Edition 1 of The Fix with L$treet
International Top 5*
*In no particular order
2 Chainz - Felt Like Cappin’ (T.R.U/Def Jam)
2 Chainz is finally back! And this record is definitely the signature flow that the emcee, formally known as Titty Boi, is world renowned for. However the production on this track from FKi literally transports you to the backseat of any car rolling through Atlanta’s Zone Projects. It’s really that gritty and raw to play this song without offending anyone would be an offence itself.
Nick Grant feat. Big K.R.I.T & Killer Mike - Royalty (Remix) (Grand Hustle)
Nick Grant is rap’s biggest secret right now and you should stop sleeping on him immediately. Back in the middle of 2015 this record broke out in the hip hop blogosphere originally featuring Cyhi Tha Prince. However a fortnight ago came this remix and as the song suggests, is only fit for “Royalty” with Big K.R.I.T and the unmistakable Killer Mike on the remix. From the moment you hear that classic Tribe “Bonita” sample, till you hear Killer Mike drop gospel with his final 16, this record is a throwback to EVERYTHING we love about hip hop.
A$AP Ferg feat. Future - New Level (Polo Grounds/FreeBandz)
It’s really hard even if your not a Future fan, to avoid him from popping up on a collabo with your favourite MC right now because.. rap (basically), but sometimes a combination of popular styles does not guarantee a hit record. Well that is not the case for this TIDAL WAVE of a release from A$AP Ferg, who operates in a different world sonically to his rap brother in arms Rocky. This record hits you in the face like a Monday morning work alarm clock. Ferg’s wordplay over this record really separates it from how some purists may view this record as just another “trap” song, and Future does just enough without taking over Ferg to make this one of the most in demand songs in clubs worldwide right now.
It’s really hard even if your not a Future fan, to avoid him from popping up on a collabo with your favourite MC right now because.. rap (basically), but sometimes a combination of popular styles does not guarantee a hit record. Well that is not the case for this TIDAL WAVE of a release from A$AP Ferg, who operates in a different world sonically to his rap brother in arms Rocky. This record hits you in the face like a Monday morning work alarm clock. Ferg’s wordplay over this record really separates it from how some purists may view this record as just another “trap” song, and Future does just enough without taking over Ferg to make this one of the most in demand songs in clubs worldwide right now.
Yo Gotti feat. Nicki Minaj - Down In The DM (Remix) (Cash Money/CMG)
Originally this record was lost in the huge amount of remixes that Gotti has been releasing the last few months. But in this viral era we live in, this record grew its on identity through the lives of us on social media and lets all face it.. it does from time to time .. go down in the DM. And who better to bless the remix then the thirst queen herself and reigning rap queen Nicki Minaj, to give Yo Gotti his first breakout record in nearly a decade and the first true social network inspired smash record.
Kanye West feat Kendrick Lamar - No More Parties In LA (G.O.O.D/T.D.E)
By the time you read this, the album of the lifetimes* (*Ye speak) will be with us now whether it’s Swish, Waves, The Life Of Pablo, only Ye knows. But one thing is guaranteed this will be the most talked about and critiqued album of 2016. After hearing this record drop last month, it reminded us all that through all the rants, the stunts and the statements, only Kanye West could get Kendrick Lamar and Madlib together for 5:40 of epicness.
National Top 5*
*In no particular order
Manu Crook$ - Everyday
I was doing a guest mix on the Triple JJJ Hip Hop show a few weeks back and as I was tuning in to listen, Hau dropped this record. My first reaction, before texting him to immediately send it to me, was that this record had come from the US. How wrong was I. Enter Manu Crooks out of Sydney with this giant sleeper hit “Everyday”, produced by another Sydney local Dopamine who knocked this track out of the park. Manu’s vocal delivery is unlike anything I’ve heard before and truly represents the new generation of MC’s coming out in this country who aren’t afraid to sonically take chances with there music. Watch out for the name Manu Crook$.
*In no particular order
Manu Crook$ - Everyday
I was doing a guest mix on the Triple JJJ Hip Hop show a few weeks back and as I was tuning in to listen, Hau dropped this record. My first reaction, before texting him to immediately send it to me, was that this record had come from the US. How wrong was I. Enter Manu Crooks out of Sydney with this giant sleeper hit “Everyday”, produced by another Sydney local Dopamine who knocked this track out of the park. Manu’s vocal delivery is unlike anything I’ve heard before and truly represents the new generation of MC’s coming out in this country who aren’t afraid to sonically take chances with there music. Watch out for the name Manu Crook$.
Discourse feat. Lazy Grey - Martyr (Crate Cartel)
One of the hardest working guys in rap in this country is the the homie Discourse. Whether its putting the final touches on NUMEROUS projects from the Crate Cartel Collective over the past decade, to filming clips, motion pictures, producing, even rapping. It’s more what Discourse doesn’t do and there ain’t much. His first solo album is upon us and as a sample this AMAZING record was released featuring Australian rap royalty Lazy Grey and is just that quintessential head nod sh*t that only Crate Cartel can give you.
