Album of the Year Write-Up #19: Deante' Hitchcock - Better - HipHop | HipHop Channel

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Album of the Year Write-Up #19: Deante' Hitchcock - Better - HipHop

Album of the Year Write-Up #19: Deante' Hitchcock - Better - HipHop

Album of the Year Write-Up #19: Deante' Hitchcock - Better

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 05:34 AM PST

LISTEN

Artist - Deante'Hitchcock

Album - Better&psig=AOvVaw0WyIf0sXDgKUzZZE_1e9HT&ust=1610156927364000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIipqpKci-4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ)

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BACKGROUND

Deante' Hitchcock is an Atlanta-based rapper that has been gradually gaining buzz since 2016. His first mixtape, Good, helped get his name out there, and to kick-start the trilogy of his career - Good, Better, Best. Good was the first mixtape, Better is his first album, and Best will be the name of his last. At this point in the background, I'm required to point out how most people have heard of Deante' - his car freestyle series. This has become somewhat of a point of contention for Deante', because while he appreciates what those freestyles did to build his buzz, it's frustrating for an artist to be known for one thing they did when they've got so much more to offer.

For many rap fans, the first time they heard Deante' was on the J Cole-driven Revenge of the Dreamers III. Deante' was one of the many talented people that were invited out to those sessions, and his connections with fellow Atlanta-based rappers JID, 6LACK, Young Nudy, and more likely helped with that. He only ended up appearing on the track "PTSD", but many un-initiated fans took note of how slick he sounded on the track. That may have been the last piece he needed to begin the process of putting out his debut commercial album, Better.

Better shows Deante' re-writing the script on what kind of rapper he is. He's done with people who recognize him going "oh, you the dude who freestyles in the car". That series did what it was meant to do, and got his name out there. People know he can rap now. But he's got so much more to offer, and his experience on tour with JID helped mold the direction he took with Better. While talking with JID, he decided to transition into a soulful direction. They had similar experiences when touring - they blew up as rappers, people showed up to see them rap their asses off. But he felt a disconnect from his audience, feeling more like a spectacle to watch than an experience to engage in. His new direction stemmed from that, with more "soulful" production and more "call-and-response"-type tracks. He wanted the audience to be a part of the experience, rather than onlookers.

TRACK-BY-TRACK REVIEW

I Remember

The opening track to Deante's debut commercial album finds him looking back at everything it took to get here. Going from starting out to putting out your first album is such a monumental effort for any artist, and every step along the way is a part of molding you into the artist you've become. For Deante', that meant a lot more than just struggling as a rapper. He's spent most of his adult life dead-broke, and those struggles are such a huge part of what fuel him. Everything it took for him to get here - and everyone who helped him along the way - is incredibly important to him, and it only makes sense that he spends the opening track to his first album reminiscing on those times.

If I said it, I done lived it

N*gga how could I forget it?

I remember everything.

In-house producer Brandon Phillips-Taylor brings a beat that's certainly interesting. At times it can border on being noisy, and that's a constant throughout this record. But even if the actual instrumentation can overwhelm at times, he has such a dope way of layering in background vocals that it usually makes up for it. They give some depth to the sound in certain points, and it makes things feel richer in certain points. Even with the instrumentals, he's never afraid to peel back and add in sounds and layers to give lines or hooks more power or clarity. The fact that he also produces the vast majority of this record gives it more continuity as well, and when he plays with the depth and layers of the record, it really shines.

As far as the actual content of the track, it brings new fans up to speed with who Deante' is and what's brought him to this point. It also serves to introduce them to Deante's style as a rapper, and the best way I've found to describe it is....casual. In the best possible way. I don't know if that makes any sense, so I'll try to explain. When Lupe Fiasco starts rapping, I feel like I have to focus on the bars like a final exam just to make sure I catch some of what he's saying. When Kendrick starts spitting, I've gotta sit up in bed, like just as a respect thing. And that's not to say that Deante' isn't a high caliber rapper, because he absolutely is. But he just makes the listener feel comfortable, like he's just some dude telling his story and trying to make it big doing this rap shit. I can't help but want to support someone who's so clearly a genuine dude making genuine music. This track, and the record as a whole, feel conversational, and within a few listens you start to feel like you know him. That's where his biggest strengths lie, because while he's really good at, you know, rapping.... so are a lot of other people who make way less interesting music. Deante feels like he's someone you've known your whole life, and the fact that he's got insane talent for rapping is just a bonus.

I Got Money Now (feat. JID)

Earlier, I mentioned how Deante' went on tour with JID on his Catch Me If You Can tour. That was actually my introduction to Deante' - I had no idea who this dude was, but he came out with this energy that was absolutely undeniable. The way he rocked the crowd, you would've thought it was his tour. And one thing that stood out was how much you could just feel him savoring the moment, looking from fan to fan and holding onto that eye contact just a little bit longer, getting a big smile when he saw someone really into it. I was up front, and apparently I looked impressed, because he pointed at me and gave me a little nod, like "This dude's with me" And he was right, I've been on the lookout ever since. So for me as a fan, having JID on the album only made sense, and brought things full circle in a way.

Okay, end anecdote, let's talk about the song. If "I Remember" is about looking back to the come-up and what it took to make it here, "I Got Money Now" is the triumphant follow-up - he's here. He went through hell and back to get a bag, but now he's gonna make sure you know he's got it. It's what he calls an "Affirmation" song - he made the song before he actually had money. It's a sort of music equivalent to speaking things into fruition. That's probably why it still feels relatively down to Earth, even though the hook has him shouting "Shut the fuck up, I got money now! (Bitch!)" It doesn't feel like an ordinary "rapper telling you how rich he is" song, because he doesn't sound like he's taking himself all that seriously. The way his personality shines through into his bars allow him to go from venting his frustration about not being able to help his mom with the bills straight into Jumanji references. His rapping feels hungry as fuck, and it helps that he's coming so hard while talking about just why he's so intent on making it - he's been broke, and he's not about to go back to that shit again.

The JID feature is honestly a tough one to pin down for me. It doesn't feel like it's on the same level of some of JID's other features, but he honestly brings a really nice verse to this one. He's got a bunch of really nice flows, some crazy internals, and he fits the vibe of the track perfectly. I honestly wouldn't change anything about it, he compliments Deante' so well. Yet, it felt to me, and to several other people I've talked to about it, like it just wasn't as good as his usual stuff, and I really think a lot of that comes down to Deante' stepping up and delivering such a good performance on the track. Most of the time, the JID feature steals the show, and when he doesn't, it's kind of like, "oh. alright." It showcases how talented Deante' really is, because not only is he one of very few to hold their own with JID during this run he's been on, but he arguably outshines him.

Attitude (feat. Young Nudy)

While the first two tracks were as good of introductions to Deante's music as you could expect, they did have a pretty similar tonality. So naturally, you follow it up with the Young Nudy-assisted "Attitude", which Deante' described as being "like a Bee smoking a Black and Mild with some Air Forces" in an interview with RESPECT. Whatever comfort zone you found yourself in after the first two tracks is gone in an instant. The beat builds into this sort of moshing chant, with layers of background vocals escalating into "Can't be scared, hoe; Can't be scared, lil n*gga". The energy is totally different, but Deante's humor and personality don't feel out of place at all. Again, his personality is just so big you can't help but feel like you know him. So even when a brawl is about to break out, there's no surprised when he's dropping one-liners about wa'alaykumu s-salam, Rubik's Cubes, or Optimus Prime.

