#playli$t of the month

[formosusiniquis]

Gonna Y/N on his Wattpad til we're Canon

Written for @stevieweek Day 5: AU! A little peek behind the curtain here, originally I was going to do another installment of my Miss Congeniality!Stevie/Rockstar!Eddie universe until I had the world's longest day of work and they say write what you know. Now here we are.

Pre-Stevie Harrington/Eddie Munson; Robin Buckley & Stevie Harrington WC: 3523 | T | No Archive Warnings Apply | Tags/Themes: Nonbinary!Steve Harrington; He/Him Lesbian!Robin Buckley; QPR Stobin; Librarian!Steve Harrington; Pseudo Influencers Stobin; Steve & Mike Friendship

AO3

“What are we doing, Stevie?” Robin’s voice coming from over their shoulder is a surprise if only because until Mrs. Robertson’s grandkids put her in that home next month they don’t actually live together.

Wrist deep in dishwater, the only sign they let slip that Robin startled them is the splash the plate they’d been washing makes when it lands. Flicking away water and suds from their fingers, Stevie reaches over to turn off the music they’d been playing. “If I turn around and I’m staring at your phone camera, so help me god.”

“Don’t turn around then.”

Ripping the dish towel from the stove door, Stevie gracefully dries their hands taking the time to get the dishwater wet out from between each finger. Satisfied, or calm at least, they turn to face the two unblinking eyes of the cameras on Robin’s android.

“Robin.”

From behind his phone he grins back at them, unabashed and uncaring as usual that he’s been filming for god only knows how long. “So do you want to tell everyone about what they just saw?”

They shove gently at the phone, jostling it enough that they can get past. There are a ton of things that need to be done around the apartment, chores that had been put off for Friday, but Stevie moves to the sofa instead. Now that Robin’s here nothing is going to get done. “Not really,” they say as they settle into the spot on the couch that they’ve perfectly broken in, “you know I hate it when you use your lifestyle vlogger voice with me.”

“Stevie!” Robin groans, flopping down onto the couch beside them. The camera is still up, but there’s no way the footage isn’t a blurry, motion sick mess with all of the movement that the two of them have forced it to do.  

He looks at them from over top of the phone, eyes serious even as he maintains the light and bright influencer voice on, “We owe it to the world to be a shining example of queerness in the homogenized world of the blogosphere. Me, a beautiful, occasional he/him lesbian. You, a chest-haired example that nonbinary doesn’t mean fem-lite, the both of us educating the world on what a queerplatonic relationship looks like and how it isn’t just ‘friends with a fancy name.’”

“Fine.”

“Fine!” he shoves at their shoulder, shaking them with a good natured vigor that pulls a laugh from Stevie for the first time in hours. “Okay, starting over. Stevie, do you want to tell our viewers who are helping us afford that new condo what they just witnessed.”

“There really isn’t anything to explain, Robin.” They say in the voice they’ve started adopting when the camera is in their face. Fake, a little extra. Something just a step beyond the persona that they relied on to get through the first couple years of high school.

“Ugh!”

“There isn’t! It’s been the longest day in the history of the entire world,” they point at the camera, looking into those blank black eyes. “If anyone in our audience has kids that they bring to a library, be good and kind to your children’s librarians, they are suffering. 

“I wanted kids,” they say as an aside to him, “remember how I wanted kids.”

Robin rolls his eyes, “So you’ve had a long day and decided to do what about it?”

“I’ve had the longest day.” They correct. “My one man department hosted three events, saw three hundred kids and someone peed in the floor.”

“So you decided to do what about it?”

“So I did what I always do at the end of a really long day. I put on my person-maker playlist.”

“Which is different from your baby-making playlist.”

“Obviously. That’s for sex. ” Stevie grins, mostly for Robin but they know it will get gif’d by the minimal audience that the channel the two of them ‘share’ has collected. “This is a bunch of songs that sound good when they’re really loud, with a solid bassline that I can play until I remember that I’m a person with a body that gets 12 hours at home before I have to go back to work and have parents ask me again why I don’t have the right free stuff to give to their kids for reading books.”

“You’re losing the plot and making me sad.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Which one of us had to clean up another human person’s pee today as part of their job after getting yelled at for not having enough dinosaurs?”

“Who is the only band on this playlist right now for the third year running?”

“Don’t say it like that.”

“Say it like what?”

“Like there’s some kind of meaning to it.” The collage of their faces that Robin has as his phone case gets caught in the corner of their eye. Reminds them that this isn’t just a conversation between the two of them, it’s one between them and the 3,689 subscribers that help pay their bills. “It’s Corroded Coffin, a band I like a normal amount especially compared to our friends. When I was in high school it was a lot of dad rock and glam metal. When I was in college it was Fall Out Boy. This doesn’t mean anything.”

“It means everything when you’re 28 years old and thought about pinning a poster of the lead guitarist to our shared-”

“This is my apartment, you don’t live here. We are still living our ‘the door is always open, shared, individual apartments across the hall, Friends, Joey and Monica’ fantasy.”

“One, nobody has ever referenced Joey and Monica in duo and don’t think I’m gonna let the implication that I’m Joey slide. Two, you’ve just admitted that it’s our shared living space! As your partner in crime I get to decide which things mean things.”

“Oh yeah okay. Speaking of things meaning things: does this video have a point or did you need a full explanation of my activities before you post something humiliating me?”

“Nope,” he says with an undue cheer, “just thought you looked like a dingus shaking your ass while doing the dishes to a grown man screaming about how sex is also religion or whatever.”

“That is not what that song is about.’

“I’ll take your word for it, I didn’t grow up repressed and vaguely Catholic so I’m sure I’m missing some context.”

“Whatever.”

“Whatever,” he mocks.

They think about letting this be the rest of the evening, getting baited into another argument about stupid shit that they'll meander through for hours. At some point, as they chase each other's tails like puppies, Robin will forget he's filming and drop the camera and Stevie will actually be able to relax. But even with their mouth open Stevie thinks better.

“I might be the repressed former Catholic listening, but at least I know the songwriter also has a thing about punishment and forgiveness.”

They wink as the camera falls down into the sofa cushions, disappearing for however long it's about to take Robin to stop being mad at them. Now though they have opened themself up as a target of revenge, sharp smacks come along with cries of demonetization.

Robin's face is, thankfully, just as familiar blurry as it is in every other state. The only way Stevie could be any more familiar with that face is if it stared them in the mirror every morning. And that familiarity saves Robin from a trip to the floor, when Stevie blinks awake to him looming overtop of them.

“You can't be mad.”

“Whatever you did to me in your dream, you're forgiven. Unless it was shaving my head again and then you're dead to me.”

Flopping down from the plank he never had any hope of holding, Robin covers them from chest to toe. “I shaved both of our heads, it was an act of rebirth. I know you remember this. It was literally the day after our shared gender moment.”

“And I wasn't mad. Dream Robin is forgiven, real Robin needs to get off so I can go piss.”

The weight disappears from their chest, the feeling of the bed shifting under the added weight of their best friend comforting even though Stevie can feel the way he fidgets now that he's over there. Reaching for their phone on the bedside, their fingers close around nothing and suddenly things start making more sense.

“Where's my phone?”

“Why do you need your phone to pee?”

“I'm not playing questions with you, if you broke it just say something. I won't be mad. If you're pivoting into a prank channel I will be.”

Without their glasses, it's hard to make out what Robin’s face is actually doing but his hands fidget in the duvet with guilt. 

They can't be sure what his eyes are doing, but it feels like the two of them are locked in a movie standoff style, tense eye contact. Stevie can hear the kinda racist musical sting playing in their head. They squint. It doesn’t make anything easier to see, but it soothes their flaring sense of drama. 

The two of them stare: three, two, one. 

Stevie lunges first, but Robin’s elbows are sharper. They catch one to the shoulder in a downward karate chop. Twins in every way that matters, Stevie knows that Robin is only like a half inch shorter but his limbs gangle like he’s Big Bird and there’s a smaller person inside piloting him. Every time Stevie grabs for an arm or wrist they roll away, jerked in by strings. Stevie can see their phone, clutched tightly enough in Robin’s fist that it looks like it could crack.

He pulls it in tight to his chest, rolling into a roly poly ball around it.

“Okay, okay,” Stevie says, rocking back on their heels. Sight is the best place to move forward from here, if only so they can decide what kind of angry they should be with Robin right now. It’s hard to land on one when they can’t see any of the details on his face. Scrunchy face guilt is different than the kind where he can’t stop from smiling.

They lean around each other like stray cats circling in an ally. As Stevie reaches for their glasses on the nightstand, Robin rolls away with the phone still clutched tight to his chest. With them on, they can make out the pinched brow and brittle edges of his forced smile. This is more than just guilt over something, this is the same fragile shock from when he got into a college two states away and didn’t know if they’d come with. This is the face that came to Stevie the first time a research hole turned recorded rant posted online to make it easier for the Party to watch ended up being seen by ten thousand. This is the Robin that got a job offer someplace different than Stevie for the first time in years and didn’t know what to do about it.

“Just tell me what happened.” They flop back down on the bed beside crunched up limbs. Poking fingers into the ticklish spots behind kneepits until Robin starts to unfurl. “Whatever it is, I'm sure we can fix it together.”

“The video went viral.”

“That’s great?”

“Like really viral,” Robin repeats, the fluster taking over the normally soothing tone of his voice. “Like if we actually see any of the money from the video after it got ID claimed it’ll pay our bills for months viral. I had to start reporting comments for hate speech because I didn’t want to turn them off completely -- some of them are really sweet -- and the subscriber count has skyrocketed. It's kind of intimidating actually.”

“Sorry I’m so irresistible.” Robin still doesn’t crack a smile, the more he talks the more it looks like he’s about to crack apart. “Seriously, Robs if it’s just people being creeps on social media it’s not a big deal. You wouldn’t believe the kind of comments I get on my Instagram.”

“I think you should delete all your social media. Think about how cool and mysterious you would seem.”

“I think you should just show me whatever it is you think is going to freak me out.” Their phone has completely disappeared now, it’s probably been shoved deep into Robin’s sports bra where it will stay until he thinks the crisis is averted or until the sun explodes. “Is it work? One of the bitchy homeschool moms found it? My mom found it? Nancy found it and called you to say it was actually me and not her; and also she’s ending your flirtationship because virality is bad for her work? Tommy found it and called us both slurs but mine was in that kind of repressed sort of flirty way like he might want to hook up at the class reunion next month?”

“Stop guessing!”

“What! You’re freaking out, and since you won’t actually tell me why I’m stuck guessing. Unless you can get rabies from accidentally making one sorta popular-”

“Super popular.”

