John Keenan’s album, “Mind Of A Madman II,” is a powerful and introspective journey through the artist’s mind. The album, which contains 14 tracks, marks Keenan’s sobriety birthday and is a follow-up to his 2008 mixtape, “Mind of a Madman Mixtape,” which was recorded while the artist was in a state mental hospital. The album is a testament to following one’s heart and the journey it can take you on. The flow in the songs is raw and real, with a nice blend of old school hip hop and R&B vibes mixed with modern trap beats. The album also features noticeable guest appearances that add to its overall appeal. Listening to “Mind Of A Madman II” from start to finish is a must, as it takes you on a journey through the artist’s thoughts and experiences. Overall, it’s an impressive and thought-provoking release that fans of hip hop and thoughtful music will surely enjoy.
Griselda teams up with Justin Tyme to serve their totally intoxicating track, Anti Dope. It’s not a coincidence. It is the chill bass line mixed with a captivating downtempo drum beat that makes it irresistible. The instrumental with an Ethio Jazz hint is filled with psychedelic key chords for the first part, while in the second part the listener is met with a beat switch enriched with an airy electric piano line. And the flow? It hits you like synchronised waves with a distinctive 90’s vibe. Unmissable.
Wakeupatsixandrunamile. No, it’s not our NYE resolution. We are talking about the new song by Jackie channels that should definitely be on your 2023 playlist. You are listening to a forward thinking, creatively complicated, glitch-style inspired beat enriched with organic percussion clicks but wait; at the same time, the melodic side of the song incorporates some warmly retro synth pads which create a delicate soundscape. The flow is divided in two parts, characterised by its variety in the verse and the chorus which feel totally different. This is nothing less than a shining original work, truly more than a mile ahead of the generic commercial tracks. Welcome to your next favourite morning routine.
Jackson Whalan teams up with the up-and-coming producer SSQUIRE and together they bring Supreme, an instant banger that keeps the artist at the highest level. Jackson Whalan with his inspiring flow delivers some powerful lyrics touching on confidence and empowerment. The instrumental is driven by a jazzy riff that in practice can serve as a seminar on how to flip a sample in such a creative way. The beat has a J Dilla flavour, enriched with plenty of percussion elements and served with some added white noise. A hypnotic synthesis of old-school sounds with a more contemporary production. Listen below!
Throughout the two and a half minute long song which has arrived on December 5, Fungai claims his seniority. But is this enough to put him in the top 5? Well, let’s see up close. The beat incorporates some very chill old school elements. He definitely delivers his bars effortlessly, with the most hype. The instrumental is driven by a dreamy detuned loop which has a mesmerising fairy tale feeling. Is the audience voting in yet? Like him or not, you have to love him for his passion.
To coincide with the release of their debut LP Breakfast in Phantasia, the esoteric hip hop collective Clouds in a Headlock presents their flagship focus cut “Phantasia”. Mellow jazzed out rhodes and a raw drum break collide to provide the buoyant soundscape of production duo Runway 45 with added sonic sprinkles provided by the Ghost in the Machine. MCs Doctor Outer, Lovecraft, and Èph weave effortlessly through the beat to deliver their rich colorful rhymes and illuminate Clouds in a Headlock’s psychedelic playground. “Phantasia” hits DSPs on 18.11 courtesy of CMR in partnership with Fat Beats.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it? What is the biggest contributor to the opioid crisis?
A. Beat is by K.E. on the track B. Was sickened by the about of deaths and abuse from drugs and other issues not being addressed realistically C. Being nonchalant
For which lyric you are most proud of?
God is strong enough to heal the pain that you do feel.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Favorite rapper right now I would have to say Bizzle. Favorite Lyricist Iva Joe. Favorite producer right now I’d have to say Hitboy or DJ Ntense.
How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?
Very important because “before one can write one can recite”. Music either feeds you positively or negatively. And yes, music definitely can have an impact on politics as it can affect the emotions/feelings of constituents.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
The voice of the black community and or everything it affects.
Tell us a few things about Jester. What is the story behind it?
Jester was a boombap beat that I came across online and liked it instantly for its high energy feel that reminded me of early 2000s hiphop club bangers. I purchased it online and got to writing to it. As usual I wanted to create a song with a message. The beat reminded me of classic bangers by 90s rappers some of whom are no longer alive specifically tupc and biggie and I got to thinking of the various things that lead to their demise. What came to mind was that wrong interactions and friendships and betrayal and wrong women were causes..I wanted to communicate that and that’s how I went about writing the song. The chorus came to me pretty quick without writing it…I remembered a line from an old batman movie I saw..The Joker used to say..”have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight”…I thought it was memorable and used it.
What Makes A Record Timeless?
A timeless record requires a timeless message that remains relevant no matter what generation itsnplayed in. It also requires the right energy which is created by a perfect marriage between the music and the artists vocal on the music..that creates a feel that immediately will engage a listener even if they are not from the era the song was made in.
What first got you into music?
I’ve always liked music from the time I was a little kid. Certain songs as a kid of every genre would evoke strong feelings in me. My dad had a record collection and when they’d have parties we’d dance for the grownups. I remember loving the feeling certain songs made me feel. When I got into listening to hiphop as a at around 7 years old it really struck a chord with me for its expressiveness and ability to put so much material into a single song..so many pictures would form in my mind listening to lyrics of so many rap artists..it was amazing to me. I was a fan till I got to college and in my final year of college I began to try writing lyrics of my own and never stopped.
Favourite album of the past year?
My favorite album of the last year is definitely Nas’s Kings Disease ..I was impressed by his ability to rekindle that Golden Era feel of 90s hiphop classics and still sound fresh. It felt good to listen to and Nas also sounded like he’d grown as an artist his cadences were more varied and the production and overall song writing was great.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip hop is the language of several generations. It has for a long time been global. It is the most powerful genre of music to me. The reason is because so much more can be said in 1 rap verse than any other type of music…therefore more can be communicated to a listener. I don’t think we have seen the maximum potential that hiphop can have in society. In truth it has potty control the world. Rappers have potential to get more power than politicians…the thing is almost none have seen that potential they can create with messages..most rappers today say nothing potent…they cant see rap can be hot and still carry a message
What advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice to my younger self would be to be sensitive to the things I find I’m inclined to..remain true to those and once I identify them be dedicated to them regardless of anyone’s opinions..Carpe diem…have routine and remember to master any craft..practice it consistently.
How do you relate to the music scene of Namibia?
I’m not a keen follower of Namibian music in general but I am aware there is definitely hiphop talent in the country. Hiphop is not the main genre in Namibia and I actually dont follow the local genres of music so wont really be able to say whats really going on in those scenes. I’m aware of talented artists in the rap community here. What I hope to see is hiphop artists from the country and overall Africa in general begin to penetrate the global market and get the respect they deserve. I do believe it is a matter of time before globak hiphop greats begin to appear from other parts of the world besides the US.
HipHop Paranoia 