Music

Russ Resurrects BET’s ‘Rap City’ In His ‘Who Wants What’ Video With Ab-Soul

Even Big Tigger makes an appearance to react to some of the harder-hitting punchlines. …

For a certain generation of hip-hop heads, BET’s Rap City (and later, Rap City: Tha Basement) were staples in their diet of new rap videos. New Jersey rapper Russ, who is promoting a star-studded new EP titled Chomp, resurrects the nostalgic Basement Booth set — complete with a cameo from Big Tigger(!) — for his first video from the EP, “Who Wants What” featuring Ab-Soul.

Russ provides a nostalgic, crate-digging beat reminiscent of the early ’90s New York hip-hop heyday as he and Ab-Soul roam the booth with a classic set-up from Big Tigger. During his verse, Russ throws a subtle salute to Cam’ron, whose money-counting antics during his 2001 freestyle became a fan-favorite and a lasting image in the minds of hip-hop fans who continue to share grainy videos of it on social media to this day.

Ab-Soul does what he came to do as well, spitting a ferocious flurry of punchlines that will leave permanent fingerprints on rewind buttons everywhere (I know how dated that reference is but, in this case, it works). The video is also cleverly mixed so that the track continues to play even as we get to listen in to Tigger’s reactions to some of the juicier lines.

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Russ teased Chomp via Instagram yesterday, sharing a tracklist that includes Benny The Butcher, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier, and Kxng Crooked. No release date was shared but such a tape could go a long way toward revamping — or at least justifying — Russ’ holier-than-thou image.

Watch the “Who Wants What” video above.

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Artist Spotlight

Yazata drops soulful strides with his new single, “Promises”

Yazata captivates audiences from the first note with his latest single, “Promises,” a soul-jazz gem transcending boundaries. His debut release exemplifies artistic versatility and prowess with emotive lyrics and an infectious melody. Self-produced and masterfully mixed, the track showcases the artist’s creative flair and adeptness.

Drawing inspiration from diverse musical influences, including Chet Baker and Björk to Carl Craig, Fela Kuti, and Pharoah Sanders, Yazata seamlessly blends sequenced electronica with experimental percussion and traditional instruments. The result is a fusion that defies categorization, a testament to Yazata’s fearless exploration of sound.

Led by Rob Gibbon, an emerging artist, and innovative producer, Yazata is carving a new path in the music industry. From Edinburgh to Belgium, Yazata’s journey is marked by creativity and originality.

“Promises” is a valuable addition to enthusiasts’ playlists, affirming its status as a must-listen track for music enthusiasts everywhere. With its soulful allure and captivating charm, Yazata’s “Promises” is sure to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of listeners.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Yazata’s “Promises“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Yazata | Instagram |

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Artist Spotlight

The Skinny Limbs Unveil Galactic Soundscape with ‘Mozart for Martians’ EP Premiere

The Skinny Limbs have unveiled their latest EP, “Mozart for Martians,” which consists of five stellar tracks that revolve around the complex universe of emotions accompanying a long-term relationship’s end. This EP’s celestial soundtrack for heartbreak, rejuvenation, and reflection seamlessly blends indie-pop with lo-fi vibes and Japanese pop influences, transcending musical genres.

This eclectic mix creates a vibrant tapestry of sound, drawing listeners into a realm that is both familiar and otherworldly. The raw vulnerability in each track reflects band member Max Knoth’s personal journey through love, loss, and life’s unpredictable twists.

Lead single “Too Little Too Late” is a gut-punching anthem that blends poignant lyrics with a sonic fusion of Japanese pop and indie elements, capturing the EP’s emotional core. Meanwhile, “To The Limit” offers a celestial blend of melodies and evocative lyrics, portraying the feelings of confusion and frustration that accompany life’s hurdles.

The EP’s sonic journey is completed by the unreleased gems, “Monday,” a jammy reflection of Max Knoth’s tumultuous breakup week, “I Know You Care,” an older track reborn, and “For So Long!,” a groovy exploration of confusion, patience, and the search for clarity.

Produced by Connor Robertson, Jake Rye, and The Skinny Limbs, and mastered by Mike Cervantes (known for his work with Dolly Parton and MisterWives), this EP is a masterful blend of heartfelt storytelling and musical innovation. The production quality is top-notch, and the EP’s 18-minute runtime provides a concise yet powerful journey that will leave listeners craving more.