Latest Hip/Hop Posts

[Music Video] Karl Phillips & The Rejects – Plastic Gangsta

Posted by Tyler Trew - May 31, 2017

Sit down, strap in and get ready for one wild ride. Although it’s hip-hop at heart, “Plastic Gangsta” by Karl Phillips & The Rejects is more than meets the eye. Who would have thought ska and rap could go well together? These guys did and they didn’t stop at those two genres when blending their mix together.

“Plastic Gangsta” was played on BBC Radio 1, which goes to show where you can end up even if you stick your middle finger up to convention. Today we have not just the song for you, but the music video that sees Karl and company going about the town. It’s a straightforward music video that adds a bit of fun to the already exciting song. Check it out today and let this be a reminder that you’re probably not as gangster as you imagine.

[TMN Premiere] Hyphy Zen – Kelly Kapowski (feat. J New and Hayley Goldstien)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 31, 2017

Hyphy Zen
Kelly Kapowski FT. J New and Hayley Goldstien (Prod. by Seriph and Hyphy Zen)

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A little over a year ago I stumbled across Enthusiastic P via “On Like Rick,” a clever Rick and Morty-themed party anthem that felt like more than just a novelty–showcasing his distinct voice, flows and songwriting approach. In digging a bit deeper into his catalogue, I found an interesting contrast. While his baritone delivery blends well with often sparse, heavy-hitting trap beats, his lyrics, even when delving into partying, tell a somewhat more existential story. That juxtaposition adds some spiritual depth to what on the surface may feel like run-of-the-mill odes to inebriation.

The Bay Area-based emcee is back in 2017 with a new, fitting moniker, Hyphy Zen, and we’re excited to bring you the first single from his upcoming debut album. “Kelly Kapowski” features an extended, Rihanna-esque intro from Hayley Goldstien that sets the tone. When the Seriph-produced beat drops in, it hits hard, but moves slow, making for an intoxicating backdrop only further emphasized by an interlaced Weeknd sample. Hyphy Zen matches the production with a steady, spaced-out flow boasting individuality. Fellow Bay native JNew steps in for the second verse showcasing a more nimble approach that ties the song together perfectly.

Give this Saved By The Bell-inspired jam a listen above. Hyphy Zen’s debut album, YEA HIT ME UP WE SHOULD TOTALLY HANG SOMETIME, is due out in the fall.

Hip/Hop

[Event Review] Project Pabst: Denver 2017

Posted by Matthew Bloss - May 30, 2017

In just its second year in existence as a four city national event (Denver, Portland, Philadelphia, Atlanta), the barley-pop funded Project Pabst has quickly cemented itself as one of the hottest tickets in each town it lays it Laser Horse inspired hooves. Always an eclectic lineup, in its brief run Project Pabst has consistently boasted a mix of both established and upcoming acts spanning myriad genres from Tame Impala, STRFKR, Violent Femmes, FIDLAR, Duran Duran & Iggy Pop to A$AP Ferg, Danny Brown, K. Flay & Big K.R.I.T. to name but a few; and this year’s Denver date served only to stoke the already vibrant fire within our Ninja hearts. It was yet another excellently curated day in Denver’s hipster bastion of the RiNo neighborhood, and we’ve got plenty to dish about the second Denver Project Pabst date.

As always, the day kicked off sprightly at 2:00 p.m. behind a choice segue into the beautiful day with a frenetic performance from Chicago indie rock outfit Twin Peaks. In a rather short span beginning in 2013, Twin Peaks have rapidly evolved from a hectic, sloppy group of teenage rockers into a firmly polished five piece with the ability to command a stage with the best of them. Twin Peaks cycled primarily through fare from LP’s Wild Onion and Down in Heaven including staples like “I Found a Way”, “Making Breakfast” and “Holding Roses”, but more than made sure to satisfy their diehards as well with a few cuts from debut long player Sunken. With the day’s first performance under our belts, it was time for some $3.00 PBR and a jaunt to the other end of Larimer Street for a little slice of scuzzy L.A. rock duo Deap Vally.

Read Our Entire Project Pabst Review After the Jump!

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[Hip-Hop] Ash Riser – Lord Don’t Fail Me Now feat. Left Brain

Posted by Tyler Trew - May 23, 2017

Ash Riser
Lord Don't Fail Me Now Ft. Left Brain

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We’re absolutely pumped for what Ash Riser has on the horizon. We’re also pumped for what he already has released, being the single “Lord Don’t Fail Me Now” off his upcoming LP. The single sees Ash collaborating with Left Brain for a dark rap treasure.

Ash Riser has been honing in his style and it’s one that we have fallen in love with. His ominous energy is unlike anything else and this single exemplifies the mood to a tee. Vicious beats and scorching rhymes is all we have to say about this one, it speaks for itself. The single also has a cool music video you should check out if you dig the song. Although the full album isn’t out yet, “Lord Don’t Fail Me Now” is currently available on digital platforms if you would like to get a copy.

Hip/Hop

[Music Video] Hoody Time – The New Everything

Posted by Tyler Trew - May 23, 2017

Hoody Time is living the dream. After relocating to Los Angeles, the emcee relocated once more to Middle Earth aka New Zealand. Since he started out he’s been one of our favorite hip-hoppers and he’s not fallen off yet and we don’t see that happening any time soon.

Last year he released several singles, one of which was “The New Everything” that now has a music video. We’ve got that for you here today. Contrasting between a classy, refined visual tone and a bright, colorful one, this video plays with the eyes in a unique way without going over-the-top. It’s actually quite simple, following Hoody Time on a stroll as he delivers the heat. If you’d like a copy of “The New Everything” then you can grab it from iTunes today.

[Music Video] Rayven Justice – Why Me

Posted by Tyler Trew - May 23, 2017

Sometimes a radio-centric R&B track comes along that we just can’t get out of our heads. “Why Me” is the latest one and it comes to the dojo from Rayven Justice. Not only do we get his female-friendly single, but we get a cool little music video to expand the project.

Hailing from Oakland, Rayven’s got a style that can bring him out of the Bay Area and into the starlight with world-wide recognition. The playful, tasteful nature of his music and video echoes the underground nature of his hometown’s music scene, while also allowing himself room to peak outside his own territory. It’s a sound that is highly accessible and although it’s not something completely new, the sound is fresh and exciting. It’s nice to hear something dope from a new name that can make a break for the top. Check out the video below and get a copy of “Why Me” from iTunes today.

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 79: Form Arcosanti, Slowdive & R&Beats

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 23, 2017

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm from 4-6PM PST every Friday.

Music Ninja Radio
Episode #79: Form Arcosanti, Slowdive + R&Beats

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Soundcloud || Spotify || Tracklist

After a week away at Form Arcosanti, there were a bunch of new albums to catch up on from Slowdive, Nick Hakim, Nite Jewel, Hoops & more. The resulting mix made for a more laid back episode until the end where we got into some vocal-driven indie electronic tunes from Nick Murphy and newcomers Worth Way along with some hard-hitting bass music from the likes of Vincent, Flume and Sinjin Hawke.