The Young Nudy feature effectively works opposite of Deante's verse - he's not gonna try to impress you with clever bars, because he wants to make sure you know he means the shit he's saying. It's a really interesting dynamic, because Deante's humor makes Nudy's verse feel more serious, and Nudy's aggression makes Deante' seem more lighthearted than he otherwise would feel on the song. All in all, they play off of each other really well and the song serves as a great juxtaposition from the first two tracks. It gives a little more insight into who Deante' is as well - just because he's not constantly taking himself too seriously doesn't mean you should try him.

How TF (feat. 6LACK)

How Deante' managed to transition from "Attitude" straight into "How TF" without it sounding insanely out of place, I have no idea. But it works, and this song is an even bigger departure from "Attitude" than the first two songs were. First of all, the instrumental on this thing is just so damn good. It's a nice little ear-worm in its own right, but it's not overbearing to the point of being the main focus of the track. It's still a little spacey, and that lets Deante' shine through with plenty of different flows in an otherwise short verse.

The topic at hand is so fucking important. Deante' has a way of saying what so many guys are going through in ways that they don't know how to say. He makes himself feel so relatable, and you can't help but attach yourself to what he's saying. "How the fuck am I supposed to tell you that I love you and know I really fuckin mean what I said?". When you first find yourself falling in love, there's a weird thing that can happen where you almost doubt your own feelings, not even believing that you're actually feeling what you're feeling. You don't know if you're actually falling in love or if you're just lusting over some girl and are too naïve to realize it. That fear is so overwhelming that you end up just pushing away from it - "Runnin away again".

Deante' gives such an honest insight into his own life here. He doesn't really know how to describe his own feelings, but he's trying his best. He doesn't want to say anything he doesn't mean and find himself regretting it later on, but he knows his indecisiveness is pushing her away. He just can't bring himself to risk saying he loves her when he isn't sure - "I don't know...that love shit weird".

6LACK brings another great verse, but from an older point of view. He's struggling with similar themes, but for different reasons. Deante' is worried about saying something he doesn't mean, but 6LACK is worried about moving too quickly without taking some time to work on himself. If he doesn't take that time now, he's only going to hurt her. I think both of these verses showcase some of the struggles of being a young man trying to maneuver through love. For a lot of people, they didn't exactly have the best examples of love in their homes. Without having a good example, it can be hard to really figure out how to say what they want to say. Personally, this is the track I come back to the most, and it hasn't left my rotation since I heard it as a single. The beat captures you, and Deante' absolutely steals the show.

Flashbacks (feat. Miguel and St. Beauty)

While religion has always played a part in Deante's music, and had been mentioned a few times already in the project, "Flashbacks" is far and away the most direct example on Better thus far. Deante's first verse is a long-form, almost rambling reflection on his upbringing, touching on hitting new lows, his mother's faith, and the death of a friend. This is a different Deante' than we've seen up to this point on the project, because while he certainly talks about real topics and does so earnestly, this track feels a little less calculated. On "How TF" or "I Remember", it feels like he's thought about everything he's saying plenty of times before, and he's prepared to talk about it at length. But on "Flashbacks", it really does feel like he's talking his way through flashbacks in his mind, just sharing whatever happens upon his mind.

I just want to really highlight the section where Deante' talks about the church, and his thoughts on it growing up (and now?). The casual way Deante' raps, combined with the nature of the topic and the way he addresses it, make for a track that feels so incredibly vulnerable. He doesn't have the answers and it's killing him. The other sections of the verse are great too, but this part is just fantastic and I wanted to give it some shine.

I need some straightforward answers, cause I been livin backwards

Can't feel the pastor when he talkin bout upcoming rapture

Preachin' money's the root of all evil, but askin for money after

So comin up we ain't have it to give but we still gave it

The church was makin a killin off of our little savings

But you can't put a price on faith, thats how my momma phrased it

But momma if this the house of the Lord, how could we not appraise it?

I was young and confused with nothin' to lose

Better to be human than God, word to Langston Hughes

Miguel and duo St. Beauty feature on this track, and there's a part where they all harmonize and play off of each other that's just gorgeous. They nail the aesthetic of the Phillips-Taylor production. Miguel offers a bridge to the outro as well, and, well, it's Miguel. His voice is incredible and if you don't know St. Beauty, just know that Miguel doesn't outshine them for a second on this track. The aforementioned outro brings Deante' back, and it serves to bridge Deante's childhood thoughts from his earlier verse to the present. He's "Still talkin' to God", and he acknowledges that while he isn't what he was expected to be, he's still leaning on his faith and knows that it will pull through for him in the end. Maybe it already has.

Gimme Yo Money

So, I'll be upfront about this one. I don't like this song. I appreciate what it's meant to do. The last two songs were serious and, spoilers, so is most of the rest of this project. I'm sure if I was at his show in Atlanta and this song came on I'd have a fucking great time with it. I just don't like it on the album, and to me it's the only miss on the project.

Yung Baby Tate is all over this song, and it feels like it's more of her song than Deante's. It's a fun track, and it made me more interested in checking out her individual work because if I was in the mood for that style of music, I'd be all over this track and I think she's dope. It just doesn't work with the rest of the project. The beat is actually really cool again, and Deante's rapping is on point once again. Unfortunately it just doesn't really work like it could have, or like he probably envisioned it.

Circles

This is the track that's grown on me the most, and I think it might be favorite on the project. But my favorite track changes a lot, and that's a testament to the quality of work. But anyways. At first, the looping vocal that comes in at the beginning and for the hook, the chanting "Round and Round we go" that's way pitched up - I hated it. It's grating, and I felt like the song deserved a better hook than this. I'm still not the biggest fan of it, but I think it adds to the concept of the topic. We'll come back to that.

This song is another relationship one, and while it's another impressively honest insight into Deante's personal life, his pen is what shines. This track has so many flows packed into two verses, and they're all just so goddamn good. Especially on the bridge before the second chorus, it's such a quick section but it'll play on loop in my head. I'm stuck on this part trying to figure out how to describe how much I love this flow in particular. The beat strips back for this section too, and he parallels how he feels with what she's going through. And it's just really good, I'm sorry that I'm not good enough at writing to really word it better than that.

The theme of the song is how their relationship keeps going in "Circles", where a little fight turns into a big one. Eventually they always make up, but they both know it's only a matter of time until they end up right back where they were, fighting over the same old shit. It circles back to "How TF" as well, because she just doesn't feel loved like she needs to. That feeds into her not trusting him, and that's what Deante' feels like he needs out of the relationship to love her like she wants. It's a circle. The abrasive, pitched-up vocal loop sounds like them fighting, and if you listen closely, it can be heard in the background of the bridge and other sections, albeit much quieter. Those problems are there in the background even when things are good. So even when Deante' is flowing effortlessly over this smooth-ass beat, and it sounds so good, that vocal loop is looming. That's the contrast in the relationship, even when things are going great and it seems perfect, those impending fights still loom, and they both know those problems are still there.

Shadowman's Interlude

This interlude is broken up into two parts, the first being a short, reflective verse from Deante' that toes the line being purposeful and aimless. He's offering you an insight into his brain and everything he's been going through in the process leading up to releasing this album. He's cutting off friends, turning away hoes, battling the bottle and dealing with social injustice. There's so much going on that's bigger than he is, and as an artist it's easy to feel like you have to talk about those things. But he has too much of his own shit to deal with to not give his own life and problems his full attention. But throughout, he's still being funny and dropping references that seem like they're trying to lighten the tone. It's such an interesting juxtaposition, because he wouldn't be talking about these things if they weren't important to him - but that doesn't mean it has to be 100% serious, 100% of the time. So in the same verse, he can say "Bad bitch gon' let me hit, no Ken Griffey" and "ironic when the bottle's empty is when I pour out my pain".

