A selection of new and/or relevant Hip Hop leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us!
Little Simz – “Woman” feat. Cleo Sol
Little Simz returns with a second tasting from her “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” album in the form of “Woman“. Described by the English rapper as “a soulful love letter to women around the world” the track definitely succeeds in its intent. Channelling Lauryn Hill’s empowering swagger Simz effortlessly delivers over a laidback beat. The addition of Cleo Sol on the hook ties the whole thing together perfectly.
Backwardsrrip – “Incendiary“
Backwardsrrip makes an immediate impression on “Incendiary“. With such a title I was initially expecting a more confrontational beat but, instead, the track offers a more laidback jazzy vibe. This actually serves the up and coming MC well allowing him to showcase his skills as his verses effortlessly flow throughout the track. The Georgia rapper shows a degree of bravado throughout but this is not meant to be taken as cockiness but rather a belief in his skills. “Molotov flow, incendiary“… indeed.
Sonikcuts x Skyzoo – “Grinding“
“Grinding” is an example of what I consider to be rap done in the right way; modern production technique, on-point lyrics and an acknowledgement of the genre founding principles. The track is taken from ‘Power Moves‘, Sonikcuts 2020 album. For this one, he shares the limelight with veteran US MC Skyzoo. Both have put in the legwork working with the likes of Guilty Simpson and Talib Kweli to name just two. Together they ooze confidence and provide a much-needed boost to the system.
Your Old Droog – “Dropout Boogie”
Like a lot of people, I am still not over MF Doom‘s untimely passing. As one of the more prolific artists in the genre, it is little surprise that there are allegedly hordes of material left over. Posthumous releases can be problematic at times. Fortunately, Your Old Droog has both collaborated with Doom in the past and also understands his aesthetic. As the two go head to head in their verses I can’t help but think that this would have had Doom‘s approval.
Noname – “Rainforest“
Noname commitment to social justice is well documented by her social media presence and it inevitably flows into her music too. “Rainforest“, released earlier this year, is possibly her most openly political track and yet it feels accessible and almost playful in nature. As if the songs warm and soulful beat is a gateway to the heady messages the rapper has to deliver.
