Mr.Top Hat's TOP HIP HOP SINGLES

“Yep! This is one of those few times in which a single listen wipes away every smidgen of a doubt, resting beneath an unhealthy amount of buzz, and fully certify the song as one with 'something special has been achieved.' There is no false hype or mislabeled tag being thrown here. This right here is truly a timeless classic !!! My mind is blown! Not because I haven't seen or heard a rap song of this type before, its just that execution counts for far more than a unique idea to me. And the verses here have so much depth, but also manage to stay coherent and focused on the central theme of the song. This is why language was created - to express something this complex, with this level of depth, structure and meaning. Fuck. Certainly a very deeply emotional and refined release, displaying all the maturity and dexterity one has come to expect from this renowned figure. The album is getting purchased on the fuckin' first day! Absolute Favorite Lines: "So if her husband is a gangster can't be mad, I'll love him Never, for her I want better, homie in jail - dead that Wait till he come home, you can see where his head's at" "Took her from private school, so she can get a balance To public school, THEY TOO nurture teen talents" "They say the coolest playas and foulest heart breakers in the world God gets us back, he makes us have precious little girls" "Nah, the way mothers feel for they sons, how fathers feel for they daughters When he date, he straight, chip off his own papa When she date, we wait behind the door with the sawed off" "Not sayin' that our sons are less important."”

“Now this what you call an impressive, clever, stylish and highly entertaining start to a promising new group! I'm an instant fan of this, and will most definitely be diggin thru their catalog and keeping up with their future work. It seems they don't have any weak links; all the flows here sound so polished and everyone carries his weight over a simple but effective head-nodding backdrop for 4:30 minutes straight, no chorus!! Extra points for the video, nobody slacks and the flow of the whole video is maintained by all the acts involved creating a more than your average rap song and video! Each emcee has his time to shine and each does with equal talent!”

“Can't say that I saw this collaboration coming together for the second time, but this is the kind of track any artist would be proud to have on their album. The production itself is simple, but the groove is undeniable from the start that takes this song up a notch and makes it so addictive. The drums alone are straight dripping with attitude. When it comes to on-mic performance, well there's a reason that not many can contest with Nas' output as he continues his lyrical assault on the mic. But Rozay also shows he is equipped enough to team up with Nas Escobar. The latter is unmistakingly the better MC, putting forth a verse more in-tune with the topic, but Ross also delivers his lyrics in such a focused way, he doesn´t ruin a single bar, either. Like it or not, Rick Ross' voice and ad-libs remains one of the most charismatic style in the current music landscape. Anyway, this is more anthemic than both have sounded in awhile. And although this kind of subject matter is not my preferred cup of rap-tea and can get a bit tiresome, this easily navigates potential pitfalls due to its immense sound, and both Nas & Ross are skilled enough to pull it off with style and quality. Plus, the length of the song goes down real easy as well. BANGER!!”

“This was a great listen! Production is something serious. The ridiculous knocking drums, and the clever Hindi-vocal sample selection in the background does wonders to set this product above its competition. Though I understand the wordings, I just can’t pinpoint where the sample from. It is one of the popular dialects of Bollywood movies. To translate it, it would mean something like - "O friend, how can my heart stay happy without your presence." Lyrically, it's doubtful that anyone will be truly blown away by Elite's performance, but the determination to make music that expresses raw emotion and passion shines through in his rhymes, and he keeps the song moving with an energetic flow creating a larger, more lasting effect as a result. All in all, the production is great, the sample is well played, and solid rapping from Elite easily push this song into banger territory!”

“What can I say about this song? I've heard it hundreds of times and never tire of it. Perfection. There are some fun songs that try far too hard to get you to love them, and then there are those that are so effortless that you can’t help but be completely charmed. This absolutely falls into the latter category with no difficulty whatsoever. It's got that infectious hook that no one can resist -- the kind you'd climb a mountain just to be able to play from the very top of the world. It's an anthem, and we all know how much everybody loves anthems. "Everybody's Nobody" have a handful of strong potential singles produced by Seven, but I agree with @Z this is the best of the bunch. Full to the brim with charm and simple melodies, it does have an undeniable pop surge to it, and is possibly one of the best example of simple but effective production !! As far as XV, I'd say the quality of his punchline-ridden rhymes has stood the test of time remarkably well. Plus, Pusha T adds a memorable verse that too effortlessly seams into the hook. It is a foregone conclusion that this song (with no big superstar feature) will be dominating the charts. But if you do get a chance to hear it, you can consider yourself very Awesome. For what this song does, the feel-good vibe it brings, I can not rate this any lower than 5-stars!”

