New Music Friday: December 21st, 2018 - HipHop | HipHop Channel

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New Music Friday: December 21st, 2018 - HipHop

New Music Friday: December 21st, 2018 - HipHop


New Music Friday: December 21st, 2018

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 02:28 PM PST

Albums

21 Savage - I Am/I Was

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie - Hoodie SZN

MIKE - War in my Pen

NBA Youngboy - Realer

The-Dream - Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3

Young Scooter - The Recipe

9th Wonder - Zion III

Chris Webby - Next Wednesday

EPs

Bishop Nehru - nehruvia: a nehruvian holidays ep

Singles

6LACK - Unfair (Full Version) + 'Been A While'

Aesop Rock & TOBACCO are Malibu Ken - Corn Maze

Rae Sremmurd - Ear Drummers Presents Christmas at Swae's

THOUXANBANFAUNI - Heavy Metal (feat. Denzel Curry)

Valee - About U (Ft. DRAM)

Ice Cube - That New Funkadelic

Stoney Willis - Nu Stogie (feat. Earl Sweatshirt)

Hopsin - Lowkey

Asher Roth - Pantophobia

BONES - VeganLeather

Lucki, Mick Jenkins, & Lofsky - Trust Nobody

Ramriddlz - Ramraja

submitted by /u/TheRoyalGodfrey
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Album Of The Year #18 - Pac Div - 1st Baptist

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:53 AM PST

Artist: Pacific Division a.k.a. Pac Div

Album: 1st Baptist


Listen

Youtube

Apple Music

Spotify


Background by /u/jordanbeff

Who the hell is Pac Div? A fair question from the subreddit that has grown 26 times in size since their last album GMB was released in 2012 (approx. 50k subs). Pac Div is an underground hip hop trio consisting of brothers Like and Mibbs (Gabriel and Michael Stevenson, respectively), as well as close friend BeYoung and in-house producer Swiff D. Starting off over a decade ago, their 2006 debut, and now cult classic mixtape, Sealed For Freshness: The Blend Tape was received to critical acclaim. This tape effectively launched their careers after garnering attention from hip hop legends Questlove, Talib Kwali, and Pharrell, among others. Attempting to capitalize on this success, Pac Div began opening for the likes of Nas, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, Mac Miller, and Ice-T. Pac Div was nearly immediately signed by Universal Motown Records in 2008.

Pac Div experienced issues with Universal Motown, not being paid by their manager for their signing, live shows, and other commercial opportunities. They had announced an album with Universal Motown, titled Grown Kid Syndrome, to be released in October 2010.

After releasing a slew of mixtapes following the buzz they began to gain in 2006, Pac Div teamed up with Don Cannon to release their fourth mixtape, Mania! in early 2011. Including the hit single, "Anti-Freeze", as well as a smattering of impressive features from BJ The Chicago Kid, Casey Veggies, and Ty$.

Continuing the hype they had built, Pac Div toured with Mac Miller on his BlueSlide Park tour from September to December 2011. During this time, Pac Div signed to RBC Records after Universal Motown Records became defunct in 2011. With RBC's help, Pac Div released their debut album The Div in November 2011, which was met with widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

Bet you didn't know they had a nationally televised commercial with NBA stars Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Eric Gordon, and Derrick Williams showcasing their single "Flexin'". The commercial aired nationwide as of October 31st, 2011. IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THEIR MUSIC, WATCH THIS ONE! YOU WILL BE HOOKED.

Quick to follow up their debut album, Pac Div released their sophomore effort GMB at the end of 2012. GMB stands for "Gabe, Mike, and Bryan", the first names of Like, Mibbs, and BeYoung, respectively. The album was met with mixed reviews. Some praising it as Pac Div's most consistent work to date, while others stated the squealing samples on "Sneakerboxes" and "Cross-Trainers" made the some of songs "nearly unlistenable". I'll allow you to decide for yourself, as "Cross-Trainers" contains a Kendrick Lamar feature, albeit brief.

Since 2012? Nothing. Total silence as a group. The members went their separate ways to focus on their own individual careers. Like went on to become a fairly successful producer; he produced the Grammy nominated "Sing About Me" from Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, as well as Anderson .Paak's "Room In Here" which also landed him a Grammy nod. Other notables for him include producing for Joey Bada$$, Curren$y, DUCKWRTH, and Ab-Soul. Like has become an underground legend with his high-profile production credits, as well as releasing a smattering of instrumental albums from 2014-2016 and his only solo effort in 2016, Songs Made While High, which featured Anderson .Paak, Kali Uchis, and Buddy. He also released two new instrumental albums, Gabriel and Channel 777 very very quietly in 2018 (so quietly, neither albums even had a [FRESH] thread on this sub).

Mibbs was quick to the punch after Pac Div disbanded, releasing two EPs in 2013 and 2014, and his first solo album in 2016 Killer of Sheep. Mibbs website shows that he's been working on photography as well.

BeYoung reportedly took some time off to focus on his family. However, he came through with a solo mixtape of his own back in 2015 titled Daily Bread: My Brother's Keeper.

In-house producer Swiff D went on to produce for other big names, most notably, Schoolboy Q's "Studio" and Logic's "On The Low", as well as a few others.

Then, suddenly, after 5 years of hiatus, in an interview with DJBOOTH, Like announced that a new Pac Div album was completed! Announcing it in March 2017, Like said 1st Baptist was 10 tracks and was slated to release later that year, however 1st Baptist was not released until April 13th, 2018. The album's single "Stoked" was released with a music video on March 28th, 2018.


Album Review by /u/jordanbeff

10 tracks. 40 minutes. That's all it takes for Pac Div to make their point that although they've been silent for six years, they've never really been gone. 4 tracks and 13 minutes shorter than their last release, Pac Div sidesteps the recent trend of bloated albums and lands in the sweet spot of 40 minutes. While they are extremely talented as a group, Pac Div likes to pull from the crowd when it comes to their production choices. DJ Dahi, Esta, Huss, and James Rodgers are all responsible for at least one beat on this album. Although Swiff D. is often considered to be the "in-house producer" for Pac Div, he's only credited for one beat on this release.

