Car Test: Flatbush Zombies

"I can't speak for everybody else, but I don't want nobody in my pocket, nobody in my mind, nobody telling me what to do," says Juice from Flatbush Zombies after Elliott Wilson inquired about his rap group's decision to remain independent.  I couldn't agree more with what the wild-bearded spitter stated—why would an artist want to be handcuffed to a major label when there are a number of ways (in this digital age) that he/she can "pop" independently?

This is just one of the many thought-provoking questions asked by Mr. Wilson during an interview with the Brooklyn Rap trio on his new show, Car Test.  Not familiar with the Tidal original series?  Well, each segment showcases the respected Hip Hop journalist riding around with a musical guest as he listens to and discuss their most recent body of work.  The program's latest episode, featuring the Zombies, is the first that was taped in New York City.

While cruising through my old stomping grounds of Flatbush in a dollar van (true BK heads know about those), Meech, Erick Arc Elliot and Juice previewed their phenomenal sophomore album, Vacation In Hell.

Check out the bumpy ride below:

The Rage

Aww man, it's always great to hear Cudi back at it again spitting potent bars on atmospheric beats.  Although Scott's latest tune titled, "The Rage," is found on the soundtrack of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie Rampage, it could easily be a bonus track in any of his iconic albums.

The single, produced by Ben Billions and Kid Cudi's longtime buddy and collaborator Dot Da Genius, samples the legendary alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins' classic 1995 track, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."  If Cudi plans to drop more songs like this in the near future, his next project is sure to be one for the ages!  

Check out his latest groove via Spotify below:

A$AP FOREVER (Video)

Man, I'm still thinking about the incredible SoHo Sounds event I was invited to last week hosted by Soho House.  The building (more like empty factory) was filled with so many entrepreneurs, models and just straight up dope individuals who are thriving in their respective creative fields.

Not only were the vibes on point, I was able to connect with so many people that I haven't seen in years.  One of my long lost acquaintances was DJ, who is affiliated with the A$AP MOB.  After we kindly greeted each other I had to come clean and state my distaste for Rocky's 2 previous Soundcloud releases.  Fortunately, I was told those loosies were not included in his much anticipated album and that fire is on the way.  Well, I'm really happy to see that he was right as Flacko recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a medley of pleasing tunes that are speculated to be on his forthcoming project.

Not only did we get a performance from the braided-up spitter, he unleashed a mind-bending new visual for one of his new tracks titled, "A$AP Forever," featuring Moby.

Check out the Dexter Navy-directed clip below:

Raps' "New Freezer"

The lil' broski Ishmael Raps has been quite busy since he moved to Brooklyn from his hometown of Rochester, New York.  Luckily, the budding spitter found some time in between his numerous hustles in the Big Apple to deliver a brand new visual of him absolutely murdering Rich The Kid's "New Freezer," beat.

Check out Raps' "Don't Freeze" (New Freezer Freestyle) below:

SMALL CITY KIDS UP NEXT ~ MIXED BY JOE RICO THE FLOOD ~~~~~~

Tyler Is Talking His Sh*t

Out of thin air, Tyler, The Creator unleashes a brand new single with its accompanying music video!

Titled "OKRA," the bass-heavy banger features the Golf Wang general spitting the most fiery, braggadocious bars.  I'm sure this is quite a surprise for Tyler fans who are accustomed to indulging in his often off the wall, meticulous storytelling tracks.  Not only is he showcasing his flashy side in raps, the budding mogul is actually starting to rock trendy threads besides his own.  I guess that's what naturally transpires when you're good buds with ASAP Rocky.

Check out the luminescent, Wolf Haley-directed clip for the song below:

Focus (Music Video)

A few articles ago, my contributing writer Sir Julien George penned a dope article about the soul-grabbing crooner H.E.R.  Now, I'm happy to announce that she has finally unleashed the much-anticipated music video for her notorious single, "Focus."

The moody track initially appeared on the mysterious songstress' H.E.R. Volume 1 project, which was released back in 2016.  It also made a special appearance on last year's H.E.R. Volume 2: the B Sides.  As you can see, it took quite a while for the song's visual to be released, but when a body of work is so timeless, who cares?!

The clip features H.E.R. painstakingly attempting to get the attention of her inattentive boo, played by the homie Elijah Craig.  Want to know if she finally got through to him?  Check out the Shane Adams-directed vid below:

You Should Of Called Jhene

"Oh boy, I'ma have to call them boys on you. Aw damn, I'ma have to call that man on you."  Only Jhene Aiko can make a menacing song sound so soothing and relaxing.  Big Sean's boo latest single "Never Call Me," found on her sophomore album Trip, takes aim at a despicable ex-lover.

