Hip-hop has entered an experimental phase like never before. Whether it’s Kanye Westap punk-rap “Yeezus,” or LL Cool J’s regrettable collaboration with Brad Paisley that almost got him thrown out of hip-hop forever, artists are making the music they want. No matter the push-back there seems to be more of a “take no prisoners” approach to the soundscape of hip-hop than ever before. Here in Denver this is equally true and this week’s rap rundown is indicative of this very phenomenon. We bring you tracks from , , , , , and .
Molina — “Colorado Hip-hop pt. 2”
Molina is back with the track “Colorado Hip-hop pt. 2,” which is more of a “to be continued” clip than a conclusion. Boasting that “the Earth-ship has landed,” Molina rattles off a list of characters in the scene like producer Boonie Mayfield and Esnine, while giving shout-outs to MCs like DJ Cavem and Bianca Mikahn. The track may seem a bit gratuitous and geographically binding at first, but Molina is a storyteller and this is his oral history of the Denver scene.
H*Wood — “One Love”
H*Wood taps into his inner Bob Marley with his single “One Love.” His flow is light-hearted with lyrics about peace and unity that weave in and out of the bouncy and whimsical production. H*Wood is utilizing that trusty techno rhythm and is going for an Ibiza styled sound. Itap rather convincing.
AD — “Ready”
AD is an artist who hails from the streets of Compton in Los Angeles where he’s known as “The new Ice Cube.” For his video, “Ready,” he chose to touch down in Denver. The Born Originals-filmed clip was shot in the Park Hill neighborhood in collaboration with the Prodigal Son Initiative. The track is about staying ready so you don’t have to get ready. AD slings his lyrics about success and swag with ease on this one.
Fly4Wird — “Fire in the Dark”
Fly4Wird — the collaboration between Babah Fly, DJ Fast4ward and Mike Wird — teamed up with Luke Troutman, Ill Se7en and Diles for the track “Fire in the Dark.” The song came about when the group had a jam session during a trip through Albuquerque, N.M. DJ Fast4ward gives this joint a Cody Chestnut vibe while Babah Fly serves an almost perfect Q-Tip styled flow with original lyrics. “Fire in the Dark” has the touch and feel of each MC (and producer Diles) all over it.
Ray Reed — “Universes”
Ray Reed released a brief commercial for his mixtape “Universes” that dropped on the 4th of July. The clip is backed by the track “On,” as Reed details his life’s struggles and hustles. It’s a quick blast, but the clip includes a harmonized hook and a laconic horn melody. Ray Reed’s jagged flow keeps the listening interesting as he raps about Romney, Obama and Macgyver all in the same breath.
It’s Miike — “Time Keeper”
Newcomer to the scene Itap Miike has caught our attention with “Time Keeper,” produced by Illmind. The track is about aspiring to greatness and the philosophy of how much time you have to do so. Miike details the thrills which measure life; enticing red lipstick, the sacrifice to be a legend and removing the ties that bind you. The rapping on this one is stellar and the production is crisp and unique.
Hustle Man and Catch Lungs — “Ferrari Dreams”
Rounding us out this week is Hustle Man and Catch Lungs on the track “Ferrari Dreams.” Like the luxury vehicle, this one comes fully loaded. Drugs, fast cars and pretty girls make up the premise of this tale, but don’t miss out on the great rhymes either. Catch Lungs makes a fine metaphor about being dug by paleontologists and Hustle is quite brilliant with his staccato flow and distinguishable voice.
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Ru Johnson is an arts and culture music writer living in Denver. You can follow her on
