Pure Positivity

There's good, there's great, and then there's Blu. Don't let the lackadaisical spelling of his handle give you the impression that he's ignorant. It's actually quite the contrary, Blu has an singular style of syncing sentences in succession. Each line laces perfectly into the next creating a germane and continuous story. This track emphasizes his ability to do so. At first take it may appear a bit raw but as you dig in you'll note that tartare is truly a delicacy. He plays with words creating double entendres to decimate his distaste for the music industry, society, and even his own actions. When I first heard this a lot of the meaning went over my head but I sat down with headphones on and really started to dig in. I could break down every line and explain the meaning I got from it, but I think this bar really sums up how powerful Blu can be; Couldn’t believe I was really bout to father a child When all of this foul World girls are brought up in now All th...

Depth of lyrical content seems to be missing in most music today. One common adjective for describing a track is the amount of soul it has in it. When an artist trades in their moral fortitude for a paycheck the end result is a lifeless ballad. A song depraved from substance and creativity left with nothing more than dilapidation. Shad is one of the artists that still has soul in his tracks. And I don't mean it in that B.B. King kind of way, or maybe I kind of do. He gives real hope, and not the artificial Obama kind, rather the determination and perseverance required for real change. Shad has a sense of spirituality that supersedes any church, mosque, or temple. It's as if his connection comes from within the music he creates. That internal push, the last little bit of umph, that's what I call soul. You look at just about any Lil Wayne track and it sucks you in. The negativity surrounded with hollow, ill informed information over a bass heavy beat is enticing to the list...

Most would choose to gawk at this symphonic beat in search of something more grime. Then again most don't have the depth and clarity of Bop Alley. The emcee of the duo, Substantial, is one of the most appropriately named artists in the game. His refined message laces the elegant beat near perfectly to create that thought provoking message. Just another Hip-Hop track expressing the importance of being true to oneself. Lyrics: Bop Alloy - Commencement From the mic to the speaker your heart Can’t tell you how it ends, but this is how it starts Till the end we will rock to the rhythm we cant stop until we’ve reached heights that they literally cant top We’ve only begun Yes we’ve only begun Draw the figure-eight on the side In the history books where our name will reside Our name will survive when we take to the sky Put our soul in the track till it’s making you cry The tears touch lips that entrust my thoughts With such support that it touch my heart You just been caught in a ...

What an awesome take on Gotye's Hearts a Mess. This once beautifully depressing song is turned terribly twisted by the brains of 360 and Vegas Aces. Speed the beat up, let these guys ravage the track and you've got yourself a chart topping success if it wasn't for the blatant copyright infringement. That's the reason this track is on a mashup mixtape and we as the consumer get the ability to have it for free. You're not going to hear any complaints here. Lyrics: Vegas Aces ft. 360 - Hearts a mess You're hearts a mess You won't admit to it It makes no sense But I'm desperate to connect And you you can't live like this Fuck I'm sick of this anxiety Feel like my brain is a massive gang fighting me It's the last thing I want but its fast in Feeling like this shit is taking over and I can't think Honestly I'm on the brink of insanity With no luck and no fucking grip on reality I try to block it out but it's too hard to keep ignorin...

Horrorshow is on a whole different level. While Adit fractures beats, Solo pillages mics to create that good old fashioned golden era rap. This dynamic duo is still in their sophomore stage and it's absolutely traumatic to think the kind of everlasting imprint they will leave on hip-hop. This is the kind of song that reminds me of the early 90's when it was just so damn cool to bust a verse about how dope you were while adamantly proving it with vivid imaginary. I'm excited for their next album and this is only a tiny teaser of whats to come. Enjoy. Lyrics: Horrorshow - Did you hear And you should check your horoscope Before you step and get your face redder than a 20 dollar note If you didn't already you've got to know Think you're fly till you fall out the sky like Geronimo Look out below Watch the class clown drop down to the ground he's out for the count But that won't be me no don't doubt it I'm down for the crown no bumps about it But s...

Yet another great song by the Hilltop Hoods of Australia. These guys demonstrate the art of hard work and sacrifice in order to achieve their goals. This is a tribute to their passion and undying love to the culture of hip-hop. If you're like me, a hip-hop junkie, and you haven't gotten on board with the scene down under you're seriously putting a dent in your rotation list. Listen to this track because "I love it!" Lyrics: Hilltop Hoods - I love it ft. Sia Verse 1: SUFFA I’m wondering where the day went, The clouds have me shrouded in grey but, I’m still out pounding the pavement, word, Drowning the hurt by pounding rounds in brown paper, Founded a label now I’m drowning paperwork, But now the crew I’m down with found an escape from work, And I love it ‘cause that what your hard work gets you, My heart bursts through my chest I’m rescued, So forget what the rest do, I’m blessed to do it with two of who are the best to do it, Do I love it? PRESSURE Look at our goa...