1st Baptist starts us off with BeYoung's hook on "Players Of The Year", letting us know that this shit is the real deal. Pac Div is back and they're not here to fuck around.

Pac Div in here, Mibbs up in here

Like up in here, BeYoung in here

Conjure yac in here, ladies up in here

Paper up in here, players of the year

Like's beat is driving and dark with a booming percussion snaring away underneath moody synths. Like has chosen to stay away from a trendy, flashy beat to immediately grab anyone who accidently plays the first track and instead focuses on creating something that he, Mibbs, and BeYoung can all deliver a killer verse to.

Batting cleanup on this track, Mibbs' verse is a standout, as he lays down some incredibly conscious lyrics. Speaking to how things were back when he and the boys were trying to make it; rapping over classic beats in a basement, with only a "holey ass couch" and some schwag weed to keep them going. He even includes a "flashback" of someone yelling at him.

Back to the "Nigga you way out of pocket! I started your whole goddamn generation!"

Sorry for the flashback, we be in Pacoima at the shack with that nigga Mook fuckin' with this gas pack

Mibbs then moves on, talking about how things are currently; how "Twitter fingers" will get someone killed, or at least clowned, how fresh his ride is, how he's finally made some money, and how he's developed a taste for the finer things. The finer things, of course meaning: fucking your mom, sparkling water, and expensive dogs. Mibbs shows competency in high level writing technique, utilizing a few internal rhymes, and not only on this track.

Welcome to the good old days where Twitter fingers really get a nigga ass clapped

Leather interior, call my whip a slaughterhouse

That was me earlier, walkin' out yo momma house

Beard a little scruffier, pockets gettin' burlier

Drinking a Perrier while petting my terrier

The lead single for 1st Baptist, "Stoked" follows in the track listing. This song received a music video, which starts with Mibbs pulling up to a liquor store in a janky Honda hatchback where the driver's side door's color doesn't match the rest of the car, talking on the phone, asking if someone needs backwoods while he's inside. He asks the store clerk for a bottle of Hennessey, Raw papers, backwoods, and a scratch off. He scratches the ticket right there at the counter with the sealed top of the Henny bottle and looks at the ticket, which leads into the opening line.

Is that right?!

Are you serious?!

All this for moi?!

Nigga, I am STOKED!

This Like produced beat is arguably the hardest beat on the album. Like takes the popular trend of trappy high hats and 808's and turns it up to 11. And while Pac Div have never been clout chasers, they're so versatile that they sound right at home over this trendy beat choice.

The chorus on this song is my favorite chorus on the album. It manages to toe the line of "TURN THE FUCK UP" and "relatable as hell" absolutely perfectly.

This for niggas that turn up the most

Sneak in the club with the toast

Oh you got Henn?!

And I got smoke?!

And it's hella bitches?!

And I'm not broke?!

Nigga, I'm stoked!

I've tried to get into the club scene before, and let me tell you something: It SUCKS. It's crowded, the lines are long, the women are snobby, the drinks are expensive, and the music is way too loud. Do you know when clubbing is actually fun? When you have money to burn. The one and only time I enjoyed going to a club was when I spent over $600 on a bottle and a VIP section. Yeah, it was lit. But I can't swing that every weekend. This song reminds me of how killer it was to be in that section. Oh, you got Henny? Fuck that's lit, I got a 4 blunts rolled and snuck them in here. Oh, hello ladies! Would you like a drink and a puff of this fine ganja? You're goddamn right they do. Oh, I've still got hella stacks left? Fuck yeah, NIGGA I AM STOKED.

Mibbs continues to be the standout rapper on this song, with an incredible, blistering flow on the second half of his verse, talking about…. respecting strippers? The beat slowly fades away as we hear Mibbs absolutely snapping:

This is for them bitches that be strippin' for tuition

And be trippin' on the niggas that ain't tippin'

Tell 'em listen you ain't workin' for commission

Touch her booty with permission or you sleepin' with the fishes

Nigga, I am stoked!

The flurry of internal rhymes coupled with the juxtaposition of the subject matter to the style of this trap-flavored beat builds the tension, only to smack you in the face a second later when the beat drops and Mibbs dives right back into the chorus. This was a great choice as a lead single for this album. Hype enough to interest some people who might not have known of them, while still staying conscious enough to appeal to their older fanbase.

This leads us to "APT 10", the only Swiff D. contribution to this project. Heavy basslines, a fat snare, and pitch shifting high-hats littered all over this track make for a surprisingly catchy beat. This chorus and bassline are constantly stuck in my head.

Now, after you've left the club, what are you looking to do? For me, it's calling an Uber, hitting McDonald's, and knocking TF out. For Pac Div, it means it's time for the after party. Swiff D. does a great job with this chorus, featuring a voice that sounds like iPhone's Siri repeating over and over:

(Pac Div) Ten bad bitches in my apartment

(Siri) You've got ten bad bitches in your apartment

Mibbs starts us off giving some context, asking a homie to get him a pack of Raws so he can smoke all the different weeds he picked up at the dispensary. He mentions he's got ten bad bitches in his apartment and they're pretty loud, waking up the neighbors, who complain about the noise but are promptly told to "Shut the fuck up", saying his neighbor looks like someone they would have bullied in high school.

BeYoung comes through on this track with one of the most sonically appealing verses on the whole album.

Came through the dough on Snapchat

Ten blunts later and had a flat back

Fuck around, slide two, set it back, back

Off a few haikus and the yack black

Been a young tycoon, cross the nap jack

Bet I cause typhoon if the gat fat

Got ten Rachel Rays whippin' flap jacks

Make 'em pay what they weigh, where the cash at?

Pac Div seem to be big fans of internal rhyme schemes. But while others tend to write rhyme's like this with little regard for the meaning of the words, BeYoung is essentially showing how easy it is to seduce these women. 10 blunts later and they're on their backs. Read them a couple bars you wrote and they're making you pancakes in the morning. The drugs ain't free though!

