter.” A dope track from an equally dope era in Hip-Hop, not to mention Joey Crack was still bustin’ heads on the mic and not in Def Jam video games.

Jesse H.

T-Pain Feat. the rest of the rap world – “Like I Outta”

In what can only be summed up as a hilariously overblown hardcore track, T-Pain goes off on anyone that’s ever doubted the legitimacy of the Auto-Tune. Little replay value, but it’ll be the best laugh you’ve had all day.

Busta Rhymes – “I Got Bass”

On a second consecutive knockout beat courtesy of Bangladesh, we find the dungeon dragon snarling, growling, yelling and… imitating the track’s distinct “mosquito-buzz” sound. Listeners who like their music at a more modest volume beware. This track begs for the subwoofer treatment.

R.A. the Rugged Man Feat. Masta Killa and Killah Priest – “Chains”

The second half of R.A.’s verse may be one of the most technically impressive things I’ve ever heard a lyricist do. Mind blowing cadence while he spazzes on the multi-syllabics.

Mint Royale Feat. Posdnous of De La Soul – “Show Me”

I found this one off of the National Lampoon’s Van Wilder soundtrack of all places (it’s a long story that doesn’t need to be repeated here). It features an on fire appearance from Plug One, who really demonstrates how to ride the creative, electronic-inspired beat perfectly.

Gotty™

Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds”

If you have children, then you know what a lifesaver OnDemand & Sprout TV are. And if those two conditions apply to you, you’ll know why I start off each morning gettin dressed to Bob music.

Young Jeezy – “Get Allot”

David D. picked one of my Jeezy choices, but for this one, you can blame my barbershop. Those fools had it screaming out of the speakers on Wednesday, which is exactly what I’ve been doing with it in the whip prior to and afterwards.

Divine – “Lately”

“Was a day I will always remember, The saddest day in sweet November…”

I stumbled across this video while cruising the e-highway. And it’s not that I’ve listened to it more than twice since. More of the fact that I remember it & it gives me a good laugh. Cheesy soap opera music that I’m sure many a college freak cried her eyes out to. Where’d these ladies go?

Erykah Badu Feat. Pharoahe Monch – “The Healer” (Remix)

Depend on Monch to release hypnotical gases & help keep it all in perspective. Power to the people.

Wit-E

Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine

I first heard this when I was about twelve (1991). I copped a portable CD player off some cat outta the classifieds and he put this disc in when I went to try it out. From the first bass drop, I was hooked. I’d never heard anything like it and it sounded like some crazy Hip-Hop beats with metal style singing on it. I didn’t know how to classify it. But I knew it was some dope shit…and I loved it.

Redman – Muddy Waters

No need for much explanation with this one. Classic Redman doin his thing. I traded my homie Andy Carlton The Show soundtrack for this album. Although both were solid, I’m gonna say I came out on the better end of the deal. Packed full of bangers, this album stands the test of time and is as great today as it was ten years ago.

Ray Charles – The Definitive Anthology (3 Disc Set)

I’ve always been a fan of Ray Charles. If you’ve ever really listened to his music, it’s hard not to be. I became even more of a fan after seeing the movie “Ray” and realizing the personal struggles he went through his entire life. Check out some Youtube clips and watch the live performances of Ray at his peak, shaking from tweakin’ so hard off that China white while hammerin’ out the dopest shit you ever heard on the keys.

Jedi Mind Tricks – Servants In Heaven Kings In Hell

Amazing album from start to finish. Vinnie Paz bringing that crazy animal rap and Stoupe crafting some of the illest beats I’ve ever heard (Stoupe is easily the most slept on producer in Hip-Hop).
So many stand out tracks on here, from “Shadow Business” which tells the story of sweat shops, to “Unommon Valor” which was covered in one of my all-time favorite TSS interviews. If you aren’t feelin’ this album, get your pulse checked.

Malik V.

A Tribe Called Quest – “Show Business”

After the reference in “Drivin’ Down The Block” by Kidz, I went back to this one from Low End Theory. A chill track off of one of the most likewise chill albums ever, speaking on the realities of the business in the jazzy and smooth style only Tribe could kick.

Rhymefest – “Devil’s Pie”

“I know I’m ahead of my time, but I’m behind on my rent…”

The daily grind is a common topic to spit about, but Rhymefest’s colorful lyrics paint a unique picture of the hardships, which combine to form the devilish dish the song is named for. The beat will have you nodding your head, even though it takes a backseat to the deep and insightful raps.

DJ Quik – “Thinkin’ ‘Bout U”

Mellow, smooth and nostalgic. Quik chronicles the stages of love for a certain female over a finger-snapping beat. The high school lovin’ is what really gets me. “So when test time came I was all in yours/ With no bubbles on my paper, just some low ass scores”. We all know dudes who fell victim to that shit.

David D.