The soulful songstress released not one, but two compelling visuals for the track.  The first is a metaphorical movie-like clip that depicts Jhene as Izanami no mikoto, a Shinto goddess who specializes in creation and death.  A funeral is shown at the end of the video signifying a renewal of spirit.  "The funeral is for a man I knew personally.  A man who lost his way," Aiko states to Refinery 29. "A man who played the victim in a situation where he was surely not.  A man who is a liar and a cheater.  A man who has lost his pride and integrity due to his deceptive ways and lack of understanding love.  This funeral is a funeral for his ego.  In this visual, I portray the goddess of creation and death, coming to collect his poor spirit and set it free."

The "Slauson Hills" music video version of the song is my favorite one due to its rawness.  The visual finds the multi-racial cutie in her hometown around close family members and neighborhood killers!  Furthermore, Kurupt's verse (TBH, he's just talking his gangsta sh*t) sees the light of day in this iteration.

Check out the Topshelf JR-directed vid below:

Which one is your favorite?  Comment below!

They Walk It Like They Talk It

Last February, during an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Migos frontman Quavo was asked about his past collaborations with Drake and stated, "He always be popping up and letting us know he sees us.  We ain't got no relationship with him, but I know he watching and he respect the wave and he knows what's going on."  Well, one year later the rap titans have solidified their partnership by teaming up to deliver a colossal new banger by the name of, "Walk It Like I Talk It."

The single, found on the celebrated Hip Hop trio's latest album Culture II, is a bouncy tune that'll have you doing the robot like you're strolling down the Soul Train line.  As a matter of fact, its visual is an ode to the iconic American music/dance TV program.  The fictitious show, hosted by the host with the most "Ron Delirious" (played by the hilarious Jamie Foxx), features a groovy performance by the "Versace" boyz and the Lionel Richie-esque 6 God.

Check out the Daps & Quavo-directed clip below:

Since we're talking about Aubrey (when are we ever not, right?), shout out to Oliver for retweeting my Grailed article on his OVO empire.  If you haven't read it yet, click the link on his Twitter feed or here to do so.

Saweetie Is 'Anti' Everything

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B may have some legit competition on their voluptuous tails!  Bay area rapper Saweetie is rapidly capturing the hearts of females and guys alike all around the World Wide Web with her sweet looks and addictive lyrics.

Recently, the Internet sensation released the music video for her freestyle to fellow West coast rappers SOBE x RBE’s single, “Anti.”  Directed by Bana Bongolan and Soben Phy, the clip finds the Filipino and Black bombshell kicking it with her crew of bad b*tches at the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, California.

Check it out below:

For more information on the seductive spitter, check out her informative sit-down with the Ebro In the Morning crew:

There's Nectar & Pleasure In Passion

Rising lyricist Topaz Jones has just unleashed two new tracks in part II of his A side/B side series.  Titled "Nectar," and "Pleasure in Passion," the Montclair, NJ-raised spitter states that both of the songs explore the theme of desire.  "We all want the things we can't have. It can be a motivating factor or take power over you," he further explains.

Check out why i-D magazine dubbed Topaz as New York's Prince of Funk by listening to the jams below: 

Daniel Caesar's Colors Live Performance

This song right here goes out to my future baby mama!  I sincerely hope you’re reading this wherever you are in the world.  My fault, I got a little carried away there but Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part,” is a tune that’ll magically transform a hard rock into a gem. Or in my case, a simp into a deeper simp (just kidding).

The rising Toronto crooner is the latest artist to stop by Highsnobiety's "Colors" series, which feature the brightest, up and coming musicians doing what they do best. Check out the smooth singer as he serenades with a coffee mug in hand below:

Headstone (Official Music Video)

Brooklyn-based Rap trio Flatbush Zombies are back from the dead to deliver the visual for their killer new single “Headstone.”

Directed by the group’s longtime collaborator Luke Monaghan, the clip features the three weed-toking amigos in their stomping grounds of Flatbush, Brooklyn doing what they do best alongside close family and friends. The song will appear on FZ’s forthcoming album, Vacation In Hell, which is scheduled to release on April 6th.

Check out the cinematic music video below:

Meech, Erick and Juice will be taking their talents on the road this year as they’ll be playing Coachella and appear in their very own “See You In Hell ” North American tour. 

Peep the tour dates above and head over to TheGloriousdead.com to cop your tickets!’