The second half is a story told by one of Deante's friends. It's a short story about him and his friends seeing a truck on the side of the road. There's a box on the end, and it falls off and then mysteriously slides under the car. They pull over and break it open, and find human toes inside. As the story comes to a climax, you can hear Deante' and his friends react to the story in the background -

"Like walking toes? What the fuck?"

"My Aunt Dukes is like, 'let's call the police'

I was like, 'Fuck that shit, let's call a toe truck"

Of course it was just a set-up for a punchline. It's a Deante' track.

Growing Up/Mother God

This track is basically a song and a half, because "Growing Up" is a completely developed track, with two verses, a hook, and an outro. You can probably guess what "Growing Up" is supposed to be about. The first verse is a little more broad, reflecting more on what it's like to grow up as a young black kid in America, and what it's like to see everything going on in the news everyday. He transitions into a more personal verse afterwards, and it becomes less about growing up in society and more about growing up as a person. He goes on a personal, but somewhat odd tangent about having a direct conversation with God. Ultimately, it's him re-affirming what he already knows - be yourself unapologetically, because you can't be anything else.

Brandon Phillips-Taylor is behind the boards on this one as well (shocking, I know), and it's just another really cool beat that continues to play into his strengths as a producer. He layers in additional vocals for the hook and he peels away parts of the beat within the first two verses. The fact that he's been doing that for so much of the record makes it where you don't even notice that stuff as much anymore, so you don't realize that the second half of the song has already started. Any other record, it would be way more drastic for the beat to cut away in the middle of the third run of the hook only to be replaced with a piano and Alexe Belle (half of St. Beauty) singing added layers onto the hook. But you almost don't comprehend it's not just him toying with the beat only to bring it back like he does elsewhere, and it's a beautiful transition. There's some spoken-word from Deante's girlfriend, and it takes us right into "Mother God".

Somebody ask me why I think God is a woman

And I said, "Your momma cookin must not be as good as mine

Your lil sister must not warm you spirit when you see her crack a smile

Deante' offers up an ode to all the women in his life, namely his mother, sister, and girlfriend (although he name drops a ton of other people that had an impact on him). It's a really sweet, heartfelt verse, and it's one of my favorites on the whole record. I could never summarize this verse down in my own words, because it's so personal to him and every line is so important to him, and to somebody in his life. It feels like it would be disrespectful to be like, "Yeah, this one that he said is more important than the others". But anyways, 10/10 verse.

Angels

Deante' likes splitting his songs into two parts. Why would he stop now. The first half of the track feels like what you might expect for an outro to a rap album. He's confident, he's rapping his ass off, he's unapologetic as fuck. Naturally, he's sprinkling in real lines and wisdom throughout, almost as if he can't help himself. Once again, Phillips-Taylor really shines. He builds the beat up along with Deante's verse, and the background "ayy-ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy-ayy, ayy-ayy-ayy!" of the hook bring things to a climax as well. While obviously not the same style of song AT ALL, the way the beat builds throughout the first verse while Deante's rapping gets faster and more erratic is reminiscent of Saba's brilliant "PROM/KING". That's been one of my biggest takeaways from sitting down to write this; Brandon Phillips-Taylor does a really great job throughout this album and is an unsung hero among fans of the album, because I don't see him get nearly enough praise when this project is discussed.

On the deluxe tracklist, the album actually ends after the main part of Angels, but on the original version, "My Bitch" is added onto the end of Angels as a part of the same song. Deante' comes in acting like he's gonna be on some weird-flex bragging shit to end his debut album, before turning it on its head.

My bitch!

Head so good, gotta wipe my ass when she finished

My wrist!

So bright light, probably make a n*gga mad when they hit it

I was just cappin, now that I got your attention, listen

He instead chooses to just fucking spit, and it serves as his "I'm coming for the throne" moment. I can rap with anybody, and as a matter of fact, I'll outrap anybody. While the "Angels" part of the track might feel like more of a traditional album closer, ending it with "My Bitch" shows that Deante' isn't going to settle for doing what everybody traditionally does. It's a statement of intent, and it's an exclamation mark on one of the most impressive debut albums I've heard in a very long time.

FAVORITE LYRICS

I Remember

  • "I remember ridin dirty when my motherfuckin gas gauge was broke, ain't even know that bitch was ridin' on E"
  • "I remember shows in Texas, back when the venue name was long as my setlist; Shit was killin me, I just couldn't express it; Grateful for what they gave me, but in my heart of hearts just couldn't accept it"
  • "Remember back when my bank account was so empty, I was too scared to check it;Now I'm checkin every check on my checklist"
  • "Walter Payton, Barry Sands, how I ran through my advance"
  • "A message to those who these songs end up reachin; The second you find out your worth, it increases"

I Got Money Now

  • "I was havin withdrawals, now I'm at the bank, makin deposits; Shout out to 50, boy, Get Rich or Die Tryin, ain't no other option" - Deante'
  • "I've been fuckin' the shit out my bucket list; Drop my nuts on the lips of a lusty bitch" - JID

Attitude

  • "Okay, you bein out doing you, I been outdoin you"
  • "12 got the call, they pullin' up, what?; Who? When? Where? Better duck-duck; They askin questions, they just *pop* *pop*; Don't fuck with pigs like wa'alaykumu s-salam"

How TF

  • "How the fuck am I supposed to tell you that I love you and know I really fuckin mean when I say it? ; You know I'm dealin] with a million fuckin things in my head"
  • "Look, I understan- wait no fuck this shit, no I don't; Wait forever while you get you together? No I won't."
  • "She wanna ask me, she was like, 'what are we?'; I had to look at her and be like, I was like; 'We are homo sapiens, we human beings, we you and I; Deadass, that's it, that's we; I mean I fuck with shawty but it's like, I don't know, that love shit weird"

Flashbacks

  • "I was young and wide-eyed, unaware of incoming karma; They say the first child should pay for the sins of the father; So I bought em' out tomorrow, like fuck it"
  • "I seen a rose grow from out of that concrete, yeah right there up my block; Right on the corner where DeVonte got shot"

Gimme Yo Money

  • "Her pussy bomb, they won't even let her through TSA"
  • "Real saditty, pretty wih the paw print tats on her titty; Trickin n*ggas out they dough, if you got it she finna get it"

Circles

  • "Then she bring up my old chick; My old ways, my old grips; My old hoes, my old bitch; Like damn, why you always stressin old shit?"
  • "So we fight, we fuss; We fuck, we stuck; She need love, I want trust; But pretty soon we'll be back on the same ol shit"

Shadowman's Interlude

  • "I ain't have to have no Fairy God parents to get rid of them Vicky's, Poof"
  • "I'm Martin Luther King and Trayvon; Needed a third life, I live twice like James Bond; Just in case I get Marshawn Lynch'd 'cause I ain't forget where I came from"
  • "Spent my past life becoming one with the Henny, liquor, all of my things; It help me take the mask off, when I'm sober I'm Bane; Ironic when the bottle empty is when I pour out my pain"

Growing Up/ Mother God

  • "Tired of makin the same New Years Resolutions on the fuckin yearly"
  • "But even in the Belly of the Beast, was still God's Son, I mean that Sincerely; Hope I never let Nas down, but Nas ain't the n*gga that'll need to hear me; Why? He already got a million, but my n*ggas still stuck at the bottom; Feelin like there ain't noone who really got 'em"
  • "We don't judge a fish on if it fly or not and tell birds to swim; Be what you is, even when it hurt you"
  • "Couldn't cut her loose if I had scissors, that's Love Galore"
  • Again, the whole last verse is incredible

