Top Ten 7/14

Madeline Fetchiet | founder/writer

Sober Thoughts--Goldlink: Goldlink strikes gold with “Sober Thoughts”! It’s hard to imagine a 20-year-old on the music scene not only abstaining from using drugs and alcohol, but also making hits about his clean lifestyle. But this young lyricist did just that with this summer banger. This track distinctly displays Goldlink’s maturity in terms of his lyrical content. Oh yeah--and his tricky flow is consistent, 3:44 seconds strong.

Crunchin’--Boldy James: A hard-hitting single of his mixtape, Trappers Alley 2, slated for release in September. On Crunchin’, Boldy embodies his usual hustler persona, reminding us that, "I ain’t gotta rap, my trap do numbers. Plus I got the collard greens, cabbage and the cucumbers.” A solid statement and winning metaphor. Recently signed to Nas’ label, Mass Appeal, Boldy James is due for a full-length album, one I expect to be highly anticipated. Crunchin’ proves Boldy is staying true to his gritty Detroit roots, and remaining emphatic about his trap-before-rap lifestyle. Boldy James may not have to rap, but I sure pray he continues to.

Insomniak--Mac Miller feat. Rick Ross: My first thought was Mac Miller and Rick Ross? But apparently boasting a stellar roster of artists is the name of the game for Miller’s newest tape, Faces. At first listen, Miller’s flow sounded way too much like Drake than I’m used to, but the content makes up for it. Hearing the thunderous Ricky Rozay voice on a Mac track is uncomfortable initially as well…but then you realize the awkwardness is the perfect marriage and symbolism for Insomniak’s lyrical content—offbeat like the mind of an insomniac. In tune with Miller’s more recent emphasis on referencing drugs in his raps, cocaine in particular, it began to make perfect sense why Rozay is on the track.

710 & Prerolls (Smoker’s Anthem)--Jaz Marley (feat. BURNTmd): Eventually, every “smokers’ anthem” sounds the same lyrically. For me, a good toking tune is about the beat—slow and relaxing tempo, but bass that knocks. Although it’s been done, Jaz Marley and BURNTd appeal to the modern-day stoners with shout-outs to new fads like concentrates and edibles. Relaxing and relatable, I like it.

Bound 2.5--DeLaZoo: DeLaZoo may be one of the more underrated underground rappers. With a sound like Hoodie Allen, DeLaZoo not only spits fire, but isn’t afraid to sing on the track either. Bound 2.5 features a winning combo of his lyrical complexity and his singing voice, both I’d consider underrated. If you haven’t tuned it yet, start with DeLaZoo’s remix of Kanye’s Bound 2, and get familiar.

Two Lips--Joey Bada$$ x J Dilla: Start with a little known J Dilla production and you know it’ll be cold. Then add Joey Bada$$ and his somewhat philosophical lyrics on the precious gift of life, and you have a hit. Top it off from creative arrangements by Alkomplice, and you’re on your way to a masterpiece.

Juveniles--Audio Push (feat. Logic, Jill Scott): Metaphors galore. Oozes word play. Press play on this one.

Nothin’ On My Mind--Astronomy (Bearson Remix): An ultimate worry-free tune from singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Astronomyy. His beach-rock tunes have clear hip hop influences (see his cover of Kendrick Lamar’s, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe), re-worked into arrangements highlighting his musical talents as well as production abilities.

Illuminaughty--Rapsody: Rapsody brings poetry back to rap is and redefining “female rapper.” I’ve been waiting for a rapper as candid, metaphorical, poetic and intelligent as Rapsody. One of my favorite artists in the game right now, Rapsody is intent on defying the stereotypes as this track demonstrates. She may be a female, and flow colder than a Detroit winter, but Rapsody says the last label she wants is “female rapper.” With a feminist undertone, Rapsody proves she can spit with the best of them—male or female, so the distinction is unnecessary, she says. Oh yeah, and Jabari Parker is in the video.

Future Guns--Alex Wiley: The only reason this is at the bottom of the list is because Alex Wiley only spits one verse. Wiley is one to keep an ear on out of Chicago.

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