“Briefly popular video that no one is going to remember in a week from now because it’s the internet, then I’ve kind of run out of worst case scenarios,” they pause. “Oh! Wait, no, I’ve got another one, a really popular ‘this week on the internet’ content reviewer got both our pronouns wrong even though you literally said yours in the video.”

“Corroded Coffin saw the video and made a public comment about it.”

Stevie buries their laugh in Robin’s stomach, “Yeah, sure, if our worst case scenarios are happening inside one of those band fanfictions Mike wrote as a kid that he thinks we don’t know about.”

The rasp of the bandaid on the tip of Robin’s finger comes before the warmth of her palm on Stevie’s cheek. Face tilted up they can see the way the nerves have blown away like snow leaving only an icy seriousness. 

“Corroded Coffin saw the video,” he repeats each word, leaving a pause large enough to drive a truck through between each one, “and they made a public comment about it.”

There’s a ringing in their ears. Just overtop of that they can barely make out the sound of their own voice saying, “Let me see.”

Their phone appears from under Robin’s shirt like a rabbit from a hat, expected but no less miraculous. The notifications on the lock screen are ridiculous, numbers that make them realize their night’s sleep was saved only by the grace of do not disturb. Every person that’s ever been saved in their contacts have messaged them and every social media app they have has an red notification alert on it. Whatever public comment Robin was talking about would be impossible to find in the sea of people vying for full time public librarian and part time internet assistant Stevie Harrington’s attention.

Except every single one of their favorite baby geniuses has texted the screenshots, several times.

Mike is at the top of their inbox, beating out Dustin for the role of informant by ten minutes. He’s sent them 15 new messages, the most recent one an image and the word ‘Explain.’ He’ll be more fun to tease once they know what’s going on anyway. Dustin’s message looks more like a rant, the first sentence cut off but ‘I’m the one who intro…’ doesn’t look half as fun.

Message sixteen comes in before Stevie can open the others. The same image again and ‘How did you do this?’ Definitely the one to go to.

The same picture has been sent with every message. Making it easy to find out what has got the whole world up in arms.

Corroded Coffin @Corroded_Coffin_BandYes, we’ve seen the video. Eddie is very interested in knowing if he also features on the baby making playlist

robin rob bobbin @rockin_robin This is why i’m learning sign @believieinstevie [video]

Eddie Munson @eddiemunson_ohfishall Replying to @Corroded_Coffin_Band I said I wanted to find out what was on it the way Satan intended, just give me one chance Stevie please 🙏😈

“See what I mean.” Robin groans.

Already moving on from Mike’s messages, making sure to heart each one before they leave, Stevie has Twitter open scrolling through a heap of notifications they didn’t give a shit about looking for the one name they did. “Sure do.”

“We could take the video down, but I’m not sure that would fix anything.”

“I’m not worried about it, Rob, really.”

“Then what are you doing? Cause believe me doom scrolling through all of the terrible things people have said about you first thing in the morning is not the way you want to spend the morning.”

“I'm not doing anything.”

“You're mad, aren't you. I'll take the video down, we can pretend like this never happened.”

“If you do that I will be actually mad at you.” Stevie says. At this point it probably wouldn't really matter but the point is what's important. “Didn't you say we're making a ton of money on it?”

“If we get to keep any of it, the music copyright claim system is confusing and we've never really made enough money on anything to do more than splurge on nice pizza and wine on movie night. I think we're going to have to start a podcast.”

“The world doesn't need one more podcast. We would be like the Basement Yard but better.”

Robin wiggles down the bed like a worm, arms tucked in tight to his sides, moving until the two of them are nose to nose. A fucking busybody, Stevie saves them both the trouble and adjusts the phone so he can see it too. It took a couple tries but they finally found the tweet from Eddie, he had followed back too.

“Are you sure that’s the first thing you want to say to the guy?”

“You think I’m coming on too strong? He already knows I’m into him and his stuff.”

He shrugs, makes a face that Stevie easily interprets as yes but with exceptions. Robin actually says, “You’re better at this than me.”

Stevie Harrington reformed babysitter @believieinstevie Replying to @eddiemunson_ohfishallI’d love to hear how you sound screaming over top of it. If you ever actually wanna take your shot.

Sending it off, Stevie spares a second to wonder if maybe they should have thought this over a little longer. Here in the middle of their fifteen seconds of fame, a thirst tweet is more than just an ill advised harassment it carries weight. These thoughts aren’t going to get buried under an avalanche of fellow desperate attention seekers.

They take a screenshot to capture for posterity what will either be the last moment of semi-normal life or one of the most embarrassing faux pas they’ll probably ever have. Either way it’ll make an interesting story a couple years down the line, especially if Robin keeps this digital media creator thing up.

Another text from Mike comes through at the top of their screen. A series of frantic question marks and on the wind Stevie thinks that they can hear the sound of his scream.

They’re just vain enough to be certain that he turned on post notifications waiting to see what they would say in response to his current favorite musician.

The floating dots are in the text window when Stevie opens it up to respond. “How mean are you going to be?” Robin asks.

“He told Holly to ask me if I was really old enough to remember when phones still had buttons this week. So exactly as mean as that deserves.”

“I feel like I should be jealous that you haven’t dated Nancy in years and he’s still giving you the snot nosed little brother treatment.”

They knock their forehead against Robin’s to transfer their shared brain cell and clue him in on what he’s actually asking. “He’s a shit because I babysat him for three years longer than he probably needed a babysitter. But I’ll gladly transfer ownership, once you actually land something more than a lingering mid-afternoon wine bar thing where you both go home sober but out twenty bucks.”

Robin knocks back, “I think whatever bitchy thing you say to him will cement me as the forever favorite.”

“Guess we’ll find out.”

[Stevie]: didn’t even have to pull my hair up in a messy bun to get the y/n treatment

[Stevie]: when i get they try to anna todd me i want you to write the book

[Favorite Wheeler]: i want an autograph, 0 details and to get to be the one to tell Dustin why you turn on post notifications for your favs

[Stevie]: if this works, you can officiate the wedding

[Favorite Wheeler: [Img]

[Favorite Wheeler]: Move this to the dms before you both get canceled.

[Favorite Wheeler]: And I’m happy for you or whatever

[Stevie]: thanks, kid

[Stevie]: if it wasn’t for your 8th grade wattpad fanfiction I might not have known how to handle this

[heynowisavedyouright]

OF COURSE ash was trying to play all sides that mf (explosion noises) swagdoons are insane. ive heard of the comfort stream bc i read ur fic so all i know is Stuff Goes Down (thanks for ur desc and clips btw i appreciate it <3)

oh youre welcome !!!!!!! love talking about that $tuff they Are ju$t $traight up in$ane . comfort $tream i$ a fever dream im $till not $ure HOW we got that . i Need the . FUUCKKKKK . im going to .

li$ten . the comfort $tream went into my hou$e and killed me dead and im going to thank it for that for month$

LITERALLY one of red$ fir$t reaction$ when it come$ to a$h on life$teal i$ remembering team chao$ leaving him day of the clean$ing . loyalty clip . thi$ one clip i finally had time to cut out $o i could $tick it into my yt $wagdoon$ playli$t ( hi ) and al$o my yt $wagdoon$ playli$t but chronologic ( hey there ) . and then i have to go out and $ay a$h apologi$ing for betraying him two minute$ into the conver$ation i$ one of the LE$$ FUCKED UP THING$ THEY DID THERE ???????? WHAT .

red wdym youre a$king if you want to wor$hip him . what do you MEAN you dont need anything metaphorical for it " like a path to heaven , but a phy$ical incentive " . im going to blow up . im going to find your ba$e reddoon$ and then im going to blow up THERE . what do you mean they find the other the mo$t unkillable player on life$teal . w , hat do you mean a$h could never kill him .

a$h$wag $niffing noi$e$ oh you $mell like you died recently ? fuckoff

[therappundit]

August 2017 - *PlayLi$t of the Month*

You can call this my extended summer blow-out edition of The Pundit’s PlayLi$t. The last few weeks have brought us a dramatic influx of new hip-hop music, and of course I am here to consume ALL of it. That being said, as THE Rap Pundit it is my duty to guide you through the creme of the crop...so let’s begin, shall we? Here is my current playlist, folks:

1. “Negus” - Sean Price feat. MF DOOM & Ike Eyez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8i5_Sefku4

(From the moment the beat kicks in to the opening bars from Sean P., you know you’re in for an ominous treat. With a beat like this thumping along and building to a new MF DOOM verse, this was an obvious choice for this month’s list.)

2. “Try My Hand” - The Alchemist feat. Mobb Deep

https://soundcloud.com/alan-the-chemist/mobb-deep-try-my-hand

(As much as I hate bring reminded of the loss of two of my favorite MC’s for this month’s 1 & 2 selections, I’m looking at this new Alchemist & Mobb Deep joint as a reminder of how special of a MC Prodigy is/was.  While Sean Price brought a humorous grit to the New York underground, Prodigy typically provided a somber honesty that made his verses standout on any record. R.I.P. Sean P., R.I.P. Prodigy - and thank goodness the real hip-hop heads can continue to appreciate your gifts.)

3. “Macho On Coke” - Westside Gunn & Mach-Hommy

https://soundcloud.com/user-5212897/westsidegunn-x-mach-hommy-macho-on-coke

(Who better to continue the east coast underground tradition? I’m not exactly sure what this joint has to do with “The Macho Man” Randy Savage - damn, another R.I.P. - but this is the sort of untouchable rawness that we have come to expect from WSG, Hommy & Daringer whenever they get together. There are few collaborations I get psyched to hear more than when Griselda & Mach connect.)

4. “Diamonds” - A$AP Twelvyy feat. A$AP Rocky

http://www.thefader.com/2017/07/21/asap-twelvyy-asap-rocky-diamonds

(Twelvyy shall sit on the shelf no longer. The A$AP Mobber was next in line to step up, and he did just that with this 12 album. It’s a sobering NYC-banger from start to finish, a testament to A$AP Yams’ vision, and one of the group’s strongest projects in recent years. Both Twelvyy & Rocky put in fine work on this one, of many album standouts.)

5. “Honda Civic” - $ha Hef

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGW9zoXDt9s

(Do NOT sleep on Hef’s new tape, Out the Mud. Possibly the darkest track on this whole list - which says a lot, because a stack of gritty records dropped in the last few weeks. $ha Hef is perfect for fans of Retchy P and Griselda, so check out his catalogue if you’re unfamiliar.)

6. “Message For The People” - The Alchemist & Budgie feat. Durag Dynasty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_k2cY3G_Vc

(Amidst all of the stellar cameos on this Alchemist & Budgie project, Durag almost steals the show with this soulful gem.)