Gorilla Zoe Feat. Lil’ Wayne – “Lost”

Yes, Gorilla Zoe sounds sort of like a creepy horror house tour guide. But his voice still has a nice sound to it with a competent melody. And say what you want about Wayne and that Vocoder, but it’s when he’s at his most focused when it comes to subject matter.

Juney Boomdata Feat. Soulja Boy and Jermaine Dupri – “Cookies”

What’s a David D. Crew Love without some ig’nance? I think this song isn’t really about cookies you get from the bakery…

Cory Gunz – “Invasion Freestyle”

The Invasion crew has been doing their show from Green Lantern’s basement ever since Cory Gunz left the Invasion studios in ashes with his 5 minute freestyle. The man’s wordplay ability is on full display here.

Young Jeezy Feat. Trey Songz – “Takin’ it There”

There’s nothing worse than a forced R&B collab. Even though this track has nothing to do with a Recession, it’s knocking beat and smooth hook from Songz gets a pass from me. I can’t help but vibe to this joint.

Amp

Max B. – “Tattoos On Her Ass” (Prod. by Dame Grease)

Say what you want about Biggaveli, but dude’s output after parting ways with Jim Jones & Byrd Gang has been prolific to say the least. This joint is the first shot off of his upcoming Vigilante Season LP on Amalgam Digital & it seems like Grease held back on Goon Music
& saved his illest beats for Max. With a Blondie inspired hook & the requisite shots at Jones, this one should have nonbelievers riding the wave in no time.

Foxy Brown Feat. Sizzla – “Come Fly With Me”

From the much maligned, oft-delayed Black Roses, this was the first single Def Jam leaked to the streets back in ’04. After the debacle that was Ill Nana 2: The Fever, I thought that with Jay-Z finally back it her corner, Fox was on the comeback trail, but we know how that ended up. Still, with lyrics courtesy of S. Carter (of course) & Sizzla matching Foxy in raunchiness on the hook, this joint easily trumps anything on Brooklyn’s Don Diva.

Khalid Strickland

Plies – “Worth Goin Fed Fo”

With this song’s honest, simple verses, Plies articulates the pitfalls of drug-dealing better than most super-lyrical-ass rappers. And the moody beat is hot to death. He should make an entire album of reality songs like this.

Three 6 Mafia – When The Smoke Clears

In my world, this is a 5 Cig album. Despite their Oscar win, DJ Paul and Juicy J are two of the most underrated producers in hip-hop, and I offer this album as proof. Before they became a duo, The Mafia was a collective of six unique emcees with chemistry to spare, especially on this magnum-opus.

Prodigy – “New Yitty”

H.N.I.C. 2 was a slept-on album. It was full of goodies, but “New Yitty” made me want to snuff somebody, so it’s my Crew Love pick. Sid Roams made this killer beat and though P isn’t the great lyricist he once was, his blood-talk was decent on this track.

Darius Sinclair™

D’Angelo – “Lady”

D-Lo has vocal cords of butter. He adds an element to his music with his soprano and alto melodies, which vocally, had him on another level than most R&B cats. “Lady” is a perfect example of how he uses his voice to the max. He whelps the lead, layers and backgrounds with precision and ease. Though this was his best song commercially, it also stands as one of his best made song overall.

Nas – “Black Zombies”

This song is Nas in his norm: real shit. Regardless of the catchy, out of place hook, the song speaks knowledge. He talks down to us black zombies of the cold realities we live in, allow in our lives, and he rhymes with rigor. Listen to it; every line is accurate, too.

Aalon – “Rock and Roll Gangster”

1977 created this one-hit wonder Aalon, who brought us a conscious look at the rock & roll stars in this rare track. The band emphasizes on how rock stars are fake and live fabricated lifestyles. With its generic 70s mid-tempo vibe, one would ask why this is such a substantial song. The words the lead singer belts are still relevant in this information age we live in. It’s worth a good listening too. I see you, Rick Ross.

Patrick M.

N.E.R.D. – “Kill Joy”

I saw Pharrell and crew (no Chad?!) Tuesday night at House of Blues. The live energy of the show, particularly this track, has made me go back and re-examine their album, to rediscover what I may have missed the first time. It’s why, despite the pitfalls and frustrations, I keep hitting up Hip-Hop shows.

Kardinal Offishal Feat. The Clipse – “Set it Off”

The dirty synth on this beat sounds like it could be from the N.E.R.D. boys, although it’s not quite as inventive as their work. Clipse doesn’t let that stop them, killing it with their usual swagger and cocaine wordplay. Kardinal ditches the reggae style for a commanding verse that sets the tone for the song.

Matthew Mundy

Killer Mike – “10th Commandment (Jockin’ Jay-Z Freestyle)”

Killer Mike has singlehandedly made Sunday the best day of my week, and this song is a prime example of why. I’m as big a Jay stan as the next man, but Killer sets the beat up, beats the shit out of it, then sticks the skulls and stripes flag in it to finish it off. Rest in peace.

