Running a website that focuses on reviewing Hip-Hop albums (With mostly track by track reviews), can make it hard to actually listen to the music you want. Hell, I know I personally listen to ALL the albums we review even if I’m not the one critiquing them. With that being said, I asked the crew to submit a few tracks that are in their current rotation. Feel free to join in with you own picks and the download the tracks at the bottom – B-Easy
“Drop” – The Pharcyde
Album: Labcabincalifornia; Producer: Jay Dee aka J Dilla
This has classic hip-hop written all over it. The smooth-as-hell beat, the catchy hook, all coupled with the performances of Bootie Brown, Imani and Slimkid3.“Get Money” – Junior M.A.F.I.A. feat. Notorious B.I.G.
Album: Conspiracy; Producer: EZ Elpee
I’d argue that Lil’ Kim beat B.I.G. with her verse on this one, though you could also argue that Biggie also wrote her verse from the way she flows over the track. I must’ve listened to this about 10 times each day for the past week.“Pretty Girls (Remix)” – Wale feat. Chris Brown & Fabolous
Producer: Best Kept Producer
Seeing how much I loved the original “Pretty Girls”, it only makes sense that I would like this star-packed remake too. The beat has go-go written all over it, which I love, and thankfully the amazing hook is kept in tact. Chris Breezy steals the show on this one.
“Exhibit C” – Jay Electronica
Producer: Just Blaze
I’m on some raw Hip-Hop shit right now, and Jay is one of the dopest new cats out.“My Life” – U-N-I
Album: A Love Supreme; Producer: RO Blvd
As serious as the subject matter is, this song makes me think of all things good about the music I love, Hip Hop.“Stressful” – Joell Ortiz & Novel feat. Cri$tyle
Mixtape: Defying the Predictable; Producer: Noah “40” Shebib
This song is sooo much doper than “Successful”, it should have been released first.
“Tigallo For Dolo” – Little Brother
Album: Leftback; Producer: Khrysis
One of the best songs off Little Brother’s new Leftback album with Phonte showing why rappers still can’t fuck with him on the mic. Makes me mad though that we’ll probably never see a solo album from ‘Te. With potential like this it could be classic.“Diamond” – Prodigy
Album: H.N.I.C.; Producer Just Blaze
Reminds me of how underrated Prodigy is as an emcee and how ill Just Blaze was at the beginning of his career.“Just Begun” – Reflection Eternal feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole & Mos Def
Album: Revolutions Per Minute; Producer: Hi-Tek
Even though the track came out two months ago, it makes my anticipation for Revolutions Per Minutes greater. Great beat from Hi-Tek and great verses from each emcee on the track, automatic win!
“Moment Of Truth” – Gang Starr
Album: Moment Of Truth; Producers: Gang Starr
R.I.P. Guru“Above The Clouds” – Gang Starr feat. Inspectah Deck
Album: Moment Of Truth; Producers: Gang Starr
R.I.P. Keith Elam“Full Clip” – Gang Starr
Album: Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr; Producers: Gang Starr
R.I.P. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal
“Remember Them Days” – Beanie Sigel feat. Eve
Album: The Truth; Producer: Lofey
“It’s all good now, we out the hood now”. This is the track you play in the morning. It grabbed the back-in-the-day feel it went for.“I Get Up” – J. Cole
Mixtape: The Warm Up; Producer: J. Cole
You know I support J. Cole heavy. This is just a sample of the tracks he got though. North Carolina stand up!“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Pastor Troy
Album: We Ready (I Declare War)
Most people will remember that No Limit diss in the beginning but for me this song bring back memories.
“Up” – Wiz Khalifa
Mixtape: Kush & Orange Juice
Is it possible for a song to actually make you wanna blaze up? Yes. And I don’t even smoke.“Takeover” – Young Jeezy feat. Bigga Rankin
Mixtape: Trap Or Die II: By Any Mean Necessary
“I can’t believe niggas believe niggas. It’s really getting to the point I can’t believe niggas. All that dick riding dog you should see niggas. And all that dick riding dog y’all shouldn’t be niggas.” Crazy line. I’m not even sure if this will still be on Trap Or Die II.“U Don’t Know (remix)” – Jay-Z feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse; Produced by Just Blaze
What? You thought Hova wasn’t gonna be on my list? Honestly, this is one of the two songs that I wake up to almost everyday.
Download: nappyafro.com – The Playlist (Vol. #1)