7. “Plain Jane” - A$AP Ferg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik_5x7fbCmA

(Possibly the strongest of the Ferg loosies that was released during a furious stretch of dope music back in June/July, “Plain Jane” serves as both a great return to form for the A$AP lieutenant, and a hype-builder for Ferg’s upcoming mixtape.)

8. “’95 Bad Boy Logo” - Skyzoo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ZkDPsCuuw

(Truth be told, I could have fought to squeeze Skyzoo’s entire Peddler Themes EP on this month’s list. The guy simply doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the finest lyricists in hip-hop for the last 15 years. This cut is a beautiful homage to one of my favorite eras in hip-hop history.)

9. “No One Seems To Care” - Nyck @ Knight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JryKk_y2Pw

(The Pro Era duo dropped a collection of songs that bumps from front to back, and it is easily the crew’s best project since Joey’s B4.Da.$$.)

10. “Long Live The Kings” - Mulatto Beats feat. King L

https://soundcloud.com/mulattobeats/long-live-the-kings-feat-king

(No one captures the drill vibe better than King L. Put him over a beat from a dope producer like Mulatto Beats, it will likely result in a dope song. And behold, here’s one right now - one of the best, most slept-on rap songs of the month.)

11. “Resident Evil” - Sean Price

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHxbJPMaPAU

(So many gems on this Imperius Rex album, but this one might FEEL the most like classic P to me.)

12. “GUMMY” - BROCKHAMPTON

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWhPimx07H0

(These guys are far too green to be able to generate this much well executed, unique rap music...but damn, if this isn’t one of the most attention-grabbing rap videos to drop this year, then I don’t know what I’m talking about. And I’m THE Rap Pundit, so we know that’s not true! This is one of my favorite joints I have heard from the team thus far.)

13. “Yea Yea Yea (Maps)” - A$AP Twelvyy

http://www.complex.com/music/2017/07/stream-asap-twelvyy-yea-yea-yea-maps

(Another triumph for Twelvyy. Dude poured his guts out on this album, and this one is straight hypnotic. Dark and lovely, like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song that inspired its’ name.)

14. “6am On Park” - Oun-P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWIFW1niIXM

(Oun-P’s been bubbling for a bit, but this is the first time he seems to really tap into a classic NYCentric vibe, so no one should be ignoring this record.)

15. “40 oz. At The Met Gala” - Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire

https://soundcloud.com/exqobumaye/03-40z-at-the-met-gala-prod-by-parallel-thought?in=exqobumaye/sets/brainiac-ep

(Welcome back, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire! Quite simply one of the most unique, special MC’s in hip-hop. What a great EP he just dropped - hope he sticks around to reclaim the much-deserved props. The whole tape bumps, but this one showcases both his skills and sense of humor so perfectly. With Sean P. gone, we need this guy now more than ever!)

16. “Ready” - Tate Kobang feat. Swizz Beatz & Va$htie

https://www.vibe.com/2017/08/tate-kobang-vahtie-ready/

(Still not really clear how this dude flies under the radar...he’s a non-stop rap single machine! I swear if he was coming out of Philly, L.A., Chicaho or NYC instead of Baltimore, he would be a huge star by now. This one has that classic Swizz bounce.)

17. “Floor Seats” - The Alchemist & Budgie feat. Mach-Hommy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so0i2RXWOTU

(This Alchemist & Budgie project is no joke. And neither is Mach-Hommy, who seems to have an unlimited supply of verses that sound like nothing you’ve ever heard.)

18. “The Foundation” - Ali Vegas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVqlvrl1qY4

(From one of Queens’ finest to another, Ali Vegas sounds like he’s back to top form on this gorgeous homage to QB’s late great P.)

19. “Nyku Contemplating” - The Alchemist & Budgie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mt8uO7i_gE

(I almost completely missed this, thinking it was an instrumental track. Glad I didn’t, because I’m not familiar with Nyku, but he made a helluva impression on this one.)

20. “Broken Record” - Madchild

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3LoSU3nkBA

(Another one of those slept-on records that warrants the need for extra long monthly playlists. Madchild delivered with the rhymes here, and Evidence killed with this beat.)

*Honorable Mention - Bonus Cut*

“You Already Know” - Lisaan'Dro

https://soundcloud.com/lisaandro/you-already-know-2017

(I don’t know much about Lisaan’Dro, but with ties to Roc Marciano, some dope underground producers, and a style that reminds me of a hybrid of Sticky Fingaz, Agallah and Sean Price...I hope to hear a LOT more from him in the future. Dude’s got bars.)

Still In Rotation:

4:44 by JAY-Z

http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jay-z-4-44-upcoming-album-new-mixtape.117283.html

Rosebudd’s Revenge by Roc Marciano

http://onsmash.com/music/roc-marciano-rosebudds-revenge-album-stream/

DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23147-damn/

Issa by 21 Savage

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21-savage-issa-album/

Pretty Girls Like Trap Music by 2 Chainz

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/2-chainz-pretty-girls-like-trap-music/

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below]

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/163155194116/july-2017-playli-t-of-the-month

[dilfwoo]

b1a4 video playlist!!

hi guys tumblr dot com user shinwoozi/kate here (: i thought since the 10 year anniversary of b1a4 is in just about 2 months, i’d compile a whole bunch of b1a4 videos from over the years!

for the most part, i excluded random vlives, anything from the idol olympics, or fancams, and all of them (except one) are fully english subtitled

sesame player playlist

mtv match up playlist (b1a4 cut only)

2015 xmas special live backstage movie

b1a4 v special episode:

1 

2 

3 

4 

5

go! b1a4

go! b1a4 road trip episode:

1(NY) 

2(CHI) 

3(Dallas & SF) 

4(SF)

one fine day playlist

d+ b1a4 

ep 1 

ep 2

weekly idol:

170927

140813 (this was the day before me and gongchans birthday lol)

121212

140219 pt 1 pt 2

130529 pt 1 pt 2 pt 3

approx 2012 pt 1 pt 2 pt 3

120425 pt 1 pt 2

hello baby playlist

a song for you

ask in a box (sweet girl)

ask in a box(solo day)

dingo test

the kolor

asmr(i couldn’t translate the title but it’s exactly what it sounds like)

here are some of my personal favorite videos too!:

specifically episode 1 of eyedols (portuguese subs only): )

the leeks video

only learned bad things acoustic version (this is my favorite live performance theyve pretty much ever done)

jinyoung and cnu- too much

baro vs sandeul doing the ‘something’ dance (this is a clip from weekly idol 140219 which is included in this)

bean sprout dance (i highly recommend this one its peak 2011 b1a4)

[famedexclusivearchive]

Three months since her last appearance, Fuse’s Suji made another solo guesting on Yoo Heeyeol’s Sketchbook. This time, however, instead of promoting a new album or track, she had been invited to perform her OSTs. Suji has been participating in drama OSTs since 2016 with the song “A Lot Like Love” for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and since then has continued to participate in numerous drama OST’s.

She first appeared on stage singing “I Give You My Heart” from Crash Landing On You, a track that hit #1 on the digital charts. She immediately followed with a performance of “Introduce Me A Good Person” from Hospital Playlist in which she starred herself as the supporting role of Jang Yoonbok.

During her talk segment, the host asked Suji what she thinks is the reason she’s invited to participate in original soundtracks so often in which she stated, “Since OSTs do not include any type of visual reference of the singer themselves, I think producers tend to seek our people with deep, emotional voices. Singers that can carry that message or feeling to the audience solely through their voice.” During her talk segment, she performed a short cover of Toy’s “Passionate Goodbye” in six different languages, dedicating it to the host himself who was a member of the group.

The Fuse member closed her appearance with a performance of her latest OST, “Goodbye”, from the drama The Beauty Inside.

COMMENTS

1. suji’s vocal color is so pretty. i can see why drama producers would want her on their soundtrack line up.

2. her cover of passionate goodbye was so impressive! i’m gonna listen to it everyday now!

3. as someone who isn’t interested in idols but watches a lot of dramas, i find suji’s ost’s really enchanting. she definitely knows how to express emotions through her voice 

4. a live performance of her hospital playlist ostㅠㅠㅠㅠ i’m in tears

5. another solo sketchbook appearance? when’s the last time fuse was on the program as a group? they can basically be called suji and the girls at this pointㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[vandorens-archive]

haiii azka! I'm currently studying English while listening to music. I've really been into kpop the last few months and there are so many amazing groups and diverse music I dunno why I didn't listen to kpop sooner. What kind of music are you into these days? any recommendations? hope you have a wonderful day 💚💜💕💜💚

AHHH TANI MY DEAR! coincidentally, i’m also listening to music while doing some work sdhsks but kpop! that sounds cool; my best friends are kpop enthusiasts, so that’s mostly where my interaction with kpop lies, but i’d love to get some recs from you!

as for what i’ve been listening to...well, it’s a mix of multiple genres. a lot of blondie for some reason (pollinator is such a fun album), some ‘the oh hellos’ (nothing beats a simple acoustic guitar and dreamy indie lyrics huh), and, oh, yes, folklore has been on repeat since july 24th, of course. i tend to put whatever i’m listening to in my monthly playlists! (here is my october playlist if you’re curious hehe)

just tell me things <3

[drakes-diary]

This month we present a playlist curated by Cedric Bardawil of Fourth Sounds – a soundtrack for an imagined journey, spanning cosmic jazz, spiritual grooves, and some well-placed sonic oddities.

