By Aaron Levy (CIVL DJ) – Email
Print Edition: April 11, 2012
CIVL Radio station manager Aaron Levy is an indie kid at heart, but don’t forget that two of the first three CDs he ever bought in 1998 were Puff Daddy & The Family’s No Way Out and Ma$e’s Harlem World. Here’s some dope hip hop to check out.
Curren$y ft. Wale – “What it Look Like”
New release from a couple members of recent backpacker royalty, Curren$y released a hundred albums last year, and Wale released a star-studded yet still panned record in ’09 and is back with a more laid- back feel. Swearing is ever-present here, but check out Wale’s body of work. Good stuff.
Spank Rock – “What it Look Like”
Original version under the same title as the aforementioned collaboration; this song made me aware of Spank Rock and DFA-raised producer Armani XXX-Change, and I’m thankful for it. Much more bangin’ here, “I’m sick wit’it, I’ll stick wit’it and in the end all these N____ go’n get with it”.
Wale – “The Kramer”
Wale first got recognized for this song, starting with Michael Richards’ racist rant, and delving into a well thought out and passionately presented dissertation on the use of the N-word in hip hop, and how appropriation of the term can be used in various instances, for good or bad.
Justice ft. Mod Def and Spank Rock – “D.A.N.C.E. Benny Blanco Remix”
So fresh, this remix is killer. I defy you to find a more well versed version of this club standard from ‘06 (am I that old?). First off, to have Mos Def and Spank Rock on the same track is unbelievable. Second, their turns on this particular remix are extraordinary.