"Time Will Tell" is next up in the tracklist. This song is a reflective moment for Pac Div, speaking about their time away as a group, old heads vs. new heads, getting your own nut, police brutality, the list of topics on this song is lengthy.

Pac Div enlist A-list producer DJ Dahi. Responsible for Kendrick's "Money Trees", Drake's "Worst Behavior", and Big K.R.I.T.'s "Cadillactica", Dahi has produced for a slew of big name musicians, including Schoolboy Q, Mac Miller, Freddie Gibbs, Travi$ Scott, Mick Jenkins, Logic, Lupe Fiasco, Vince Staples, Big Sean, and Denzel Curry. Dahi has been producing for Pac Div as far back as 2010, on their mixtape Don't Mention It.

The track starts with a cold open and a string section backing Mibbs, while he proclaims:

She hates when I'm gone

Whirlwinds and cyclones

We live in a wasteland with laptops and iPhones

The "she" Mibbs is referring to, is hip-hop itself. She hates when he's gone, because look what happened while he was away! Now we live in a wasteland of laptops and iPhones.

We love our hip hop

Not Love & Hip Hop

I lost trust in hip hop 'cause ain't no love in hip hop

They love hip-hop, but not "Love & Hip Hop". Mibbs is referring to the VH1 reality show focusing on fake and fabricated hip-hop drama. He's got no love for fake shit and he's lost trust in hip-hop because he's been around long enough to know that this is a business. And there is no place to mix love and business.

The bass kicks in with heavy, swirling, synth bass and tight high hats sputtering over the continuing string section, while Mibbs tears into the divide between "old heads" and "new niggas", saying:

Hate comin' from the old heads

I don't fuck with these new niggas

I ain't into makin' new friends

That's why I ain't fuckin' with you nigga

Mibbs handles the chorus on this cut, with almost a warning to young MCs:

We gon' see what you about

If it's meant to be, time will tell

Like takes the second verse and runs with it, speaking on his producing career and police brutality.

I done heard it all with both ears

Ayy, these niggas out here so weird

Y'all niggas trippin' I ain't goin' near

Every time I turn the channel, they promotin' fear

Police get away with murder when the coast is clear

Niggas gettin' executed yet we persevere

We be really 'bout that action or we herds in here

Like knows he's heard this before because Pac Div has been around the block. "Hearing it with both ears" is a reference to the fact that he is now a famous producer and rapper, hearing it both ways. He hears the TV promoting fear, but he keeps his distance, knowing what the police can get away with when heads are turned. He knows that if things don't change soon, people will be "herds in here", demanding action.

BeYoung then takes over for Like without missing a beat, literally. Every member says something of importance on this track.

Damn, dog, ain't funny how the times change?

Still Divvy, still busy, that's the mindframe

'Scuse me, lil nigga, that's my lane

Right sound, right track, that's the right train

BeYoung is reflecting on how things have changed since their departure as a group, and how they've quietly influenced a new wave of rappers, whether those rappers are aware of it or not, informing them that is "his lane"; with the right sound on the right track, he's laid the groundwork for them to hop on that track and have it work.

This track ends with the chorus repeated in a mantra like chant, while DJ Dahi drops the high hats and brings in a strong, walking bass line underneath a manipulated vocal sample and a strong percussion section while the strings continue to drive us forward.

We gon' see what you about

If it's meant to be, time will tell

We gon' see what you about

If it's meant to be, time will tell

Pac Div knows how hard it can be to make waves in this scene. Once they see what you (new rapper) are about, if you're meant for fame, you will know. But only in due time. Patience is key, young grasshopper.

This leads us into the fifth track and midway point of this album, "Gorgeous". The Div also released a music video for this track on May 28th. This Esta produced beat features a heavy, driving bassline, and watery synths hovering over the relatively simple kick snare drum pattern, in which the Pac Div trio all lay down their best pick up lines in an attempt to bed this "gorgeous" woman. The lyrics in this track are your fairly standard, "Hey, you're pretty. Let's get together, I can do it better than your man right now. I got money to make it happen, let's get physical shawty", but it never feels as if Like, Mibbs, or BeYoung are being too over the top graphic or gross. They leave the graphic sex punchlines at home and instead opt for trying to be the smoothest one on top of this track.

The one lyric I'll highlight here is from Mibbs, who has really been the standout lyricist for the duration of this album. He says:

So enormous

Niggas had to reiterate the chorus

Can't let nobody break our fortress

Lord bless her, congregation with the organ

As soon as he mentions the organ, Esta brings in these wonderfully bright and bouncy organ chords to highlight the end of this track. As the final iteration of the chorus plays out, these organ keys take on a soulful solo, showing how skilled Esta is at playing the keys. A very satisfying end to the midway point of this album.

This brings us to "Circle". This Like produced track taps on the importance of keeping the people you can trust close to you. Don't mess with people you can't wholeheartedly put your faith into, because as you have seen countless times in this hip-hop game, people who don't care about you will fuck you over just for their own gain. Like states it in the chorus:

Got a joint in my hand 'bout to join hands

We say a prayer then we break bread

We 'bout our business we don't play man

We really do this every day man

I keep my circle with real ones

Ones I depend on my real ones

I keep my circle with real ones

Ones I depend on my real ones

Like's beat here mainly relies on the strong percussion line with fat snares, and open high hats used for emphasis underneath the chopped and screwed vocal sample that sings its way relatively quietly throughout the track, while warm and bright synths are mixed quietly into the background. During the chorus, Like brings in backup singers to parrot the last two words in each line, as well as some droning "ooh ooh oohs" increasing in pitch during the "I keep my circle with real ones" section. This more tame and mellow beat sets up the lyricists with a platform to say their piece, while still being catchy and enjoyable.

BeYoung starts this track out speaking to the current state of hip-hop and how badly Pac Div has been missed over their six year hiatus.

No idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun

Who's still livest, who's still number one

To all my niggas still down roll another one

To all my ladies I'm in town you pull up and come

Niggas stressed, been tired of the bubble gun

Waiting on them Pac Div niggas drop another one

BeYoung speaks on the lack of original ideas prevalent today. Even some of the most successful projects to come out this year tap on issues that have been spoken on previously. It's essentially impossible to completely innovate in today's game, but the real question is "who's still livest"? Who can pull it off in a way that feels original and new? Well, Pac Div is the answer. And to the dudes who have been waiting for someone to do so, stress no more, cause "them Pac Div niggas" have dropped another one, for sure.

Next up, Pac Div hits you with a complete 180 in sound direction on the track, "No Fux Given". With Huss handling the production on this track, this beat sounds like it could be on the mixtape of whoever is next to blow up. With a menacing synth lead, trappy high hats, heavy 808s, and a constant "Hey!" vocal hitting on every downbeat, this is the ultimate opportunity for Pac Div to flex their money and lifestyles. You're even very prepared to hear Mibbs flex after the chorus:

I roll up in Benz tinted homie

I'm not the killer but killers with me

Came in this bitch with hundreds on me

Just wanna know who gon' spend it with me

And they do just that, with one major caveat. These dudes are major nerds. So, their flexing isn't about throwing bills at a stripper that they want to take home. It's about how easy this shit comes to them. It's about buying a new hairline because yours is receding. It's about fast food on the tour bus. Like's verse is short, but undoubtedly hilarious.

Gorilla Glue kush, lit the whole bush

Shout to my supplier, now I'm really high

Just caught a Uber and I don't know why

I live up the street, just whipped up a beat

This shit just too easy I kick up the feet

Feel like my money gon' pick up this week

Give me just one bet I'm gon' flip it to three

I know you watching me bitch I can see

When Like flexes, it's about getting the best weed available. It's about taking an Uber home even though you live 2 blocks away. It's about how easy it is from him to whip up killer beats. This unconventional flexing is shown throughout the whole track. Mibbs drops some hilarious bars as well:

Met her ass she was too wit' it

She was fucking wit' a lame ass nigga

He ain't know what to do wit' it

Now I gotta let the crew hit it

Tour bus living, no fucks given

Backwood splittin', bad bitch hittin'

Popeyes chicken nigga

Whoever that girl was, her man sure as shit doesn't know how to keep her interested, so Mibbs brings her back to the tour bus for the whole crew, while he rolls backwoods blunts and eats Popeyes. If I had cash like that, that's just how I'd be flexing too.

This juxtaposition between trendy sounds and conscious lyrics is such a rare thing to find in hip-hop these days, and Pac Div does it consistently throughout this project. It makes this album stick out to me as one of the clear leaders for best album this year.

This leads us into the next track "Hate To Love It". This cut is about women. Kind of like a play on Kanye's "Gold Digger", but with less upbeat trendy instrumental choices. Huss, again, handles the production on this track, this time laying down a slow jam at just 77 beats per minute, for Pac Div to speak on how women tend to fuck with them because they've got the cash for them to maintain their Instagram model lifestyles. But simultaneously mentioning the fact that they kinda like it.

Mibbs starts the track off with some great imagery:

She be Diddy boppin'

Century City shoppin'

Tell a nigga he cool but she gonna keep her options

He put a ring on it, she see it as a profit

(She be playin' dumb niggas like you)

She just wanna get that bag and them Jimmy Choos

She don't want yo dick she got better things to do

But when she want some dick it be way better than you 'cause she know

(She be playin' dumb niggas like you)

The girl described here is an obvious a player. She might find a dude who want to wife her up, but she wants to "keep her options open". "Her options" meaning any dude with more money than the last guy. She is so caught up in material things, that a dude proposing to her is just seen as a way to make some cash. A ring doesn't mean anything to her other than "look how expensive this was, now it's mine".

Huss adds a nice piece to this track, throwing in the vocals "She been playing dumb niggas like you" as a backing, after Like, Mibbs, or BeYoung say something about the girl(s), driving home how these women are not interested in Pac Div as people, but only material things.

Mibbs end his verse with a bit of contradiction, but also an explanation for the title.

You at the party and she on the flyer

You think you is fly but she thinkin' flyer

(She be playin' dumb niggas like you)

Make a nigga double back like hitter you

Had a nigga drop twenty on a Mini Coop

Yea they gon' have her backstage 'cause she cute and she know that

(She be playin' dumb niggas like you)

Mibbs has enough money to make this girl notice him, but he's also not the richest guy at the club. So he's fly, but she's thinking she can do better. Pac Div will invite her backstage to their show cause she's attractive, but that ain't shit compared to the dude who just dropped 20k to buy her a Mini Cooper. Hence the "Hate To Love It" title.

Like comes through with a super descriptive verse about how his outlook on women has changed.

Tunnel vision got me looking at these hoes different

Cold wit' it, make careers off of gold diggin'

Hard to trust anybody so I don't risk it

Wood grain wheel grippin' playin' Po Pimpin'

I keep both my Chucks tied there ain't no trippin'

Like knows that due to his success, he needs to change the way he views women. These gold diggers have made their livelihood off finessing dudes, and he's not about to fall victim, which is why he trusts no one. He even lives moderately as to not attract their attention, still driving a car with a wood grain steering wheel. He's so focused on not tripping over these girls, he makes sure his Converse All-Stars are laced up and tied. Great bit of imagery with a dash of humor thrown in from Like on this verse.

Second to last on the album, "5 Dolla Bill" is arguably my favorite cut from this album, continuing the themes of "Hate To Love It", with a bit more emphasis on the money aspect. Like, Mibbs, and BeYoung all talk about how having money has changed the way they live, but really more about how they haven't let their money change their lifestyles.

