Album: ‘Free Hugs,’ Hologram Kizzie (bka Psalm One)

I once won tickets to see Chicago rap artist Hologram Kizzie (or Psalm One at that time) and others perform at The Hideout, and the night culminated with me getting a sweaty hug from Psalm One herself. ‘Twas glorious, I tell you. Be jealous.

Besides all of that, Madame Kizzie released Free Hugs on May 28. This 7-track EP was produced entirely by Compound 7, a duo comprised of A Plus and Aagee. You had better believe that Kizzie leaves everything on the floor on Hugs, and how effing dope/clever is that artwork?! Head to her site, throw down some scratch for Free Hugs, and then give it a listen. Oh. You’re welcome.

Download: Free Hugs, Hologram Kizzie (Psalm One)

Album: ‘We’re Still Disappointed,’ Vic Spencer & Sulaiman

About three years ago, Chicago rap artists Vic Spencer and Sulaiman teamed up to gift our ears with We’re Just Disappointed. Well, they’re still disappointed. The rappin’ ass duo released We’re Still Disappointed a few days ago, much to the delight of their fans. This album features production from Ikaz, Black Spade, Thelonious Martin and others. Also, there are no features. All you’ll get on this album is Vic and Sul, Sul and Vic. If you’re familiar with the theme of We’re Just Disappointed, then this project won’t catch you off guard. Head to their Bandcamp page, name your price, and download We’re Still Disappointed.

Download: We’re Still Disappointed (Album), Vic Spencer & Sulaiman

Ears, please: “Lyfe Change,” D2G X Young Diesel (Prod. by Cardo)

Anyone who knows me is aware that while I am a huge supporter of GoILL music as a whole, I am not afraid to voice my honest opinion about any artist (especially rap and hip-hop) who I feel is less than, mediocre, wack, flat out trash, et cetera. I personally know a few artists and will always be forthright when it comes to my views of their music. Some got it, some don’t. D2G falls into the former, and the silent assassin-like  rap artist just continues to grind his way to respectability not only among his peers in Chicago, but those nationwide as well. “Lyfe Change,” which features D2G and fellow “East Side” emcee Young Diesel, is the latest example of D2G’s hunger. The two artists haven’t released a collaborative effort since 2003, but this one does not disappoint. Serving as a little over 3-and-a-half minutes of reflection, “Lyfe Change” is one track that belongs in music libraries.

Download: “Lyfe Change,” D2G & Young Diesel (Prod. by Cardo)

“I.R.A.N.,” D2G (Prod. by DC)

Chicago rap artist D2G emailed me the first single from his upcoming album, July 9th: A Cancer Story, and I felt inclined to share it with you. “I.R.A.N.” (Ign’ant Rappin’ Ass Nigga) was produced by DC, and you can certainly tell just by the sound of this track. Despite the title of this song, I can assure you that D2G is anything but “ign’ant.” One thing I enjoy about D2G’s flow is that he maintains a reasonable level of aggressiveness without coming off as a diminutive persona with something to prove, but without the means and ability to do so. With each release, more and more people are made aware of just how dope D2G is, and I don’t see him slowing down any time soon.

Download: “I.R.A.N.,” D2G (Prod. by DC)

EP: The Brainfly, Naledge & Willie The Kid

When you combine one-half of Chicago rap group Kidz in the Hall, a gritty lyricist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ridiculously dope production, you get The Brainfly. Naledge and Michigan native Willie The Kid released this EP just a few days ago, and after listening to it in its entirety, I can testify that it is indeed worth the download. There are only two features, but they are both fitting. Production credits are extended to 88 Keys, THEMPEOPLE, Thelonious Martin and more. Let’s hope that these two collaborate again in the very near future. Now, excuse me while I play “Red Lotus” again.

Download: The Brainfly EP, Naledge & Willie The Kid

Audio: “Chi’s Cathedral (Freestyle),” D2G ft. Thomas Mac

Chicago rapper D2G has been gifting ears with a freestyle a month until his next official project, A Cancer Story, drops on July 9 of this year. March’s entry is “Chi’s Cathedral,” featuring Chicago vocalist Thomas Mac. Listen as D2G laces Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “No Church In The Wild” production. You’re welcome.

Audio: “Meatloaf,” Vic Spencer ft. Thomas Mac (Prod. by Black Spade)

That rapping bastard, Chicago artist Vic Spencer, dropped another single yesterday. Featuring Thomas Mac on vocals and Black Spade on production, “Meatloaf” is a wonderfully composed track. I won’t give away the concept of the song, so…listen/download.

“Meatloaf,” Vic Spencer ft. Thomas Mac (Prod. by Black Spade)

“Truthful” freestyle, D2G (over Kendrick Lamar’s “Rigamortis”)

A Chicago rap artist who I personally feel is looked over more often than not, D2G gives us “Truthful,” a freestyle over California rapper Kendrick Lamar’s “Rigamortis.” Lamar usually has great production, so to say that “Rigamortis” stands out to me is saying something. D2G makes it his own  for his “Freestyle of the Month.” It won’t be until early July that we get D2G’s next full-length project, so listen/download/enjoy/you’re welcome.

Video: “Duck Sauce,” Vic Spencer ft. MC Tree (Dir. by KP)

The homey Vic Spencer dropped this off in my inbox yesterday. One of my favorite singles from Post-Spence Ethic, a project he hammered out with French producer Ikaz, “Duck Sauce” now gets the visual treatment. Set in Chinatown (I’m assuming) with Vic getting assistance from MC Tree, being directed by KP and featuring cameos from a few Marie Josephine-loving Barbie dolls, this relatively dark track was nuts in its audio version. Enjoy the video.

“Post-Spence Ethic,” Vic Spencer (Prod. by Ikaz)

Chicagoan Vic Spencer and Frenchman Ikaz just keep churning them out, like an angry, hellbent version of clockwork. Yeah. That.