The signature soul fueled sound of Chicago Rap is unmistakeable. It just has a certain "Ism" as GLC would put it. In the way of the major names in Rap from Chicago before him, Neak puts together his own take on pimpin' on wax.
With "A.M.N.R." Neak brings a little Trill to Chi City. The flow is laid back and he mixes up the cadence a ton to keep it interesting. I dig the production and visual on this one. No attachment to any project for this track so it's just a little joint to keep y'all going until 'Paura/Amore' releases.
Check out the video below and free stream and download afterwards.
'Out the Vault' is Rashid Hadee's collection of scrapped material from various projects spanning 4 years of work. I can assure you that there is nothing that says throwaway about this project though. The "all-in-one" record machine has a great collection of previously unheard work that plays from start to finish with ease.
After reading the press release, I expected to hear a bunch of dated material that wouldn't really strike any particular cord for anyone that isn't a die-hard Rashid Hadee fan. To the contrary, it's a timeless group of fantastic lyricism and soulful sample based production that carries the listener away on a cloud of emotion.
Rashid does a great job of doing the Windy City tradition proud and 'Out the Vault' stands up well, even as a "fan project." Definitely check out the stream and download below.
There's something to be said about the way Chi town rappers hold on to the classic soul sound of Hip-Hop. Break beats and cleverly reworked samples run through all sorts of filters is a winning formula for what we've come to love about the sound of Chicago. Following in the footsteps of Common, Rhymefest, Kanye and Lupe, Neak is carving his own lane on the independent scene.
This previously unreleased track was recorded during the "Love Greater // The Prequel" sessions. The story is of Neak's drive and resilience as an upcoming MC. Nothing new there but the production is clean and Neak delivers a great performance as usual. Check the stream and download below.
Be inspired. Inspiration is everywhere. We just have to be aware and available to receive it.
Today, my inspiration comes from Neak's "Big Dreamer" music video. Everything about this is fantastic! The music, message and visual are warm and encouraging. Director Domi V absolutely killed it with the video effects and Neak delivers a fine performance as is standard for him. "Big Dreamer" is just a very polished product.
Neak's new album 'Love Greater: The Prequel' drops today via Earmilk, DJ Booth and Prefix Mag. That's pretty damn epic.
Let me switch gears on you for a second here. I'm not sure how to talk about this track without ruining the surprise, so I'm going to keep this as brief and nondescript as possible. "Feet" is not standard Hip-Hop fare. That doesn't really mean anything though. There's a ton of music out there that is labeled Hip-Hop and is not standard and still sucks emphatically. This song does not suck though. Not even close. It's decidedly dope actually. Well, you knew that anyway since I'm telling you about it.
Mathien is a band from Chicago, Neak is an MC from Chicago and this is their second collaborative effort. Mathien front man, Chris Mathien, serves up a hook and verse to juxtapose the traditional rap styling of Neak and it works extremely well. Neak is due to release a solo project in the near future via DJBooth, Earmilk and Prefix Mag. "Feet" will not be featured on the album, titled 'Love Greater // The Prequel.'
The subject of the song is the difference between talkin' about it and bein' about it. We (those of us who would rather be about it) all know that we often have to tune out the never ending yap fests from those who are always saying, "I'm doing this that and the 3rd." yet have nothing little to show for it other than another yap fest about what it is. I rock with this theme in theory and in practice.
Check the audio for yourself and get familiar with the work. I dig it 360. Free stream and download below. Of course, stay tuned to RoxFontaine.com for more great independent music. Trust that I'll let my feet do the talking!
+(1).jpg)
