We take a look at the new rap releases and celebrate Killer Mike’s record, among others.
The weekend from June 16th to 18th was all about the festivals: The Southside and Hurricane as well as the Heroes Festival took place at the same time. But a lot has also happened in the hip-hop world away from the open-air stages. We present you our assessments of the new releases by LUVRE47, RAPK & XAVER and Killer Mike.
LUVRE47 – “DIRT”
On “SCHMUTZ” LUVRE47 does what he does best: reciting authentic lines about his life in Berlin in hard flows. “No conscience, empty stomach, in need devil eats flies / thought I was alone in misery, but there are far too many of us,” he raps in the first stanza. LUVRE cleverly packs its social criticism into its own experiences. And that’s how it can fully unfold its effect: when it comes from people who actually know what they’re talking about – or rapping. LUVRE is uncompromising – in lyrics and music alike. The instrumental from 808TWINS and FEWTILE, as well as the music video also do their part for the hard raw vibe of “SCHMUTZ”.
RAPK & XAVIER – “10. Floor”
Berlin’s RAPK and XAVER have delivered a summery, melancholic track. Summery because of the atmospheric 2-step instrumental produced by Kilian & Jo. Melancholic due to the well-considered vocal performances of the three rappers. They choose a melodic approach to reflect on their lifestyle. The concept works: The vibe of “10. Stock” is irresistible. A successful first collaboration between the Kreuzberg duo RAPK and the Charlottenburg XAVER.
Killer Mike – MICHAEL
“This shit is so Atlanta,” announces Killer Mike in the opener “DOWN BY LAW” of his new record. An apt description. He certainly doesn’t just mean the 14 tracks on the album, but also his own biography. Because that’s what MICHAEL is all about. Born and raised in Atlanta, 48-year-old Michael Santiago Render witnessed the rise of the “Dirty South” firsthand. He channels these influences on MICHAEL: funky bass lines and soul samples à la OutKast meet fast trap drums, as we know them from Future. It’s certainly no coincidence that André 3000 (OutKast), Young Thug and Future are featured guests – all from Atlanta. The connection to his city forms the red thread of the record. Embellished with Killer Mike’s usual fantastic rap parts – both lyrically and technically – and outrageous beats, MICHAEL is yet another testament to just how underrated Killer Mike really is.