This Like produced beat starts off with these cascading piano chords being played with gravitas, right before it breaks down with a record scratch into a fairly simple kick, snare pattern with an opened high hat played on the snare for emphasis, while a tall, walking bassline adds depth to the sound. Some warm, happy synth chords add some wonderful color, making this beat something you can bop your head to, while Pac Div chant the chorus:

100 on the dank, mo and the drank

Bounce, rock, skate we can do this all day

'Cause even if I have 5 mil in the bank

I'ma still put a 5 dolla bill in the tank

I think the last two lines in the chorus speak the most on the theme. I'm not one of those dudes who fills their car up $5 at a time anymore, but I used to be. The habit comes from penny scraping and living in poverty.

Imagine this: You need to get to work and you've only got $17 until your next paycheck. You turn your car on, and the gas needle barely moves. Your gas light has been lit for two days, but you needed cash to eat. If you don't make it to work on time, that'll be your third strike and you'll lose this job. What do you do? Pull up to the pump, go to the cashier and say "$5 on pump 8, cash". The cashier gives you an awkward glare, but you have no time for that. You fill that $5 up and shake the shit out of the gas line once it stops pumping to try to get any extra drops that might be left in the hose.

Pac Div are saying that having money doesn't change who they are. They aren't scraping pennies to buy a 7-11 hotdog as dinner anymore, but they're still filling up their tanks 5 bucks at a time.

Probably not literally, though. That would just be obnoxious. That obnoxiousness is only worth it when you're poor.

Like is having fun with the synths on this track, bringing in these warbly synths cascading upwards while Mibbs spits his verse:

I know there's a liquor store run somewhere in the mix

Roll the windows down some get some air in this bitch

I'm tryna bring the crip walk back with this new shit

Been a while since I wore the all navy blue fit

Like done produced it

Once Mibbs says "Like done produced it", this wailing G-Funk synth pops in to remind us where Pac Div get their roots from. They're a West Coast group through and through, and this beat is a clear reminder to us that without Dr. Dre, none of this would exist in the first place.

BeYoung then comes in with his verse about his partying habits:

Broke or rich uh I don't know

If you pitchin' in the party then we all gon' smoke

Listen ass, cash, gas baby

I ain't turnin' down nothing but my tag lazy

Mighta seen me in the bucket or a Jag maybe

Think the game stop for you, oh yo ass crazy

To BeYoung, he doesn't care if you're broke or rich as long as you thrown down for the blunt. And it can be cash, gas money, or ass if you're a female, doesn't matter. He say's you've either seen him in his Jaguar or his bucket. A bucket here refers to a beaten up, breaking down car. And even though he's got the Jag now, he still rides his bucket because he keeps it real. The money hasn't changed him.

We are then taken to the final track on this record "Summertime Fine". This cut is about a summer fling that the Pac Div boys each fall for. Each member spits a verse about their crushes and what they would do for or with them during this summer fling.

This beat features another G-Funk synth, this time produced by James Rodgers. This time, however, it feels a bit redundant. We've already heard the G-Funk sound, executed better, just the track prior. Lyrically, it feels a bit redundant as well, mostly due to the fact that they have already done what is essentially a love song on this record, with "Gorgeous". Sonically, it's quite enjoyable. I'm just not sure if this record needs another love song, especially as it's closer.


Overview by /u/jordanbeff

Overall, this record is amazing. Pac Div has come through with what is almost undoubtedly their best studio album. Mibbs, BeYoung, and Like prove without a doubt that they have not lost their touch since their last collective effort. The groups self awareness of their place in the hip-hop community is perfectly stated with the balance between being confident enough to flex when necessary, but not overly cocky to the point that it sounds obnoxious. Their blend of socially conscious bars with trendy new-school instrumentals are unlike nearly all hip-hop albums that are released today, allowing Pac Div to separate themselves from the pack once again. With any luck, Pac Div will continue to pump out amazing music like this in the years to come.

Favorite Tracks: "Stoked", "APT 10", "Time Will Tell", "Circle", "No Fux Given", "5 Dolla Bill"


Favorite Lyrics by /u/jordanbeff

Gotta take care of yo friends

To do that, you gon' need some ends

I remember when I pushed the Honda on 10s

Whip that shit like it's a Benz

Dude, I am stoked!

This is for them bitches that be strippin' for tuition

And be trippin' on the niggas that ain't tippin'

Tell 'em listen you ain't workin' for commission

Touch her booty with permission or you sleepin' with the fishes

Nigga, I am stoked!

  • Mibbs on "Stoked"

She hates when I'm gone

Whirlwinds and cyclones

We live in a wasteland with laptops and iPhones

We love our hip hop

Not Love & Hip Hop

I lost trust in hip hop 'cause ain't no love in hip hop

Hate comin' from the old heads

I don't fuck with these new niggas

I ain't into makin' new friends

That's why I ain't fuckin' with you nigga

  • Mibbs on "Time Will Tell"

No idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun

Who's still livest, who's still number one

To all my niggas still down roll another one

To all my ladies I'm in town you pull up and come

Niggas stressed, been tired of the bubble gun

Waiting on them Pac Div niggas drop another one

Over 'fore the summer's done niggas gon' do this here

Still crazy with the tool I'ma glue this here

  • BeYoung on "Circle"

Gorilla Glue kush, lit the whole bush

Shout to my supplier, now I'm really high

Just caught a Uber and I don't know why

I live up the street, just whipped up a beat

This shit just too easy I kick up the feet

Feel like my money gon' pick up this week

Give me just one bet I'm gon' flip it to three

I know you watching me bitch I can see

  • Like on "No Fux Given"

Talking Points by /u/jordanbeff

• Have you heard of Pac Div prior to reading this review? If so, how does this album stack up against their previous releases, mixtape or otherwise?

• Who do you think the most talented member of Pac Div is?

• Each Pac Div member has only one verse on each track. How do you think the group dynamic changes the level of writing quality compared to a solo artist?

• Do you think the decline in number of hip hop groups or collectives in recent years has contributed to the glaring decline in high quality lyricism as of late?

