Good afternoon everyone! In the spirit of this Easter holiday, I would like to showcase three of my personal favorite songs from the rising Christian Rap scene and other spritual songs. I felt that because this holiday represents the resurrection of our lord and Jesus Christ, I wanted to post several of my favorite hip hop songs that represent the spirit of Christianity. So without further interruptions, here are some of my favorite Christian/Christian theme hip hop songs. Happy Easter everyone!
In the age of Nicki Minaj’s, Iggy Azaeleas, and Azaela Banks’s, female artists are slowly but surely regaining the relevance they have once earned. Among these artists, there is an massive pool of female underground MCs, hungry and waiting to earn their shot at the big time. This list consists of five in particular, hailing from different regions who are talented and bringing something new in the culture through their music. So in no order of talent, here is my list
1. Miz Smurff, Hattiesburg, MS,
Mixtapes Released: Stilettos In Da Trap Vol. 1 & 2
Singles: “Clean Up Woman”, “Stallion” ft. Slimm Pusha, “Eat It Anyway”
Sounds Like: Mia X, Foxy Brown, and Pimp C
A native of Hattiesburg, MS, she is standing in the front lines of the bubbling Mississippi Hip Hop scene among artists like Slimm Pusha, Big K.R.I.T. and Hollywood Luck. Her music carries common themes such as female and sexual empowerment, but with it she brings these themes with the perspective of young, hard working southern women and real life issues that many women face. Her music is authentic, she has lyricism and song writing skills strong enough to stand among male artists, with a sexy and soulful Mississippi charm along with it.
2. 3’D Natee, New Orleans, LA
Mixtapes Released: “The Coronation”, “T Mixes”, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “Heavy is the Head Who Wears The Crown”
Sounds Like: MC Lyte, Remy Ma, J. Cole, Mia X,
Probably the most vicious lyricist on this list, the New Orleans native spits rough, raw, and rugged bars detailing the harsh realities of her environment. With a pedigree in freestyle battling, she has incendiary bars, great depth, and unrestrained honesty that has won her numerous local awards and appearances on Sway in the Morning, and Thisis50.com among others.
3. Sasha Go Hard, Chicago, IL
Mixtapes Released: “Round 3”, “Do You Know Who I Am”
Sounds Like: Lil Kim, Shawnna, Diamond, Kid Sister
One of the forefront artists in Chicago’s Drill music scene, the beautiful, eclectic, and street MC Sasha Go Hard is one of the best female newcomers from the city. She has a spectacular flow which allows her to switch her style from street to mainstream friendly depending on the song. She’s collaborated with artists like Chief Keef, Diplo, and Kreayshawn.
The newly crowned member of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2013 certainly has been selected for a reason. Other than her beef with Azalea Banks, her music is her claim to fame. Her dark imagery and graphically honest style is what sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. Songs such as “Werkin Girls”, and her poignant and revealing testimony, “Cleanin Out My Closet” (rapped over Eminem’s original song) makes her a unique artists that surely will shine bright in 2013
5. Nitty Scott, Brooklyn, NY
Mixtapes Released: “The Cassette Chronicles” “Doobies X Popsicles”
Sounds Like: Jean Grae, MC Lyte, Jill Scott (poetry) and early Nicki Minaj,
The 20 year old indie artist is a fresh face among female MCs who’s music is heavily influenced by the Golden Era of hip hop meshed with a modern sound and her femininity. She’s a true technical lyricist who’s raw style allows her to hang with her male counterparts like Kendrick Lamar. Her claim to fame comes from participating in the 2011 BET Cypher.
Yes Hip Hop fans, it is about that time again. XXL finally presents its always controversial Freshman Class of ’13. Eleven up and coming artists who are expected to make waves in hip hop.
For those that don’t know, the Freshman Class is XXL Magazine’s collection of some of the best up and coming rap artists for that particular year. Since its debut in 2007, it often sparks debate and speculation among who should be in the class and why. Notable Freshmen alumni include Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Kid Cudi, Lil Boosie, Macklemore, Future, Currensy, J. Cole and Wiz Khalifa among others.
(Random note: All 4 members of Black Hippy are and were XXL Freshmen. Go figure.)
In the midst of the usual controversy, the Editor in Chief of XXL gave a statement in defense of the magazine’s picks, as reported by MTV News.
“The goal we try to make with Freshman is to show that we support new talent and give opportunities to people who will kind of take a long time for them to come around and get that opportunity or be on the cover.” said Satten.
She added, “I can’t tell you how many people said to me ‘What’s a Macklemore?’ Now I can’t tell you how many people say, ‘Yo Macklemore was the best pick of the class last year.”
This year’s class is an interesting and grittier group than before. It consists of Black Hippy members Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q, female rhyme spitter Angel Haze, 18 year old upstart Joey Badass, Kirko Bangz of “Drank in my Cup” fame, Dizzy Wright, heavy hitter Action Bronson, G.O.O.D. Music signee Travis Scott, Logic, Atlanta GA native, Trinidad James, and shockingly Chief Keef!
This years class XXL says will be is the best ever, but is it? We shall see.
When I written a review for this album for my college newspaper, I predicted that “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe would be a huge single and success. I’ve never predicted though that Hova would hop on this remix and smash it! Big time.
This is one of the best remixes of the year because no one would expect to Jay-Z drop a verse on anything other than “Suit & Tie” and a collaboration between these two lyricists is absolutely an epic moment. I love this song. Now I just hope they make a video to this.
Rhymes & Whiskey 