“For an artist that shows its head so dramatically, so rarely, "Call Of Duty" is a letdown. Like many, my first few listens were also filled with disappointment because song is more naked in terms of lyrics. The abstract-minded lyricism felt toned down. Though I have to admit, the more I listen to the verses, the more it gives back to me. As expected, lyrics are remarkably well-written, making up for the lack of a connection with dull vocal performances from both Jay and Prodigy. I know, this sounds quite alright in theory, but in practice the results are just a tad on the disappointing side. Yes, it's not his best, and it doesn't have that Exhibition A/C "wow" factor, either. But it still is pretty damn great and Jay Electronica-Just Blaze standard output easily outpaces most of their contemporaries. Most rappers would kill to have a song as good as this in their oeuvre. Rating this song was difficult. Lyrically it naturally earned a high mark, but that is only half the formula. Purely based on lyrics and not delivery it still might also earn a high mark, but ultimately the near-repulsive instrumental limits its replay value. Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up. This being a mid-recording throwaway release (according to Jay's tumblr post), I hope whatever follows "Call Of Duty" to scrap every ounce of sentiment found here, re-introducing how phenomenal the pair's output can be when they tick all the boxes.”

“After You Are Done Listening To It You Feel As Though You Have The World's Strongest Drug In Your Veins. "I don't even know what that means No one knows what it means, but it's provocative.. gets the people going!!"”

“Production is undeniably great stuff: one half cinematically intense vibe, one half packing an absolutely massive punch. Instrumental takes its time unfolding, the foundations laid by a consistent, pensive sampled bass-line, before lifting off with ear-splitting onslaught of battering electronic drums. Five seconds in, the listener will know that XV means business. DJ Tech-Neek's contribution is heavy but it doesn't overshadow vocals and allows XV's lyrics to be viewed as clear and distinct, and you can tell that each bar is measured, thoughtful and the song as a whole, even more so. Verses are deep and emotive, but quick witted and sharp tongued at the same time and that’s a combination few can refuse. By the time hook arrives you’re completely immersed in the darkness of it all. http://rapgenius.com/Xv-the-kick-lyrics "The Kick" is darker and more intense than its predecessor, "Phobia", but maintaining the staying power. I’m quite sure that, just like its predecessor, I’ll be coming back to this for months. An uber great example of conscious rapping and powerful production.”

“Although you've heard the story before (ladies love bad boys), you can't front on the skilled execution. As a whole, it’s certainly a step up after "Work Out", but lyrically, there isn't a giant gap between where I like this and where I stand with "Work Out". In any case, Jermaine tears into his performance here with a tenacity that makes it clear just whose song this is. Packed with the brashness, which in my opinion is the particular flavor of the song where Cole proves himself capable to a level that the few flashes of southern slang he uses don't sound contrived. And his flow remain in control the whole time keeping the listener energized and keeping their attention. And Trey Songz only need few sentences and the right tone (deliberate extra drawl) to get listeners sing-along while being neither annoyed nor annoying. That’s more than most radio songs this catchy can say about themselves: a star feature employed as a tool, not just a crutch. Brian Kidd pulled a slick one with this masterful sample manipulation. Can't say I'm familiar with his past work but this right here is unequivocally refreshing and the product of an astute listener who knows his way around an obscure yet vibrant sample, and constructs his beats with subtlety and artistry. I'm an instant fan and will be searching out his stuff with regularity. It’s definitely a good song, and it maintains its spark even after several listens. Too bad the general public cannot be trusted to make a song of this quality, having a distinct sound, a hit. Still, I'm hopeful. Given a slice of luck and a prevailing wind this could well see J. Cole nudge up a rung on the ladder of public approbation.”

“Absolute quality first single by Yela! that don't feels like a true departure, but definitely seems like an improvement of the elements which made people like his music in the first place. It might not prove to be a "crossover" hit for him, but will more than satisfy any fan looking for a hit of the raw uncut hip-hop dats all about flowing with impeccable ability and beats that will have your neck snapping like rap music should! Tha Hydrox makes a SOLID first impression with this banger right here! This is club music for folks during heavy bombing: it’s exceedingly aggressive, turning aggression and in-your-face attitude up-to-11 with choice selection of words of profanity, and an unintelligible looped vocal sample dats digitally treated in ways that I’m sure most legal systems would view as at least felonious. A Lil Jon feature is you’d never see with any of today’s artists, but I am pleased to hear that they brought him in to handle hypeman duties for the track. This is now, without a doubt, my favorite song from YelaWolf and most definitely the one that will elicit the strongest crowd reaction out of all his previous songs. The energy is hard to deny, and the simplicity of concept is easy to get committed to.”

