The Audacity of Dope

That’s how you sing from your soul.

Chances are, if I post a preview of your video, I’m going to end up posting the full version when it drops. You already know what it is with Jhene.

With an extended intro, you get a bit of a 2 for 1 with this new video from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib for their collaboration with BJ The Chicago Kid called “Shame.” Gibbs is one of the illest out there and personally, I’d much rather hear records like this than the stuff he does with CTE and Young Jeezy. The good news is that he’s so prolific, it looks like he can actually do both at the same time and potentially appeal to the “underground” and “mainstream” crowds simultaneously (if those terms even exist anymore).  Either way, dude is a beast.

There’s a whole lot of talk about crews these days…from G.O.O.D. to MMG to YMCMB to Shady, etc….but honestly, what the Black Hippy crew is doing might be the most impressive of them all.  Quality, genuine, and fresh music, largely built all off their own grind.  Doesn’t get much doper than that.

We all know Kendrick is in a unique position as one of the dopest “underground” MC’s around, but yet potentially on the verge of breaking through and become one of the biggest commercial artists in the game too (a topic we discussed with him at KUBE’s Summer Jam here).  It’s a tricky tightrope to balance upon.

“Swimming Pools (Drank)” is his follow up single to “The Recipe,” both of which are great songs that have some commercial appeal without sacrificing any of his content.  This one is especially well written, as I suspect you’ll hear a lot of people singing along with this song but not actually understanding the true message.  Thankfully, Jerome D’s video does a great job of showing you what Kendrick’s saying here.  Don’t get it twisted.

Dark Time Sunshine is comprised of Onry Ozzborn on the mic and Zavala on production.  They just released their album, Anx.  This video is for “Never Cry Wolf” featuring Reva DeVito.  It’s dope.  You should buy their album and hear more.  Simple.

Dee-1 was recently named as the main support for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ nationwide tour, which should come as a great time since Dee is gearing up for his #TheFocusTape, hosted by DJ Drama and Mannie Fresh, set to drop 9/11/12.  Here’s the first song and video from the project, “Shut Up and Grind”…something more rappers should do.

While this record is a biiiiiiit too Kanye-esque at times, I’m a Yeezy stan, so I’m not mad.  Gambino’s dope.

I’ve always been a big fan of when two dope MC’s can share a verse and trade lines back and forth, and that’s exactly what you get with “Eternally” off Phonte’s Charity Starts At Home.  Since it starts there, Tay and Median go door to door bringing that good music to the fine folks of North Carolina, complete with their bicycle helmets.  Hey, safety first!

The infectious “Mr. Parker” from Kardi & Nottz’ collaborative album, Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself, gets visuals as well, calling back to your high school days.  Very dope to see Kardi link up with Shi Wisdom, who’s one of the dopest up and coming singers around.  If you haven’t downloaded the project yet, grab it here!