[granvarones]

in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, david cole, one half of c&c music factory, wrote and produced some of dance music’s biggest pop hits. today we celebrate his life and his musical legacy.

david was a brilliant piano player who got his start remixing songs as he was DJing in night clubs in NYC in 1985. it was during this time that David met his future musical partner,  fellow DJ robert clivillés. as a pair they would DJ at the hottest clubs while david customized songs by playing the keyboard during live mixes.  in 1987, david and robert along with future super successful dance producer and remixer, david morales and future freestyle producer, chip nuñez formed the dance group 2 puerto ricans, a black guy and a dominican. the group scored a top 50 UK hit with the dance song, “do it properly.” 

in additional to his extraordinary instrumental talents, David was awesome a great vocalist,. in 1988, this was showcased with his first solo single, the early house track, “you take my breath away.” 

it wasn’t long before other pop/dance artists came knocking at david's door hoping that he would blessed them with his magic. in february of 1988, cole and clivilles scored their first top 30 pop hit as songwriters and producers with the cover girls’ freestyle classic, “because of the you.” the crossover success this single helped to break freestyle music at both pop and r&b radio as well as helping the cover girls’ independently released debut album “show me” reach gold status.

by february 1990, cole & clivilles were churning out so many hits that they had two of songs in the pop top 10 with the cover girls’ “we can’t go wrong” and seduction’s “two to make it right.” the latter was a dance trio that included future rupaul’s drag race judge, michelle visage. after signing a production deal with vendetta records, a subsidiary of a&m records, cole and clivilles formed seduction. the group’s debut album, “nothing matters without love”, featured four top 20 singles including “two to make it right” which peaked at #2 on the hot 100. 

february proved to be a lucky month for david cole. after writing and producing for other artists (chaka khan and grace jones), cole and clivilles signed to columbia records and formed c&c music factory. along with rapper, freedom williams, singer, zelma davis and the vocals of martha wash, c&c music factory  scored a monstrous hit with the jock-jam genre creating, “gonna make you sweat.” on the week of february 9, 1991, “sweat” peaked at #1 on the hot 100 and pushed c&c’s debut album into multi-platinum status.  

however, the success of did not come without controversy. just as the song was reaching it’s cultural peak, martha wash, who’s uncredited vocals are prominently featured on the track, and lip synced by zelma davis in the music video, sued c&c music factory and their record company, charging them with fraud, deceptive packaging and commercial appropriation. the case was settled in 1994 and martha would be featured on c&c music factory’s sophomore album as well as featured in their music, “do you wanna get funky.”

by the summer of 1991, david song writing and production could be heard all over the radio. one of the songs included mariah’s now classic. “emotions.” co-written with mariah, "emotions” topped the pop, r&b and dance charts. david & mariah forged a musical bond and would go on collaborate on several songs & remixes. david could be seen masterfully playing the piano on mariah carey’s mtv unplugged. 

in a recent pitchfork interview, mariah spoked about david. “He was one of the only people I used to have in the studio when I would sing because I respected him as a singer. He would push me in different areas where he could actually sing it to me and I would be like, “Oh, this is cool. I like that.” If you listen to the song “Emotions,” that was him going, “You can do that. Try this.” Half the time, I would lose my voice afterwards because he would just push me.”

[fun fact: the first time i stepped foot into a gay club was in the summer of 1993 and the songs that was playing as i walked in was the c&c music factory remix of taylor dayne's "can't get enough of your love." i immediately ran to the dance floor and felt a kind of freedom that i had never experienced.]

over the next few years, david continued to be high demand and produced hits for pop icons, whitney houston, aretha franklin, michael jackson and donna summer. sadly, just as donna reached the top spot on the dance chart with c&c written and produced, “melody of love”, david died of complication of spinal meningitis brought on by hiv on january 24, 1995. he was just 32 years old.

even after his death, february proved to still be a magical month for david. in 1996, the number song in america for the entire month of february was the mariah carey and boyz II men duet, “one sweet day.” mariah shared that when she co-wrote the song with boy II men, she had her friend david cole in mind. 

i remember watching mtv when the news of david’s death broke. the realization that fame and talent could not and would not protect the young and talented knocked the wind out of me. even now as an adult, i am still saddened by the loss of such a brilliant artist.

david cole, in his all too brief time on this planet, blessed us with a catalog of music that has and will continue to inspire generations. 

rest well, david. may you forever dance in peace!

check out this spotify playlist featuring the musical legacy of david cole. 

[samurai-blooded-bitch]

when he makE$ u a playli$t n all the lyric$ are hittin 😈💨

I think I wanna put a ring on it I think I wanna tat her name on me (tat tat tatted up) I had a lot of sexy women, but this is not the same for me Bounce, love it how she always make it bounce! Rose petals on her bed, I walk in unannounced I love it when she speak a different language I touch her in so many different angles Born stunna and my baby so stunnin' Niggas want her, but she find them so funny I’m getting money, living like the most wanted She all I ever needed, now Usher sing it

I was locked up, I remember when I hit you Used to write me back every letter that I sent you You wasn't my girl but you used to pretend to When I came home, let me beat it instrumental Lame left you scarred so I had to reinvent you If you was a car, shit, you ride it like a Benz do Wraith it with the stars, every time I come and get you We be goin' hard every time you on that Hen' too I was in the mix, actin' like a savage Got another bitch and you told me I could have it I know you was sick so I doubled back to grab you So anything you wish, yeah, yeah, you can have it

Fell in love through a photograph I don't even know your name Wonder if you'd follow back I hope to see you one day I won't show my niggas now I'll keep this one for myself Love today's gone digital And it's messing with my health 

Damn, I love your sense of humor

You don't get caught up in rumors

You don't be talking 'bout who fuckin' who And I notice the way you maneuver Sexy, but never show too much Ain't heard from you in like, two months All of a sudden, you pop on my line You could make time stop on a dime I think you mastered the art of sublime Your type is harder to find You could turn water to wine, yeah You could turn water to wine, yeah I think you mastered the art of sublime Your type is harder to find You could turn water to wine, yeah You could turn water to wine, feel me

[starcitysirens]

55?

55. Fear Inoculum- Tool

Tool’s triumphant comeback. I feel I spent an entire month listening to just this one song before moving on to the next track. Ultimately not my favorite song on the album, but definitely my favorite vocal arrangement. If you’ve never listened to Tool, this is a nice and tame song to start with. 

[send me a number 1-100 and I’ll tell you the song it corresponds with on my spotify top 100 playlist ]

[keepthefrank]

tagged by @deathswells honestly im lov u thank u

part 1 last song i listened to: I’m listening to this playlist while I do this  last book i read: i’ve been reading jane eyre!!! and picking through various volumes of poetry favourite colour: maroon, peachy pink, jade green, teal top 3 shows: the x-files, i’ve watched yuri!!! on ice 6 times so probably that, sense8 top 3 characters: christophe giacometti, mercutio, princess mononoke top 3 ships: viktuuri, patrochilles, me and lynz way....

part 2 rules: bold all the statements that are true for you

appearance

i am 5'7 or taller i wear glasses i have at least one tattoo i have at least one piercing i have blonde hair i have brown eyes i have short hair my abs are at least somewhat defined i have or had braces

personality

i love meeting new people people tell me im funny helping other people with their problems is a big priority for me i enjoy physical challenges i enjoy mental challenges im playfully rude with people i know well i started saying something ironically and now i cant stop there is something i would change about my personality

ability

i can sing i can play an instrument i can do over 30 pushups without stopping im a fast runner i can draw i have a good memory im good at doing math in my head i can hold my breath underwater for over a minute i have beaten at least 2 people in arm wrestling i know how to cook at least 3 meals from scratch i know how to throw a proper punch

hobbies

i enjoy playing sports im on a sports team in my school or somewhere else im in an orchestra or choir in my school or somewhere else i have learnt a new song in the last week i work out at least once a week  **caveat: i work in a dressage barn so honestly i’m riding horses all day and i consider that working out ive gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months i have drawn something in the past week i enjoy writing fandoms are my #1 passion i do or have done martial arts

experiences

i have had my first kiss i have had alcohol i have scored the winning goal in a sports game i have watched an entire season of a tv show in one sitting i have been at an overnight event i have been in a taxi i have been in the hospital or er in the past year i have beaten a video game in one day i have visited another country i have been to one if my favourite bands concerts

relationships

im in a relationship i have a crush on a celebrity i have a crush on someone i know i have been in at least 3 relationships i have never been in a relationship i have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them i get crushes easily  i have had a crush on someone for over a year i have been in a relationship for over a year i have had feelings for a friend

my life

i have at least one person i consider a best friend i live close to my school my parents are still together i have at least one sibling

i live in the united states

there is snow right now where i live i have hung out with a friend in the past month i have a smartphone i have at least 15 cds i share my room with someone

random shit

i have breakdanced i know a person named jamie i have had a teacher with a last name thats hard to pronounce i have dyed my hair im listening to one song on repeat right now i have punched someone in the past week i know someone who has gone to jail i have a broken bone i have eaten a waffle today i know what i want to do with my life i speak at least 2 languages i have made a new friend in the past year i have been given flowers before

tag 9 people: i barely have friends irl so this is people i like one-sidedly, probably... you guys dont have to do this if you don’t want to!! @i-ero @vampire-gutz @alienlynz @hurtfulz @francesfarmer also if anyone has any questions about my answers or whatever or wants to use them as prompts for an ask meme idk just do it because i fucking th riv e on interacting with people 

[therappundit]

October 2018 -*PlayLi$t of the Month*

Ooooo it is getting awfully spooky out there, folks...

Temperatures are (finally) plummeting, so for this month I have the perfect score for you. Tis the season for grimy rap music, and with new releases from the likes of Roc Marciano, Styles P,  Sheck Wes, and Westside Gunn, the chilly sound of autumn is officially in full swing here on the east coast. That being said, this month’s list also includes a diverse array of talent from Grand Rapids, New Orleans, St. Louis, Richmond, and beyond (plus an extra deep “honorable mentions” section, to further champion all of the great new tracks out there). So please enjoy some of my favorite songs from the month of October...

1. “Dolph Lundgren” - DJ Muggs & Roc Marciano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43R-lDAhhjg

(Another month, another dope Roc Marciano project. What stands out on KAOS is the chemistry between Roc and DJ Muggs. With this special MC + producer joint album, the two underground icons joined forces to create a street soundtrack that is at once both a throwback and a breath of fresh air. Roc’s persona on records is unparalleled, he packs a 70′s hustler’s soul in the body of a modern gangster. Place those bars over Muggs’ dark soul samples, and you have yourself one helluva album.)

2. “40 Acres” - Chester Watson

https://soundcloud.com/chesterwatson/40-acres

(On first listen, Chester Watson sounds like a clone of Earl Sweatshirt. The Miami-by-way-of-St. Louis MC certainly possesses a dark, monotone delivery that is eerily reminiscent of the vibes channeled by the former Odd Future standout, but rest assured, Chester is an artist more than capable of standing on his own two. If “40 Acres” doesn’t make you want to check out his new Project O album, then that’s your loss - this track is fantastic.)

3. “Vetements Socks” - Sheck Wes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvntmsHRNa0

(Truth be told, I had very little expectations for this MUDBOY project. I didn’t even appreciate the breakout hit “Mo Bamba”, but I really do appreciate Sheck Wes’ full length debut. I always say whatever your style is, do it well, and at least provide some form of perspective. For all of Sheck’s youthful inexperience, poetic shortcomings, and scattered focus, he has released a project that captures his energy, his taste in music, and that he is a raw, talented artist with a lot on his mind. “Vetements Socks” brings to mind one of the early hits of another young Harlemite, that being “Peso” by A$AP Rocky. While far from the classic New York-centric hip-hip sound, MUDBOY is an album that successfully paints pictures of where Sheck is in his life right now, and it feels like the NYC sidewalks that I stomp around on today.)

4. “Southside Sector” -  Big Kahuna OG feat. Fly Anakin

https://schemeteamallstars.bandcamp.com/track/southside-sector-prod-ohbliv-feat-fly-anakin

(Every Mutant Academy release I have heard is pretty dope. However, certain projects really do an excellent job showcasing one specific MCs potential as a uniquely talented rapper/writer, as opposed to just bars over beats. Big Kahuna OG’s new Weapon Ox tape is possibly the best album of his catalogue thus far, and I can’t recommend it enough.)