Joe Budden – “Who Killed It? (Parts 1-3)

Inhale. Anyone who was waiting for Joe Budden to properly follow up his magnum opus “Dumb Out,” wait no longer. It’s here. Budden flows for fifteen minutes straight, laying out all of the various culprits in hip-hop’s murder. It’s captivating listening – to risk understatement – and Budden’s probably the only cat in hip-hop who could have done it. One of those songs that, after fifteen minutes of straight-up lyrical destruction, you notice you haven’t taken a full breath since he dropped in. Exhale.

Lil’ Wayne Feat. Mike Tyson – “The American Dream”

Hip-hop’s crown Acid Prince comes back to sprinkle some angel dust and lean all over the game again. Flow’s on point (as per usual), Mike Tyson’s bloviating on the hook with the best of ‘em, the beat knocks, and there are at least three different lines that hop up out of the track and make hay. All. Over. Your. Face.

1. To start off the first round: ‘Hm, like motherfuck all y’all, Mr. Mike Tyson flow, uppercut all y’all / Step into my ring bitches, ding ding bitches! Click-clack pow-pow bing bing bitches!’

2. Middle round: ‘I’m a hold it down bitch, yeah the crown fit / The boy got a flow that you can drown in.’

3. The knockout punch (literally the last words he spits on the song): ‘Fuck pistols, we at your window with scud missiles / Young Carter, big nuts, and they hung farther than your father’s.’ (Laughs, followed by Mike Tyson soundbite). Wow?

MZ

Guru Feat. Angie Stone – “Keep You Worries”

I don’t think even Armageddon could make Guru raise his voice above , but luckily DJ Scratch and Angie came through with the assist. Nothing is better than a soulful beat that knocks and Angie’s soulful voice breathing energy into the song. Off of Jazzmatazz: Streetsoul, this is one of the last projects before he hooked up with Solaar and it makes me do nothing but shake my head in disgust for what he’s done over the last five or six years.

Foreign Exchange – “Let’s Move”

In anticipation for Leave It All Behind, I pulled out Connected put it through the wringer. I think what really got me into it was despite what they had done with 9th Wonder, Nicolay really gave some really dope tracks that were soulful and sounded like nothing they had on before. Phonte and Pooh ripped the track, but I love the beat which sounds like it sampled a theme from “Peter and the Wolf.”

Foreign Exchange – “Sincere”

As ill of an emcee Phonte is; he always shines when the topic turns to relationships. He lays everything out in the booth as he wears his heart on his mic. Once again I find myself conflicted in losing myself in the beat or rockin’ with Phonte.

Memphis Bleek – “Straight Path”

I don’t know what it is, but Memphis Bleek always got some bangers from Just Blaze. As he always does to close out his albums, Bleek stops partying and working the block to let us know that he still keeps a foot in the regular world. He may be forever a hit away, but he’s got more than enough for a greatest hits compilation: even without Jay-Z being on every song.

DJ Sorce-1

Ed O.G., Pete Rock & Masta Ace – “Wishing”

Pete Rock murks the beat while Ed O.G. and Masta Ace come with some heart felt lyrics. The MLK sample helps seperate this from the rest of the pack.

Sean Price – “Heartburn”

“I love it when my bitch cook. Come home to a hot meal, it’s not real, the bitch can’t cook.”

How can you go wrong with Sean P spitting verses like this over one of 9th Wonder’s finest?

Yelawolf – “Break The Chain”

I had mixed feelings on this dudes rock/rap mix tape, but homeboy kills this Fleetwood Mac sample with the greatest of ease. I love the mixture of singing and rapping that he somehow pulls off.

TC

Nas Feat. AZ – “Serious”

With the exception of “Life’s A Bitch,” this is the most exciting Illmatic‘s finest have ever been alongside one another. Now if they could just bring this kind of energy to their albums…

Tony Touch Feat. Flipmode Squad – “Set It On Fire”

Sometimes you just need a little lyricism with your hype.

Cold – 13 Ways To Bleed On Stage

I don’t know what it is about Autumn but the cooler weather just increases my desire to listen to the darkest alt-rock. It just sounds like football season.

LC Weber

Little Brother Feat. Darien Brockington – “Two Step Blues”

If you’ve seen LB live than you already know what it is. No cloudy days with this one. Only sterling silver linings.

Ralfi Pagan – “Make It With You”
I two-step the MF out of this joint by myself at home.
Yeah, I said two-steppin’ by myself. So?… And?

Herbie Hancock – “Come Running To Me”

The best 8:29 minutes your ears will ever be graced with. Front to back. e-high fives for LIFE to the first person who picks out the two snagged samples.

Previously Posted — “Down To Our Last 5 Cigs…” – The Crew Love Edition | Crew Love | “Crew Love…”