I remember when Jay-Z said, “It’s like New York’s been soft ever since Snoop came through and crushed the buildings”. That line spoke volumes about what people felt about NYC Hip Hop at the time. Since then there have been many who have represented the five boroughs on the mic, but it seems like NYC isn’t the center of Hip Hop like it once was. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s great that this music has gone international. Hip Hop has so many different sounds and styles….and that’s why this music is amazing. This post focuses on New York City Hip Hop……the birthplace of it all.
The first album you should look out for is from the legendary (DITC) MC/Producer Diamond D. If you’ve heard any of his previous projects (Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop, Hatred, Passions and Infidelity, and The Huge Hefner Chronicles to name a few) you would know why this is a HIGHLY anticipated album. With features from Talib Kweli, Kev Brown, Kurupt, Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price, Masta Ace, Fat Joe, Black Rob, and The Liks; this album is destined to be a classic.
The next artist on the list is the Chef himself! Not Raekwon, but Queen’s own Action Bronson. This MC has taken the internet by storm the last few years with his ill flow and food references. He’s dropped numerous mix tapes and has been rocking stages all over the United States. His album has confirmed features from Mobb Deep and Kool G Rap but has no release date as of yet. All I know is this guys will be a household name in the next few years.
This next NYC MC is the youngest on the list but has already proven that he can rock with the best of them! Joey Bada$$ dropped a mixtape last year that literally flooded live mixtapes servers. Joey’s ‘Summer Knights’ project proved that he can hold down the mic and hold down the future of NYC Hip Hop. His next project is set to drop later this lear and is titled, ‘B4.DA.$$.’ With rumored production from DJ Premier and 9th Wonder, this is set to be one hell of an album.
This next group of MCs dropped a classic album back in 1999 and it resurrected my love for Hip Hop. D-Stroy, Q-Unique, Swell, Jise One, & Freestyle dropped “As The World Burns” and made Hip Hop fun again. I’m not sure what happened after that but the crew dropped another album (Date of Birth) minus D-Stroy and Freestyle but it wasn’t the same without all the members. It was a good album nonetheless. Now it’s been 13 years since that last project and if the photo above is accurate, the Arsonists are back at it. According to Wikipedia the album is titled, “Lost In The Fire“…..that’s yet to be confirmed.
These guys need no introduction. Mills posted back on New Year’s that the Official Nasty are back at it! Onyx has dropped numerous classics and represent NYC to the fullest. Their next album is titled, #Wakedafucup is set to drop on March 9th, 2014. The album is produced by The Snowgoons out of Germany. Look out for future posts regarding this project.
Last but not least we have eMC (Masta Ace, Stricklin, Punchline & Wordsworth). The legendary Masta Ace teams up with Strick, Punch, and Words are set to drop an album over the summer. If you’ve heard and of eMC’s projects, you already know that lyrics will be on display. The crew has recently signed to Penalty Records and will have all the creative freedom in the world.
“I see this signing as a real turning point in the direction of underground Hip Hop and how it will be viewed by the masses,” said Juice Crew member Masta Ace.
“We now have the freedom to continue to make the music our fans want, but with the help of Penalty Records, we have a platform for exposure to a larger audience.” -Masta Ace
These are all projects to look forward to in the upcoming year. Let us not forgot the albums that have already dropped though. Talib Kweli dropped that Gravitas joint which I’m waiting for to drop on CD. Nino Bless also dropped an ill mixtape a few days ago that is good from what I’ve heard so far. All in all I feel that NYC Hip Hop is in a great place. If you feel like I missed an album (I’m sure I did), let me know how you feel in the comments section. Bless.
*These views are those of Stroydnaire and do not reflect the views of the other 7th Boro members.