5. “CL Smooth” - Willie The Kid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWtr3bUFNE8

(Low key, Willie The Kid has been dropping dope music since he popped up on the scene again in 2017, after a hiatus. His Things Of That Nature tape is another one of his filler-free releases, and I find this “CL Smooth” shout-out especially, well, smooth.)

6. “'94 Ghost Shit” - The Alchemist feat. Conway & Westside Gunn

https://soundcloud.com/alan-the-chemist/the-alchemist-feat-conway-westside-gunn-94-ghost-shit

(Since hearing the IG teasers many months ago, Griselda fans have ben clamoring for the release of “94 Ghost Shit”. They/we finally got that wish granted when Uncle Al unleashed the Conway and Westside Gunn helmed banger on his site. Just a loosie, or a teaser for the trios long awaited Hall & Nash 2 project??? For now, we at least have this tough as nails joint to keep in rotation for the foreseeable future...or at least until WSG drops Hitler Wears Hermes 6 on Halloween!.)

7. “Boss” - Little Simz

https://soundcloud.com/littlesimz/b-o-s-s-1

(Is this the solo debut of a UK artist on the Pundit PlayLi$t!? I believe so! Little Simz has been on my radar for a while now, but with “Boss” she finally has what feels like a smash to me. The beat is a head nodder and Simz uses it to showcase why she is a fierce MC that deserves respect from her fans and peers alike.)

8. “Life In Crooklyn” - Planit Hank & DJ Evil Dee feat. Jeru The Damaja, Buckshot & AZ - Life in Crooklyn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=korr8p6lDhk

(A simple, but effective piece of NYC nostalgia that is knocked out the park by an elite line-up of legendary New York legends. Jeru, Buckshot and AZ are no doubt some of Brooklyn’s finest to ever pick up the m-i-c, and they each lend their magic to this one.)

9. “We Got Everything” - Styles P & Dave East

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTfMYCFhzi8

(Not a lot of hype went into the release of Beloved, Styles P and Dave East’s collaboration album, but nevertheless the project is solid from top to bottom. “We Got Everything” benefits from an ear-worm of a hook, and thumping production that suits both MCs.)

10. “Uproar” - Lil Wayne feat. Swizz Beatz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WYAX6onqbM

(No, The Carter V did not live up to its’ unfairly lofty expectations...but it’s still a good album, and an even better display of how well-rounded Lil Wayne can be as a MC. “Uproar” is far from the headiest track on C5, but it’s great example of classic Weezy swagger, on top of being a fun reboot of G. Dep’s “Special Delivery”...and any time I have the chance to s/o G. Dep on my monthly playlist, I’m going to jump on it!) ��

*Bonus - Honorable Mention [extended edition]*

“Take It All” - Fatima feat. Roc Marciano

https://fatima.bandcamp.com/track/take-it-all-feat-roc-marciano

“Fuck 12” - Quavo feat. Offset

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4IjBNBCnZo

“Rap Charlamagne (Say What I Want)” - Pardison Fontaine

https://soundcloud.com/pardi/rap-charlamagne-say-what-i-want

“Magic Tricks” - Lucky Seven feat. Conway

https://soundcloud.com/luckyseven30/magic-tricks-feat-conway?in=luckyseven30/sets/53creebadluck

“Preach” - Swizz Beatz feat. Jim Jones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRfP0S985D8

“Never Fight An African” - Styles P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5i6lv5wgKc

“Stoop Kids” - Mir Fontane feat. Fetty Wap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ik3iwCPm1E

“still water [flow water pt. 2]” - Cambank$

https://soundcloud.com/camgotthejuice/stillwater-flow-water_pt2-prod-2spvced

“The Suppliers” - 38 Spesh, Jai Black & Daniel Son

https://soundcloud.com/lil-eto/38-spesh-x-jai-black-x-daniel-son-the-suppliers

“Understood” - Mick Jenkins

https://soundcloud.com/mickjenkins/mick-jenkins-prod-kaytranada

“Hating” - J-Live

https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2018/10/j-live-hating-maga-lyric-video/

“Dotty X & The Sen” - Sadat X & El Da Sensei

https://vindig.bandcamp.com/track/dotty-x-the-sen

“Episode 11” - Mooch & Farma Beats feat. Maverick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vWEUr7yEMI

“IScream” - Bodega Bamz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5mmVrKaV0w

“Hot” - Flu & Rigz feat. Mav Montana & Eto

https://soundcloud.com/fludust/2-hot-feat-mav-montana-eto?in=fludust/sets/rigz-a-piece-of-the-action

“Black Mags 2” - The Cool Kids

http://2dopeboyz.com/2018/10/19/the-cool-kids-black-mags-2/

HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEN  🎃🎃🎃

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below]

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/178500049856/september-2018-playli-t-of-the-month

[therappundit]

November 2018 -*PlayLi$t of the Month*

The underground sound ain’t playin’ around in 2018.

Over the last few weeks, The Alchemist has received even heavier play than usual through these headphones of mine (I just got the wireless buds from my in-laws, I think I dig them!). That’s thanks in no small part to his fantastic recent contributions to Westside Gunn, Schoolboy Q, Curren$y and Freddie Gibbs. October closed with a powerful flurry of new rap releases, both of the underground and mainstream variety, so I am here to share my favorites on this especially stuffed edition of my PlayLi$t of the Month...

1. “Echo” - Swizz Beatz feat. Nas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMINMawUzow

(Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: this song is *vastly* superior to anything on that ill fated Nasir album with Kanye West. Whatever Swizz whispered to Nas to get him to snap back into Nasty mode, it should stand as further proof that the Ruff Ryder maestro’s status as a cultivator of hits is hall of fame worthy. Hearing the Queensbridge legend spit bars about old New York City life, watching karate films at dirty Time Square movie theaters, watching flashy cars drive up and down Steinway Street in Queens - there’s just no one better than Nasty Nas when he’s off to the races on a wave of nostalgia, thanks to his high attention to detail. DJ Scratch deserves just as much recognition for this sweet soulful back-drop, one of two strong Scratch showings in heavy rotation this month. “Echo” might be one of my favorite rap songs of the year, this is classic Nas.)

2. “'The Blow” - The Alchemist, Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA4dPwtthZU

(Yeah we gotta talk about this FETTI project. The chemistry between Spitta, Gibbs and The Alchemist is off the charts, and that much has been clear since Covert Coup’s “Scottie Pippen” first rattled through speakers back in 2011. So needless to say, this FETTI album bangs top to bottom. My favorite cut off the album might not even be my favorite cut by this time next week, because the whole tape is staying in rotation for the foreseeable future.)

3. “Fork In The Pot” - The Alchemist feat. Conway, Westside Gunn & Schoolboy Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPMgi0bSB0Q

(More Uncle Al, you say? What the hell, why not!? Before FETTI dropped on Halloween, this was the stand-out Alchemist leak for the month. The eagerly awaited B-Side to last month’s “94 Ghost Sh*t” A-Side that was teased on IG some time ago, “Fork In The Pot” is another incredible contribution to the growing ALC & Griselda canon, helped by a dope verse by Schoolboy Q that is sure to build hype for his upcoming album. Will it drop in 2018? All speculation at this point, but I say YES.)

4. “Saturday Night Special” - The Alchemist, Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sv1psKaIgU

(More than any other track on FETTI, this one feels like classic Alchemist. A smokey loop like this one does indeed paint the perfect image of slowly cruising through the neighborhood on a late Saturday night, perhaps with a Saturday night special somewhere in the vehicle...or so I imagine - I myself have never lived that life, but the music is vivid, and the mood set by The Alchemist is palpable. What a great example of how the best producers don’t just make beats, they paint audio portraits. And like the lyrics themselves, the instrumental is, well, instrumental in telling the story.)

5. “N***as In Puerto Rico” - Westside Gunn feat. Lord Flee & Benny

https://soundcloud.com/westsidegunn/niggas-in-puerto-rico-feat-lord-flee-benny?in=westsidegunn/sets/hitler-wears-hermes-6

(Folks, I really didn’t plan this, Alchemist is just that damn good! My favorite song off of Westside Gunn’s Hitler Wears Hermes 6 - wow, I can’t believe he’s up to 6 now - shows exactly what happens when these lyrical barbarians from Buffalo lock themselves down with The Alchemist in Puerto Rico for a while. Look out for the beat switch-up, as both instrumentals suit this gathering of MCs particularly well, making me that much more excited about what Al may have cooked up for Benny’s upcoming Tana Talk 3 album.)

6. “Something Dirty/Pic Got Us” - Swizz Beatz feat. Jadakiss, Styles P. & Kendrick Lamar

https://pitchfork.com/levels/swizz-beatz-something-dirty-pic-got-us-new-song-listen/

(While it might not pack the level of punch that fans hoped it would when Swizz first teased it live on stage a few months back - or even have an actual verse from Kendrick - Jadakiss & Styles P’s appearance on Mr. Beatz’ new Poison compilation remains one of the tape’s finer moments. Hearing Jada & SP pass the mic back and forth never seems to get old, plus this AraabMUZIK beat is still absolutely bonkers.)

7. “Willie Lloyd” - The Alchemist, Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-7h0Dkz6b0

(It has felt like too long since I have shouted out an Alchemist joint, am I right? "Willie Lloyd’s” ominous instrumental makes for the ideal palette to have Gangsta Gibbs flex over, and flex he does, making it one of many stand-out verses on FETTI.)

8. “John Bena” - Westside Gunn feat. Lil Eto

https://soundcloud.com/westsidegunn/john-bena-feat-lil-eto?in=westsidegunn/sets/hitler-wears-hermes-6

(Yikes, this beat is pure menace music! And who produced it? None other than The Alchemist’s mentor, DJ Muggs, who has had quite an impressive year in his own right. Let the record show that both Westside Gunn and Eto do their thing on “John Bena”, which is no easy feat considering how overwhelming this instrumental could potentially be to weaker MCs. Furthermore, I feel like it needs to be said at this point that Westside Gunn is a VERY dope MC with his own style, traits that are not easy to come by in today’s biz. He raps his ass off on HWH6, so don’t think for a minute that WSG is carried by beats, he is not a replaceable presence on any track. So go cop that HWH6.)

9. “Location Remote” - The Alchemist, Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUAawyYs0uk

(A tape like FETTI warrants a cool, but eerie, intro track...and this fits the bill perfectly. I love the whole project, but I love this specific song more and more whenever I hear it. “Call the chiropractor” indeed, Mr. Gibbs - this joint is heavy.)

