One of Hip-Hop’s more unique (and occasionally detrimental) qualities is an artist and sound being largely associated with its regions. And more so than that, its individual states. For North Carolina, one of the northern most southern states, the DNA of the music has largely associated with soulful sounds as opposed to the bass-driven music some of its Southern contemporaries have made insanely popular. Read the rest of this entry »

While it’s not George Kush The Button, 9th Wonder’s The Wonder Years is a magnificent title for sheer nostalgic purposes of the classic ’90′s program. My fellow HBCU alum recounts his hustle and each rung on the ladder of success it has taken him to become the man Hip Hop reveres as one of its more respected producers. The video is appropriate as it shows a man comfortable in all environments and one who has never forgotten his roots.

If nothing else, I’ll file this in my “pick-me-up” rap catalog; the type of song that reminds you that some people chase their dreams and in some cases, they come true.

Bonus: If that’s not enough 9th, clear about 12 minutes out of the schedule and take a peep at what it’s like to actually live life in the man of the post’s shoes, filmed and presented by The Conscious Tip.

Without question, Warren G is responsible for more than a few of my most cherished songs. Between the his non-threatening rhymes and production that has always soothed like painkillers and purp, the Long Beach mainstay has solidified a spot in my rotation for an eternity. That said, the G-Child’s verse on 9th Wonder’s “Enjoy” is not very good. Between occasionally falling off beat and rhyming few and far between, the 213 anchor doesn’t add much to the first verse of this Wonder Years leak aside from a unique feature credit.

Pushing the negativity aside, though, 9th’s down-tempo back-track does provides some strings for K-Dot and Murs to son regardless, making the track worth the spins for most. Hopefully, you can make it past Mr. G to hear them.

The Wonder Years drops on September 27.

9th Wonder Feat. Warren G, Murs & Kendrick Lamar – “Enjoy”

The 9th Wonder of the world has recently been taking heat for his opinions regarding Watch The Throne’s quality but come September 27th, 2011, the producer will have the opportunity to prove he can do much better. It’s The Wonder Years, starring 9th Wonder, in his 137th full-length feature presentation that will surely be an ultimate dream for followers of his movement. Read the rest of this entry »