Ray West has undoubtedly been one of the most prominent producers in the Hip Hop underground for the last few years, supplying heat for full projects by John Robinson, Kool Keith, AG and OC as well as his LUVNY compilations. Back in 2014 he released a cassette called "The Snake Tape" exclusively on cassette, featuring emcees such as AG, Lord Tariq, L-Fudge, Kool Keith, Kurious and Dave Dar. The cassette featured selections from a compilation that a lot of heads unfortunately slept through on its initial release - "LUVNY" was originally marketed as the release of a super group of the same name, mentioning each featured artist (who appeared on a two song average) as a member of the crew. I personally see it more as a Ray West production album with the help of some dope emcees and close friends (Roc Marciano, AG, OC, Kool Keith, Kurious, Lord Tariq, etc.).
Both the original "Snake Chamer" and the "Snake Charmer Part 3" posted up top (just posted to Dave Dar's YouTube channel) both appear on a new reissue of "LUV NY" pressed up on a new 2 180 grams vinyl set. Looking at the tracklist it looks as all the fat has been trimmed (as those remixes), and some strong new cuts. If you're a fan of rugged New York hip-hop, DITC, great lyrics and beats, be sure to order the 2xLP @ FatBeats ASAP. You can also stream the full alubm below. A big shout out to the homie Ray West!
The homie Ray West keeps bringing incredible hip-hop with his own original, unmistakable twist to the table, as every release on his label Red Apples 45 is pretty much just getting better and better with each drop. My personal favorite so far is the mini album he did with OC, "Ray's Café", followed by the John Robinson EP "Sample & Percussion" (click to stream both projects, respectively). For his new single and video, "Stay Still", West enlists Blu and Dave Dar for a nice summer vibe joint that feels just right! This banging joint is lifted from one of the many insane 7" extended plays that Red Apples 45 have dropped recently - you can grab "Berri Lipstick" EP @ iTunesnow. Video premiered by OkayPlayer and was directed by Dave Dar and A.M. Fine.
NY producer, and D.I.T.C. affiliate, Ray West keeps dropping EPs, 7" singles and the ocassional album on his Red Apples 45 imprint and especially over the last few years he has really improved his skills. The laid back, jazz infused production gives a solid platform for Blu and Dave Dar to go in over. Don't sleep on this while you're waiting for the spring to come at us. Ray's slamming "Berrii Lipstick" EP is out now and also features apperances by AG and OC and can be streamed via Spotify below, before you order your copy @ RedApples45 where you can also still order two of last years finest EP:s - "Ray's Cafe" with OC and the Ray West/John Robinsion collabo callled "Sample & Percussion". The V/A 7" EP "Berrii Lipstick" is available now, and so is the highly recommended Robinsion EP which you can grab here here. You can stream both projects for free via Spotify below. "Samples & Percussion" (JR & Ray West) [Spotify] "Berri Lipstick 7" (AG, Blue, OC, Dave Dar) [Spotify]
I'm a big fan of Silent Someone's 2012 album "Change"and its powerful grooves of laid back jazz and hard rhythms. Now the Bronx producer is back with his new project, "I Have Company", featuring a host of talented emcees from the States going in over Silent's raw hip-hop, complete with funk and jazz influences. Artists getting busy over these tracks include Akbar, Shaz Illyork, El Da Sensei, King Magnetic, John Robinson, Tame One, Emskee, Sadat X, and many more. Dave Dar appears on the single "El Greco" which you can see the new music video for up top. Released on Peasant Podium Music back in March of this year, you can stream the entire album for free or purchase the digital copy @ their Bandcamp page(also embeded below). Seems to be a digital release only for now, but well worth checking out.