10. “Flipmode Squad Meets The Conglomerate” - Busta Rhymes feat. The Flipmode Squad & The Conglomerate

https://www.vibe.com/2018/10/busta-rhymes-flipmode-conglomerate-reunion-single/

(Remember when I mentioned DJ Scratch earlier? Well this massive posse cut is part of this month’s 1-2 punch of Scratch production, lucky us! Here he channels classic Busta vibes for not just one, but two of Busta’s rhyme crews to slap around for a bit. What I really like about this song is that they all sound like they’re having fun here, which is not as common as I would like it to be in today’s posse cut starved rap market. Hopefully this means DJ Scratch will make his presence felt on that upcoming Busta album!) 

*Bonus - Honorable Mention [extended edition]*

“Niagara Cafe” - Westside Gunn

https://soundcloud.com/westsidegunn/niagara-cafe?in=westsidegunn/sets/hitler-wears-hermes-6

“Tapatio” - The Alchemist, Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJHxFVZfAC0

“Grim Seasons - Homeboy Sandman & Edan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umff7Hael9k

“Skeleton Piñata” - HAZE & SPNDA feat. Puffy

https://dutchmastered.bandcamp.com/track/skeleton-pi-ata-feat-puffy

“Militant Exercise” - Knowledge The Pirate feat. Roc Marciano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlyUJ7Oyb8

“REDBLUE” - Rapsody feat. J.I.D

https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jid-and-rapsody-face-the-conundrum-of-choosing-up-on-redblue-new-song.1981003.html

“Hooters” - Tee Grizzley

https://soundcloud.com/tee-grizzley/hooters

“Money” - Cardi B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj2cK8wymIA

“Man Law” - Masta Ace feat. Styles P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5RFSInEKvE

“Say Na” - Moneybagg Yo feat. J. Cole

https://soundcloud.com/moneybagg-yo/say-na-feat-j-cole?in=moneybagg-yo/sets/reset-46

“Feels Like Summer” - Vince Staples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc6hdQEm_h4

“Lottery Games” - Styles P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVmZX5Y6-mw

“Don’t Come Out The House” - Metro Boomin feat. 21 Savage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPOzqeHynZw

“Roses” - Rapper Big Pooh feat. Ab Liva

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54GnYccxgHM

“Last Memory” - Takeoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyVVOcpKpHA

“Picasso’s Ear” - Action Bronson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vFwOE4DTmA

Have a Happy & healthy Thanksgiving weekend with friends and/or family, all...🙏

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below]

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/179287574271/october-2018-playli-t-of-the-month

[therappundit]

May 2018 - *PlayLi$t of the Month*

You ready for summer?

Winter is finally in the rear view, but hard hip-hop is coming in waves like hoodie season is a year-round event in 2018! Yeah I’m liking that trend. We have seen a mixture of old and new faces this month, which means rap music continues to thrive in its’ state of sound diversity. So here are some of my favorite rap songs that I have kept on replay for the last few weeks...

1. “Outside” - Royce Da 5′9″ feat. Marsha Ambrosius & Robert Glasper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55wuczmMgSc

(With PRhyme 2 still in heavy rotation, Royce Da 5′9″ dropped Book Of Ryan, his most personal, and well-constructed solo work yet. There are so many gems to mine through on this album, but perhaps the most impressive one to me is this beautiful song that’s dedicated to Royce’s son. Much as Kendrick Lamar’s “FEAR” excelled due to to it’s unflinching exploration of how anxiety feels, “Outside” excels because Royce lays his entire relationship with his son on the table, warts and all. Pulling from a troubled childhood and complex relationship with his own father, “Outside” perfectly captures the battle to raise a child without passing down the parent’s baggage. Book Of Ryan is a powerful listening experience.)

2. “This Is America” - Childish Gambino

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY

(Donald Glover is simply one of the most talented human beings alive today. He is a comedian, actor, and musician, so his next move is tough to predict due to the many different directions he may choose to go. Regardless of whether you think “This Is America” is a brilliant socially conscious song or just a clever attempt to “sell” a political record in order to strengthen his brand, there is no denying that the track is a fantastic piece of production, and Gambino masterfully glides all over it. Plus, the video is easily the most captivating of 2018.)

3. “Yes Indeed” - Lil Baby feat. Drake

http://www.thefader.com/2018/05/15/lil-baby-and-drake-drop-yes-indeed

(What can I say, I’m a sucker for a Drake song when he goes into rap feature grind mode. While I never had a reason to check for Lil Baby amidst the sea of never-ending “Lil’s” in hip-hop today, he manages to capture my attention with this verse...which includes my favorite silly rap line of the moment: “wah wah wah: bitch I’m he Baby”. The wheel isn’t being reinvented by either artist on “Yes Indeed”, but they sound like they’re having so much fun over this Wheezy production that I can see myself keeping this song in the rotation for months to come - much like “Look Alive”. Like it or not, Drake is coming next month.)

4. “Dust & Powder” - Jim Jones feat. Jadakiss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsytbeybxP4

(At the start of 2018 I would not have expected Jim Jones to drop a new album chockfull of strong cuts, but low and behold, here we are. The retro-Dipset vibe of this track still feels fresh, plus Jones and Jada rhyme with enough energy that it low-key feels reminiscent of a classic Just Blaze hit. More of this from modern NYC MC’s, please!)

5. “Lotto” - Westside Gunn feat. Benny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLq0y9zgPEc

(I. Love. This. Video. The hip-hop lover in me has me rewinding this Benny verse, but the wrestling lover in me has me scouring the internet for more classic Chris Benoit matches. I really can’t wait for this new Westside Gunn album.)

6. “Worldwide2x (Shaq & Penny)” - Fly Anakin & Ohbliv feat. Nickelus F

https://mutantacademyrva.bandcamp.com/track/worldwide2x-shaq-penny-ft-nickelus-f

(Score another one for Mutant Academy, because this Fly Anakin and Ohbliv Backyard Boogie album is fire. And any time fellow Richmond-ite Nickelus F jumps into the fray, you know it’s going to be one of the doper cuts on any project.)

7. “Caterpillar” - Royce Da 5′9″ feat. Eminem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dARAN1z2KqY

(Yes, more heat from this fantastic Royce album. What a year he’s been having, eh? A lot of folks skipped ahead to this track when they saw that Bad Meets Evil would be reuniting on Book Of Ryan. While Em doesn’t quite reach his past elite status with this “Caterpillar” verse, the track is bangin’ nonetheless. And it’s one of the finest pieces of production on the album, s/o to S1.)

8. “Mercy Killing” - Estee Nack & Sadhugold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z4grNwOpwc

(Find a way to add this Estee Nack and Sadhugold album to your life. Nack’s been one to watch for a while now, but he has really come into his own on recent projects. He displays wonderful chemistry with rising underground elite producer Sadhugold across the whole SURFINONGOLD.WAV album, so give some this stream a listen but make sure to support at the link below.)

https://esteenack.bandcamp.com/album/surfinongold-wav

9. “Friends” - J. Cole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g5f5Ct0fCM

(I have been hard on Cole in the past, but only because I always thought the guy had as high of a ceiling as Drake - if not higher. I do believe he dropped the best project of his career with KOD. Musically, he finally found the right soundscapes for him to work with on this album. He often punches his rhymes as if he’s breaking the bank lyrically when that is often not the case...but he is still a very talented artist, and when placed alongside deceptively tight instrumentals - which is the case through much of KOD - he can really shine. He is successful at walking the line between motivational and preachy, but the real reason why J. Cole comes out of KOD triumphant is his willingness to vary his delivery more on this album.)

10. “448” - $ha Hef

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLgVmdwEqcA

(Hef’s new Kommunity Service project brings the type of hard music that we have come to expect from the NYC MC. No skip-worthy material on this one, but “448″ is the one I keep coming back to.)

*Bonus - Honorable Mention*

“Banging” - Jim Jones feat. Mozzy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Yfhdp_BNo

(Jim Jones delivering a new joint that feels like a hit? Not sure what year this is, but this track goes.)

"I’m Good” - Lex One, Lucian White & DJ Snips feat. Conway

https://soundcloud.com/lexonegtps/im-good-ft-conway-the-machine?in=lexonegtps/sets/lex-one-lucian-white-midnight-crisis

(You had me at Conway going over the classic Shadez Of Brooklyn sample.)

“42” - Rae Sremmurd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGxcyuVPPz4

(Rae Sremmurd’s barrage of new music came in the form of a group album and two solo albums, with a mix of highs and lows throughout each project. This one is a standout to me in part because of the raw distortion on the production, and because both Swae & Slim due a good job of flashing their potential with nimble flow-work.)

“Bundles” - Royalz feat. Conway

https://grhymeproductions.bandcamp.com/album/bundles-feat-conway

(Royalz blesses Conway with an underground banger, and since last year’s collaboration with Roc Marciano - “Facts” - is still heavy in my rotation, I’m growing more and more intrigued with Royalz production work moving forward.)

“The Game” - Smoke DZA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP0LgYv8Fo8

(He always has a good ear for beats, but I think DZA spits some of the strongest bars of his career on this one.)

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below] 

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/173049916871/april-2018-playli-t-of-the-month

[therappundit]

June 2018 - *PlayLi$t of the Month*

SUMMER IS HERE, AND THE RAP WORLD IS ON FIRE RIGHT NOW.

Where do we begin? Pusha-T vs. Drake, Drake vs. Kanye West, the whole damn world vs. Kanye, Rhymefest vs. Kanye vs. Kim Freakin’ Kardashian, cynical rap fans like myself vs. all of the Kanye stans - and there are numerous other rap skirmishes happening around us (ranging from petty to serious), plus a critically panned A$AP Rocky album, rumors of a new Clipse song - how can anyone keep up!? It’s like the summer heat already has folks going crazy...

As always, The Rap Pundit is going to focus more on the music, because we have a whole lot to be thankful for. There has been so much sensational new music to drop over the last few weeks, so I did my best to try to acknowledge most of my favorite projects that are currently seated high in my rotation (even though, truth be told, I could have dedicated slots 1-7 to DAYTONA, just sayin’).

My soundtrack for June is packing heat like the oven door, so enjoy this extra long, extra ‘eghck!’ edition of the Pundit PlayLi$t...

1. “The Games We Play” - Pusha-T

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j98tczxXKtE

(Some of the best bars on DAYTONA can be found right here. And this Booker T. Averheart sample....sheeeeesh, I might not be a fan of Ye the album, but I am a huge fan of Ye the producer. Pusha-Ton dedicates this one to his core fanbase, declaring DAYTONA the “Purple Tape” for a new generation. Personally I don’t think this project can be compared to the legendary Raekwon album, but I would put this song up against the any song made by anyone else rapping today. And regardless of whether this album turns out to be a classic or not, I can say this with certainty: “The Games We Play” will be a classic rap song.)