Angels

  • "Know I ain't perfect, but my little sister think I'm the shit"
  • "Don't let no hard time ever make you softspoken"
  • "Ay, I got "Me Versus Me" tatted as a reminder that this life ain't forever; So everyday I'm breathin, I'm gon be better"
  • "My life do a 360 five times on the fuckin' yearly"
  • "Been a prisoner in my mind, in a cell of my own creation; I wanna escape it, but then again I don't because this; Made me everything I am, just pray I never forget"
  • "Man, I'm from Atlanta hoe; Hot Lemon Pepper my ten-piece and Pink Lemonade with the Simply"
  • "Prayin for me to fall off, you gon always be down on your knees, hoe; My shit been groovy since I was in Juvy, 400 Degreez, hoe"

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • Were you familiar with Deante' before this project? Where did you discover him, whether it be from ROTD3, his solo work, his freestyles, etc?
  • What were your favorite songs? Did you prefer the more serious songs, or the more light-hearted ones?
  • How important is the in-person experience at a concert to your enjoyment to somebody's music? Is it important enough to be worth it for someone like Deante' to change their style just to suit that better?
  • Do you think Deante' is someone who could realistically "blow up" and actually be a big name, or is he more likely to end up with a passionate fanbase that gives him a career/audience without gaudy numbers (a la Denzel Curry, Vince Staples, Isaiah Rashad)?
  • Where would you like to see Deante' go next with his music? Who would you like to see him work with?
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Album of The Year #20: Don Toliver - Heaven Or Hell

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 09:02 PM PST

Artist: DON TOLIVER Album: HEAVEN OR HELL

Listen:

Youtube

Spotify

Apple Music

Soundcloud

It's highly recommended you listen to the album while reading this review.

Background by /u/baskin5000

Caleb Zackery "Don" Toliver has been one of the most unique sounding Hip Hop and RnB artists of the late 2010's and now 2020's. Relatively unknown outside of Houston prior to 2018, the rapper, singer, and songwriter is now instantly recognized by his smooth, Akon-esque voice. /u/dotdotdotdadadotdot iconically described his tonality as sounding like, "...a sentient robot covered in Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter" (/u/Kitchen_ur_lies, JACKBOYS 2019). The Autotune Android is known to the general public as the man behind the hits, No Idea, After Party, and now the absolutely massive, Lemonade, by Internet Money but his rise to the mainstream was set in place much earlier.

How did this once near-nonexistent artist now become so recognizable? The earliest evidence of his music career was in 2015, when he collabed with fellow Houston native YungJosh93 on some soundcloud songs. In 2017, the duo released the collaborative project, Playa Familia. This project along with two separate singles from Don, Diva, and I Gotta, enough buzz was generated to get the kid signed. YungJosh has not fared as well in hindsight. In March of 2018, Don Toliver signed to Atlantic Records and We Run It ent. Diva would end up being one of the lead singles for his debut mixtape, and how I and so many others came to discover him in one of the most well-timed business moves in recent history.

In July of 2018, Holdin Steel was released featuring Dice Soho, and that song along with Diva became the singles for his first official project, Donny Womack. D.W. officially dropped on August 2nd of 2018, note the date. Creeping in the shadows, the cactus stroking madman Travis Scott was scattering the dominos for the success pizza that would be Young Donny.

Flashback to 2016, deet deet hours. Travis Scott from Houston TX released his second album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight. Prior to the Birds' release, he had already announced what would be the title of his next next album, being ASTROWORLD. After the exhausting delay and anticipation of Birds, ASTROWORLD brought the trauma back, and was anticipated to be one of those albums that may never get released. Come 2018, ASTROWORLD was officially announced, along with MANY MERCH DROPS. When was Astroworld slated for release? AUGUST 3RD, 2018. THE DAY AFTER DONNY WOMACK DROPPED. Who's one of the features on ASTROWORLD?? DON TOLIVER. WHO GETS SIGNED TO CACTUS JACK DAYS LATER??? DON FUCKING TOLIVER.

So hear me out. CAN'T SAY is an elite tier Trav song. Many others feel the same. Don's verse brought that thing to a whole other level. If you're a Travis Scott fan listening to Astroworld for the first time, you're thinking: "wow who's this guy who may or may not be Akon idk I wasn't old enough to hear Akon bangers on the radio" so you go to check out Don's music on whatever hypothetical streaming service and BAM HE JUST RELEASED AN ALBUM??? I HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT.

Cactus Jack is not a businessman, but a business, man.

A year and a half later, Don is featured on the JACKBOYS official tape, JACKBOYS, and aside from Travis Scott himself, Don Toliver is the most featured Artist. In 2020, he's featured on a myriad of other projects, with artists from Rico Nasty all the way to Eminem, and a personal favorite by Masego and Heaven Or Hell is released as his debut album on March 13, 2020.

Review by /u/baskin5000

In the age of psychedelic trap, with artists crooning rather than rapping over the dizzying, trippy production, Don Toliver's Heaven Or Hell captures the sound perfectly. While Donny Womack showcased the vocal and melodic talent of Don Toliver, Heaven or Hell refined his style with masterclass production and mixing at his disposal.

Take No Idea, one of the lead singles leading into this album. Wondagurl and Cubeatz are some of the biggest producers in the game currently, renowned for their unique loops and drum patterns. They produced "Can't Say" as explained in the background, and Don Toliver's voice dovetails perfectly into each and every track they collaborate on. On No Idea, the hihats sound like cicadas as they rattle. Dreamy layers chug along in the background, with extremely lofi sampled percussion helping give the track a sense of movement without being too overwhelming.

"I'm feeling like I did too much" captures the tone of this track - also the theme of the album - perfectly. Don's voice reaches such a dizzying high register in the post chorus that creates a heady feeling, almost like you're greening out or about to reach the peak of a trip. The album as a whole keeps this feeling in mind, with a fair share of sections giving this same experience.

The theme of Heaven Or Hell is simple, described in the opening track: The choices you make determine where you'll end up. Whether that be Heaven or Hell, mediocrity or notoriety. We can assume Don has chosen the latter in both. The album talks about vices and sins. Drugs, sex and violence. The first verse of Heaven Or Hell is in switching perspectives of a pastor and Don Toliver. The pastor wonders what choices Don will make. "I know it get hot as hell", should be enough to know what he's decided. It can be interpreted multiple ways; The heat of a hotbox in his push-to-start car, the heat of passion in sex, or the heat of someone approaching hell. The mantra "I wanna smoke some", is repeated throughout the song almost like Don Toliver is in a trance. He's accepted the dark, spacey, avant-garde lifestyle.

Euphoria follows up and is a change in pace in the Don Toliver ethos. It's a slow trap ballad, featuring Cactus Jack leader Travis Scott and Kaash Page, another artist hailing from Texas. Don's presence is understated in the track, as Kaash takes the mainstage, drizzling her vocals throughout the track.

"I'm drowning in Euphoria" is the motto as Kaash and Trav croon the phrase throughout the song. An alien synth counters in the background, adding to the overall spacey atmosphere. We see a much more laid back performance from Don Toliver, as well as Travis Scott. Even though both are known for their driving psychedelic styles, this track offers the same theme in a different experience, and it's done well.

Company has a similar laidback feeling with its limited percussion. Don only melodically raps one verse, the focus of which is wanting a girls company. Synth keys are all over the place in this track, as well as background vocals from Don. The swelling of the synth after his verse leads into a percussive drop, that rides as Don repeats "I miss having your company". And as the track nears its end, what do we hear? Mike Dean, offering his classic guitar for a quick lick and a send off.