• What are your favorite lyrics from this project?

submitted by /u/jordanbeff
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"6 Months Off Meds I Can Feel Me Again": In tweets about abandoning psychiatric medication for his art, Kanye West promotes a dangerous myth about creativity.

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 09:36 AM PST

[FIRST IMPRESSIONS] 21 Savage - I Am > I Was

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 06:22 PM PST

What did you guys think of it, was it worth the wait?

Favourite/least favourite songs?

How does it hold up against the rest of 21's discography?

submitted by /u/hulksreddit
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Kodak Black's "Dying to Live" sells 94K First Week (4K Pure). Various Artists' "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" sells 53K First Week (13K Pure).

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 03:40 PM PST

Rank Artist Album Label Pure Sales Sales + Streaming
1 Drake Scorpion YMCMB/Republic 158K 749K
2 Travis Scott Astroworld Cactus Jack/Grand Hustle/Epic 270K 553K
3 Lil Wayne Tha Carter V Young Money 141K 480K
4 Post Malone beerbongs & bentleys Republic 157K 471K
5 Eminem Kamikaze Shady/Aftermath/Interscope 252K 434K
6 J. Cole KOD Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope 166K 395K
7 Cardi B Invasion of Privacy Atlantic 105K 254K
8 Meek Mill Championships Atlantic 42K 229K
9 Kanye West Ye G.O.O.D./Def Jam 82K 210K
10 Migos Culture II Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 34K 200K
11 Nicki Minaj Queen YMCMB/Republic 83K 190K
12 Twenty One Pilots Trench Fueled by Ramen 134K 170K
13 Logic YSIV Def Jam 122K 167K
14 The Weeknd My Dear Melancholy, XO/Republic 70K 167K
15 Various Artists Black Panther TDE/Aftermath/Interscope 52K 156K
16 Kanye West & Kid Cudi Kids See Ghosts G.O.O.D./Def Jam 79K 140K
17 XXXTENTACION ? Bad Vibes Forever 21K 134K
18 XXXTENTACION Skins Bad Vibes Forever/Empire 52K 132K
19 Lil Baby & Gunna Drip Harder Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 9K 130K
20 Jay-Z & Beyonce Everything Is Love Roc Nation/Parkwood/Columbia 70K 124K
21 Logic Bobby Tarantino II Def Jam 30K 117K
22 Brockhampton iridesence Question Everything/RCA 83K 106K
23 Quavo Quavo Huncho Quality Control/Motowon/Capitol 6K 99K
24 Metro Boomin Not All Heroes Wear Capes Boominati/Republic 5K 99K
25 Future & Juice WRLD WRLD On Drugs Freebandz/Epic/Grade A/Interscope 8K 98K
26 Kodak Black Dying to Live Atlantic 4K 94K
27 Lil Baby Street Gossip Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 6K 88K
28 Trippie Redd A Love Letter to You 3 TenThousand 11K 84K
29 Lil Peep Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 2 Columbia 43K 81K
30 Wiz Khalifa Rolling Papers 2 Atlantic 13K 80K
31 Russ Zoo Columbia 57K 79K
32 Nas Nasir Mass Appeal/Def Jam 49K 79K
33 Kevin Gates Luca Brasi 3 Atlantic 18K 78K
34 Pusha T Daytona G.O.O.D./Def Jam 39K 77K
35 6LACK East Atlanta Love Letter LVRN/Interscope 27K 76K
36 A$AP Rocky TESTING RCA 13K 75K
37 Trippie Redd Life's A Trip TenThousand 15K 71K
38 Lil Baby Harder Than Ever Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 4K 71K
39 6ix9ine Dummy Boy ScumGang/Create 9K 68K
40 Ella Mai Ella Mai 10 Summers/Interscope 17K 64K
41 Lil Yachty Lil Boat 2 Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 7K 64K
42 Gorillaz The Now Now Parlophone 51K 61K
43 Rae Sremmurd SR3MM EarDruma/Interscope 6K 61K
44 Playboi Carti Die Lit AWGE/Interscope 5K 60K
45 Joji Ballads 1 88Rising/12Tone 34K 57K
46 Mac Miller Swimming Warner Bros. 20K 57K
47 YG Stay Dangerous Def Jam 10K 56K
48 Rich The Kid The World Is Yours Rich Forever/Interscope 7K 56K
49 Janelle Monae Dirty Computer Atlantic 43K 55K
50 6ix9ine Day 69 Scum Gang/Ten Thousand 21K 55K
