Weekly DOPE
This Week’s Hip-Hop Recommendations 5/17/20 - 5/23/20
The past few Sundays via Twitter and Instagram (@raptakespod), I have been listing four to five songs I think you should listen to and add to your playlists because sometimes a good song gets overlooked. So much music is released on a weekly basis that you’re not able to sort through all of it, it’s just not possible. Along with that, there are countless records from the past that you may not have heard. I am here to help with my weekly recommendations!
Each song I recommend is in my personal playlist. All of the songs are not necessarily new, they might have come out a couple weeks ago, a month ago, a year ago or many years ago. While they aren’t all new, one thing is for-sure, they are all dope. I would never recommend a song that I myself didn’t listen to or like. With that being said, here are the recommendations for the week of 5/17/20-5/23/20.
“Better Now” Fred the Godson featuring Jim Jones and Marc Scibilia
First I want to say Rest In Peace to Fred the Godson. I send my condolences to his family and friends. I’ll admit, this song was not in my rotation prior to his passing. I was sleeping on this one. This jam is from Fred’s 2019 album God Level, which I recommend you give a full listen. Don’t get caught sleeping like me. This song, much like Fred’s career, is underrated but it was clear that his peers held him and his pen in high regard. Check out this song, it has become one of my favorites. Fred was always a wordsmith and it’s on clear display here.
“Ooh La La” Run the Jewels featuring Greg Nice and DJ Premier
If you’re a fan of old school hip-hop, this is the song for you. The song samples Greg Nice’s verse from the 1992 Gang Starr classic, “DWYCK”. It also features the legendary DJ Premier and his infamous record scratching. This one is just a banger. I’m not the biggest Run the Jewels fan music wise. Politically I love what they stand for and Killer Mike is one the best figures in hip-hop. But musically they’ve always been hit or miss for me. So if I’m recommending a RTJ song, it’s objectively fire!
“Whole World” Earl Sweatshirt featuring Maxo
Talking about hit or miss, no one has been more hit or miss the past few years than Earl Sweatshirt. The artist who showed so much promise as youngster in the collective Odd Future has failed to meet the unfair expectations that hip-hop placed on him. While many fans thought he’d be the next Nas, it’s clear that Earl is following MF Doom’s path of underground dominance while keeping a distance from the spotlight. This song is just dope though, with production from legendary producer The Alchemist, it’s clear Earl is back on his grind.
”The Code” The Game featuring 21 Savage
This is the stand out track from The Game's latest album Born 2 Rap. I’ve decided to highlight this song because I feel that many haven’t even heard it. The Game is one of those artists whose antics outside of music take away from the music. Many aren’t able to separate his antics from the music, so often his music gets overlooked. This song is an example of that. Off the first listen you will be saying why I haven’t I heard this before?
“Rapper Weed” SiR & Boogie
The last song of the batch is for those looking for something more chill and soothing. SiR is one of the best R&B singers out right now and Boogie is one of the best up and coming lyricist in hip-hop. Together they have made a track that you can either blast in your car with the windows down or play at the crib while lighting one. With the weather getting warmer and warmer, this is one of those songs you want to add to your sunny playlists.