Slept-On But Dope Hip Hop Songs From The Week Of 9/23/2013

Isaiah Rashad shows why TDE made him its newest act and King Chip keeps it club, while Stat Quo pays tribute to some of the best to ever do it.

Isaiah Rashad – “Shot You Down”

Isaiah Rashad will likely not be slept-on for long. The Chattanooga, Tennessee emcee is the newest TDE signee. Top Dawg Ent. added Rashad to a roster that includes Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and SZA. Rashad’s introduction as a member of TDE was accompanied by the release of the “Shot You Down” video. In the song, Rashad shows he understands that this industry is a difficult one and that it takes a lot more than a buzz to make a lasting impact. “The road to the riches is still paved with the ditches,” Rashad raps on the song. “Get caught up in the hype, your career’s for a night.” Time will tell how lasting his influence will be, but “Shot You Down” is a solid introduction, a sign of more success likely to come straight outta Top Dawg Ent. – Andres Tardio (@AndresWrites)

Isaiah Rashad – “Shot You Down”

King Chip – “Some Hoes”

Okay, the title leaves much to be desired (at least if you’re a self-respecting female), but once the synthy beat drops at the start of the song, there’s a party waiting to happen. I always hated myself for liking that DJ Frank Ski song “There’s Some Hoes In This House” from back in the day, but it was so damn catchy in its redundancy. King Chip‘s “Some Hoes” is inspired by that song (at least I decided it was) as the loop repeats “There’s some hoes in this club,” with Chip spittin’ rhymes like he graduated from the Juicy J school of twerkisms. It works for him and he knows it – or he just doesn’t care: “King Chip gives no fucks / just thought I’d let ya know.” The track is pretty clubby; damn near EDM. And while Chipper is prepping for Clevelafornia (after already giving us “44108”), we can only imagine how much more high-energy tracks he’ll be delivering. – Kathy Iandoli (@kath3000)

Listen to “Some Hoes” by King Chip

Stat Quo – “Michael”

Stat Quo delivers tributes to some of the best Michaels to ever do it: Jordan, Tyson and Jackson. Each verse features the Atlanta rapper giving a biographical breakdown of the respective Michael and also features Stat injecting some of what each iconic Michael meant to him. The soulful selection also soars because Stat Quo addresses and discusses the shortcomings of Jordan, Tyson and Jackson. By not glossing over the Michaels’ respective challenges and injecting some humor to serious subject matter, Stat Quo shows his strength as a songwriter, a good sign for his forthcoming ATLA (All This Life Allows) album. – Soren Baker (@SorenBaker)

Listen to “Michael”