51 Tory Lanez LoVE me NOw? Mad Love/Interscope 5K 54K
52 Future Beast Mode 2 Freebandz/Epic 0 54K
53 Various Artists Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Republic 13K 53K
54 Ski Mask the Slump God Stokeley Republic 5K 52K
55 Tory Lanez Memories Don't Die Mad Love/Interscope 12K 51K
56 Gucci Mane Evil Genius Atlantic 5K 51K
57 Takeoff The Last Rocket Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 4K 50K
58 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Until Death Call My Name Atlantic 7K 49K
59 Nipsey Hussle Victory Lap Atlantic 25K 48K
60 Khalid Suncity Right Hand Music/RCA 9K 48K
61 Kris Wu Antares Interscope 25K 47K
62 $uicideBoy$ I Want to Die In New Orleans G59/Caroline 32K 46K
63 Young Thug & Young Stoner Life Records Slime Language Young Stoner Life/Atlantic 3K 44K
64 Anderson .Paak Oxnard Aftermath/12Tone 13K 40K
65 Lil Yachty Nuthin' 2 Prove Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 2K 40K
66 Juice WRLD Goodbye & Good Riddance Interscope N/A 39K
67 YoungBoy Never Broke Again 4Respect 4Freedom 4Loyalty 4WhatImportant Never Broke Again 1K 35K
68 Nav Reckless XO/Republic 4K 34K
69 Jay Rock Redemption TDE/Interscope 9K 31K
70 Young Dolph Role Model Paper Route/Empire 3K 31K
71 Moneybagg Yo Reset N-Less/Interscope 5K 30K
72 Earl Sweatshirt Some Rap Songs Tan Cressida/Columbia 10K 29K
73 Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic Warner Bros 23K 28K
74 Flatbush Zombies Vacation In Hell Glorious Dead 14K 28K
75 Lil Xan Total Xanarchy Columbia 13K 28K
76 T.I. Dime Trap Grand Hustle/Epic 10K 27K
77 Meek Mill Legends of the Summer Atlantic 5K 27K
78 Tee Grizzley Activated N/A 4K 27K
79 Lil Durk Signed to the Streets 3 Alamo/Interscope 2K 27K
80 Moneybagg Yo Bet On Me N-Less/Interscope 5K 26K
81 Young Thug On the Rvn Atlantic 2K 26K
82 Famous Dex Dex Meets Dexter Rich Forever/300 Entertainment N/A 25K
83 Sheck Wes Mudboy Cactus Jack/G.O.O.D./Interscope 1K 24K
84 Teyana Taylor K.T.S.E. G.O.O.D./Def Jam 7K 23K
85 RM mono. BigHit 18K 22K
86 Tech N9ne Planet Strange Music 16K 22K
87 Machine Gun Kelly Binge Bad Boy/Interscope 9K 22K
88 John Legend A Legendary Christmas Columbia 20K 21K
89 G Herbo & Southside Swervo Epic 3K 21K
90 Lil Mosey Northsbest Mogul Vision/Interscope 1K 21K
91 TobyMac The Elements Forefront 17K 20K
92 Royce Da 5'9" Book of Ryan Eone 10K 19K
93 Queen Naija Queen Naija Capitol 6K 19K
94 Rich Brian Amen 88Rising/Empire 4K 19K
95 Tee Grizzley Still My Moment Atlantic 1K 18K
96 Denzel Curry Ta13oo Concord/Loma Vista 4K 17K
97 Kali Uchis Isolation Virgin 4K 17K
98 YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Kevin Gates 4 Respect EP Never Broke Again 2K 17K
99 KYLE Light of Mine Atlantic 2K 17K
100 H.E.R. I Used to Know Her RCA 5K 17K
101 Lil Skies Life of a Dark Rose Atlantic 5K 16K
102 Vince Staples FM! Def Jam 4K 16K
103 Usher & Zaytoven A Brand Usher/RCA 4K 15K
104 21 Savage, Future & Lil Wayne Superfly Soundtrack Epic 3K 15K
105 JID DiCaprio 2 Dreamville 3K 15K
106 Mike WiLL Made-It Creed II: The Album Interscope 1K 15K
107 The Internet Hive Mind Columbia 9K 14K
108 Ice Cube Everythangs Corrupt Lench Mob/Interscope 8K 14K
109 Moneybagg Yo 2 Heartless N-Less/Interscope 5K 14K
110 Rich Homie Quan Rich As In Spirit N/A 3K 14K
111 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Decided Never Broke Again/Atlantic 1K 14K
112 Ne-Yo Good Man Motown/Capitol 7K 13K
113 Jorja Smith Lost & Found Famm 5K 13K
114 Dave East Karma 2 The Dispensary 2K 12K
115 Blac Youngsta 223 Epic N/A 12K
116 PRhyme PRhyme 2 N/A 9K 11K
117 Dave East P2 Def Jam N/A 11K
118 2 Chainz The Play Don't Care Who Makes It Def Jam N/A 11K
119 BlocBoy JB Simi Bloc Nation N/A 11K
120 Ski Mask the Slump God Beware the Book of Eli Republic N/A 11K

