Benz and a Backpack

Curren$y Feat. Wiz Khalifa and Big K.R.I.T.

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Rapper’s have become so filled with bravado that instead of just rapping about how successful they are, they rap about how effortless their success comes to them.  Dressing fresh, making hits, and nabbing women is possible, no matter how stoned or lazy you are.  How burnt do you think Curren$y feels every morning?

Anyways, Cocaine Blunts has put up a nice little critique of the effortless swag phenomenon:

For too long effortless cool has been the primary commodity amongst rappers. Our d-boy rappers don’t have to try, our stoner rappers don’t have to try, our backpack rappers don’t have to try. Because it’s not cool to try. This is why Ross and Curren$y and Elzhi all read as pretty boring to me. Even though all of them are quite clearly talented, they all seem more interested in presenting an unfazed demeanor than actually engaging and entertaining their audience. The cause of this? Short answer: it’s Jay’s fault. Stop whispering, son. Long answer: it’s a combination of 21st century not-a-rapper indifference and the kind of yacht boy complacency that just comes with being a multi-millionaire.

Read the rest here.

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The hip-hop world is abuzz with the promise of a follow-up from one of rap’s most prominent and skilled female emcees, Rah Digga. On the heels of her inclusion in BET’s recent documentary ‘My Mic Sounds Nice’, Digga delivers a taste of what’s to come with the remix of “This Ain’t No Lil Kid Rap,” the lead single from Classic. Featuring Redman, the pairing is only natural, as the Digga and Redman are good friends and New Jersey natives. Despite the long-running friendship and shared geographic location, this track marks the first time the two have ever appeared on a song together.

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In honor of Fat Beats’ 16 years of business, Duck Down Music artists Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Pharoahe Monch, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Skyzoo & !llmind, Torae and Ruste Juxx will be making appearances and signing autographs this evening at Fat Beats in-store event. If your in the tri-state area and want a dose of real hip-hop mixed with nostalgia, make sure you’re there.

Date: Tonight – Thursday, Sept 2nd
Time: 7-9PM
Location: Fat Beats NYC
Address: 406 Avenue of Americas (Between 8th and 9th Streets), New York, NY

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I had the pleasure of hosting Juan Deuce, Jahpan and Little Bastard Clothing Co.’s end of summer show at Jerky’s Music Hall last week, and to reiterate: it was really dope. It was a night of hip-shaking music (shouts to Mekalek), delicious drinks, a lively atmosphere, and good people. For the most part, the overwhelmingly positive turnout was a reflection of the good-natured people behind the show: Deuce, JapLo, and Long & company at Little Bastard. The tag team of Juan Deuce and Jap are a force to be reckoned with on-stage: they bring endless amounts of energy, wit, and good humor. Today marks the digital release of Juan Deuce’s newest effort: Juance Upon A Time. Tracklist, download link, and live footage of Deuce and Little Bastard Co. at Jerky’s after the jump!
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Always the one to keep us informed about dope white rappers, on our way to the laundry club yesterday, Mr. Alexander played me “The Spins” by Mac Miller.  Wiz Khalifa references aside, it definitely caught my ear.  If you slept on it the first time around,  you can peep Mr. Alexanders review and download Mac’s latest mixtape K.I.D.S. right here.

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Fab came out swinging when he freestyled yesterday on Funk Master Flex’s radio show on Hot 97. Fabolous was all over the radio to promote the release of his EP There Is No Competition 2. The EP is the in-stores version of his mixtape “RIP To The Competition 2“, which was by far one of the most successful mixtape of the summer. There is No Competition 2 features seven songs from the mixtape, and three brand new tracks.

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Flick Brown hails from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and given the resurgence of treehugging lyricism right now (see: Wiz, Curren$y, Smoke DZA) it’s only right that Flick gets some shine too. “Passing Time,” produced by Akello Light, is a lo-fi, bass-heavy cut with deeply embedded vocals that seem to emanate from the beat’s core. Click here for the “Passing Time” visuals, and for more on Flick Brown check his BandCamp!

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New York-born Chicago-bred emcee K. Vincent’s newest joint “Ain’t A Thang Chang” knocks like cops at the door: with force. Featuring soulful production from Nabs (as well as Excel Cruz & Black Lion), K. Vincent displays his skill with the lyrical paintbrush, vividly depicting the influences that shaped his former lifestyle and those that direct his current path. Peep more K. Vincent on his BandCamp, all infused with a similarly soulful approach both lyrically and musically. Shouts to Dante!

K. Vincent – Ain’t A Thang Change

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Turf Dancing was originally coined as an acronym for Taking Up Room on the dance Floor.  It is a sub-genre of break dancing that is practiced alongside the hyphy movement in Oakland, California.  In a public display of turfing, Yak Films has put together an impressive showcase of these pop-locking ballerinas.  The dancing itself is dope, but the addition of solid filming, creative editing, and eclectic street wear heighten the visuals immensely.  Hit the skip for a couple other favorites, including a sequence of dancers in the Paris Metro and more sidewalk swag in Oakland.

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After a hugely successful album release party this past Saturday at Jerky’s, the official digital release of the homie JapLo’s second release It’s Always Sunny In Providence. Jahpan enlisted two of Rhode Island’s top DJs for the production on the album, Mekalek & CR The Beast, but he also rocks over a host of recognizable industry beats. Jap’s earnest flow is infectious; his raw hip-hop sensibility and deep-seated love for the form are discernible upon first listen (see: the Mekalek-produced joint “Better Than Before”). Features include Jap’s squad Fedd Hill, fast-rising emcees Shawn Jackson, Double K, Juan Deuce, and former Main Source member Large Professor. Hit the skip for the download link and track list, and get at Jap on Facebook!
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