FiveNine's Fundamental Five: The Piano Effect

So I was gonna try to wait a while longer before starting a new series of sorts (per our follower's request!) but man, I've felt absolutely neglected when it comes to checking the internet for new music lately. So why not devote some time to sharing what I already do know of, with you guys.

The theme of this batch of tracks is - surprise - the piano. That's pretty much the only criteria I used, how nice the piano sounds on the ears; not the lyrics or anything like that. As usual I try to give newer tracks some shine. Now lets get started:

Soul Cry - Ab-Soul

If you're a fan of Black Hippy like we are, then you'll know Willie B is one massively slept on producer. His beats are gold. And if you can get over Ab's metaphor on the hook, you'll dig this track...

The Ride - Black El

Another of my favorite all-time tracks (I swear I only have like 30). It's too bad El hasn't really dropped a lot of material lately. Produced by Durkin.

Carry Me Home - Atmosphere

The top hip hop producer in my warped opinion would be DJ Premier/Ant. Yeah, I cheated. But that's how dope Ant is. This makes the cut because the piano riff sounds kind of antique and original.

Free My Soul - Big K.R.I.T.

Produced by KRIT himself, this is downtempo magic in the mold of Outkast. What's not to love? KRIT and Kendrick, that's really all todays hip hop needs...I went there.

Flow - Zion I & The Grouch (feat. Goapele)

I believe this is a home-made remix, but don't quote me on that. I think you'll agree it's very nice and well composed; better than the original. Why is it nobody ever talks about these guys? They were around way before the likes of Dom Kennedy, Pac Div, & Kendrick Lamar but folks talk like California is just now stepping away from the gangsta rap scene.

Hope you enjoyed my compilation. But I do have one request from you guys...let me know how you feel about the tracks. Have you already heard them all? Are they just plain old lame? Are there better out there that I failed to mention? Feedback makes the world of blogging go round folks...

FiveNine's Fundamental Five

So it turns out that college student/worker lifestyle is no joke. I know how it feels to check blogs for new music and be disappointed by not having new posts to eat up, so allow me to make up for my absence by sharing a couple of my favorite newer tracks with you guys. They're not very "underground"...oh well.

Born In The Trap - Game

This is yet another masterpiece produced by the artist known as Preem, so yall already know how I feel about it. Easily the best track off Game's new release, The R.E.D. Album.

The End - Kid Cudi

This track is...eerie. The short intro combined with the drop just does it for me. Featuring GLC (of G.O.O.D. Music) and the somewhat underrated Chip Tha Ripper. Produced by Blended Babies.

Nostalgia - Marco Polo

This has been on heavy rotation on the iPod for years now. What's not to love? Masta Ace, one of hip hop's finest, handles the rapping duties while Marco Polo lays down a groovy beat laced with acoustic guitar. Cuts by DJ Linx.

Styles Aint Raw - Celph Titled & Buckwild

This is just filthy. Buckwild did us all a service by releasing this beat; it makes you want to go rob a bank or something haha. Apathy and Chino XL come in and complete the track. I dare you to decide what goes harder, the lyrics or the beat.

Everafter - The Grouch & Eligh

Now this joint is just classy. It's one of those tracks that make you zone out while listening to. Great for those long lectures in class or just relaxing in your room. Eligh is ill, by the way.