You may not have agreed with the verdict on the Trayvon Martin case but let that be the end of our disagreement. Put aside all notions that only dope music comes from a name you recognize-and no, Kanye, your second verse on “New Slaves” is not the GOAT. But we’re not here to debate minor major details like that. Today’s mix of SYLR features a lot of older samples and overall, chiller vibes.
Attention all rappers: This weekly post is a call to arms-lyrical arms. If you do this thing called rap, these four projects are four slaps in the face punches to the throat. And no one just takes a punch to the throat without retaliation. Let’s see yours.
This trio from Los Angeles are everyday guys who really enjoy lounging and happen to rap about it. Yes, they smoke copious amounts of herb but they’re also very nice on the mic. Their flows can be summed up by leaning back in a La-Z-Boy and trading stocks-very relaxed but they do work when it comes to game time (see: “This And That”). And do yourself a favor this summer and put this one on a CD for your car stereo as you ride around town.
Midwest: Caleb James – The Jones
It seems that every other day there is another dope track or project released by a crew member of SaveMoney. This week it was Caleb James’ turn at bat. On Wednesday, he dropped his second mixtape The Jones. While his last year release—Ground Up—had some great tracks, “Do It For
SaveMoney,” “Mr. Green Thumbs,” and “SaveMoney Cypher,” it felt unpolished. James has definitely
stepped up the production this time around, which sounds influenced by influenced by 90’s R&B and Southern music. The end product is a smooth and cohesive project. Lyrically, he is one of my favorite dudes
coming out of Chicago. He dons a cocky persona in his rhymes, visualized on the album cover. “I Can’t
wait to get on and forget all y’all” is the hook on “I’m Gone.”
–Jimi
South: Azizi Gibson – Ghost In The Shell
Brainfeeder has a knack for picking up talent that pushes any conceivable boundaries of music you may have. The project from the DMV emcee by way of Los Angeles blends genres and sounds as he takes you on a wild ride similar to the anime of the same name. He doesn’t fail to incorporate his eccentric personality, ad-libbing in different pitches and assuming multiple personalities. Even if you don’t f*ck with Azizi, he’ll f*ck with you regardless. Think about it.
East: Dillon Cooper – Cozmik
Brooklyn has been making a strong showing of Hip Hop in the last few years. And the trend continues with Mr. Cooper. He boldly samples one of my favorite Mobb Deep tracks and does not disappoint. The quick flows here are employed to fill in the lines created by his imagery. As for the name of the tape, it’s a tribute to Brian “Cozmik” Scott, a close friend of Dillon and professional rollerblader who was shot outside of a coffee shop in Brooklyn. I’m sure Cozmik is rocking out to this project on blast.
Trust me, I listen to every submission. To get your project considered for SYLR, please email the following information to SYLR@thesource.com:
Name
Where you’re representing
Short bio
Link to your project (do not attach any music)
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
