Slept-On But Dope Hip Hop Songs From The Week Of 8/26/2013

Chris Webby – “Down Right”

Chris Webby continues to impress me. It feels like the game cuts him a raw deal. Maybe he reminds them of the traditional breed of college rappers, but stop listening with your eyes is what I’d say. On “Down Right,” the hook reminds me of a Kendrick Lamar song (sorry, but it does), but it doesn’t make it any less authentic. The woozy beat shifts gears as Chris Webby rides all of the changes, switching up his flow every time. He has the versatility to earn his rightful place in the game. So let him in already. – Kathy Iandoli (@kath3000)

Listen to “Down Right” by Chris Webby

Nino Bless – “Rhyme of the Year (MK Ultra)” 

“The fans now want to hear bars,” Nino Bless says on “Rhyme of the Year (MK Ultra)” before delivering thought-provoking rhymes for your ears. Although he comments on the hoopla surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse, Nino Bless does more than simply respond to the song. Instead, Bless creates a track that showcases his abilities and manages to separate himself from the onslaught of responses and disses that came immediately after “Control” leaked. Switching up cadences, delivering thoughtful similes and carefully constructed rhyme patters, Nino blesses the selection with a potency and confidence that is a breath of fresh air. The end result is a track full of bars, just as he promised. – Andres Tardio (@AndresWrites) 

Listen to Nino Bless – “Rhyme of the Year (MK Ultra)” 

Yancey Boys f. Common & Dezi Paige – “Quicksand”

The Yancey Boys partner with Common to deliver this smooth, reflective cut over a silky guitar-propelled beat from the late J Dilla. Illa J is J Dilla’s brother and began making music under the Yancey Boys banner with the guidance of Frank Nitt in 2008. Five years later, the duo shows that it has plenty to offer, as does longtime Dilla collaborator Common. The Chicago, Illinois rapper is thankful for all that Rap has done for him and boasts that he’s “seasoned, ya’ll / I never knew when to fall.” Dezi Paige’s soothing vocals provide a perfect complement for the boast-heavy cut, which is slated to appear on the Yancey Boys’ Sunset Blvd LP, which is scheduled for a September 17 release. – Soren Baker (@SorenBaker)

Listen to Yancey Boys f. Common & Dezi Paige – “Quicksand”

Last Week’s Slept-On.

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