JAY-Z: Maybach Music 2 (Lost Verse)

Jay-Z - "Maybach Music 2"

(Deeper Than Rap; 2008)

The surfacing of Jay-Z's lost 'Maybach Music 2' verse was quite a puzzling revelation. It's hard to believe the ultimate hustler would intentionally forfeit the opportunity to stand alongside the most domineering forces in urban radio. Despite the depth of Shawn's discography, his unreleased catalog is strikingly shallow compared to prolific Old York contemporaries. This suggests he rarely records in vain. Understandable, considering each moment spent mumbling triple entendres comes at the detriment of an itinerary teetering between exchanging text messages with Obama and ushering supermodels away in meter cabs. So why wasn't Hovito re-cast in the sequel? The only theories I can muster are A) Ricky took offense to the "no disrespect, but" backhanded compliment strain of ether, B) it was an effort on Jay's part to distance himself following Officergate, or C) this verse was written and recorded after the release of Deeper Than Rap, thereby rendering this entire article irrelevant.

HEAVY BUTTER #1

Heavy Butter Episode #1
(Lattisaw Tapes; 2012)

Listen to my podcast. I discuss Nas, Lil B, Young Zee, Blu, and Valentines Day alone in a dim basement while downing a six pack of Stella Artois. Enjoy.

LIL B: Surrender To Me

Lil B - "Surrender To Me"
(White Flame; 2012)

It's embarrassing to see respected music journalists falling over each other to notarize Lil B's new wave of derivative minions. I suppose it's easier to indirectly champion his influence than to backtrack on their well documented opposition to the Based World aesthetic. It's nearly as disturbing to witness Brandon's most outspoken advocates criticize the quality control of his recent material, especially considering a Lil B project with more than four stellar songs is rare as unicorn tartare. 'Surrender To Me' is the obligatory triumphant east coast offering from White Flame, and an appropriate response to those reluctant to acknowledge his eminent contribution to the genre.

Please Listen To My Demo

Untitled Podcast Episode #0
(Lattisaw Tapes; 2012)

In the near future I'll be collaborating on a regular podcast with another blogger I'm sure you're all familiar with. In the meantime, I wanted to test out the equipment and software by running through a 30 minute solo podcast. Check it out and tell me what you think.

GANGRENE: Liver For Sale

Gangrene - "Livers For Sale"
(Vodka and Ayahuasca; 2012)

Despite exploring the therapeutic potential of Vodka and Ayahuaska ad nauseum, I haven't been motivated to share a single word about it. Writing a think piece on a no-brainer is counterproductive. It's difficult to place a finger on what exactly makes Alchemist and Oh No such an enjoyable duo. Their music is wonderfully predictable, as you could pull any random thirteen tracks from Saw Blade, Gutter Water, Greneberg, or Vodka and Ayahuasca and build a cohesive album. 'Livers For Sale' features an aggressive mid-eighties echo chamber twang, deviating slightly from Gangrene's foolproof formula.

LUPE FIASCO: Double Burger With Cheese

Lupe Fiasco - "Double Burger With Cheese"
(Friend of the People; 2011)

Allow me to extend my sincerest apologies for neglecting to recognize the first undeniably great Lupe Fiasco song since 'Gold Watch' on my annual wrap-up. Although the opening bellows give the impression Lupe is preparing to don his patented spiked leather wristband (which is usually my cue to abort mission), 'Double Burger With Cheese' instead unfolds into a montage of heart-wrenching scenes from classic early 90's black cinema. It's a fascinating concept record that slyly questions the impact these films had on an impressionable generation of black males, as we were constantly force-fed premonitions of our own extinction. Hopefully this segues into a sequel encompassing the latter half of the decade, complete with references to Baller Blockin', Belly, and I'm Bout It.

RICK ROSS: King of Diamonds

Rick Ross - "King of Diamonds"
(Rich Forever; 2012)

'King of Diamonds' is the loudest rap song in recent memory. Triumphant horns, blaring sirens, and incessant chants achieve a rare feat in building momentum throughout the song's entire duration. While '9 Piece' improved upon the 'BMF' formula by introducing a more overt element of humor, Rick Ross ups the ante by infusing even further implausible imagery. It's hard to believe the audacious voice barking on about helipads, armored trucks, and credit checks needed to be tripled up on 'Maybach Music' less than four years ago.