“95 Til Infinity” - Joey Bada$$

We’re all understandably excited for inimitable, undeniable game-changer Kanye to drop the beautifully brazenly-titled Yeezus. Though Yeezus is the most important release of the summer (whether you like that fact or not), it’s hardly the only interesting rap album to drop in the next few weeks. 

While Kanye looks to the future, Brooklyn’s rapidly rising rap wunderkind Joey Bada$$ draws from the rich vein of the 90’s rap game. His Summer Knights mixtape may have been delayed until July 1st, but the quick-spitting throwback has dropped another single. Following up lauded lead single “Word is Bond,” still drips with 90’s nostalgia even as Lee Bannon imbues it with trill 20teens production. No one’s touching Kanye this summer, but there’s a lot to be said for how much Joey Bada$$ is killing it right now.

- Tyler Hanan

“How It Ends” - Catacombkid

First off, I’d just like to direct you all to The Soul Electronic [link], one of the better music tumblrs out there, where I’ve found this and numerous other cool electronic and ambient sounds. This Washington-based “Composer/Designer/Beat Maker/Record Chopper and all around music lover” has filled his Wander EP with four ambient hip-hop tracks that are aesthetically pleasing and smooth, making for ~13 1/2 minutes of lovely listening. Take a listen to the rather upbeat “How It Ends,” then check out the rest of the EP on Soundcloud [link] and head over to his bandcamp for a free download [link]. If you feel like showing love, the Catacombkid Twitter and Facebook are great places to do just that.

- Tyler Hanan

“Bad Bitches” ft. Stunnaman & Lil B - Star Slinger

I’m one of the only people I know who doesn’t jock Lil B (cue half of you closing the window), but I do love just about everything Starslinger touches. The track is killer, easily good enough to overcome my feelings on the word “bitch.” The production shines - it’s loud and busy, dominating center stage. Just listen. Does your head not bob? Does your body not groove, no matter your lack of rhythm? Can you not help but rap as the Pack members kill it (while glancing around to make sure no one’s watching)? Enjoy, and be sure to check Star Slinger’s tour dates, as he’s on the Hood Slung tour with The Hood Internet and Chrissy Murderbot. [link]

- Tyler Hanan

“The Fever (Aye Aye)” - Death Grips

So I was listening to the new new Death Grips tracks a while ago - “Blackjack,” “Get Got,” and “Lost Boys” - and one of my roommates walks in and asks, “Are you listening to Skrillex? This sounds exactly like Skrillex.” I still don’t know how to respond. I don’t understand. Help me to understand.

Anyways, another track off The Money Store has been released, accompanied by a typically a-typical video. Give it a look and a listen, and be sure to check out Death Grips’ debut on Epic when The Money Store comes out April 24th.

- Tyler Hanan

“Lost Boys” - Death Grips

The hype that’s going to build up for these two upcoming Death Grips albums via Epic (April 24th’s The Money Store and fall-slated No Love) is going to drive people nuts (I am fully aware that it is already at the point for some people and that I am absolutely contributing to that madness). This doesn’t have quite the headlong, strobing intensity of “Get Got” or the mind-beniding writhing of “Blackjack,” but the slower, just as electronically riotous beat and “lost boys” chant will have the cult-like following salivating as much as ever. [link]

- Tyler Hanan

“The Don” - Nas

“Although he’s on to another chapter, Heavy D gave this beat to Salaam for me to rap to.”

I actually like the primary subject for all the blurbs on this, so I hope you forgive me for aping them. This track comes to us courtesy of In Flex We Trust, produced by the late Heavy D (the “late” part lending extra weight to the track), the above-mentioned Salaam Remi, and Da Internz. It’s a single off his next album Life is Good, which, if you trust @ikipedia, is his last album with Def Jam. I don’t know about all that; I just know that this has me hyped for that album.

- Tyler Hanan

“I’m Excited” - DJ Shadow ft. Afrikan Boy

DJ Shadow’s new album, The Less You Know, The Better (September 5), will no doubt be an endlessly interesting piece. Besides the impressive, explosive instrumental hip hop he produces, the compelling collaborations help create unique listening experiences. “I’m Excited” is yet another example of this.

- Tyler Hanan