“And the anticipation for "#Section80" continues to grow like a Cali wildfire. Kendrick is three for three here, as he keeps it going and continues where he left of with his last two leaks. The lyrical content is cocky and full of cryptic suggestion that you will probably have to listen to a few times and put some thoughts into figuring out the thought behind the concept. It feels like the work of a rapper so secure in his raw abilities that he don't have to sweat the details. And the unforgiving hook is certainly evocative, turning the song into a sure-fire anthem of the new West! The complex nature of the lyrics is well supported by the composition, which never forgets to make itself well heard, in every department. The gritty drums, looped eerie strings that sustain throughout in the background, alongside the high dosage of window-shaking bass adds a dark cinematic ambiance to production. It’s ominous without being extra dramatic. Stirring stuff indeed, and much like "HiiiPoWer" & "Sex With Society", this is a painful reminder of how polished, increasingly stylized yet unfailingly ineffectual a lot of music from other artists sounds these days.”

“The term “lead single” could have been applied about 47 times so far in the course of J. Cole's album campaign, but "Work Out" is by far the most commercially appealing track I've heard from him, thus making it an obvious single choice. The song, despite having a totally instant melody, is a grower. At first I thought there was something missing. Now I'm really settling in with it. With each listen I appreciated the sound more, but I still don’t know what to make of it. With all the completeness this track is showcasing, I'm not hearing a smash hit here, but hopefully it will have a more prominent role on charts than on my iPod. Cos if anyone deserves success or at least a chance at it, it's J. Cole! The good news is, despite being a label-pushed single, J. Cole doesn't sacrifice too much lyrical skill and managed to squeeze in some good entertaining lines in there, all the while effectively switching his rap flow to harmonizing on hooks. The production, while in my opinion certainly not upper tier, is optimally arranged in a fresh, catchy and melodic package. It’s clearly ready for consumption on a high level but the cynical side of me is still unconvinced about staying power here. It’s very solid, but it doesn’t come together as well as it should. I think this is the type of track that is just enough to satiate the typical J.Cole fanbase and is meant to expand the fan base, especially an attempt to attract the fairer sex. But the thing is it might not succeed in that latter department completely. All in all, while success won’t be achieved overnight, "Work Out" certainly puts him in the conversation. People, let's make this catch on. And for the DJs out there, do your part and play this.”

“Damn! how well crafted this song is. It’s great to hear a veteran rapper getting by on his skills and not desperate pleas to take it back to the old school or bring New York back. Track dutifully marches forth at a steady head-nodding pace which operates with pounding drumline reminiscent of old school breakbeats while Nas spits fire in a precise, tightly wound delivery and a veritable shower of disgusting rhymes, with more skills on display than your average Olympics. The inclusion of strategically positioned horns in lieu of hook caught me by surprise and give a grand feel to the beat. All these elements combine to form a commanding sonic landscape that is satisfyingly nostalgic but still sounding fresh! Still ain’t convinced on the album title, but if there’s an album of material matching this quality, form an orderly queue behind me at the record shop! 4.5”

“And suddenly folks stopped enjoying a song about wanting to dance and have fun? Wassup with these ratings yo! As someone said earlier, the daring of song is, while a little tougher to get a grasp on, infinitely more satisfying in the end. Now, don't take me wrong, by "a little tougher to get a grasp on," I don't mean that song is inaccessible, discordant or non-melodic; far from it. I simply mean that, it took me a few listens to really get a feel for the record. All I urge is that you listen more than once because for a first time, it might be a bit much. Believe me, the uneasiness will subside, and the impressive attention to production and lyrics will become more and more evident. The track has a harder side to it, but at the same time is radio friendly. The lyrics are aggressive and appealing enough for those that haven’t fully evolved out of their rebellious stage, while production just melodic and palatable enough for those that enjoy different sounds. Alex Da Kid's production is a successful display of experimentation that captures a broad range of how this duo approaches music and it definitely creates an anxiety of their forthcoming full album. The uneasiness the song suggest is intentional and accomplished as it feels the lyrics are pushing against instrumental in order to get to the chorus first. Moreover, it culminates in one of Skylar's most unrestrained performance in memory. This is no cookie-cutter formula, nor is this any jumping on a bandwagon – what you get is powerful music that is fresh and distinct, urgent and infectious, and evidence that this duo have much to contribute to the world of music than just being hip-hop hook writers. This might be too edgy for urban radio but I hope not edgy enough for modern rock stations. Hopefully it will reach a larger audience and bring the song the fan base that it deserves.”

“Music that sets you heart racing... age no bar! Its amazing how much goodness is packed in just under 1:30 minutes. This is an example of how simple yet timeless songwriting equals songs that will continue to remain in popular music, won't get boring or old no matter how many times one listen to it, and should appeal to anyone with an inclination towards listening good music over worrying about genre of music. Sure I'd like to hear Mr. Green lay it down some dope rhymes on the mic again, but there's absolutely no denying that Cee-Lo Green is a multi-gifted artist who writes, produces and can sing over any instrumental that he sets his mind to. Simply put this cover version right here is the one I'll be enjoying for years to come.”