London-based rapper Kano is releasing his fourth album Method To The Maadness at the 30th of August this year. His previous albums have included phenomenal guest appearances by the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Damon Albarn and Vybz Kartel, and his forthcoming album will continue this lovely tradition. Premiered on BBC1 last Friday, Get Wild is the first treat off his new album. Quite an overwhelming choice of teammates: the track features the top dog of grime Wiley, the dance hall czar Aidonia and is produced by techno kingfish Boys Noize (who recently produced Kelis’ 22nd Century and is currently working on a remix for N.E.R.D.). This clash of four great minds turned into quite something – the lyrics are fire, the production is lotsa fun and the outcome is blazing! Click here to purchase the track.
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Kano feat. Aidonia & Wiley – Get Wild (Produced by Boys Noize)
Gucci Mane is set to release the second part of his trilogy The State Vs. Radric Davis, ”The Appeal”, at the end of the Summer and is planning a worldwide tour to promote his upcoming album. A fresh start with a new record label, a new management and some new collaborations. Last week two of these collaborations hit the internet: a track by Sean Garret feat. Tyga and Gucci called “She Geeked”, which is officially the first track he did after his release from county jail. He sounds different, but it’s a dope track nevertheless and Tyga’s participation in this track is quite remarkable too. This track will appear on Sean Garret’s upcomingmixtape Inkwell. The second track on which Gucci appeared is a French Montana track produced by J. Cardim called “Straight Cash”. Big Gucci Mane La Flare, I’m glad to have you back! BURRR!
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Sean Garret feat. Tyga & Gucci Mane – She Geeked
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The “Beat Goes On” is a column where we feature the hottest rap tracks from around the world. So without further ado . . .
New Orleans rapper Jay Electronica goes bi-coastal and teams up with Diddy for his street-certified banger “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace.” Jay Elect says the track is a tribute to his idol, the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and for his contributions to hip-hop. While the “Exhibit C” rapper’s verses are clearly braggadocios, Diddy is on some outlandish bully talk at the end of the song. Jay says the track (produced by newcomer Quincey Tones) is still unfinished with more to come. Oh boy!
After spending seven years in prison on sexual battery charges, former No Limit soldier Mystikal is back and is still lyrically sharp as ever. The New Orleans native has the Internet going nuts over his boastful single, “I’ont Like You.” Mystikal’s rapid-fire delivery and southern growl are still intact. The song is a little profane, but it’s not far from his “unpredictable” songs with No Limit Records from back in the days. Whatever serving time in prison did to Mystikal, it certainly didn’t affect his lyrical bravado — not one bit.
Next, we head to Detroit and find that Eminem is a new man. The inspirational song “Not Afraid” is from his forthcoming LP Recovery (due June 22). Eminem doesn’t sound like a pill-popping maniac on this track. Instead we get the introspective Marshall Mathers (his real name) who is ready to step out of the darkness and embrace a promising life for him and his daughter, Hailey. Time will only tell if fans are ready to embrace a sober and mature Eminem. Peep the track:
Over in Jamaica, we see that reggae crooner Gyptian is making power moves on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart with his piano-driven ballad, “Hold Yuh.” The romantic track jumped 9 spots from 51-42 last week. And I can attest that this song will probably be one of the hottest jams of the summer. I was at a barbecue recently and when this song came on the radio, all the fly girls were winding and grinding to it. Check out this remix featuring rap-chick Nicki Minaj.
Another track that will definitely appeal to the ladies is the new one by Toronto rapper-singer Drake. The Kanye West-produced track is the second single from his debut LP Thank Me Later, which hits stores June 15.
Hold up! Drake is not the only Canuck rapper making noise up north.
Check out Toronto emcee Keysha’s track “Hollywood Floss” with the cool sample of Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick’s “La-Di-Da-Di.” It’s fresh like a million bucks.
Fellow T.O. rapper Eternia is back with the “It’s Funny” (Remix), featuring California lyricist Rass Kass.
Finally, check out the “Revenge” video by rap duo Scorsese & Ceaza Leon, two Canadians emcees who call themselves “The Write Brothers” because they pen their own rhymes and spit “fly”-ass lyrics. Get It?
