DJ Stryke’s Top 5 Music Downloads of the Week
1.) Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz – “On To The Next One”
So far, Jay-Z’s brought his new album, “Blueprint 3,” in with style. Mr. Carter played no games with “D.O.A.” and the apocalyptic posse-cut “Run This Town”. Produced by longtime Jay collaborator Swizz Beatz, “On To The Next One” boasts a repetitive ghostly choir refrain, laid against a jumpy drum machine. Jay drops his trademarked swag-fueled lyrics: “I don’t get dropped/I drop the label.” Very little could suggest that this song isn’t the next one to hit the streets.
2.) The Roots – “How I Got Over”
Philadelphia’s “The Roots” are historic for quite a few things, but historically, they always sound raw as possible. Tradition is upheld on the lead single, featuring an upbeat percussive backing rhythm, not to mention the group’s lead rapper Black Thought singing his entire 1st verse. According to all reports, the single’s corresponding album of the same title was recently robbed of its release date, leaving it to drop sometime of 1st Quarter 2009.
3.) Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem – “Forever”
No–we have no idea how Eminem ended up on it either, but he certainly stands his ground amongst his newer Hip Hop brethren on this cut from the upcoming basketball documentary “More Than A Game”. As a matter of fact, he may have the standout verse amongst all MCs present. You decide.
4.) Kid Cudi f/ Chip the Ripper – “Ryderr”
Ohio’s MVPs of the moment unite on this bass-heavy track from Cudi’s debut album “Man On The Moon”.
5.) Royce Da 5’9” f/Phonte of Little Brother– “Something 2 Ride 2”
Veteran Detroit MC and more recently, member of national collective Slaughterhouse, Royce Da 5’9” partners with North Carolina’s own Phonte (with New York’s DJ Premier on the beat) for this smooth banger from Royce’s upcoming album “Street Hop”. The title says it all.
FLASHBACK CUT:
D’Angelo – “Lady”
Not so long ago, R&B stars sang without machines. “Lady”, by —still in hiding—Virginian soul impresario D’Angelo proves this theory very well. Co-written by Tony!Toni!Toné! frontman Raphael Saadiq, this cut still stands the test of time some years later.
