TOP 10 - Hip Hop/Rap/R&B 29/07/2022
- Jul 29, 2022
- 4 min read
Number 1
J Cru - GOAT LOVER
Los Angeles, USA
What an absolute stomper we have to kickstart the top 10 this week, with LA rapper, J Cru and his brand new single, ‘GOAT LOVER’.
The style of rap that Cru is manifesting is arguably the hardest to pull off, but he does so majestically and accompanies his abundance of talent with crisp production. The bars flow elegantly and, despite the rapid pace of the track, soundbites are regularly bell-ringing to the listener throughout the track.
Cru did a great job at ensuring the audience remained engaged and gave a good account of himself lyrically. Top work!
Number 2
PRPL NRG, Argyle Bixby - Damnin
Atlanta, USA
Some darker vibes to lure us with at number two, with PRPL NRG and Argyle Bixby bringing us their collab single, ‘Damnin’.
The 808 and lack of melody is something that many artists prefer nowadays, and it’s something I enjoy personally. It usually pairs up well with a catchy hook and that is what we were lucky enough to receive. The hook is placed perfectly and adjoined by a couple of verses with diversifying flows, increasing that air of unpredictability. Great work all round by the duo!
Number 3
Jumbok Jay - correc
Texas, USA
Versatile artist, Jumbok Jay separates himself from the crowd on this week’s list with his latest release, ‘correc’.
Jay interprets his cultural style onto something more modern-day orientated. His style of delivery is practically unheard of but simultaneously refreshing on the ear. The beat is dynamic with plenty of room for experimenting, and that is exactly what Jay took the opportunity to do.
Number 4
Frank Bramble - Pain
Birmingham, UK
Birmingham artist, Frank Bramble took us deep into our feels with his new single, ‘Pain’, released earlier today.
This song has so much about it to appreciate, the use of instruments carries the majority of the track itself, there are plenty of elements on display. In addition to that, of course, is Bramble’s flawless conveyance of emotion, it is clear this song means a lot to him and I’m glad he was able to translate that to his audience with his raw sense of delivery. Great work!
Number 5
Time Players, Tim Moyo - Nocturnal
Paris, France
A rare French inclusion in this genre sees duo, Time Players and Tim Moyo enter this list with their R&B vibe, titled ‘Nocturnal’.
The commercial sound this song is produced with is amazing. It is clear to see the time and quality that was invested into this. The hook is catchy, as it should be in any successful track of this theme. Overall, the pair immersed themselves in the R&B field and showed they are more than capable of making waves in that sector. Take a listen to ‘Nocturnal’ below!
Number 6
Carlo Errin, Buddha. - RETROGADE
Los Angeles, USA
LA are well represented on this week’s Top 10 as Carlo Errin steps up to the plate with his single, ‘RETROGADE’, alongside fellow collaborative, Buddha.
The beat is full of intrigue. There are so many ways he could’ve taken the song, and the route he chose really shows off his flexibility as an artist. There is a use of tuning at parts of the song, but not an overwhelming use. It helps divide the track at parts and contributes to the anticipation of the hook. I see it as a really promising sign of things to come.
Number 7
Dorian - Do Ya
Baltimore, USA
When I initially pressed play on this track, I felt a sense of nostalgia alluding me back to the infamous ‘SingStar’ game from the early 2000s era, which showcased the best songs of that time, along with classic hits from the '80s and '90s respectively. This is what Dorian brought me back to, particularly with his minimalistic approach to the vocal performance, harmonising at the right times, yet allowing the instrumental to fulfil it’s potential.
When I initially pressed play on this track, I felt a sense of nostalgia alluding me back to the infamous ‘SingStar’ game from the early 2000s era, which showcased the best songs of that time, along with classic hits from the 80s and 90s respectively. This is what Dorian brought me back to, particularly with his minimalistic approach to the vocal performance, harmonising at the right times, yet allowing the instrumental to fulfil it’s potential.
An impressive body of work shown by the Baltimore artist! If you think it’s the best on the list this week, don’t be shy and give it a vote in the poll below!
Number 8
Proklaim - No doubt
Windhoek, Namibia
Staying loyal to his SoundCloud fanbase, Namibian rapper, Proklaim dropped his brand new single, ‘No doubt’ which comes in at number 8 on this week’s list.
Proklaim reminds me of Massachusetts superstar, Joyner Lucas with his unpredictable flow combined with his ability to level change the track at the right moments. He switches between straight bar-dropping to melodic-focused verses and even overlays his bars with inspirational quotes of his own at times. I love Joyner Lucas for the fact that you never quite know what to expect from him, and based on this track by Proklaim, I see him heading down the same path.
Number 9
Dre Day 100 - I’m Not Crazy
Austin, USA
We require an old-school banger now and again in this new age, and that’s what we have on our hands with Dre Day 100 and his single, ‘I’m Not Crazy’.
The beat reminds me of something we would hear Coolio or YG spitting over. Dre Day makes it clear on this track that he is not to be played with. He respects himself and holds himself in the highest esteem, if anybody tries to test that they’ll face consequences. He interchanges playful and more aggressive flows, incorporating a high level of word play. The production includes some fine touches, with aspects such as beat stops giving the Austin rapper that extra edge on his already choppy flows.
This is one I’m going to have on repeat, for sure.
Number 10
Son Silva - Bastion
London, UK
To finish off this week’s Top 10, we have a UK entrant in Son Silva with his brand new single, ‘Bastion’.
The introduction to this track is nice and mellow, and progressively becomes more emphatic. He builds up nicely with an initially simplistic approach, which is then greeted by a more energetic form of delivery, even incorporating singing at some points.
It’s a fun track with an infectious beat. A fitting way to close out this week’s list. Don’t forget to vote your favourite on the poll below!
