THIS IS LIL WHY

Azealia Banks- Van Vogue

This track showcases exactly what Azealia does best: spittin’ (almost indecipherable, but definitely scandalous) rhymes over sick, house, dance infused beats. Furthermore, Azealia throws in some of her own melodious vocals. The gurl can rap and sing.

Very very Vogue.

Big L- Put It On

Consider this an ironic theme for Lilwhy? It’s one of those days that demands some old skool choonz.

Damn, it feels good to be a gangsta.

Azealia Banks- Jumanji

Miss Banks is back with the newest track from her mixtape. It’s been such an enjoyable journey watching/listening as she’s both revealed and developed her sound slowly. We’ve grown accustomed to her playful sound and aggressive vocals, but we’re still waiting on something as viscerally exciting as 212. However, she comes off much more unique and rawer than Nicki Minaj; audiences inevitably draw the comparison between the two. Gotta love her tropic theme here, which evokes Lil Wayne’s 6’7”- perfect for the emerging warm weather.

Still, this track is bananaz.

The Beastie Boys- No Sleep Till Brooklyn

A terrible loss for the music world. We can be certain the tones of MCA colored the childhoods for so many of us- at least for those kidz who had cool older siblings. So let’s fondly recall the opus of such an influential rapper.

Keep fighting for yer right!

Wiley- Can I Have A Taxi Please

Attention all wannabe Brits and general Anglophiles: enjoy this one for an education in British accents/ trip down memory lane. Moreover, if you’ve ever struggled finding a vehicle in an entirely inebriated state you can easily empathize with this track. Bonus: check out all the spots Wiley mentions and see if you can spot him!

You talkin’ to me?

Wu-Tang Clan- Ain’t Nuthin Ta F’ With

Definitely wouldn’t eff with the Wu. With artists varying from GZA, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Method Man to name a few, it’s no wonder this entourage of talent became one of the most influential hip-hop groups. If you’re in the mood to punch someone in face, or generally find that “badass” often occurs in observations of your persona- then this track may be the one for you! Alternatively try this one out during a boxing work out.

Putting the “rap” back into musical rapture.

Schoolboy Q- Sacrilegious

As the wise critic Paul Lester explained, this is like taking “the Weeknd from the VIP lounge to the street.” So so true. Odd, slightly ethereal western tones over seriously cool raps. This is possibly the only type of rap for Quentin Tarantino.

Amen.

Smiler-Spender Feat. Lana Del Rey

Smile, this is Lana as she was meant to be used, lasciviously crooning to seduce blokes in top hats- or since it’s the 21st century Armani suits. This track is the rap genre’s response to film noir, and it’s swell. Brilliant sample here and frankly it’s about time. If the Instagram photograph has taught us anything about modern culture it’s that we’re dying to make the new appear- in this case sound or evoke the-old. Kudos to Smiler as well, if anyone can bring one to your face today it’s him! You’re witnessing the beginning of the next big thing. 

“So let me get right to the point…”

The Notorious B.I.G- Ready To Die

This classic is one of those that always makes the fans wonder if Biggie knew his fate. His debut album shares the name of this single displaying both his anger and vulnerability simultaneously. This track seems like “Suicidal Thoughts” with bravado. Perhaps Biggie had the foresight to realize the power of his voice, one so cogent that it could potentially harm him. Amazing how the description of his actions, his very personal observations helped him rise to fame and possibly contributed to his untimely death. The pen is mightier than the sword- or for Smalls mightier than the glock.

“My shit is deep, deeper than my grave G / I’m ready to die and nobody can save me.”

Azealia Banks- Need Sum Luv

Never ignore an Azealia Banks release! Especially when this girl has just signed to Universal! Mazel, baby! This track lacks her usual lyrical vigor, but she’s still our fav gurl rapper who always demonstrates her vocal prowess over consistently unique beats. She is soooo now.

Give her some LUV.