New Music: Dilated Peoples with Fashawn & Defari, Trey Songz & Nicki Minaj, Bun B & DJ Premier, Duck Down Anniversary Montage, and Fat Joe Teams with Jazmine Sullivan

Rakaa Iriscience of Cali’s Dilated Peoples has a new solo album entitled Crown of Thorns dropping next Tuesday (July 20). Here he’s joined by Fashawn, Defari, and groupmate Evidence for “Aces High.” The beat is plodding outside of the chorus transition, but the rhymes are straight. Crown of Thorns was solid off my first impression, so check it out if you’re hitting the record store or iTunes next week.

Rakaa Iriscience feat. Evidence, Fashawn, and Defari- “Aces High”

Trey Songz is becoming a new go to guy for Hip-Hop collaborations ala R. Kelly a few years back. That may be good or bad depending on your music tastes. Nicki Minaj guest spots for this club track called “Bottoms Up.” Nicki drops a flow heavy verse with her now trademark voice changes. I’m not a big fan of her vocal tricks, but here it saves an otherwise forgettable track.

Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj- “Bottoms Up”

Bun B’s gets some good publicity for his forthcoming August 3 release of Trill OG now that the rumored DJ Premier track has hit the net. Primo’s scratches are of course on point and Bun B has no big issues riding an East Coast beat (but we already knew that). It would be interesting if more southern emcees take Bun and Luda’s lead to reach out to Premier for more production. Can you imagine a T.I. or Gucci Mane over some filthy Primo scratches? Hey, if Premier can make it work with Group Home, he can make it work with Gucci.

Bun B- Let Em Know (Produced by DJ Premier)

Salute to Duck Down Records

When we talk about the independent movement in Hip-Hop, many automatically think of labels like Rap-A-Lot and No Limit. But considerable praise should also be given to Duck Down Records, who are still going strong 15 years deep. Take a trip down memory with a collection of the label’s releases.

Fat Joe also has an album dropping, this one at the end of the month (The Darkside, July 27). Those old enough will recall portions of this beat from The Firm’s “Affirmative Action” and the beginning drum stabs “The Bridge Is Over.”  The George Steinbrenner reference in the rap verse let’s us know that part is brand new. Sounds like a mixtape track that won’t make her album.

Jazmine Sullivan feat. Fat Joe- “Holding You Down”