I know I'm a day late but here are another six musicians that I have had on Heavy Rotation since the year began.
13. Chance The Rapper - "Acid Rap"
I was talking to a friend the other day and we both agreed that contrary to what he himself may believe, Kanye West is not Hip-Hop's savior. Where we were differed however, is that she believes that Kendrick Lamar is. I disagreed. I think Hip-Hop is just at a place where it is time to pass on the torch to the next generation of rapper. Just as it went from Heavy D, to Biggy, to Jay-Z; it's time for the next gen to take over. And although there is a lot of crap out there, I do believe that Hip-Hop is in safe hands. One set of those hands belongs to Chance the Rapper. Ever since I was introduced to him view of new school hip hop has been completely different. Listen to him.
You can download his mixtape Acid Rap free HERE
14. Nirvana - "In Utero"
I looked for this album after I heard the song "Heart Shaped Box" in an episode of Californication. And while public opinion states that Nevermind defined 90's grunge, to me, In Utero defined Nirvana as a band. Aggressive guitars, heartfelt song lyrics and the fact that its a statement against the tower that is capitalism and mainstream music has propelled this album not only onto this list but also onto my list of favorite albums of all time.
15. Childish Gambino - "CAMP"
I like Donald Glover. I think he's an insanely talented writer and actor and his stand up is friggin' hilarious. But I think that just like everyone else, I wasn't quite sure whether he would ever be good at rapping. His self released free album CAMP though is his hungry reply proclaiming: Yes. I Can. It is a well thought out, hunger driven project that has been on Heavy Rotation ever since I've gotten it.
16. Jeff Buckley - "Grace"
Most people know Jeff Buckley from his definitive cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and even though that song is a good entry point to his music, it is only an entry point. Tired of the stuff that passes off as music these days I found myself going through Rollingstone's Best Albums of the 90's in search of good music. I found this album on the list. I was completely blown away by Buckley's musicality, poignant lyricism and the sound of his voice. I was in love, still am and not afraid to say so.
17. Asap Rocky - "LiveLoveA$ap"
Asap Rocky has swag. He also has an amazing gift for selecting beats. For his 2011 mixtape LiveLoveA$ap he teamed up with the a small known producer named Clams Casino who contributed to the overall aesthetic of the mixtape. And even though Rocky has made flow reminiscent of UGK and Bone Thugs, it is Clams' production that keeps me coming back.
You Can download the full mixtape HERE.
18. The Notorious B.I.G. - 'Ready to Die"
I've always been Biggy over Pac and this album is the reason why. His subversive story telling style shows a man who not only observed the life in the streets (much like Pac did) but also lived it. And then there's the musicality of his flow and that undeniable presence of his every time he spat into the mic. This is the original Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City.
And with those I will see you next time,
Peace & much love to ya.
13. Chance The Rapper - "Acid Rap"
I was talking to a friend the other day and we both agreed that contrary to what he himself may believe, Kanye West is not Hip-Hop's savior. Where we were differed however, is that she believes that Kendrick Lamar is. I disagreed. I think Hip-Hop is just at a place where it is time to pass on the torch to the next generation of rapper. Just as it went from Heavy D, to Biggy, to Jay-Z; it's time for the next gen to take over. And although there is a lot of crap out there, I do believe that Hip-Hop is in safe hands. One set of those hands belongs to Chance the Rapper. Ever since I was introduced to him view of new school hip hop has been completely different. Listen to him.
You can download his mixtape Acid Rap free HERE
14. Nirvana - "In Utero"
I looked for this album after I heard the song "Heart Shaped Box" in an episode of Californication. And while public opinion states that Nevermind defined 90's grunge, to me, In Utero defined Nirvana as a band. Aggressive guitars, heartfelt song lyrics and the fact that its a statement against the tower that is capitalism and mainstream music has propelled this album not only onto this list but also onto my list of favorite albums of all time.
15. Childish Gambino - "CAMP"
I like Donald Glover. I think he's an insanely talented writer and actor and his stand up is friggin' hilarious. But I think that just like everyone else, I wasn't quite sure whether he would ever be good at rapping. His self released free album CAMP though is his hungry reply proclaiming: Yes. I Can. It is a well thought out, hunger driven project that has been on Heavy Rotation ever since I've gotten it.
16. Jeff Buckley - "Grace"
Most people know Jeff Buckley from his definitive cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and even though that song is a good entry point to his music, it is only an entry point. Tired of the stuff that passes off as music these days I found myself going through Rollingstone's Best Albums of the 90's in search of good music. I found this album on the list. I was completely blown away by Buckley's musicality, poignant lyricism and the sound of his voice. I was in love, still am and not afraid to say so.
17. Asap Rocky - "LiveLoveA$ap"
Asap Rocky has swag. He also has an amazing gift for selecting beats. For his 2011 mixtape LiveLoveA$ap he teamed up with the a small known producer named Clams Casino who contributed to the overall aesthetic of the mixtape. And even though Rocky has made flow reminiscent of UGK and Bone Thugs, it is Clams' production that keeps me coming back.
You Can download the full mixtape HERE.
18. The Notorious B.I.G. - 'Ready to Die"
I've always been Biggy over Pac and this album is the reason why. His subversive story telling style shows a man who not only observed the life in the streets (much like Pac did) but also lived it. And then there's the musicality of his flow and that undeniable presence of his every time he spat into the mic. This is the original Good Kid, M.a.a.D. City.
And with those I will see you next time,
Peace & much love to ya.
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