2. “Hard Piano” - Pusha-T feat. Rick Ross & Tony Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEEAqPMSZqU

(DAYTONA is a relentless smash of a project from start to finish, so ranking each song on the album is more of a 1a, 1b, 1c scenario. Right now I’m vibin’ with “Hard Piano” like it’s “New God flow Pt. 2″. Pusha glides across Kanye’s slick sampling of Charles Wright & Watts 103rd Rhythm Band’s “High As Apple Pie Slice II”, and by the time we get to Rozay’s “this is for the sneaker hoarders and coke snorters”, you know that he’s about to bless us with one of the best verses that he’s done in quite some time. He knows that you gotta bar-up when Pusha is in album mode! I don’t know if any other song in Pusha’s catalogue better showcases his “be Sosa not Tony” mentality like “Hard Piano”. DAYTONA should be coming out of speakers everywhere.)

3. “Dostoyevsky” - Black Thought & 9th Wonder feat. Rapsody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54OUwQA2wQs

(Welcome to 2018, Black Thought “solo” project. No, it’s not the dream solo debut that Black Thought fans have been dreaming about for decades, but it is a highly successful byproduct of Thought’s collaboration with 9th Wonder & The Soul Council. As an EP it’s more of a sterling appetizer than an opus, but rest assured, Streams of Thought, Vol. 1 is a non-stop bar-fest and a feast for the ears. As if five Black Thought songs alone weren’t enough, Rapsody comes through on “Dostoyevsky” and more than holds her own alongside the Roots frontman. Let this EP be further confirmation of the embarrassment of riches that is rap music in 2018.)

4. “If You Know, You Know” - Pusha-T

https://soundcloud.com/pushat/if-you-know-you-know

(Simply one of the best openings I have ever heard on a rap album. The build is perfect, and the beat is vicious. Not the traditional fair that fans associate with Pusha from back in the Clipse era...but remember how different those Neptunes beats once sounded to the traditional hip-hop ear? Kanye clearly considered what made Pusha’s presence so effective on YOGI’s commercial smash “Burial”, and then it dialed up to 11 with “If You Know, You Know”, a rare triumphant rap-EMD hybrid. It’s an attention grabbing intro, a rap star anthem capable of getting any crowd hyped, and the best catchphrase to come out of DAYTONA and into the rap lexicon.)

5. “Leaps” - Rigz

https://soundcloud.com/prodbymichaelangelo/rigz-leaps-prod-by-michaelangelo

(I don’t know much about MichaelAngelo - the producer, that is - but I know I enjoy the limited sample size that I have heard thus far. What I DO know and have known for some time, is that Rigz is one of the dopest MC’s in the game right now. If you haven’t checked out the Rochester native’s catalogue, I highly recommend his mixtapes, but you can also start with this loosie right here. Rigz can flat-out rap.)

6. “Hun43rd” - A$AP Rocky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp8sSx06Bds

(This track is gorgeous. The soothing instrumental cruises along as Rocky waxes nostalgic about Harlem. Sure, it’s good stuff, but then the song goes to another level when Devonté Hynes/Blood Orange releases a smooth hook that could easily be mistaken for a sample from an 80′s New Wave band...or maybe a song that would have felt at home on the Batman Returns soundtrack? Yeah I should probably stop before I date myself any further. Anyway, this one is easily a contender for Testing’s strongest track, textbook Rocky right here.)

7. “Come Back Baby” - Pusha-T

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SkMJqlZ6Y0

(Elements of classic Ye can be found all over track #4 on DAYTONA. Three braggadocios verses from Pusha are broken up by a soulful George Jackson sample, and to great effect. As with so many of Pusha-T’s classic tracks, “Come Back Baby” succeeds in making a dangerous lifestyle sound awfully seductive.)

8. “Buck Shots” - A$AP Rocky feat. Smooky MarGielaa & Playboi Carti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBTeuZhftTY

(If Ryan Gosling and company were to do a sequel to Drive, I could picture him listening to “Buck Shots” during a brooding moment from behind the wheel of his ‘73 Chevy Malibu. To some the “buck shots” repetition might sound grating, but I feel like it really helps take the catchiness of this Kelvin Krash beat into maximum overdrive. The song personifies the emphasis of style over substance on Testing, which works for me in this case because of how well that vibe is reinforced with this album, at least sonically.)

9. “Self Destruction” - Boogie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXNMVRsIeB4

(Is there a non-TDE West Coast rapper better than Boogie right now? I was expecting him to explode right after “Oh My” started to catch heat in 2015, but after a strong appearance on Royce Da 5′9′s Book Of Ryan and a buzz-worthy album on the way, it looks like 2018 might actually be the year for Boogie to ascend to the next level. Want further proof? Check out the feast of rhymes on his trippy new single, “Self Destruction”. The Compton MC’s future is looking very, very bright right now.)

10. “Percs” - Denzel Curry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7PS4gJe5Y4

(If a scientist took elements of A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar and Chief Keef and stirred them together in a pot, Denzel Curry would be the outcome. It’s refreshing to hear a trap-inspired rapper denounce some of the drugs that are currently frying the brains of his peers, but it does make sense that the message would come from Curry, who seems to be wise beyond his years. I am pretty eager to hear what else lies in store for us on his upcoming album, Ta13oo.)

11. “Ministry” - MIKE

https://mikelikesrap.bandcamp.com/track/ministry-4

(If you’re not familiar with MIKE, now is the perfect time to fix that. His newly released album, Black Soap, confirms that the young NYC rapper follows his own path and has a very bright future. “Ministry” reminds me of the type of subterranean NY rap that we haven’t heard enough of since the Def Jux era.)

12. “Jujitsu” - Tuamie & Henny L.O. feat. Fly Anakin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp1C09p_XbI&index=9&t=0s&list=PLqD8s2lDRYOtiHUSkTpi6eUe8n9Fs-iDl

(Another month, another incredibly dope project from the Mutant Academy collective. Henny and Fly sound blissful over this sweet Tuamie production, one of many wonderful cuts on their new Emergency Raps, Vol. 2 compilation...one of many projects that got lost in the shuffle of Drake vs. Pusha T hoopla over the past week. Do yourself a favor and add this to your collection right now!)

13. “Sunoco” - Al.Divino & $auce Heist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMQSBpvZJKo

(WOW, hard NYC rap doesn’t get much better than this crazy new Al.Divino and $auce Heist project! Pretty crazy considering only Heist is from NY, while Divino hails from Massachusetts. I’m really loving the beat on this one, it sounds like a Bjork “Human Behavior” sample but I’m not sure if that’s the case? The whole BENGAL BONE MARROW tape is worth the $40 price tag, it is brutally good.)

14. “Infrared” - Pusha-T

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytzc6ehAvOM

(Hey have you guys heard this one? Pretty under the radar, yeah I know. Seriously what more can be said about this one.....except that it’s pure FIRE, no matter whose corner you stand in with the Drake-Pusha beef.)

15. “Soul Reaver” - A$AP Ant feat. A$AP Twelvyy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnRFRhv-EGI

(Before A$AP Rocky released his album, A$AP Ant dropped a new album titled Lil Black Jean Jacket. As one of the less heralded members of the A$AP Mob, it’s easy to overlook this project...but you would be making a mistake. To me, this tape succeeds in all of the areas that Playboi Carti’s Die Lit album failed. You won’t find much lyrical depth on Jacket, but you will find catchy flows and hypnotic production. And on “Soul Reaver”, you will also find the best verse on the album, courtesy of Twelvyy. This sleepy gem really goes!)

16. “Long Way” - Benny feat. El Camino

https://soundcloud.com/bennythebutcher1/benny-the-butcher-long-way-ft-el-camino-prod-by-dj-shay

(The loop and Camino’s hook-work gives this joint an old school Dipset aesthetic, while Benny’s bars remind me of prime Beanie Sigel, and I’m loving all of this!  “Long Way” is favorite joint off of Benny’s new A Friend Of Ours project, but the whole tape is worth playing front to back.)

17. “Brotha Man” - A$AP Rocky feat. French Montana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYbWAgF02no

(The most soulful song on Testing, and there’s a lot to like here. French Montana channels his best Marvin Gaye impression - there’s a sentence I never thought I would type - and "Brotha Man” also includes some of the album’s finer written moments from Rocky. True to form, his reference to caring more about personal style rather than important social issues is a display of brutal honesty that only adds to the track’s authenticity.)

18. “Hoop Dreamin” - Blueprint feat. Has-Lo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drv4yESEMFM

(A few weeks back, rapper/producer Blueprint slipped out a brand new project titled Two-Headed Monster, where he explores a number of topics over some beautiful production. The palpable sense of urgency felt on “Hoop Dreamin” makes this cut my favorite off the album, but the whole project warrants more attention.)

19. “Helvetica” - CODENINE & Mr. Rose feat. Milano Constantine, Al.Divino & Estee Nack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AWJEJj3oT8

(Proving that the underground collective swirling around Al.Divino and Estee Nack is one that you need to watch, CODENINE and Mr. Rose’s project is another notch on the team’s belt. “Helvetica” has the feel of one of those classic late 90′s underground hip-hop cyphers.)

20. “Kevlar Tux” - SONNYJIM & Conway feat. Roc Marciano

https://soundcloud.com/sonnyjim01/03-kevlar-tux-ft-roc-marciano?in=sonnyjim01/sets/conway-x-sonnyjim-death-by-misadventure

(I’ve heard chatter suggesting that this SONNYJIM & Conway project wasn’t official? Well this Conway & Roc Marci joint sounded officially dope to me, so it still belongs on this playlist, no doubt.)

*Bonus - Honorable Mention*

“Twofifteen” - Black Thought & 9th Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgJ434TL-bo

(Black Thought sounds like he is unleashing 25 years of lyrical tenacity on this one, the first of five great tracks off of his project with 9th Wonder & The Soul Council.)

“Onna Gang” - DaBoii (of SOB x RBE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ-FTDFkwAM

(The SOB x RBE stand-out showcases his solo skills all over this bouncy head-nodder.)

“Tony Tone” - A$AP Rocky feat. Puff Daddy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6z6oiTirFQ

(Another sharp cut from Rocky’s new album, which seems like it will be under-appreciated for the foreseeable future. The menacing, teeth-grinding beat alone is worth the price of admission.)

“Mob Era” - Tha God Fahim & Jay NiCE feat. Left Lane & Mach-Hommy

https://soundcloud.com/thagodfahim/tha-god-fahim-x-jay-nice-x-left-lane-x-mach-hommy-mob-eraprodby-jlvsn

(JLVSN laced Fahim, Mach and company with a tense little piano loop, and all four MCs deliver. )

“Unknown Worlds” - Planet Asia feat. Montage One

https://planet-asia.bandcamp.com/track/unknown-worlds

(Planet Asia’s second project of 2018 - maybe more, it’s hard to keep track because the guy is a workhorse- Mansa Musa is as strong as all of his previous projects, but there’s a freshness to the samples used on this one that make it one of my favorite PA projects from the last few years. Both West Coast icons kill this one, and Planet Asia deserves the AC Green award for longevity in the game at this point - he may never fall off!)

