Raz Simone is releasing every track from his upcoming album Cognitive Dissonance Part II in weekly “episodes.” This week is Episode 3: “Street Lights,” a hustler’s love song and lament that works well as a companion piece to 2Pac’s like-minded “Run Tha Streetz.” Cognitive Dissonance Part II will be available for download on January 28, 2015.
Seattle native, Queens-relocated rapper Aaron Cohen continues to put video work in even as he gears up for his first multi-country tour across Europe with Smoke DZA. “Dreams Money Can’t Buy” is Aaron’s latest and it’s from his first official album, You Wouldn’t Know.
Donte Peace with another (ahem) piece of that self-described “grunge trap.” This time with Moor Gang’s Thaddeus David on guest duties and Adot The God behind the boards.
THEESatisfaction have announced a release date for EarthEE, the follow-up to their official 2012 Sub Pop debut awE naturalE. Watch for the new album on February 24, 2015. In the meantime check out the first single from EarthEE, “Recognition,” a dreamy soundscape featuring fellow Black Constellation artists Erik Blood (on co-production) and Shabazz Palaces (in the mix).
The hottest rapper in Seattle — for our money, anyway — is Gifted Gab and it’s been incredible watching the evolution of the supremely talented MC move from tongue-twisting brag rap to a self-assured songwriter who incorporates doses of singing into soulful hip-hop/R&B arrangements. Check out that steez on her new three-song EP, G-Shit.
In which Thraxxhouse teammate BB Sun (almost) asks nicely for all the stuff he’s robbing you of. His crew is 26 members deep and bringing a glorious darkness to their new Southern California environs. Get hip before the “cool kids” do. Watch for BB’s God’s Twin Brother coming this month.
Thaddeus David took a brief foray through NYC recently. Here’s the footage which also doubles as a music video for his track “JMSN” from his Untitled EP with PDX producer Stewart Villain. Ralph Madison behind the lens.
In which Raz Simone unexpectedly re-imagines the Idina Menzel hit of the same name. Not. This gripping sequence of visuals directed by Xavier Ruffin could also be described as Frozen because, well, you get it, right? Raz is still about that life. From his upcoming Cognitive Dissonance: Part 2.
Internationally famous MC Jin and the Town’s very own Hollis Wong-Wear combine powers for “Complicated,” a hip-hop chronicle of ambiguous past transgressions wrapped in visual allegory. Dope look.
A stark, mean beat provided by STINT and Konrad OldMoney is the backdrop for Perry Porter’s well-constructed rant into the void.
A SEATTLE HIP-HOP BLOG 