Author: David Andrews

MF DOOM is consistently one of the most overlooked and underrated rappers in the world of hip-hop. Czarface also joins MF DOOM in the leagues of underappreciated rap talent. The duo link up on Ka-Bang for an energetic and dynamic song. MF DOOM is a highlight of the song with his distinctive baritone and unique flow. Unlike some of the younger hip-hop talent out at the moment, MF DOOM has an endless catalogue and countless albums and EPs for enthusiasts to explore.

Mick Jenkins and Jean Deaux link up for a great track with "Noah and the Reign." The song comes from Mick's 2013 mixtape "Trees and Truth." Mick Jenkins' entire discography is worth checking out and this track is a small sample of his range from catchy, poppy funk on "Your Love" to hard-hitting bars on "The Truth" (also from Truth and Trees).

Almost one year ago, Homeboy Sandman played to a crowd of about 30 students in Armstrong Theater. The passion that he performed with was commendable seeing as he was playing to a measly crowd of college students on a Friday night in Colorado Springs, CO. The rapper, who hails from New York City, has made a living on his understated and poignant raps. In "God," the MC creates a friendly image of God in his distinctive poetic flow. "God gives me dreams / God gives me bed bugs / The big and the small God gives it all." The world of "underground" hip-hop is a curious thing and I hope that Stones Throw Records can continue to expose Homeboy Sandman to a bigger audience, because the man has something to say.

A friend recently turned me on to a series by Mass Appeal called Rhythm Roulette. Producers are blindfolded and choose three random vinyls that they use to craft a beat. The videos are fascinating and do a good job artfully translating the passion and creativity contained within the minds of some of hip-hop's biggest names. Rhythm Roulette belies a larger trend in hip-hop of producers gaining significant followings and at times even eclipsing the popularity of mainstay rappers. Some highlights of the series include: 9th wonder Big Krit (raps a verse as well on this one) Mac Miller (still lived at his dad's house when this was filmed) Mac Miller dons the magic of his character, Larry Fisherman, and cooks up a particularly unique beat in this episode. Fisherman has fallen off the m...

Earlier this week, Top Dawg hinted that a new project would be dropping this week from an unnamed TDE artist. Last night, an album by the name "untitled" appeared on Kendrick Lamar's Spotify page. The album is a collection of some unreleased songs, and others that Kendrick had performed only live. Unitled 3 was debuted by Kendrick last year on the Colbert Report. The song is driven by an urgent and energetic beat that complements Kendrick's cadence well. In a sort of call and response style he spits 6-8 bars and is interrupted by a woman's voice: "what does the black man say?" "what does the white man say?" "what does the indian say?". Her questions are addressed by Kendrick, and he provides some answers, but more than that he gives the listener an enjoyable ride through a complex and ri...

After listening to the Life of Pablo for the past week on repeat, it's a good feeling to return to Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick's poetic talent is on full display on his 2011 mixtape, section.80. Kush and Corinthians in particular is a great song to climb back into. The clarity with which the Compton native expresses himself on the track stands out in a time when rappers such as Future can mumble over eccentric beats and sell millions of records. It was good to see Kendrick get some recognition at the Grammys for his obvious talent. TPAB certainly took a different direction than section.80, but on Kush and Corinthians there are glimpses of the rapper that he would hatch into three years down the line. enjoy. also, check out episode 1 of the viceland series: Bompton

While Americans stormed retail malls across the country, Kendrick Lamar had different plans in mind. Lamar remixed J. Cole, adding to the hype arounda collab album between the two rappers. The TDE mainstay rapped over the "Tale of 2 Citiez" beat from J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive on his newest track. The song features some clever wordplay and a shoutout to Kanye West. Kendrick proclaims defiantly, "I'm yelling Mr. Kanye West for President." The song is vintage Lamar and a welcome pre-holiday gift from one of rap's most complex and talented stars.