“NYCHA” - Dave East feat. Nas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsrMVAB3weY

(The soundtrack to Netflix’s Rapture dropped a few weeks back, mostly unnoticed, but it had some strong joints. Perhaps none hotter than this NY-centric Dave East & Nas jam, my favorite collaboration that I have heard from the Mass Appeal duo thus far.)

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below]

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/174009402131/may-2018-playli-t-of-the-month

[therappundit]

December 2017 - *PlayLi$t of the Month*

With only a few days remaining in 2017, I have spent the last few days tearing through as much new music as possible for this month’s playlist. The last few days alone proved to be stacked with new releases, which certainly made an impact on the final version of my list. As I continue to work on THE Rap Pundit’s list of the best rap songs of the year, please enjoy this super-sized edition of my PlayLi$t of the Month for December....

1. “Rivi” - Benny

https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/2-rivi-prod-by-daringer?in=gxfr/sets/benny-x-dj-green-lantern-butcher-on-steroids

(While his fellow Buffalo brethren and Griselda solider blessed the world with G.O.A.T just about 48 hours ago, Benny The Butcher had one of the hottest projects out with Butcher On Steroids. I’m glad that folks are starting to appreciate Benny, because he really is one of the finest writers of raw street tales I can recall since Beanie Sigel. “Rivi” is one of many standouts off the mixtape, but it’s that second verse that helped it land the #1 spot this month: “they tell us to stay in school, but nah, that don’t pay electric / it’s funny how we say we trap, just to make an exit.” Damn, Benny’s...got...BARS.)

2. “G.O.A.T.” - Conway

https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/01-g-o-a-t-produced-by-1?in=gxfr/sets/conway-goat-1

(Finally...the G.O.A.T. has arrived. Call it a mixtape, call it an album, call it whatever you want, but no matter how you look at it, Conway’s new project is as grimy as advertised. I’m not sure if it’s a stronger project than Conway’s previous two 2017 projects - Reject On Steroids & More Steroids - but that’s a testament to how prolific Con has been this year. The titular track makes for an attention grabbing intro, with Daringer providing Conway The Machine with sparse drums that serve to heighten anticipation for the ominous music to follow. And Con doesn’t disappoint. If you have never heard a song from anyone associated with Griselda Records, consider this cut the perfect intro to the resurgence of gritty hip-hop that has been coming out of upstate New York over the last few years.)

3. “Facts” - Royalz feat. Roc Marciano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETKBFEbGzBI

(I don’t know where this track came from, or anything about Royalz’ production, but this thing is a straight thumper. Roc really sounds like he’s in the pocket on this one...notice who amazing he sounds over samples that lean on a reggae vibe? I’m still bumping Rosebudd’s Revenge on a regular basis, as you should.)

4. “Th3rd F” - Conway feat. Raekwon

https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/03-th3rd-f-featuring-raekwon?in=gxfr/sets/conway-goat-1

(Possibly the most Wu-esque non-Wu track I’ve ever heard. So damn raw and soulful Conway had to get someone from the Wu-Tang Clan to jump on board, and boy does Rae jump in. After you start to wonder, “oh no, is Rae just speaking on the outro to this one?”, he comes through with a verse that stands with any of his classics. Of all the grimy cuts on Grimiest Of All Time, this one is a contender for the grimiest.)

5. “Mandatory” - Conway feat. Royce Da 5′9

https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/08-mandatory-featuring-royce?in=gxfr/sets/conway-goat-1

(The whole G.O.A.T. project bangs, but when The Machine and Royce join forces, what follows is a bloodbath of bars. “Mandatory” is no different.)

6. “I Pray” - Fabolous & Jadakiss feat. Swizz Beatz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKnwDRbu4Cw

(Not gonna lie...I was pretty disappointed by this Freddy Vs. Jason/Friday On Elm Street project. After a lengthy delay, it finally dropped, but long after Halloween, and long after Fab’s resurgence about two years ago. Both F-A-B-O and Jada have some strong moments on the tape, but most of the tracks lack the teeth of the project’s intro, or this moody gem. Probably the finest hook work on the whole tape, too - thanks Swizz.)

7. “The Delegation” - DaVillins feat. Roc Marciano, Rim, Rock Monsta, Foul Monday & Sean Price

https://soundcloud.com/da-villins/the-delegation

(This is a CRAZY collaboration that just dropped earlier today. Fans may recognize this from a snippet of Roc’s opening verse that was posted on IG last month. I originally thought it was a tease for Roc’s upcoming sequel to Rosebudd’s Revenge, but that remains to be seen. Wherever this track ends up, it’s tough as nails and belongs on this list.)

8. “Stir Fry” - Migos

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/migos-stir-fry/

(Pharrell blessed the Migos with this one. The unstoppable trio of Offset, Quavo and Takeoff sound as energized as ever, twisting some contagious flows over this bouncy and melodic instrumental that harkens back to some of The Neptunes’ finest work.)

9. “Been Down” - Nipsey Hustle feat. Swizz Beatz

http://uproxx.com/realtalk/nipsey-hussle-swizz-beats-been-down-surprise-single/

(It’s really starting to sound like Nipsey is preparing us for something special in early 2018, doesn’t it? Musically, I think Nipsey has grown a lot since he arrived on the seen. He and Swizz cruise along on this one, riding the horns of an instrumental that serves both east and west coast sensibilities. I’m really look forward to his Victory Lap album this Feb.)

10. “Slept To Death” - Statik Selektah feat. Curren$y & Cousin Stizz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w11nuulV5GI

(Always glad to hear a new compilation from Statik Selektah. Curren$y and Cousin Stizz sound so slick over this instrumental, it’s hard to believe these guys aren’t all part of the same collective. Makes sense, because whatever Spitta or Stizz lack in lyrical complexity they make up for in making consistently good music.)

11. “Trump” - Conway

https://soundcloud.com/gxfr/02-trump-produced-by?in=gxfr/sets/conway-goat-1

(Fans knew that Alchemist would cook up something dark for Conway’s G.O.A.T. It seems that a lot of their work that was previously allocated to the album might now appear on Conway, Westside Gunn & Alc’s Hall & Nash 2 tape in the future. If any more of their collaborations sound like this one, then 2018 is going to be another year that belongs to Griselda..)

12. “You The Type” - Your Old Droog

https://soundcloud.com/adultswimsingles/your-old-droog

(I typically like to keep comedy and rap music separate...but Your Old Droog has some legit hilarious lines on this one. One of the few MC’s that can pen a funny line that’s also dope as hell, this is the Droog I have been missing. He’s still one of the best lyricists of the modern generation, go back and listen to his projects if you’re somehow still sleeping on Droog.)

13. “Only Difference” - Taylor Bennett & Bianca Shaw

https://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2017/12/taylor-bennett-bianca-shaw-connect-for-only-difference.html/

(It’s great to hear new bars from Chance The Rapper’s younger brother, because I know Taylor can spit! I’m less familiar with Bianca Shaw, but both of the young MC’s go in, and I am loving the vibe on this one.)

14. “Modern Slavery” - Travis Scott & Quavo

http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/12/quavo-travis-scott-huncho-jack-jack-huncho-album-stream/

(I didn’t expect much from this collaboration. I knew there would likely be a few catchy joints off of Trav & Quavo’s Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho project...but my gut told me this would be a lazy union of two of auto-tune’s finest auto-tuners, and little more than a collection of throwaways. Well...sometimes my gut is just *straight-up* stupid. The chemistry between these guys is immediately apparent. They flow their asses off, hooks are well constructed, and the production could not be more polished for a surprise tape like this. And kicking off the project with a dope soul sample? I did not expect that at all. Shame on me for doubting the knack for musicality that both of these artists possess.)

15. “Satriale’s - Benny feat. El Camino and Conway

https://shadyrecords.com/2017/11/27/listen-now-benny-x-dj-green-lantern-butcher-on-steroids/

(Three of Griselda’s mic assassins going in on one record, why not name it after the infamous Sopranos hangout? Take your pick of who takes this one, but I would have to say that not many are writing tight verses like The Butcher right now - and that includes the might Machine.)

16. “Two 16′s” - Z Money & ChaseTheMoney feat. Valee

https://soundcloud.com/user-421658681/two-16s-feat-valee

(This one dropped a few months back but it has been garnering considerable attention as of late. Low key, I have been a Z Money fan for a while, and I dig Valee too...but Valee’s flow on this one...the dude leaves the planet on “Two 16′s”. Take a listen and see for yourself - and remember the name Valee, because rumor has it he is now signed to G.O.O.D Music, which means even bigger things to follow....)

17. “Theme Music” - Fabolous & Jadakiss feat. Swizz Beatz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gdWI4C3Am4

(Wow, busy month for Swizz, eh? I remember when I first heard this sample used on U-God’s “Bizarre”, and I’m glad it was put to good use again. While Fabolous is no Styles P., he sounds pretty good going back and forth with Jadakiss on this soulful standout off Friday On Elm Street.)

18. “Space Cadet” - Kollision (Quality Control album)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbBLJCYyo2E

(I don’t use the term “wavy” often...or ever...but if I did, I would use it to describe this song. The appropriately titled track has a spacey beat, and Kollision cruises over it in a way that I would describe as “casual Quavo”. I don’t know who you are Kollision but after hearing this flow, you just made yourself a fan. I look forward to hearing more from the previously off-the-radar Atlanta rapper.)

19. “Go For Yours” - Rigz

https://soundcloud.com/rigz-585/go-for-yours-prod-by-5th?in=rigz-585/sets/i-got-samples-hosted-by-statik-selektah

(Continuing with the trend of great rap music from upstate NY, leave Buffalo for a moment and head to Rochester to check out Rigz. Rigz can flat-out rap, and this joint is just a taste of how strong he is on his new album, I Got Samples.)

20. “Dear Eastside” - Kidz In The Hall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffuXZOheq1Y

(What year is it again? No matter, the point is Kidz In The Hall are back!? Double-O and Naledge return to deliver a sound that could have easily dropped during the Native Tongue heyday. Just a beautiful homage to their home of Chicago, this is top down in the winter music. Welcome back, Kidz - and thanks for the new album!)

Merry Christmas and a happy & healthy holidays to all!! Salute.

[ICYMI: Last month’s list below]

https://therappundit.tumblr.com/post/167678957361/november-2017-playli-t-of-the-month