1. JunioR - "Thank You" feat. Kydd Jones
Austinites released a music video this year for "Thank You" from JunioR's EP. It's a quality video that shows off scenes of Austin. The EP has a southern vibe although it's not totally an Atlanta sound. JunioR isn't trying to get super social and political here - he has an easy relaxed flow with jams that help you chill out, represent Austin and try to live the good life. His flow can be a little choppy so if you're a fan of Atlanta artists he may fit your playlist. The music video for "Thank You" features Kydd Jones (dressed in a funny suit) and has special shoutouts for his haters. His message is thank you...not only to the people who helped him, but also those who didn't - because they both made him successful. JunioR is a dope artist from the Seven Ate Seven entertainment label.
2. Oddisee - "You Grew Up"
His new record The Iceberg is a conscious gem. Musically diverse and deeply thoughtful, Oddisee paints pictures of real life on a canvas of live instrumentation mixed with great production, R&B, and soul vibes. The Sudanese-American rapper has a unique perspective on the chaos going on in America right now and he reflects on that. Oddisee capitalizes on his talent of vivid and descriptive storytelling, especially in "You Grew Up," which jawdroppingly describes his best friend from childhood, a white boy, growing up to be a cop who kills a black man in the same neighborhood they grew up. It's not the only story he tells on the song. This record is full of stories, trials and tribulations but doesn't bring the listener down. In fact, I feel refreshed listening to such an intelligent and talented rap artist. Oddisee is touring Europe until mid-April, and then he'll be nearby:
April 26 – Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s
April 27 – Dallas, TX – Dada Dallas
April 28 – Austin, TX – Empire Control Room
3. Remy Ma - "ShETHER"
The most talked about rap track of the week is Remy's resurrection of Nas' diss track against Jay Z, "Ether." Except this time around it's a femcee battle with Remy Ma taking out Nicki Minaj. The punchlines about Minaj's plastic surgery, ghostwriting allegations, and Minaj's close circle hit pretty hard, but this track is probably only interesting if you like or dislike one of these two rappers. Apparently they've both had praise and criticisms for each other in the past, and two of Minaj's recent guest features seem to take aim at Remy. Grab some popcorn.
What's your favorite? Leave a comment below.
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