In The Cut: The-Dream & eXquire Made XXL’s Top Songs Of The Week
This Sunday, the staffers at XXL will be celebrating Mother's Day and honoring the beautiful women who brought us into this world, and we suggest you do the same. To commemorate the day, we compiled a list of gifts our favorite rappers are getting for their moms, in case you last-minute shoppers need some ideas.
On a music note, this past week was an eventful one. On Thursday, we published an exclusive interview with Vic Mensa, the former lead singer of the now-broken-up Kids These Days. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis made Billboard history when their new single "Can't Hold Us" hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, forcing us to take a look back at some other independent success stories. And Chance The Rapper has continued to dominate our office's airwaves, so if you haven't checked out his new mixtape yet, do so.
In our weekly column called In The Cut, the diversely-opinionated XXL staff celebrates another lively week in hip-hop and picks some of their favorite releases from the past week. Some are songs, some are videos, all are incredible in their own way. Until next week—stay trendy, rap fans.
Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire - "Noble Drew Ali"
Mr. MFN eXquire is MFN back, and I couldn't be more excited. I'd been thinking about the dude recently and wondering where he disappeared to, so I was excited to see a new release from the Brooklyn bro. This song is darker—he's apparently sober now, so I guess he's found some clarity—than most of what I've heard from him, and his voice here reminds me of a way-more-normal RZA. This is music you smoke a bowl and think about conspiracy theories to.—Dan Buyanovsky, Associate Editor
Stalley - "White Minks & Gator Sleeves"
This track, like many other Stalley tracks, is intelligent trunk music—a tune that you want to bump loud in your car but at the same times stays rooted with the bearded one's intelligent lyricism. With his poetic flow and easygoing demeanor, Stalley glides over Cardo's smooth beat that expertly blends funk and hip-hop.—Emmanuel C.M., Assistant Editor
The-Dream ft. Jay-Z - "High Art"
The-Dream said it best when he tweeted "High Art Just a Fuckin Real Fun Energetic Summer Song!!!!!!!!!!!" There's no doubting that. For his third single, he grabs Jay-Z for a grown man song that openly addresses making love to women and getting high with the homies. The raunchy song is a "let's get it" anthem, and with Dream's forthcoming album titled IV Play, you shouldn't expect anything less sexy from Terius.—Eric Diep, Assistant News Editor
Snoop Dogg ft. Charlie Wilson & Justin Timberlake - "Signs" (Jinbo the SuperFreak Remix)
Thanks to Soundcloud, there's been an increase of remix records in recent years, allowing incredible artists across the world to garner a wider audience. Of course, there's also been an influx of half-assed, amateur attempts (or re-attempts) at remixes, making it more difficult for listeners to decipher the difference between shit and chocolate. Luckily, Jinbo the SuperFreak, a South Korea-based producer/singer, rises above both the shit and the chocolate. If you're not up on his past projects (Afterwork, KRNB, and Fantasy) I encourage you to download them immediately. This guy's a talent, and his musicality speaks for itself. This remix of "Signs"—done recently to commemorate Snoop's visit to Seoul, Korea—highlights all of Jinbo's sensuality, brashness, and aural precision. He literally takes you to outer space, into a realm that's pink, fluid, and full with beautiful nymphs holding traffic lights.—Jaeki Cho, Online Editor
Doe B ft. T.I. & Juicy J - "Let Me Find Out (Remix)"
Where the hell is the official announcement that Doe B is signed to Grand Hustle?! If that's the case, the enormous, one-eyed 19-year-old is quite possibly the most exciting new addition to T.I.'s stable. Doe's been making major noise in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama this past year and getting T.I. and Juicy J to hop on the remix to his 2012 regional smash “Let Me Find Out” might be just what he needs to break out beyond his city. Learn more about Doe B in our Come Up spotlight from earlier this year.—Neil Martinez-Belkin, Music Editor
BSBD x SAS ft. Cam'ron & Nore - "Valley of Kings"
After cutting their teeth with the likes of Nacho Picasso, Jean Grae and Hell Razah, Seattle production crew Blue Sky Black Death (or BDSD) translate their dark, ambient sounds into a Diplomats-approved heater with SAS's "Valley of Kings." The beat is atmospheric, and creeps along with subtle synths and a perfectly-pitched vocal sample. Even though Cam's verse reuses some of his lyrics from "Cookin' Up," it's great to hear the Harlem rapper reunite with N.O.R.E. and his former Diplomats associates from across the pond.—Sean Ryon, News Editor
French Montana - "Ain't Worried Bout Nothin" Video
I've never had any interest in taking part in block parties, especially in the BX, but this video makes me want to reconsider. It's dope that Frenchie returns back to the mecca of hip-hop for this guerilla-shot video. Oh, and this song is a smash too. It got that stomp-your-couch feel to it. Excuse My French May 21st!—Ralph Bristout, Lifestyle Editor