Pure Positivity

Africa has been raped and pillaged for the quest of global supremacy. What was once called manifest destiny left a continent in complete shambles. The pieces have yet to be picked up and attempts to do so never bring these nations into the first world. It's sad, depressing, and outright disgusting. Oddisee and Apollo Brown decide to openly discuss the systemic problems running rampant in Africa. It's a touching track that puts things into perspective. Lately I've been on a bit of an Oddisee tip and for justifiable reasons. Intellectual lyrics and polished beats make him an artist well worthy of heaping praise. In my quest to find solace I'll keep digging the crates for forgotten gems like this.   Lyrics: Oddisee and Apollo Brown - The Times Televised revolutions on the net Only yet we witness it connecting us compose a threat Overthrow the openness of poverty and hopelessness Cover it with shadows of a mob tipp...

This scrupulous trio leaves no question about their maturity and philosophies to life. On a filthy beat from the one and only Oddisee you get a track showcasing an absolute slaughter. It's refreshing, clean, and full bodied all in one. I wish so much that this track could hit the radio. It's got the type of beat that would burn the air waves up with a substantive message not drenched in cheesiness. Add the fact that the music video is exceptionally well done and you have a joint that should be blazing the blogosphere. Unfortunately a lot of incredible tracks get slept on. Help bring this one to light.         Lyrics: SmCity - Mr. IDGAF ft. Oddisee & Phil Ade SmCity: And I'm so tired of leading horses to water And I can't force em to swallow End up beating a dead horse They keeping their bread short And they will never have that long paper Cause the streets is a dead sport And they just pulling all the wrong capers Still ...

As an emcee getting the consistent nods from the likes of J-Dilla and Madlib you're on a certain kind of path. Being able to rip beats from these two legendary producers enshrines you in a class that 50 Cent will never attain. I have a certain kind of fondness for wordsmiths like Guilty Simpson and Sean Price for that matter. Although their lyrical content isn't always the most positive, it portrays a sense of reality from growing up impoverished. Eric Lau, a native from London, produces a masterpiece that lets Guilty lay down lyrics on the trials and tribulations of relationships. It's smooth, clean and enjoyable. If you're interested you can download the ep here:  http://www.kilawattmusic.com/ Lyrics: Eric Lau - He Said She Said ft. Guilty Simpson She said she wants commitment He said he needs time (why) To sort through his mind She said that ain't enough He told her it has to be What they have is fine And now she's in the streets with her friends seein...

I'm constantly scouring the internet for that next great track. Something that will make me pause, think, and soak up the wealth within the lyrics. Today I decided to flip through my vast collection and stumbled upon a forgotten classic. It's depressing to think that this was once the norm. De La Soul is synonymous with hip-hop and in one point in time they overwhelmed the airwaves. In 1993 I was 10 and just dipping my toe into a new nobility. I idolized the b-boys battling and busting moves. I'd listen intently to Tupac's terribly juxtaposed position and wonder why he would contradict himself from song to song. It honestly baffled me that he could rap about the devastation of a teen pregnancy then turn around and glorify death. I was completely lost, but just then I found De La Soul. After listening to their album I melted into my chair. Every song piqued my interest more than the last. I understood each and every savory syllable and became infatuated. Millie Pulled a ...

Murs + Slug = Felt. Felt + Thomax = Surreal. There are some amazing producers out there, yet few have mastered the art of remix as proficiently as Thomax. This bona fide crate digger has no problem laying down some smooth samples to turn a callow joint into a refined product. A dash of dapper style from the emcees of Felt and you have yourself a fantastic concoction. The story line depicts a young lady nonchalantly confronting her ruthless addiction by leaving town only to fall right back into a familiar scenario. Unlike some other abstract songs this one pinches a nerve all to close to reality. Or as Murs and Slug like to put it; a permanent standby. Lyrics: Thomax Permanent Standby remix Felt She's in the back of a cab again She just packed up her bags and then Her new town She can bust down and run around Had to leave the ex cause he always brought that gun around But she's long gone He'll never find her Just another bad tattoo A reminder Of her past And how they trie...

Once again Martin Luther King day has come around and I have yet to find a song more worthy to post than this. In the face of violent opposition this man never hesitated to stand up for his true beliefs. I reflected on what I wrote last year at this time and felt that it still rang very true. If you've already read it I apologize, but it's very difficult for me to give a man of such stature a proper tribute. Happy birthday Dr. King, you made this world a better place. Martin Luther King Jr. is a legend. In some sense he reminds of a seasoned boxer who absolutely refuses to loose. Before a winning fighter can even entertain entering a ring he must diligently prepare a strategic plan to take down his opponent. Meanwhile he trains beyond what he thought his body was capable of doing. Pushing himself to this limit creates a certain type of mental toughness, one that can't be shook. Then, just when he feels as if there no way he will ever be defeated, he enters the ring. A...

Hip-hop at it's finest and an absolute underground banger. Between Muneshine, Saint, and Edo G. you've got yourself a superb producer and well versed emcee's to create the perfect concoction of seasoning. While the song may be a refreshing take on a terrible topic it keeps the taste buds begging for more. I always rapture in joy for a song portraying distaste in the current state of affairs for the industry. So without further ado, enjoy! Lyrics: The Residents - Veterans ft. Edo G. You think the truth is clear? Good thing for you the truth is here When the truth you fear is whats in front of you Whatcha gonna do but run when I pull the rug from under you A lot of talk I'm hearing is true lies You guys who try to be something you're not, frontin' You fumbled your raw style it's not appealing at all Put the mic down right now it's lights out For the phony the future is looking dim For anybody flapping jaw take a hook to the chin No bullshitting It's T ...