With omniscient chanting and spirit lifting lyrics this track is aptly titled. Between Shiesty and Deacon's lyrics some tactful deciphering is required, but upon realizing the depth of their, "libretto" a sense of compassion and understanding overwhelm the listener. In the first verse Sheisty does an excellent job explaining how his music differs from much of the industry. I respect his stance and wish ever so much that his rhymes could be heard by the masses. In verse two Deacon lays down the ramifications of growing up in the ghetto. He broaches the fact that peoples idea of ascension is guided more towards financial rather than spiritual gains. It's an incredibly sad situation "that most will never get to bat in the field of dreams." The even more depressing part is that most will never get to hear this song. Lyrics: N.W.L. - Ascension Hook Reaching for the stars I don’t care who you are but don’t get caught up reaching for that cool Sheisty My teachers ...

Oddisee is the embodiment of a renascence man. He produces, raps, and even manages the mello music group. He's a hardworking individual who portrays his personal growth on this elaborately produced track. I feel as if his first verse is a perfect painting of my development as a human. It's encouraging to see a boy transform into a man and do so with dignity and respect. If you haven't heard it yet this is an excellent song that solidifies Oddisee as a first class artist. As one of the comments on YouTube said, "this is some grown man rap." Lyrics: Oddisee - Different Now ft. Toine of DTMD And I'm not sure why, but um things seem different now, you know? She practically handed me the ass That I could care less because she lacked class The fitting of her dress would of had me at 21 Its funny son Just a few years older more revealings less appealing And I'm more into shoulders And other subtleties I'm in the house more ...

I've been on a bit of a Macklemore tip lately and after watching this clip I feel it's completely justified. Watch and see for yourself.

While most rappers have an ostentatious perception on what's worth valuing in this life, Macklemore is ever so grounded. His plight for tangible change through thought provoking and riveting lyrical content never ceases to inspire. As I've explained in the past this man overcame a brutal battle with addiction. Through the journey of slaying his inner demons Macklemore emerged with a raw unfiltered vengeance. The honing of which has been refined by a powerful partnership with Ryan Lewis. After tossing and turning in my bed to the early hours of the morn, I reflected on what's keeping me up. It became ever so clear that the overwhelming anxiety and excitement for the future is encouraged by Macklemore's simple yet hard hitting lyrics, "Make the money, don't let the money make you. Change the game, don't let the game change you." Lyrics: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Make the Money Now, this is my job, I will not quit it Pulled me out the depths when I t...

When someone opens up and pours their honest to god feelings on a track I find it enthralling. Arch Rival lays down some exceptionally talented rhymes on the state of hip-hop that pique my interest to the utmost degree. I find his passion and deep roots in the culture of hip-hop rejuvenating and extremely real. At the end of the track a man who I'm unfamiliar with is heard talking about his thoughts of how hip-hop has changed. He goes into a bit of a rant about the systemic problem of the culture as a whole and explains his disgust ever so plainly. I share much of his views on the current state of affairs, but I have hope that in due time more and more tracks of substantial value will influence the youth. This is a great song with some serious poetry on it, I suggest you give it a solid listen. Lyrics: Black Panther - Sad Times ft. Arch Rival Ever since I started my goal was in plain view Write the illest shit I could come up with And never do what they do Stay true and give my all...

We as individuals put an emphasis on our own needs rather than the needs of what can prolong the human race. Mother nature, earth, our planet, whatever you want to call if requires a more delicate touch. We are a rough riding, abusive species that beats the living shit out mother nature on a constant basis. I'm not proud of it, for I too partake in this nasty cycle. I try my very best to restore some balance and the success of my career is dependent on changing the way people look at waste. This lovely ballad does a great job of creating awareness for this very topic. Some may think it's a bit corny, but I'm a firm believer and supporter of this kind of music. Lyrics: J-Live & Thes One - Give it up Spinning the globe north east south and west It's obvious enough why the planets so stressed now Some will say to be here is to be blessed But the world got issues that we must address It's like what do you rest on the poor's the best The devil's got his hand ...