Music

Top 5 Hip Hop Releases: February

by Chayne Japal

Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving market; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, and Pop with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Hip-Hop Releases:
february

Blu – UCLA

Maybe the idea of this Blu-Madlib dream collabo was a bit too good to be true. West coast rapper Blu has been gradually losing his buzz with a series of unpromoted, erratic releases, including 3 instrumental tapes (we want to hear you rap, dude). It seemed as if he has no interest in playing the role of amazing rapper or, maybe more particularly, reaping the fame and fortune that would come with that. Hooking up with an unconventional producer like Madlib falls right into that anti-pop ideal Blu’s established. This may or may not be that project, the enigmatic Blu dropped it on Bandcamp with no warning and the album has since been pulled while Madlib’s label says that he had nothing to do with the project. Whatever it is, hopefully, it will be officially re-released because it’s great. It’s real rap over the rawest beats, unmastered, unpolished and hookless but still continually compelling. Apparently, Blu might have found a way to mess it up but this refreshing release could quietly bring some attention back to this humble artist. Key track: Posse cut “Call My Nga” with Bubb Watts, Swheatpee, and Lil Stoney which is the longest track on the album clocking in at 3:23.

Tyga – Careless World: Rise Of The Last King

Tyga’s Young Money debut is a surprisingly solid effort. His brash confidence has somehow found a way to survive the hundreds of times his release date was pushed back and he seems undaunted by the high standards his label mates have set for success. It’s clear that Tyga kept his focus and did the best he could do. The kid rapped his heart out. Maybe a bit too much. The album could have easily been half as long as it is but today’s technology makes that problem fairly easy to deal with. Key track: “Rack City” bitch!

The Airplane Boys – Alignment
	Toronto’s Airplane Boys prove they’re worthy of their upcoming Coachella gig with their second offering. These booming anthems should be able to wow the desert crowd. As long as the sound is right, they’ll pick up a bunch of fans on their venture below the border. Key track: The radio ready Sufjan Stevens flip “Affliction”

T.Shirt – The Fuck

Shock rap never gets tired but that’s not what this is all about. The Fuck is a tightly produced opus compiled by a smart and talented young rapper. Every year, it gets harder and harder for NY-based rap artists to break. Luckily, a few fundamentally rooted acts with just the right amount of quirkiness have been able to trickle out of the Big Apple. T.Shirt fits that bill. Good luck Googling him though. Key track: Gather some friends and do a shot every time you hear a swear word “Old Man Angst”. I recommend shots of water.

K’naan – More Beautiful Than Silence EP

One thing K’naan could expect for his next release is harsh criticism. The success of Troubadour has lifted expectations to an almost unattainable level for the Toronto native. This EP serves as a sort of diffuser for the impending barrage. A brilliant idea like this should be expected from K’naan. He can owe his success thus far to his ingenuity and creativity. He finds a way to make the best out of the most intimidating situations. Key track: “Nothing To Lose” featuring Nas

Surprises, disappointments and tracks/albums to watch for next month

Surprise of the month: The return of Earl Sweatshirt

It’s almost a surprise that Odd Future were able to pull off such a great year without their biggest talent present. Even though, in some weird way, that ended up being part of the appeal. Earl couldn’t have reared his head at a better time as the collective’s novelty has begun to wear off. The next round of OFWGKTA releases will be heavily scrutinized and Earl’s return might be the key to these lovable guys sticking around for a bit longer.

Disappointments: Curren$y – Muscle Car Chronicles

Good news: Curren$y released another project overseen by Dame Dash. Bad news: Ski Beatz didn’t produce it.

Out next month: The debut album from rap prince Diggy Simmons plus new tapes Big K.R.I.T. and Odd Future.