FAQ:

Q: Source?

A: http://hitsdailydouble.com/sales_plus_streaming

Q: How is this list sorted?

A: It's sorted by sales + streaming

Q: What are pure sales?

A: Pure sales are purchases of the album (itunes, amazon, physicals, etc)

Q: Where is X album?

A: Only albums with 10K in sales + streaming are listed

Q: Why are Famous Dex, Blac Youngsta, Dave East, BlocBoy JB, Ski Mask, Juice WRLD, and 2 Chainz' pure sales "N/A"

A: Those artist's pure sales were outside of the top 50 for their release weeks, meaning the exact number was unknown. Dave East, Ski Mask, and 2 Chainz sold fewer than 3K pure copies, Blac Youngsta, BlocBoy JB, Juice WRLD, and Famous Dex sold fewer than 2K pure copies.

Q: Aren't those sales kind of low for 6ix9ine and JID?

A: 6ix9ine's "Dummy Boy" released on a Tuesday, thus losing out on 4 days of sales. JID's "DiCaprio 2" released on a Monday, thus losing out on 3 days of sales.

Q: Where can I find last year's list?

A: 2017 list, 2016 list, 2015 list


submitted by /u/Chriscftb97
[link] [comments]

2018 Top 50 Best Selling Albums

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 08:28 PM PST

Full list here, hip-hop albums below

Rank Artist Album Label Album Sales Track Sales Streams Total Sales
1 Drake Scorpion YMCMB/Republic 308K 2.737M 4.318B 3.692M
2 Post Malone beerbongs & bentleys Republic 343K 2.222M 3.507B 3.046M
4 Cardi B Invasion of Privacy Atlantic 206K 1.738M 2.133B 1.926M
5 Travis Scott ASTROWORLD Cactus Jack/Grand Hustle/Epic 439K 347K 1.755B 1.753M
6 Migos Culture II Quality Control/Motowon/Capitol 113K 877K 1.874B 1.533M
7 XXXTENTACION ? Bad Vibes Forever 86K 748K 2.126B 1.514M
8 Various Artists Black Panther TDE/Aftermath/Interscope 227K 1.027M 1.492B 1.404M
10 Post Malone Stoney Republic 89K 801K 1.626B 1.291M
11 J. Cole KOD Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope 273K 206K 1.149B 1.131M
13 Eminem Kamikaze Shady/Aftermath/Interscope 457K 342K 724.5M 1.014M
13 Juice WRLD Goodbye & Good Riddance Grade A/Interscope 23K 470K 1.541B 1.014M
15 Kendrick Lamar DAMN. TDE/Interscope 183K 554K 1.063B 993K
17 Lil Wayne Tha Carter V Young Money 193K 290K 1.005B 972K
21 Nicki Minaj Queen YMCMB/Republic 147K 688K 999.9M 932K
22 Khalid American Teen Right Hand Music/RCA 91K 498K 1.093B 903K
25 XXXTENTACION 17 Bad Vibes Forever/Empire 60K 266K 1.225B 834K
26 Various Artists Hamilton Uptown/Atlantic 264K 171K 745.7M 829K
28 Bruno Mars 24K Magic Atlantic 188K 1.049M 758.5M 782K
30 Lil Uzi Vert Luv Is Rage 2 Generation Now/Atlantic 21K 219K 1.129B 780K
33 Lil Baby Harder Than Ever Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 13K 204K 956.7M 717K
35 Bazzi Cosmic iamcosmic/Atlantic 18K 658K 845.6M 675K
36 SZA CTRL TDE/RCA 83K 208K 773.8M 669K
38 Lil Skies Life of a Dark Rose Atlantic 18K 193K 969.7M 652K
40 Drake More Life YMCMB/Republic 13K 150K 866.2M 644K
41 G-Eazy The Beautiful & Damned RCA 50K 595K 739.9M 638K
42 The Weeknd My Dear Melancholy, XO/Republic 132K 216K 653M 621K
43 Rich The Kid The World Is Yours Rich Forever/Interscope 14K 272K 854.4M 620K
44 Chris Brown Heartbreak on a Full Moon RCA 25K 240K 768.6M 618K
46 Kanye West Ye G.O.O.D./Def Jam 156K 109K 597M 611K
47 NF Perception NF Real Music/Caroline 67K 613K 681.2M 607
48 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Until Death Call My Name Atlantic 17K 238K 848.5M 606K
49 Drake VIEWS YMCMB/Republic 18K 150K 792.5M 605K
submitted by /u/Chriscftb97
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[FRESH VIDEO] Cardi B - Money

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:58 AM PST

21 Savage on The Breakfast Club

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:59 AM PST

[FRESH ALBUM] Ta-ku - 25 Nights for Nujabes

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 03:51 PM PST

Daily Discussion Thread 12/21/2018

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 03:09 PM PST

Welcome to the /r/hiphopheads daily discussion thread!

This thread is for:

  • objective questions with right/wrong answers (e.g. "Does anyone know what is happening with MIXTAPE?", "What is the sample in SONG?")
  • general hip-hop discussion
  • meta posts...e.g. ideas for the sub

Thread Guidelines

  • Do not create a separate self post for these types of discussions outside of this thread - if you do, your post will be removed, as stated in the guidelines.

  • Please be helpful and friendly.

  • If a question has been asked many times before, provide a link to a thread that contains the answer.

Weekly/Monthly Threads

Other ways to interact

There are a number of other ways to interact with other members of HHH:

New to /r/hiphopheads or hip-hop in general?

Check out these:

submitted by /u/ModsLittleHelper
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[DISCUSSION] Kodak Black - Dying To Live (One Week Later)

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 12:40 PM PST

It's been a little over a week since it dropped. What are your thoughts?

submitted by /u/ThatGuyDes
[link] [comments]

Drugs, Love, and Obsession Is My Debut EP. Featuring Production From Nick Mira of Juice WRLD's Lucid Dreams!

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 07:25 PM PST

https://soundcloud.com/bitchimtyrone/sets/drugs-love-and-obsession

Also on all streaming platforms!

Drugs, Love, and Obsession is a collection of tracks I have created; that express my feelings internally towards this last year. I have struggled a lot with depression, keeping my confidence up, and even on multiple accounts wanting to end my life. As I fight to accomplish the goals I've set for myself, along with fighting the challenges I've encountered. I wanted to create a project that could also represent those themes sonically. The purpose of DLO was to have a playlist that matched my themes of fighting the battle within yourself, everyday. So that I or anyone fighting could have music to accompany them. Whether that be in the foreground with my lyrics or just as background music. Either way, I wish the best for everyone and enjoy! Link in bio.

Production:Nick Mira: @nickmira_Seismic: @beatsbyseismicKimJ: @youngkimjRude Dolph: @bando_lioPilgrim: @pilgrimbeatsZetsu: @zetsu26

Cover art by @lilsraecarver and @blackteethcreative

Breathe Music Video Up Next!

submitted by /u/TySupreme
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[First Impressions] War in My Pen - MIKE

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 08:23 PM PST

think it's been 24 hours

thoughts?

submitted by /u/StarfruitTX
[link] [comments]

MF DOOM x Cookin Soul - DOOM XMAS (Full Album)

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 07:56 PM PST

[DISCUSSION] DMX - Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (20 Years Later)

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 08:09 AM PST

What do you think of this album 20 years since its release?

submitted by /u/Jezawan
[link] [comments]

Earl Sweatshirt & Tyler, the Creator - Couch

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 08:38 PM PST

B2K to Reunite in 2019 for The Millennium Tour, with guests Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky and Chingy

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 12:49 PM PST

[FRESH VIDEO] Kodak Black - Close to the Grave

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 12:06 PM PST

Skepta - Shutdown

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 09:05 PM PST

Nicki Minaj Announces Juice WRLD Will Replace Future on European Tour

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:37 AM PST

New York City Council Approves Street Co-Naming For Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious BIG

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 01:12 PM PST

[FRESH ALBUM] Lil Durk - Only the Family Involved, Vol. 2

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:10 PM PST

Curren$y - Verde Terrace Full Mixtape

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 09:30 AM PST

[FIRST IMPRESSIONS] A Boogie wit da Hoodie - Hoodie SZN

Posted: 21 Dec 2018 10:21 PM PST

It's been over 24 hours so,

What did you guys think?

Favorite/least favorite songs?

submitted by /u/reigngerbob
[link] [comments]