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Why? - By Torpedo or Crohn’s

Why?’s record Alopecia seems to be a staple on my iPod; something I throw on when I don’t know what else to listen to. The penultimate track to the album is the downtrodden, defeated “By Torpedo or Chron’s.” Yoni Wolf is uncompromisingly personal, and the song benefits greatly from that. It’s not self-pitying ever, just observant.

Song of the Day

Coolio - Gangsta’s Paradise

Gangsta’s Paradise; 1995

Any song that evokes a Weird Al knockoff is worth noting its epochal importance. That’s pretty much all I can write, dealing with a credit crisis. 

Black Hippy - Rolling Stone

Black Hippy (2011)

This is the new shit. Black Hippy needs the hype of an Odd Future because they have the talent of a Wu-Tang. It is only a matter of time until this collective of Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q has a breakthrough song, tumbling onto internet fame and a record deal. This may not be it, but it certainly resonates with people containing an extensive knowledge of music history; the beat draws a sample from The Zombies “Time of the Season”. 

Madlib & Frddie Gibbs - Thuggin

Thuggin EP (2011)

This is too big to happen. Freddie Gibbs is probably the biggest underground rapper right now. Madlib is one of the best producers in hip hop. This shit is too much; you better believe Imma pick up this 12”. 

A$AP Rocky - Palace [Produced by Clams Casino]

LiveLoveA$AP (2011)

A$AP Rocky has definitely been getting a LOAD of hype lately. Between a $3 million record deal and a Pitchfork “Best New Music” nod, it’s hard to lose sight of what exactly he brings to the table. It’s blurry eyed rap with stellar production. On the mixtape, the production is what really drives it. Clams Casino produces this particular track and kills it. I’m a huge fan of his hazy, chanting beats and this is a great example of how large his productions can sound. If you’re into the underground rap scene, then you know this might be the sign of more breakthroughs into popular rap, bearing in mind if this project is a commercial success.