Watch: Go to Work - @samadsavage (feat. @Blaze_theRebel & @maccmccray)

Right around Thanksgiving Samad Savage dropped his latest project, DUO-LITTY.

Obviously a double entendre for "duality," the album championing his alter egos serves as his most successful release to date peaking at #5 on iTunes charts. One of the standout singles for the Montclair emcee is Go To Work which features verses from familiar names like Blaze, the Rebel and Macc McCray. The trio trade verses cooking in this proverbial kitchen. Samad has always been as talented a spitter as he is in front of the camera with such creative visuals. This video parodies an episode of Chopped as each artist shows off a dish for Gordon Ban$ley in Smells Kitchen. See the outcome by watching the video below.

Listen: Outkast - @seefrvncis ft. Trizz (prod by @maccmccray)

See Francis kicks off 2021 with a new Macc McCray produced single, Outkast. 

Teaming up with Trizz, this hook is a mild interpolation of the classic, So Fresh, So Clean by Andre and Antwoine. I'm really digging this horn section in a minor key and how the drums make this sound so dark. It's fitting considering the subject matter. Look out for a big year for the Newark spitter. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Watch: Breathe - @maccmccray

It's really easy to forget this is a music video. He really is spitting fire over this dope loop.

I’m convinced in a post apocalyptic world @MaccMcCray would freak a pair of 6s or cement 3s over some timbs or combat boots.https://t.co/4J3ZqJbQmC

— Jonathan C. (@RamseySaidWHAT) October 5, 2020

Macc McCray returns with an awesome visual to his new single, Breathe. Sneakers aside we see Macc navigating what seems to be a world post-Covid crisis. In what looks like an abandoned home, he makes his way up the stairs to a big surprise. I won't ruin it for you. Just press play after the break. Look out for part two.

Watch: Attitude - @MaccMcCray (shot by RAW Media)

The song of the summer finally has a video treatment.

I'm not talking about No Guidance. I've been saying it and playing it. Attitude by Macc McCray is a bop. You can see what else I had to say in my June write up as well as hear it in Episode 20 of A-Side B-Side Podcast. Macc's Kärma ain't right and things take a funny twist at the end. I won't ruin it for you. Check out the video after the break. Well done.

Listen: Sub-R&B: Summer '19 (curated by @RamseySaidWHAT)

This is like the opposite of Chik Fil-A. This playlist slaps on a lazy Sunday Afternoon. We're back with another Sub R&B playlist. I started it on the notion that R&B has developed sub-genres, dabbles in other sounds, and crosses over harder than Tim Hardaway. Only this tie we have more music from rappers than we've ever had before. Even they dabble with their voices with or without the pitch correction and autotune.

This is music for the people with eclectic ears like ours. Some of these artists you know, you may know, and some you don't. All of it's a vibe. Enjoy this on the beach, late night in the whip, or in that quiet place with that special someone. I need you to feel this.

Listen: Attitude - @maccmccray (prod by NK Music)

July is right around the corner and Macc McCray might just have the summer bop we've all been waiting for.

To keep it funky, this new single, Attitude, is just that, funky. Produced by NK Music, Attitude makes you wanna flip someone off and dance all at the same time. Play this one in your car when someone cuts you off on the parkway. Play this one in your DJ set right after IDFWU by Big Sean (Disclaimer for my fellow DJs: The BPM is pretty close so you can sync it without it sounding like Alvin and the Chipmunks). If you listen closely you can hear Party Michael singing background but frankly, this is my joint. He's been in a gritty bag lately with his Roll the Dice series, so to hear a more cheerful track is perfect timing with the good weather. Roll an L, sip a Long Island, or do whatever you do but play Attitude while you're doing it. Stream it below.

Listen: #RollTheDice2wo - @MaccMcCray (words by: Brya Edwards)

Jersey native, Macc McCray, has just dropped part two to his EP series entitled, RollTheDice.

Compared to part one that dropped back in February, the songs on RollTheDice: 2wo bring a more aggressive vibe. Macc McCray has shifted away from reminiscing about failed relationships and past loves. Mac McCray is showing that he can be both vulnerable and gritty. RollTheDice:2wo displays heavy hitter beats to match his cadence. His lyrics talk about taking out any competition on his way to the top. The three track EP gives off an “I don’t give a f*ck” attitude, which is dope. It is a short three songs that pack a punch, each flowing effortlessly into the other. In contrast, both EP’s are a cohesive project that makes you want to get in your bag and get to the bag. Listen to CHAMPION, LOTTERY PT. 2, BREATHE after the break.

Review: RollTheDice:1NE - @MaccMcCray

A month and some change back, Macc McCray released a new EP, RollTheDice: 1NE.