While Company and Euphoria might not be the most high energy tracks in Don Toliver's catalogue, they might be the most cinematic. The mood in each track builds in waves; Don takes a backseat using his vocals more as a complement instead of a lead. In the context of Heaven Or Hell, these might be the most heavenly. They flesh out the album and really help make HoH stand out as a complete body of work, unlike other "albums" to come out this year that are glorified compilations of the same sort of song.

Heaven or Hell does have its fair share of bangers, however. In the same realm of No Idea which was discussed earlier, Cardigan and Can't Feel My Legs are some of the catchiest tunes on the project. Cardigan was originally introduced to the world as a snippet on the Travis Scott documentary, Look Mom I Can Fly. Half the song was also included in Don Toliver's setlist during the Astroworld festival. Don's signature sound meshes incredibly well with the beat, which switches to a soft piano outro, offering a dynamic atmosphere. The song feels exceptionally complete even though there isn't a single verse in the song. "Cardigan" only consists of a chorus and a postchorus/bridge. Sometimes simplicity is key.

Can't Feel My Legs was initially released in an EP containing No Idea, and a Screw inspired remix of No Idea by DJ Purpberry. The loop playing in Can't Feel is similar to the theme you'd hear on a carousel, with its swirling melody and choice of instruments. You can hear a clear 80's inspiration in the choice of a plucky synth bass as well as the synth chord progressions.

After Party, and Had Enough are two tracks with an interesting atmosphere. Clearly trap influenced and brimming with energy ("OKAY I PULL UP"), the instrumentation in the sample-esque loops are almost like something you'd hear in a renaissance festival. Both of these tracks have also helped in promoting Don Toliver as well. The former track has become a tiktok hit, which has helped propel Don to a wider audience. The latter was first featured on the Jackboy's compilation album, an album that featured Don Toliver more than any other signed member.

There are moments on this album that truly stand out. Mike Dean's guitar presence at the end of Company, as well throughout Candy. Don Toliver's falsetto during the post-chorus in No Idea. The spaced out and delayed vocals from Don during the piano outro in Cardigan. These are all small sections in their respective songs, but those are also the details that can really stick in a listener's mind, and really flesh out the project as a whole.

Heaven or Hell has stood out as a work of art in 2020 with its high class production and vocals. Don Toliver is separated from his contemporaries with his unique voice, and influence from Travis Scott. Using the privileges through the Cactus Jack collective, he's able to have a top tier team mixing and mastering his songs to perfection. Each song is just as trippy as the last, yet every track is memorable due to catchy melodies from Don, and the unique choice of instruments and arrangements in the instrumentals. This is only two years after Donny Womack, and even though it looks like Don has found his sound and style, there's plenty of room for growth.

Favorite Lyrics by /u/baskin5000

"You're sorry that you missed these words, yeah we take that

But you wanna waste my time like you made that."

Don Toliver - Wasted

"I missed having your company."

Don Toliver - Company

"You were so in love you were in love you weren't gonna tell me nothin'; Let me get this clear, cause I had no idea."

"I'm feeling like I did too much."

Don Toliver - No Idea

Discussion Questions by /u/baskin5000

  • What were some of your favorite moments on the album? Favorite song?

  • Where do you think Don Toliver will go from here, musically?

  • Is Heaven or Hell your favorite project from Donny? If not, which is?

submitted by /u/Baskin5000
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FINAL FIRST WEEK SALES NUMBERS FOR 2020: Playboi Carti's "Whole Lotta Red" sells 100K First Week (10K Pure). Lil Durk's "The Voice" sells 23K First Week (N/A Pure).

