It's A Rap

Thursday, March 8, 2012

The SwAze Playlist VII

Friday. The SwAze Playlist VII. These songs are in heavy rotation at "It's A Rap" and here's your opportunity to keep it #SwAze like us. No particular order, just equally dope...Certified.

1. Big K.R.I.T.-"1986"

2. Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire-"Huzzah!"

3. Wale-"Beautiful Bliss"

4. Gucci Mane ft. Rocko-"Plain Jane"

5. J Cole-"Rise and Shine"

6. Lost Boyz-"Me And My Crazy World"

7. Tyga-"Do It All"

8. Russell W. Howard ft. Jon Connor & Joe Gates-"Beautiful Distraction"

9. Hopsin-"Rize Until You Fall"

10. Lil B-"I Own Swag"

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Tyga-Careless World: Rise Of The Last King

"Careless World: Rise Of The Last King," the highly anticipated debut album from Young Money's Tyga, may have listeners bowing in the presence of hip-hop royalty. Skepticism has surrounded Tyga's ability to carry a full length album on his own. Questions have been raised whether or not he has the lyrical fortitude and relevant material to pull off a classic, or if he would come across as just another soldier in obscurity under the massive shadow of the YMCMB moniker. Tyga DELIVERS! "CW" is a 21 track masterpiece, that not only expands his lyricism, but expresses depth and vulnerability as an artist. Tyga's musical introspection gives the listener a chance to connect to, and identify with, a rapper who is monumentally evolving. "Careless World" is rich in diversity, which makes it vastly appealing to all types of hip-hop fans. It offers something for everyone! Of course Tyga is going to bring his usual party anthems like "Faded," "Celebration," and the smash-single "Rack City." Love-centric songs such as "Do It All, "Love Game," and "For The Fame" with a radio friendly hook from Chris Brown, give a lighter feel to the album, while maintaining consistent with Tyga's artistic blueprint. The lyrical progression is displayed on tracks like "I'm Gone," "Potty Mouth," "Black Crowns, and "King & Queens" where Tyga shines through with verbal heavy-hitters Wale and Nas. Even though "CW" has an incredible list of features, (Pharrell, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Robin Thicke, etc.) Tyga's dexterity throughout, places him in the upper echelon of MCs. Even the high production value which is on point, becomes more of an after thought due to his revelation of lyrical adroitness. The image and stereotype has been that Tyga may be mostly flash and lacking in substance, but "Careless World: Rise Of The Last King" has eradicated that notion. This album has proven to the doubters that Tyga is anything less than versatile and the music will, from now on, speak for itself. While YMCMB is undoubtedly one of the major forces is hip-hop, with a strong and complete roster of artists, Tyga proves that he is able to procure a spot in the rap games elite, under his own brand, and that other artist may be just peasants to the rise and reign of the "Last King."

Sunday, March 4, 2012

"IAR" Interview: Key Nyata

Imitation is a fairly often practice in hip-hop. Lyricism and production have a tendency to become recycled and reused, not because of an artists lack of motivation or originality, but more so that most MCs recognize others talents and grind, thus sharing similar qualities that have made the aforementioned artists successful. However, Key Nyata is imitating NO ONE! While the Seattle MC is directly paying homage to 90's hip-hop, his music, and movement alike, are not only resurrecting antiquated methods of the rap game, but concocting original paradigms for a relevant and expanding generation. The young Rvdxr Klvn (Raider Klan) member is a lyricist, MC, producer, visionary, and a trailblazer for myriad new rhymers. Key Nyata is combining a swag and lyrical approach of veteran MC's, with the foresight and intricacy of modern day artists, that is systematically making him unique, which in hip-hop, can be hard to come by. It's A Rap had the opportunity to interview Rvdxr Klvn's up and comer and while his persona is unmistakably reminiscent of the 90's, his time is now, his music is the future, and soon he'll be making hip-hop history of his own.

IAR: When did you start rapping and want to make hip-hop a career?
KN: "I wrote my first rap when I was nine and it wasn't even a rap, it was a poem. After that I started writing raps." (Laughs)

IAR: Who is Rvdxr Klvn?
KN: "A lot of people, I can't list that sh*t cuz they gon' be mad if I miss ni**as, cuz' I don't know if you mean rappers or just members."

IAR: Describe your sound.
KN: "My sound? PHONK, with a spacey twist!" (Laughs)

IAR: Why is the 90's such a significant influence on you?
KN: "Because that's when I was born and it was the best era for music."

IAR: Artist you want to work with?
KN: "Damn.. Pharell, Snoop, Eazy- E, Dre, uhm.. Bootsie Collins. A lot man, too many, (Laughs) I can't think."

IAR: Producers you want to work with?
KN: "I already work with all of em, besides The Neptunes, 90's Timbo, and Dre."

IAR: Future Plans/Projects?
KN: "To be wealthy before 23 and a project with Blue Sky Black Death dropping before "Two Phonkey."

IAR: Is "Underground" hip-hop the new "Mainstream?"
KN: "F*CK NO..but low key, yeah."

IAR: Influences?
KN: "Mac Dre, Totally Insane, Three 6 Mafia, Frayser Click, Tommy Wright, Snoop, DJ Quik, DPG, Pac, Curren$y, like 300 more! Pinetop Perkins, George Benson.."

IAR: Best year for hip-hop?
KN: "1996."

Follow on Twitter @KlvnKeyNyata

Friday, March 2, 2012

The SwAze Playlist VI

It's A Rap presents the 6th installment of the SwAze Playlist! As the week comes to an end and the weekend begins, here's another opportunity to keep it #SwAze like us. No particular order, just equally dope...Certified.

1. Mac Miller-"Blue Slide Park"

2. Action Bronson ft. Meyhem Lauren-"Bag of Money"

3. Kid Named Breezy-"Do For Love"

4. A$AP Rocky ft. Main Attrakionz-"Leaf"

5. Tyga-"Potty Mouth"

6. SpaceGhostPurrp-"Raider Prayer"

7. Lil Wayne-"Hustler Musik"

8. Cities Aviv-"Wet Dream"

9. Wiz Khalifa-"Top Floor"

10. Hodgy Beats-"Ave."

Thursday, March 1, 2012

"IAR" 2012 Gladiator List

It's A Rap presents the "2012 Gladiator List." This list is a compilation of 10 rappers and 10 producers that are going to have a significant impact on hip-hop this year. No particular order, just equally dope...Certified.
RAPPERS: