Hip Hop Archives - I still love H.E.R.

Menacin Johnson & Duke Westlake – Level Up | Video

05.01.2019 by Wanja // Leave a Comment

Super producer meets super MC!

Los Angeles production wiz Duke Westlake blends bright synths and the neck snap factor with the playfully catchy, lyrical stylings of Menacin Johnson on this galactic ride. Phil Mao directs this spacey, hazy visual for their first single from their impressive full length album, released on The Order/Alpha Pup label entitled, ‘Stargate Aquarius’, now available on all digital outlets.

Drop into a wormhole for way-out rhythms and rap paradigms in Stargate Aquarius(The Order Label), the new LP by Los Angeles lyricist Menacin Johnson and producer Duke Westlake. Johnson’s golden era raps and Westlake’s riveting beats play together with pleasing juxtaposition: aggressive yet beautiful, gentle yet hard, vintage yet future.

Playful tracks like “Level Up” and “They Can’t Hold Me Down” sparkle with dreamlike color. Soulful, starry-eyed echoes create a sun-faded richness in “What It Means (feat. Rain Bisou).” Ride the feel-good flow in “Summer ‘19” as it flips through blue-sky days and lemonade – the blunts are already rolled. “Bigger (feat. Frank Nitt)” revs up fast and flickers while “Coldest Party Crisis (feat. Slimkid3 and Pigeon John)” slaps its way into outer space. Brilliant, bouncing, and free – “Show Me the Real You (feat. Ariano)” floats off on a high note that thumps hard and glows deep.

Stargate Aquarius by Menacin Johnson and Duke Westlake is out now on The Order Label and available at digital retailers worldwide.

Check out the video and grab your copy of the album below.

https://menacinjohnsondukewestlake.lnk.to/StargateAquarius

MC² – Soul Physics | Album

03.22.2019 by Wanja // Leave a Comment

Soulful Boom Bap isn’t the first thing hip hop heads think of when they hear Texas. But that might just change, once they hear San Antonio residents LQ and Smeazy, also known as the rap duo MC².

After releasing their “The Native Sons” EP in 2017 and several mixtapes throughout; they have now dropped their first official album entitled “Soul Physics”.

Adapting their life philosophy “Everything is Physics”, the two MCs let a natural flow take over in the making of this album and simply did what felt right to them. This is their general approach to music, and the listener can easily get a sense of it, listening to their soulful sounds and genuine lyrics.
With one of their biggest musical inspirations being the Soulquarians, you can imagine where MC² fits in, sonically.

And as the two say on the track “Not Sorry”:
“Your fans just might turn into our fans. Be cool, it’s just part of the program. Spit your best 16, if you must. You’re not wack, you just sound wack rappin after us”.

Check out the album below.

https://open.spotify.com/album/222eml0MsRG8H6I4S5CNja
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/soul-physics/1455750442
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07PG3CNRW?ref=dm_sh_9NLsKKcAs2ZS8wywROsrdr34D

Diff?rence – Word of Mouth Remix / Plain & Simple Remix #8 | Singles

02.26.2019 by Wanja // Leave a Comment

Diff?rence returns with Word of Mouth and Plain & Simple.
Hot off the success of EP?s; Extra Perception and Extended Painkillers, veteran emcee Diff?rence, Aka Darrin Cox returns with two hard-hitting, effective singles; Word of Mouth Remix and Plain & Simple Remix #8 to much anticipation. With his ability to create unique beats revolving around socially conscious lyrics, Diff?rence is looking to make a difference in the National Hip-Hop community. Released under Phonic Blizz Ent., these two tracks are going to push the envelope of commercial marketability while remaining credible to the spirit of freestyle Hip-Hop. As Diff?rence blends Hip-Hop with an electronic feel, he was asked how he develops his concepts; “It’s like splicing genes. I just wanted to put my impression on it. I just love to collaborate and create. This is my therapy”.

“Word of Mouth Remix” features intricate beats with slightly syncopated rhythms, allowing Diff?rence to unleash his potential in the fast tempo environment. Showcasing his diverse rapping talents, Diff?rence lays down the claim he is one artist which will garner much industry attention in 2019. “I take you back to the basics, word of mouth is how you chase it,” capturing the essence of the theme, managing your inherent talents, in this case, words, to get exactly what you want in life. Hard work, and a keen ear to the game, Diff?rence enters the playing field with a hard, in-your-face rap power.

“Plain & Simple Remix #8” highlights the musical theme using simple beats, evolving them to an extended metaphor of diversity. The percussion on Plain & Simple remix #8 is experimental and daring as Diff?rence blends many layers of beats to create a sonic soundscape in which the listener can reflect on the many dimensions sound can travel in. As the percussion themes play out, Diff?rence unleashes his characteristic free-style rap. With a fast flow to his words and careful articulation, each phrase is presented in a clear fashion.
In the clubs, or as part of any urban radio playlist, Diff?rence shows he has the potential to write catchy, re-playable tracks, with infectious rhythms and diverse, unique beats.

Check the songs out below.