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 04:40 PM PST

Rank Artist Album Label Pure Sales Sales + Streaming
1 Juice WRLD Legends Never Die Grade A/Interscope 210,343 497,000
2 The Weeknd After Hours XO/Republic 275,000 444,000
3 Lil Uzi Vert Eternal Atake Generation Now/Atlantic 9,666 288,000
4 Eminem Music To Be Murdered By Shady/Aftermath/Interscope 117,000 279,000
5 Pop Smoke Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon Victor Victor/Republic 59,000 251,000
6 BTS BE BigHit/Columbia 177,000 242,000
7 Drake Dark Lane Demo Tapes OVO/Republic 19,000 223,000
8 Logic No Pressure Def Jam 172,000 221,000
9 Lil Baby My Turn Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 10,000 197,000
10 Bad Bunny YHLQMDLG Rimas 35,000 179,000
11 21 Savage & Metro Boomin SAVAGE MODE II Boominati/Republic/Slaughter Gang/Epic 22,000 171,000
12 Mac Miller Circles Warner 61,000 164,000
13 Future High Off Life Freebandz/Epic 15,822 153,000
14 Jhene Aiko Chilombo Def Jam 38,000 152,000
15 Kid Cudi Man On The Moon III: The Chosen Republic 16,478 148,011
16 Lil Wayne Funeral Young Money/Republic 38,000 139,000
17 NAV Good Intentions XO/Republic 73,000 135,000
18 Lil Uzi Vert LUV vs. The World 2 Generation Now/Atlantic 5,000 130,000
19 Machine Gun Kelly Tickets To My Downfall Bad Boy/Interscope 63,000 126,000
20 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Top Never Broke Again/Atlantic 19,000 126,000
21 DaBaby BLAME IT ON BABY Interscope 12,000 124,000
22 Bad Bunny EL ULTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO Rimas 12,000 116,000
23 Gunna WUNNA Young Stoner Life 4,093 111,000
24 A Boogie wit da Hoodie Artist 2.0 Atlantic 3,052 111,000
25 BLACKPINK THE ALBUM Interscope 81,000 110,000
26 Future & Lil Uzi Vert Pluto x Baby Pluto Freebandz/Epic/Generation Now/Atlantic 4,254 105,597
27 Big Sean Detroit 2 G.O.O.D./Def Jam 30,000 103,000
28 Megan Thee Stallion Good News Atlantic 16,000 100,500
29 Playboi Carti Whole Lotta Red AWGE/Interscope 10,000 100,000
30 Polo G THE GOAT Columbia 14,539 99,000
31 Joji Nectar 88Rising/12Tone 41,913 92,000
32 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Still Flexin, Still Steppin Never Broke Again/Atlantic 3,551 91,000
33 Kehlani It Was Good Until It Wasn't TSNMI/Atlantic 25,000 83,000
34 Rod Wave Pray 4 Love Alamo/Geffen/Interscope 2,332 72,000
35 YoungBoy Never Broke Again 38 Baby 2 Never Broke Again/Atlantic 3,994 67,000
36 Moneybagg Yo Time Served N-Less/Interscope 7,000 66,000
37 Young Dolph Rich Slave Paper Route/Empire 33,000 65,000
38 YG My Life 4Hunnid Def Jam 47,000 64,000
39 Tory Lanez The New Toronto 3 Mad Love/Interscope 5,524 64,000
40 Russ SHAKE THE SNOW GLOBE Columbia 39,815 63,000
41 Alicia Keys ALICIA RCA 51,000 62,000
42 Trippie Redd Pegasus TenThousand/Caroline 4,655 61,349
43 G Herbo PTSD Machine/Epic 4,000 59,000
44 Bryson Tiller A N N I V E R S A R Y RCA 4,240 57,000
45 Lil Durk Just Cause Y'all Waited 2 Alamo/Geffen/Interscope 3,107 55,957
46 6ix9ine TattleTales 6ix9ine/Create Music Group 32,000 53,000
47 PARTYNEXTDOOR PARTYMOBILE OVO/Warner 3,061 52,237
48 Jack Harlow That's What They All Say Generation Now/Atlantic 2,419 51,570
49 Nas King's Disease Mass Appeal 19,021 47,788
50 Ty Dolla $ign Featuring Ty Dolla $ign Atlantic 4,430 44,943
51 Don Toliver Heaven Or Hell Cactus Jack/Atlantic 1,990 44,356
52 Nav Emergency Tsunami XO/Republic 7,614 44,147
53 Megan Thee Stallion Suga Atlantic 4,279 41,000
54 The Kid Laroi F*CK LOVE Columbia 6,796 40,000
55 Bad Bunny LAS QUE NO IBAN A SALIR Rimas 7,931 39,828
56 Anuel AA Emmanuel Real Hasta La Muerte 3,560 39,233
57 Joyner Lucas ADHD Twenty Nine Music 10,144 38,400
58 Busta Rhymes Busta Rhymes Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God Conglomerate/Empire 16,960
59 Agust D D-2 BigHit 15,115 37,753
60 Moneybagg Yo & Blac Youngsta Code Red N-Less/Interscope 1,532 37,408
61 Tory Lanez DAYSTAR One Umbrella/Create 2,102 37,010
62 Lil Tecca Virgo World Galactic/Republic 3,633 35,379
63 Yo Gotti Untrapped Epic/CMG 7,000 35,000
64 Run The Jewels RTJ4 BMG 31,065 34,609
65 Lil Yachty Lil Boat 3 Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 3,722 34,164
66 Pop Smoke Meet The Woo 2 Victor Victor/Republic 3,280 34,077
67 Queen Naija missunderstood Capitol 9,629 32,869
68 Dreamville Revenge Of The Dreamers III: Director's Cut Dreamville/Roc Nation/Interscope 1,647 32,828
69 NLE Choppa Top Shotta Warner 2,433 32,769
70 Internet Money B4 The Storm Internet Money/TenThousand 766 32,168
71 Jay Electronica A Written Testimony Roc Nation 10,842 31,703
72 Freddie Gibbs Alfredo ESGN/ALC/Empire 20,524 31,290
73 Teyana Taylor The Album G.O.O.D./Def Jam 4,250 31,088
74 Summer Walker Life On Earth - EP LVRN/Interscope 3,526 30,327
75 YoungBoy Never Broke Again Until I Return Never Broke Again/Atlantic 580 29,637
76 6LACK 6pc Hot EP LVRN/Interscope 8,082 28,951
77 Jeezy The Recession 2 Def Jam 4,651 28,367
78 Key Glock Yellow Tape Paper Route/Empire 782 28,290
79 2 Chainz So Help Me God! Def Jam 2,244 27,305
80 Jessie Reyez BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US N/A 14,979 26,430
81 John Legend Bigger Love Columbia 12,552 26,199
82 Toosii Poetic Pain South Coast 3,072 26,151
83 Amine Limbo Republic 7,350 25,711
84 Brandy B7 EOne 15,607 25,636
85 Childish Gambino 3.15.20 Wolf+Rothstein/RCA 5,584 25,273
86 J Balvin Colores UMLE 3,800 25,059
87 King Von Welcome to O'Block Only The Family/Empire 709 24,568
88 Trey Songz Back Home Atlantic 4,438 23,537
89 T.I. The L.I.B.R.A. Grand Hustle/Empire 3,745 23,339
90 blackbear everything means nothing Alamo/Interscope 5,916 23,160
91 Lil Durk The Voice Only the Family/Alamo/Geffen N/A 23,000
92 Various Artists Birds of Prey: The Album Atlantic 9,454 22,352
93 Brent Faiyaz Fuck The World Lost Kids 711 22,088
94 Stunna 4 Vegas Rich Youngin Interscope 559 21,967
95 Shoreline Mafia Mafia Bidness Atlantic 1,142 21,324
96 SAINt JHN While The World Is Burning HitCo 2,670 20,809
97 Quando Rondo QPac Warner 352 20,348
98 Ozuna ENOC Aura 1,696 20,208
99 DaBaby My Brother's Keeper (Long Live G) SCMG/Interscope 1,003 19,938
100 Jadakiss Ignatius Ruff Ryders/Def Jam 6,329 19,927
101 $uicideBoy$ STOP STARING AT THE SHADOWS G59 1,302 19,092
102 DVSN A Muse In Her Feelings OVO/Warner 2,349 19,081
103 Benny The Butcher Burden of Proof Griselda/Empire 4,226 18,724
104 YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Rich The Kid Nobody Safe Rich Forever/Empire 520 18,846
105 Tee Grizzley The Smartest Tee Grizzley 1,800 18,845
106 Gucci Mane Gucci Mane Presents: So Icy Summer Guwop/Atlantic 1,055 18,773
107 Rich The Kid BOSS MAN Rich The Kid/Atlantic 420 18,512
108 City Girls City On Lock Quality Control/Motown/Capitol 1,994 18,461
109 Meek Mill QUARANTINE PACK MMG/Atlantic 1,689 18,147
110 Lil Tjay State of Emergency Columbia 1,611 17,101
111 French Montana CB5 Empire 9,194 16,985
112 Dave East Karma 3 Mass Appeal/Def Jam 2,613 16,798
113 Kiana Ledé KIKI Republic 5,070 16,533
114 Key Glock Son Of A Gun Paper Route/Empire 713 16,128
115 Dominic Fike What Could Possibly Go Wrong Columbia 4,349 16,102
116 Kodak Black Bill Israel Atlantic 375 15,929
117 JayDaYoungan Baby23 Atlantic 197 15,899
118 NoCap Steel Human 2020 135 15,795
119 Lil Keed Trapped On Cleveland 3 Young Stoner Life 190 15,978
120 Gorillaz Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez Parlophone 8,976 15,602
121 Maluma PAPI JUANCHO Sony Music Latin 1,005 15,376
122 Sleepy Hallow Sleepy Hallow Presents: Sleepy For President Winner's Circle/Empire 225 15,266
123 Mozzy Beyond Bulletproof Mozzy/Empire 2,594 15,212
124 Jack Harlow Sweet Action Generation Now/Atlantic 704 15,140
125 K. Michelle All Monsters Are Human EONE 9,438 14,734
126 K CAMP Kiss 5 Family Ties/Interscope 693 14,631
127 JoJo good to know Warner 9,609 14,606
128 Jaden CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3 MSFTS/Roc Nation 2,693 14,563
129 Disclosure Energy Island 5,820 14,455
130 August Alsina The Product III: stateofEMERGEncy Shake The World/Empire 5,369 14,416
131 Mulatto Queen of Da Souf Streamcut/RCA 616 14,311
132 Burna Boy Twice As Tall Bad Habit/On A Spaceship/Atlantic 1,699 13,632
133 Alina Baraz It Was Divine Mom+Pop 2,294 13,557
134 Joyner Lucas Evolution Twenty Nine Music 2,762 12,641

Top 10 First Weeks of 2020 Across All Genres

Rank Artist Album Label Pure Sales Sales + Streaming
1 Taylor Swift folklore Republic 615,000 846,000
2 Juice WRLD Legends Never Die Grade A/Interscope 210,343 497,000
3 The Weeknd After Hours XO/Republic 275,000 444,000
4 BTS MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 BigHit/Columbia 347,000 422,000
5 Taylor Swift Evermore Republic 156,668 331,033
6 Lil Uzi Vert Eternal Atake Generation Now/Atlantic 9,666 288,000
7 Eminem Music To Be Murdered By Shady/Aftermath/Interscope 117,000 279,000
8 Lady Gaga Chromatica Interscope 206,515 275,904
9 Pop Smoke Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon Victor Victor/Republic 59,000 251,000
10 Halsey Manic Capitol 180,000 239,000

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 that make the top 50 in sales+streaming for their debut week are counted

Q: Why do some albums show exact sales numbers while others do not?

