— Entry by Andres Reyes, Staff Writer
Jay Electronica – My World
Jay Electronica has been somewhat of a mystery. Popping up on different blogs and websites over the past twelve months, some hype him up to be the next great MC of hip hop. This track, which re-imagines the Nas classic The World Is Yours, makes a damn good case in favor of Mr. Electronica. Produced by the constantly under-appreciated Mr. Porter of D12, the soft piano loops get complimented perfectly by Jay’s deep voice and supreme lyricism. Don’t miss out.
Reflection Eternal – 2000 Season
I can remember growing up and hearing about rappers and groups like EPMD, Das EFX, Geto Boys and others. Older heads would speak of them with such respect but their current output always failed to impress me, i didn’t really understand. Then came Mos Def, Common and Talib Kweli and that whole movement. From the place they held in hip hop when they began to where they are now, it’s almost like night and day, and not necessarily in a bad way. Artists grow and expand and their goals and ambitions do as well, that is why i never agree with the fan mentality that ostrazices an artists for straying away from their initial ideologies. The only thing that does bother me though, is when the quality of the music suffers. I don’t know what it is about Talib Kweli and Hi Tek (Reflection Eternal), but they have yet to capture the raw, honest, progressive energy they had with this 12" vynil single, ironically their very first official release.
Bilal feat. Questlove & Robert Glasper – Everything is Everything
so this isn’t technically hip hop. Still, outside of D’angelo who seems
to be in permanent self-imposed exile, Bilal is carrying the torch of
originality and flavor in modern male soul music. Sadly, he seems to be
headed down the same path as D’angelo, though by no choice of his own.
His debut album 1st Born Second was to be followed by Love For Sale,
but for some reason or another his label decided to shelve the
recording and then, you guessed it, it leaked and was praised all over
the internets. Now in major label limbo, the future of Bilal’s next
official release is uncertain. Luckily for fans, the man still tours
ocassionally, like the guest spot he did for the Roots when they had a two-night stay in New York Radio City Music Hall, which this track is taken from.
Quelle – Yes Yallin’
is soul music, so it shouldn’t be too hard to believe that the best hip
hop, right now, is coming from the Motor City. Quelle is an up and
coming rapper/producer who is but a star in the constellation of talent
that exists in Detroit.
What makes young Quelle stand out amongst his midwest peers is his
sound and how it deviates greatly from the J Dilla/Black Milk style
that has become associate with the city. He’s made punk songs and rap
records that touch on self-deppreciation without getting all Atmosphere
on everyone. Look out for this kid.
