Every direction you turn, another fall-enthusiast appears, donned in clothing that bears the unfortunate essence of Donald Trump’s face tan. Cheap, gray cobweb decorations and brown blob-shaped “pumpkin” Reese’s taunt you as a brutal reminder that 2019 has been a disappointing dark pit of dead aspirations. Your only solace is the tireless hip-hop music that hasn’t been ruined by football-savvy frat boys.
Here are eight such tracks you can blare to drown out the intensity of autumn, somewhere between looping the new Frank Ocean, coping with October 31st’s Mercury in Retrograde and the painful wait on Kanye’s Jesus is King.
Story By Taylor Sprinkle
JPEGMAFIA. Photo courtesy of Alec Marchant
“Nauseous / Devislish” by JPEGMAFIA, Vegyn
The refreshing online persona of JPEGMAFIA isn’t the only reason he’s one of the most influential upcoming artists of the past year. His insurgent music actually lives up to its reputation. In “Nauseous / Devislish” JPEGMAFIA’s unconventional rap meets with producer Vegyn’s equally avant-garde beats to create a surreal, brooding two-part track.
“Final Form” by Sampa The Great
Sampa the Great. Photo courtesy of Andy Hughes
Funky, groovy sounds contrast with the straightforward message of black power in Sampa the Great’s latest track. In a period of the year where it feels like everything is descending into chaos, the Zambian-Australian rapper offers clarity and reassurance— this isn’t our final form.
“Cheap Talk” by Qveen Herby
If you asked the universe for motivation, here it is. Qveen Herby’s winding and quick-witted, verses highlight life on the “grind.” On a more serious note, if you ever think something is impossible, remember that somewhere out in the world, there’s a white girl who can actually rap.
“Wassup Phonies” by Danger Incorporated
Duo Danger Incorporated tease their upcoming album Hackers of The World Unite with “Wassup Phonies,” a heavy song about facing misconceptions after going through a period of change. The two rappers tag team role of singing the line “Wassup Phonies,” in a move that calls people out for their rigid adherence and wrong assumptions.
“Sugar Honey Ice Tea (S.H.I.T.)” by Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia. Photo courtesy of Roger Kisby
“Sugar Honey Ice Tea” has the perfect recipe for a guilty pleasure song— it offers a bouncy beat and carefree, f*ck it energy. In the sassy and relatable anthem, Princess Nokia expresses her indifference toward spite and jealousy.
“Mortuary” by BONES
BONES is perhaps one of the most sinister underground rappers of the decade. His music often revolves ideas concerning death, yet it’s clear the “internet rap” artist has plenty of life in him. “Mortuary” debuted on his third full-length album of 2019 KickingTheBucket.
“Grilling N****s” by cupcakKe
In the heat of a spontaneous and dramatic departure from music, hop-hop artist cupcakKe has been AWOL for the past month. While we can all sympathize with the rapper’s need to get away, we’re also secretly thankful that she didn’t leave without first dropping her absolutely flaming track, “Grilling N****s.”
“Psycho” By Slowthai, Denzel Curry
Frat boys and hit playlists may have ruined the majority of Denzel Curry’s discography but, fortunately, this song has thus far been spared. “Psycho,” which was made in collaboration with English rapper slowthai, is a frantic, horror-themed track with an aggressive back-and-forth between the two rappers.