One of the hardest working guys in rap in this country is the the homie Discourse. Whether its putting the final touches on NUMEROUS projects from the Crate Cartel Collective over the past decade, to filming clips, motion pictures, producing, even rapping. It’s more what Discourse doesn’t do and there ain’t much. His first solo album is upon us and as a sample this AMAZING record was released featuring Australian rap royalty Lazy Grey and is just that quintessential head nod sh*t that only Crate Cartel can give you.
Kerser feat. Nat M - Keep Chasing Them (ABK Records)
Regardless of how you feel about Kerser, Jay-Z once said “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t” and the numbers are that this is his 5th #1 ARIA Hip Hop Album in 5 years. The growth that he has shown across those albums has to be heard to be believed. Although not an “official” single (yet!), this track was the stand out track live as a 1000 die hard fans sang along to its infectious hook supplied by Nat M at the Next Step tours first stop at the Prince Bandroom in Melbourne at the weekend. I know because I was watching from the side of stage. This isn’t the Kerser of 2011 and there is nothing wrong with that. Music without regeneration is just boring and I can’t wait to see where the Campbelltown Mayor takes it next.
Regardless of how you feel about Kerser, Jay-Z once said “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t” and the numbers are that this is his 5th #1 ARIA Hip Hop Album in 5 years. The growth that he has shown across those albums has to be heard to be believed. Although not an “official” single (yet!), this track was the stand out track live as a 1000 die hard fans sang along to its infectious hook supplied by Nat M at the Next Step tours first stop at the Prince Bandroom in Melbourne at the weekend. I know because I was watching from the side of stage. This isn’t the Kerser of 2011 and there is nothing wrong with that. Music without regeneration is just boring and I can’t wait to see where the Campbelltown Mayor takes it next.
One Sixth - Insomnia (Crate Cartel)
Melbourne MC One Sixth is one of the hidden musical gems in this country, and if you have ever seen him perform you will know why. His latest release Hemicrania which is sonically crafted by the legendary Phil Gektor, takes you across a journey through modern day Australia through the eyes of one of its most interesting wordsmiths. Stop sleeping on this album and if you get a chance go YouTube the clip which is simply stunning executed by the amazing people at Full Clip.
Hilltop Hoods feat James Chatburn - Higher (Golden Era)
What can’t be written that already hasn’t about those 3 rap guys from South Australia, who didn’t birth the culture in this country, but certainly changed it forever. Simply put whenever the Hilltop Hoods release, you listen, and give thanks that there is still a group in hip hop (that’s right groups still exist!) that isn’t afraid to take chances with their sound as much as the Hoods do. Whenever it comes time to deliver another album and serving as a teaser to the Restrung project dropping and touring nationally over the next few months comes this release “Higher” featuring Vocals from James Chatburn, a record moulded in the shape of “Chase That Feeling”. This record is a little bit darker, but also a little bit harder production-wise and is a perfect blending of styles across all albums from the trio. Serving as a perfect return record with so much more to come from the pioneers.
What can’t be written that already hasn’t about those 3 rap guys from South Australia, who didn’t birth the culture in this country, but certainly changed it forever. Simply put whenever the Hilltop Hoods release, you listen, and give thanks that there is still a group in hip hop (that’s right groups still exist!) that isn’t afraid to take chances with their sound as much as the Hoods do. Whenever it comes time to deliver another album and serving as a teaser to the Restrung project dropping and touring nationally over the next few months comes this release “Higher” featuring Vocals from James Chatburn, a record moulded in the shape of “Chase That Feeling”. This record is a little bit darker, but also a little bit harder production-wise and is a perfect blending of styles across all albums from the trio. Serving as a perfect return record with so much more to come from the pioneers.
So there it is b-boys & b-girls of the rap blogosphere my top 5 across the pond and my top 5 across both coasts.
Thank you to Rappfox for having me on board. I’ll be also writing a brief article about my recent stop in Melbourne for the first leg of the “Next Step” tour with the big homie Kerser AND also giving you a some insight into a close friend of mine, Beni BJAH, and how his controversial new single “Survivor” is impacting across the country for the better.
I’m going to be checking in more frequently giving you an insight on what its like to be on the other side of the stage with tour logs, and a few sneaky interviews from time to time as well as giving you my top 5 nationally and internationally in no necessary order but just some of the records I’ve found to be working either in the clubs where I play or the shows that I might be working.
Thanks again for checking out the first instalment… I’ve promised Rappfox to keep the rants to a minimum and the exclusives coming as soon as they happen so make sure you keep checking in daily!
L$T
Thank you to Rappfox for having me on board. I’ll be also writing a brief article about my recent stop in Melbourne for the first leg of the “Next Step” tour with the big homie Kerser AND also giving you a some insight into a close friend of mine, Beni BJAH, and how his controversial new single “Survivor” is impacting across the country for the better.
I’m going to be checking in more frequently giving you an insight on what its like to be on the other side of the stage with tour logs, and a few sneaky interviews from time to time as well as giving you my top 5 nationally and internationally in no necessary order but just some of the records I’ve found to be working either in the clubs where I play or the shows that I might be working.
Thanks again for checking out the first instalment… I’ve promised Rappfox to keep the rants to a minimum and the exclusives coming as soon as they happen so make sure you keep checking in daily!
L$T