TKO Capone (feat. Lil Rich) – Swaggin’ N Yo Girlfriend (Self-Released, 2012)

TKO Capone continues to emanate from Chamillionaire’s spirit with this syrupy slow jam, another leak off the heavily anticipated Duck Season Vol. 1. Capone’s melodious rapping is absolutely perfect here for the late-night grooves presented to him, and even though this is clearly intended for panty-dropping, Capone spends most of the track focusing on himself, with his absurd punchlines. At one point, he talks about cutting off his haters, using the docking of a pitbull’s ears for the simile. There really isn’t anyone who thinks quite like Capone, and that unique sense of humor is what makes Capone stand out among his crowd.

Capone’s brother, Lil Rich, is introduced here, and he has the same rapid-fire delivery that Capone employs. Even though Capone totally owns the spotlight here, Rich makes an impressive debut, and he’s certainly one of the better rappers in Capone’s entourage. Back-up singer Malachi also adds a lot to the song, harmonizing with Capone on the chorus, and hitting some ridiculous high notes that’re the only thing that keep you from sinking into Capone’s sludgy backboard rattler.

Gucci Mane - Antisocial (Brick Squad/Warner Bros., 2010)

happy Valentines day, folks. I’m going to ride around in a horse and carriage for the remainder of the day

Lil B - I Own Swag (Based World, 2012)

So, after Based God gets done releasing his best mixtape in recent time, he decides to T-Shirt and Buddens David Banner. This really is great, and the accompanying video, filmed at skatepark with a heavy emphasis on a couple roses, only add to what maybe one B’s most dynamic songs. B adopts a double-time flow for most of the songs, at times getting so caught up in that it sounds like he may lose it. On the one instance he does, he recovers by breaking out into song, singing “you know I’m more famous than yoooouuuuu.” B’s juvenile shots at David at the end, calling him “fatty” repeatedly only seal the deal. 

You can download the mp3 here (courtesy of atrilli)

(Source: youtube.com, via internetflexin)

Buddy - Awesome Awesome (Mixtape, 2011)

So, this is what Pharrell has been up to? Buddy is a 17 year old native of Compton, and the latest receiver of great Neptunes beats. Pharrell is personally mentoring the kid, but does it show? A bit. Although Buddy isn’t as good a rapper as his elder (nor even close), he seems to be building his rapping style loosely around Pharrell’s own. He also really loves the cooking dance, as all young people from California do, but I seriously feel like he should be paying Lil B royalties here. 

Buddy’s mixtape, Idle Time, will be dropping soon. 

2 Chainz - Got One (Mixtape, 2011/2012)

My favorite 2 Chainz track from last year (thanks, Mike Will) has been given a music video, which looks like it was directed by Jordan Towers but was not. I buy da pussy, you payin’ for it/PUT YO HEAD THROUGH DA HEADBAWD

Gucci Mane - Face Card (Brick Squad, 2012)

Zaytoven’s back to crafting slow, lurching beats, and Gucci’s back to domineering them. On this track, which may feature my favorite production from Zay since “I Think I Want Her”, Gucci almost adopts an EA Sportscenter delivery, the natural flow of his verses bouncing off Zay’s creeping keys. He does not sound sober here.

Trap Back drops this Sunday. 

Himself The Majestic - Still Drippin’ (Youtube, 2011/12)

“Still Tippin” is one of my favorite songs ever (and yours too). Himself The Majestic is a very talented rapper, of the Shadowrunners Click (whose 808-Bit Revenge I’ve covered here before). This is from his solo project, Mexicans Can’t Rap Vol. 1. 

ASAP Rocky - Wassup (A$AP/Sony, 2011/12)

Rottweilers are my favorite breed of dog. I enjoy this video.