Configa & HaStyle have a new classy release with their A Good Combination EP. Classy? Hip-hop? Yeah.
Configa's music stylings reflect what is known as the best era in hip-hop - the golden age. The late '80s and much of the '90s brought some of the most creative and innovative hip-hop, forever changing the genre by raising its standards (which mainstream "hip-hop" seems to enjoy taking poops on). London beatmaker Configa gets it right with his productions on this EP, continuously layering the snares, bass, turntablism, and samplings that hip-hop heads love.
In "Rap CPR," the UK accent of Dr. Configa wonders, "...What happened to real hip-hop? Real lyrics? ...Enough is enough...Go listen to your Lil Wayne somewhere else...I've got 60,000 followers on Twitter...people say, 'How did you get the numbers?' It's because I f***in worked for it! Record labels don't matter. Radio doesn't matter. WE matter."
New York rapper HaStyle graces these tracks. His passion for lyricism and delivery are obvious. Sitting somewhere between Slick Rick, Rakim, and his own modern style, HaStyle delivers good neo-golden age raps.
In "Paved the Way," HaStyle rhymes a very respectful ode to the female rappers of the '80s and '90s. "This goes out to female MC's who paved the way." It's a surprising homage that respects the value of a hip-hop minority often ignored or dissed. "Rah Digga & Lauryn Hill, say what you will/E-V-E came before Nicki & Iggy, back when Bahamadia wasn't tryin to look pretty."
From beginning to end, Configa & HaStyle's brief EP gives rap fans a fresh treat. Although it's a "name your price" exclusive download on Bandcamp (aka free!), the duo makes it clear that fan donations are very important and will be funding their new LP, which is coming soon! Show your support for high-quality hip-hop; check out A Good Combination and give these talented, passionate guys some love.
Reach out to Configa on Twitter if you dig the project, he's very attentive to his tweets.
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