Famed New York hip-hop radio station, Hot 97, has been a major–and often heated–point of discussion in hip-hop circles this week. The conversation, which has involved numerous bloggers and on-air personalities including B.Dot of RapRadar and Hot 97′s own Peter Rosenberg and Ebro Darden, focuses in on an issue that has really been a talking point for years–perhaps even decades–now: the lack of underground support from major radio outlets. The discussion culminated–but by no means ended–on Friday when Combat Jack, Dallas Penn and Just Blaze were invited onto Hot 97 airwaves, where they fleshed out the topic for over an hour with program director, Ebro. Not only was the segment an entertaining listen for any rap fan, but also offered great education and insight into the workings of hip-hop corporations and where the clash between quality music and quantitative business practices happens. With that said, we thought we’d form this week’s Heroes & Villains segment to reflect the balance between mainstream and underground, ratchet and righteous and weekday and weekend music that we would really like to hear on media outlets. Kids These Days, Chief Keef, Lecrae, Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean, take it away…
1) Kids These Days – “Doo-Wah”
Directed by: Austin Vesely
Chicago hip-hop/jazz/blues band Kids These Days proved that their visual game is just as good as their soulfully blended sound this week. In the video to their bluesy “Doo-Wah” single–my personal favorite from their recent Traphouse Rock LP–Vic Mensa, Nico Segla and company shrunk down to Borrowers size, roaming paper villages, posting up in miniature cars and even performing for toy action figures. It all comes to a burning end; after all, their music is straight fire.
2) Chief Keef (feat. 50 Cent & Wiz Khalifa) – “Hate Bein’ Sober”
My hands are held high; I scooped an early download of Chief Keef’s Finally Rich album. The jokes on him, though; I deleted all but two songs, and admittedly, this 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa-powered “Hate Bein’ Sober” was one of the lucky ones. I know, the kid can’t rap for shit, but that slurred hook is so god damn catchy.
3) Lecrae (feat. Big K.R.I.T. & Ashthon Jones) – “Mayday”
Directed by: Motion Family
Speaking of righteous and ratchet, I can’t think of a single contrast better than going from an unashamedly ig’nant Chief Keef track to a soulful and inspiring record from Christian MC Lecrae. The Houston native played the lead role in his new “Mayday” video, which features powerful contributions from Big K.R.I.T. and Ashthon Jones. It’s off his Gravity album, which is out now.
4) Dido (feat. Kendrick Lamar) – “Let Us Move On”
As if hearing a new record from Dido (as in the British singer who we all know from Eminem’s “Stan,” and whose last album came over four years ago) wasn’t enough of a surprise, said song also featured Kendrick Lamar. Shock aside, the two actually combined perfectly on “Let Us Move On,” which will appear on Ms. Cloud de Bounevialle O’Malley Armstrong’s fifth LP, Girl Who Got Away, coming March 4, 2013.
5) Big Sean (feat. French Montana) – “Mula”
Directed by: Mike Carson & Mike Waxx
With the talents of ILLROOTS’ Mike Carson and Mike Waxx at his disposal, Big Sean has consistently been treating us to stylish, extravagant and downright fun videos these past few years. The latest projects his French Montana-featuring, Young Chop-produced “Mula” (which was the undeniable hit off Detroit) to our digital screens.