A: The albums that do not show exact numbers are the ones that have had sales corrections from Billboard

Q: Aren't those numbers kind of low for Childish Gambino and Lil Durk?

A: Childish Gambino's "3.15.20" officially released on a Sunday, a week after it was premiered on his website, this caused him to lose out on two days of sales as well as losing some interest due to the delayed release.

Lil Durk's "The Voice" was released on a Thursday, causing him to lose out on six days of sales.

Q: Why are Lil Durks' pure sales "N/A"

A: Lil Durk's pure sales are marked as "N/A" because I was unable to find the full information.

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

A: 2019 list, 2018 list, 2017 list, 2016 list

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[FRESH] David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi - Memories (2021 Remix)

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 06:57 AM PST

[FRESH] Lice (Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman) - Ask Anyone

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 09:02 AM PST

slowthai, Mura Masa - Doorman

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 05:01 PM PST

[FIRST IMPRESSIONS] Griselda (Benny the Butcher, Westside Gunn, Elcamino, Boldy James, Armani Caesar) - Conflicted Soundtrack

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 02:33 PM PST

here a RYM review:

The grimiest soundtrack album I've heard in a long time
This is a brand new soundtrack album brought to you in part by Buffalo hip hop labels Griselda Records & Black Soprano Family Records. Both of whom have been taking over hip hop with a plethora of high quality albums, EPs & mixtapes since late 2015. Their first feature-length film Conflicted is set to be released next Friday & of course the movie had to be accompanied by songs from or inspired by it.

After the intro, the first song "Mobbin'" finds Benny the Butcher teaming up with Chase Fetti & Heem to talk about just that over a devilish instrumental while the track "Element of Surprise" by Lloyd Banks talks about being mindful of snitches over a supernatural beat. The song "Ain't Hit Nobody" by Westside Gunn, Flee Lord & Eto sees the trio coming together for the brick buyers over a grim, drumless instrumental from Daringer while the track "Pride" by Ransom triumphantly talks about his success over a soulful beat from the man himself.

The song "Welcome Home DMX" by Dave East & Jonesy finds the 2 comparing themselves to Sam Giancana & John Gotti over a weepy trap instrumental from the late DJ Shay & the 808 Mafia while the track "Squaaaaad" by Elcamino, Rick Hyde & Smoke DZA sees the 3 talking about being baptized by the streets over a victorious beat. The song "3:30 in Houston" by Benny the Butcher addresses being shot a few months back over a despondent instrumental while the track "Voices" by Boldy James, Chase Fetti & Heem finds the trio telling their opposition to run over a bloodcurdling beat.

The song "Rank" by YN Billy gets braggadocious over a mediocre trap instrumental & after the "I'm Not the Enemy" skit, the track "Nerve of You" by Armani Caesar talks about someone doing her dirty over a Camouflage Monk beat with some plinky keys. The song "Conflicted" by Flee Lord talks about the hustler lifestyle over a dreary instrumental from GhostDave while the penultimate track "Mission Accomplished" by Armani Caesar, Benny the Butcher & Westside Gunn sees the 3 talking about turning to the boss life. "The Hurt Business" by Westside Gunn, Smoke DZA & Wale then talks about being the flyest in the game over a thunderous instrumental.

I was curious to hear how this would turn out given how cheesy a lot of soundtrack albums turn out nowadays, but I'm actually pretty impressed with what we got here & it has me even more curious to watch the movie when it comes out next weekend. Much like Griselda's collective debut W.W.C.D. (What Would Chinegun Do?) that was released under Shady Records a couple years back, everyone involved manages to stay true to themselves & not whip up a focusgrouped product.

discuss

submitted by /u/HHHRobot
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Bubbles ft Snoop Dogg - All we want to do is smoke and fuck some hoes

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 07:02 PM PST

Benny the Butcher Talks Bills Mafia, NFL Playoffs, Status of Drake Collab and More + Wild Card Weekend Picks on the Complex Sports Podcast

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 02:35 PM PST

Link:

On today's special Thursday podcast, Chopz, Adam, and Zion are joined by Benny the Butcher to talk about his love of the Buffalo Bills, the NFL Playoffs, Griselda's 2021 plans, and much more. Later, the guys made their NFL Wild Card picks and bets. You can check out Benny's exclusive merch collaboration with his beloved Bills here.

on Drake

"Like I said, I sent Drake a song, he sent me a song and told me to put a verse on it for his album," Benny said around the 16-minute mark. "I sent that back, he sent me a verse for me to put on for my album and I got that, so you know how this industry is, some songs never see the light of day but we definitely talked about these songs coming out."

Benny went on to explain that the main reason he hasn't released his song with Drake is that there hasn't been a right time for it.

"Nobody has heard the record yet, but it hasn't been no space for me to release the record," he said. "Remember, my last album was all produced by Hit-Boy, and this record wasn't produced by Hit-Boy so it ain't like I can throw it on there. And my next album, which was done before Burdens of Proof, is Plugs I Met II and it's all produced by Harry Fraud so it's not like a slot on there, so first available slot that people can get that record I'm pushing for that record to drop."

submitted by /u/TheRoyalGodfrey
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New Music Friday: January 8th, 2021

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 08:30 AM PST

Daily Discussion Thread

Albums

Griselda (Benny the Butcher, Westside Gunn, Elcamino, Boldy James, Armani Caesar) - Conflicted Soundtrack (featuring Wale, Smoke DZA, Dave East, Flee Lord, Eto, Ransom, Chase Fetti, Heem + more)

Blu - God Is Good

Wiz Khalifa - #FUCC2020*

Jazmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales (featuring Anderson .Paak, Ari Lennox & H.E.R.)

DaBoii (of SOB x RBE) - Remotivated Deluxe

Myka 9 (of Freestyle Fellowship) - Teleported 2

Pacman da Gunman & Yhung T.O. - Lord Knows

VODECI (Vampire Jodeci) / SpaceGhostPurrp - Dark R&B Whole Lotta Head Mixtape*

Adé Hakim - From Time Before

Oswin Benjamin - Joy Comes in the Mourning (featuring Robert Glasper + more)

BIG KAHUNA OG & MONDAY NIGHT - SHARK REPORT

Branco - BABA BUSINESS 2 (featuring Nafe Smallz + more)

Diego Money - Yung Slime Tape

Sal Crosby- Golden Goat (featuring Adé Hakim, Camoflauge Monk, Qari + more)

$hrames - Get the Loot

Tony B. - Longer Days

Equipto & Big Shawn - OutRange

Smoke DZA, Nym Lo, Jayy Grams, 183rd & Ot the Real - R.F.C (Money Is the Motive), Pt. 1 (featuring Conway the Machine, 24hrs, Cory Gunz + more)

yungmorpheus - States of Precarity [sLUms. adjacent]

Kev Brown & J Scienide – Stray From The Pack

Aaron Frazer (of Durand Jones & The Indications) - Introducing...

EPs

XAVIII – 95' Polymath

Dirty Bird & ICEDOUTOMNITRIX - Mcfly EP

J.I the Prince of N.Y - Spotify Singles

Reaux Marquez - No Renegades

PDE Escobar - Product of the Streets (featuring Yak Gotti + more)

Jay Luse - Clarity In Purpose

Mac Ayres - Magic 8Ball

Jaryd Blake - Connected (featuring Grip) [Chicago rapper, concept EP]

Fly Anakin – Anakin & Friends: Episode 1 (featuring Navy Blue, ANHKLEJOHN, $ilkmoney, Big Kahuna OG & Swarvy)

Singles

Viper - I Pupeteered Tha Takeova Of Capitol Hill To Instat Myself As President & Get Pogchamp Removd*

Slowthai - MAZZA (feat. A$AP Rocky)

Saweetie - Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat)

Madlib & Four Tet - Hopprock

Desiigner - Amen

RMR - Her Honeymoon

Bad Bunny - Booker T*

Matt OX - AMBITION

Conway the Machine & Big Ghost Ltd - Toast*

dvsn - Use Somebody

Jimmy Wopo - Its Jimmy

Key Glock - Off The Porch

A-F-R-O - Big Belly

Boss Wood - Spaceships (feat. Big K.R.I.T.)

Kenny Mason - RIH*

Russ - UGLY (feat. Lil Baby)

Skillz - 2020 Rap Up*

Dave East - No Lucc

Bas & The Hics – Smoke From Fire

Merkules - OLD FOLKS HOME (BENZINO DISS)*

YG - Hit Em Up (feat. D3szn & Day Sulan)

Unknown T - WW2*

Run the Jewels, Pharrell Williams & Zack de la Rocha - JU$T (What So Not Remix)

BIGBABYGUCCI - For Sale

Ciscero - Beautiful Mind (feat. Oddisee)

Drippin So Pretty - Rest In Peace

Charles Hamilton - Not That Far*

THOUXANBANFAUNI- Outside

3 Problems, Kb6ixx, Bizzie Gambino, LaGreg, Luh Bottom, Bte Trapp & Mak - Ferris Wheel Cypher*

AKTHESAVIOR - Fiji Water

Jay Critch - All I Wanted

Wolf Daniels & Lord Apex - EM3 Remix

Zara Larsson - Talk About Love (feat. Young Thug)

Marlon Craft - At The Door

Morray - Big Decisions

HRSMN (KURUPT, CANIBUS, KILLAH PRIEST, RAS KASS) - Apocalips Now*

Dame D.O.L.L.A. - Hulu Doesn't Just Have Live Sports

Dixon Hill - Damage Mode

Wale - Feel The Power (feat. DJ Money)

NAO - Antidote (feat. Adekunle Gold)

Guilty Simpson & Self Serve - Live Forever

King Jefe - Riot (feat. Duke Deuce)

Hi-Rez - Crossroads (feat. KR$NA & Royce Da 5'9")

RG, Mozzy & $tupid Young - Life On The Line (Remix) [feat. Boosie]

Lil Quill - Made A Way

MESSIAH! - GUMBO (feat. MAVI)

Majorlilkween & Bodega Bamz - Venom

26ar & Tazzo B -- 6 Foot 7 Foot

Mistah F.A.B. - On My Era Shit

YN Jay - HAHAHA (feat. Lil Yachty)

Stevie Stone & BLIZZARD MC DAB - Seven

Philmore Greene & Skyzoo - Time

Ballout Rocky - Genie (Remix) [feat. Skilla Baby]

Soulja Boy - Pandemic / CEO

Virgil Abloh - Delicate Limbs (feat. serpentwithfeet)

Young Black Kings - Big Dumb (feat. Lil Bean)

Dear Silas - Hold Me Down (feat. Terrace Evans)

Azealia Banks & Slim Dollars - Six Flags

David Guetta & Kid Cudi - Memories (2021 Remix)

Grip - Chicken N Dumplins

OG Louie the Xiii - No Help (feat. Sada Baby)

Ovrkast. - Love Somebody

R-MEAN & BlocBoy JB - Enemies (feat. S4G4)

Khalygud - Modello

not posted:

Mercston - Podium [UK rap]

Sunny War - Nothing to Lose [Soul with punk/blues influence]

Jake Isaac - Remember (feat. Samm Henshaw & Mumu Fresh) [UK R&B]

Big Tobz, Blittz & The HeavyTrackerz - "The Move" Episode II [UK Rap]

Jose Guapo & HoodRich Pablo Juan - Can't Stand It [ATL Trap]

Sneakbo - I Don't Wanna Die [UK Rap]

Keyon Christ - hurry [produced FML by Kanye, did an AMA]

Features

DJ Brisk & Duane's Primo - Membership (feat. Kurupt)

Al Wonder - Everywhere (feat. Kurupt)

Supreme - Membership (feat. Kurupt)

Stas THEE Boss - Pandemmy Stimmy (feat. Nappy Nina)

FatKidsBrotha - Fat Tony (feat. Reese LaFlare & Curtis Williams)

Librachi - Million in the Room (feat. Icewear Vezzo)

Danny Jai - You & I (feat. Tory Lanez)

Harry Fraud & Ramon Rivas - Phuck a Charm

Mid Stockz - Pain (feat. Tsu Surf & Loki)

Kyle Rapps - Your Turn (feat. Michael Christmas)

Percy Macc - Like This (feat. Larry June)

Malz Monday & WESTSIDE BOOGIE - Tripping

Blanch - Ruthless (feat. Planet Asia)

OBAS - Hug the Streets (Remix) [feat. Rick Ross]

Alexi Paraschos - Love Odyssey (feat. Jadakiss, T3 & M11SON)

Propain - It Ain't Safe Outside (feat. Z-Ro)

Bei Ru - We Have the Starz (feat. Count Bass D)

DJ Hark - Hardest Rapper Alive (feat. Joe Cuba & Kamaiyah)

All Harlem Music & Sen City - Rozay Hittin (feat. Jim Jones)

Rayven Justice & Sada Baby - Doggin'

Davina Michelle - Big Brother (feat. Woodie Smalls)

1DailyHustler - Push Start (feat. Rylo Rodriguez)

GoodFinesse - I Need Doe (feat. YoungBull & 03 Greedo)

* means not on streaming, i added some links for these. prolly not gonna do that in the future but enjoy

project features are listed mostly just if the artist is recognizable

the "Features" tab are songs that haven't been posted that I discovered through the feature.

From /u/KHDTX13 (will be updated):

SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS:

Fresh Singles

Fresh Albums & EPs

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

Homie and I dropped an original album done all in house from production to mastering, just us two. We had no intentions going in but came out with a legit piece of art.

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 03:45 PM PST

[ORIGINAL] C./FORTE - Don't Trip Trailer. My best friend and I were recording our debut LP until it got delayed because of...well, 2020. So we went DIY and recorded an EP ourselves. Today we released an announcement trailer, and couldn't be more excited. Here it is.

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 12:29 PM PST

[FRESH EP] Mac Ayres - Magic 8Ball

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 08:37 AM PST

[FRESH VIDEO] Fred The Godson & Hillz - We Don't Believe You

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 04:01 PM PST

MF DOOM - My Favorite Ladies

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 08:48 PM PST

Cam'ron - Dead Or Alive

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST

[FRESH VIDEO] Retch - Sun Up

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 03:27 PM PST

Anyone remember when Nas gave 50 that work?

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 10:17 PM PST

[FRESH VIDEO]Che` Noir- Divine Knowledge (prod. by Che` Noir)

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 10:54 AM PST

De La Soul - What Yo Life Can Truly Be

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 10:38 PM PST

Daily Discussion Thread 01/08/2021

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 04:11 AM 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
[link] [comments]

RIP Deezer D

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 10:13 PM PST

[FRESH EP] Fly Anakin – Anakin & Friends: Episode 1

Posted: 08 Jan 2021 09:49 AM PST
at