It dropped before Valentine's day, but it screams about break ups and has a somber theme throughout. In the production notes, McCray mentions this is just Side 1 of 6 so I'm interested to see if each chapter has it's own specific feel. This one is quick and easy to breakdown so I'm gonna go track by track.

SITUATIONSHIPS (Prod. by NK Music) - Situationships is the only track here that Macc didn't take part in the production. I've always been fond of nostalgia so the clips of Episode 18 of Martin was a nice touch. You know the scene where Gina and Martin break up after a foul Valentine's day. Enter chord progression from the grand piano and hi-hat, kick, snare percussion. The production on this track is super minimalist and leaves so much room for Macc to fill the void. It's all blended pretty lovely and it's not hollow. I think a lot of emcees and singers may try to do too much on this track but Macc floats here.

I'm usually weary and worry when rappers try to sing their own hooks but I'm pretty impressed with Macc's vocals. He even sprinkled in a little pitch correction and autotune for the pain. I also love that audio crossfade when it goes from one ear to another. Listen to it on speakers then listen again on a good set of headphones and you'll really appreciate this one.

TOO BAD (Prod. by Macc McCray) - Macc continues the somber mood and reminisces about a past love. Perhaps the same one from track one. You can usually tell which producers know how to play instruments and who plays the computer. That's no diss just usually makes for a better ear for blending digitized sound and live. Content-wise continues the tale about what his ex is missing out on. Deleted the IG and everything. Y'all must be done-done.

"Too Bad I wasn't what you wanted, but I was what you needed."

GO TO (Prod. by Macc McCray & A.G. Wavy) - Enough of all the sad stuff. It's time to get in your bag and that's exactly what Macc does. Why? Cuz he's the f*ckin Go To. Now that all the distractions are out of the way he's decided that it's time to level up. It's funny because we were just talking about braggadocios rap on twitter and that's what he's on here. He didn't ditch the mood all together because the outro features more singing.

It's short and sweet and I think musically it's great. Not distracting to the point you could probably study listening to it, but it leaves an impact that you'll know all the words by your third listen. It's only ten minutes of your time which leaves you wanting more. I'm interested to see if the next installment of Roll The Dice has it's own theme or continues the story. I'm at the edge of my seat because I've spent the last month listening to the same ten minutes. If that doesn't say a lot I don't know what does. You can cop RollTheDice: 1NE on iTunes today. Press play.

Watch: Respect - @MaccMcCray

Thanks For Nothing has been out for a few months now. Macc McCray seems to have plans to make it a visual album.

In fact his album is now serving as a series.  Episode 2 is the music video for Respect. I think it's safe to say this is my favorite offering on the project and I've had it in rotation since I first heard it. Respect is probably the song that needed a visual treatment most on the project. The video takes us to a board meeting at a record label. This is super creative and I enjoyed it. I know you will too. Check out the video for Respect after the break.

Nine Jersey Musicians You Need to Know in 2018

We're a little more than a month into the year. I know how you guys get with lists. If you feel you or an artist you know should have made the list, prove me wrong this year. Or just @ me on twitter I can take the heat. Some of the acts on this list are really well kept secrets. The others, you already know about. Either way these guys and gals are due for a huge 2018.

Ty Jackson - The New Jeru Native has been quiet as of late. In fact Ty hasn't dropped a project since 2016 with his collab with SoULFULL on Boulevard Blues. I know first hand he's been working. When I covered Motion a month back I mentioned another unreleased track that should stir some pots. Coffee in the Morning is the name and I'm sure it'll be coupled with some more heat. Just wait for it.

Joe College - You're not living under a rock right? CivXSav Forever dropped and the reception has been bananas. The whole crew is clicking on all cylinders right now! In fact he sold out House of Independents in Asbury last week. You read correctly, SOLD OUT! No easy task to fill up a 500+ venue for an independent Jersey act of any genre. We got to talk to Rodney from Garden State Hip Hop in tomorrow's podcast episode about the event. I even chopped it up with College the day of the album release. Check that out here.

David Michael Jonze - Dave Made Time. No really, that's even the name of his forthcoming project. Let's just say a birdie gives me the inside scoop. Dude is probably one of the most hardworking cats out here and hasn't ever rapped over a song he didn't personally produce. Take a second to grasp that. I just caught his performance at The Showcase Tour and he has a new single, Shea Butter on the way. You'll have to wait til later on this season of the podcast for that rest. Just know, the wait will definitely be worth it.

Shaqeyah- Unfortunately I've only gotten to cover the South Jersey songstress just once. What I do know about her is she's a hell of a talent. Solar System produced by Kenif Muse dropped in November. Enough of a gap that you could probably expect more material soon. If you're a fan of these new eerie subgenres of R&B I think you'll like her. I intend of covering her stuff more and maybe even getting her down to the lab soon. She just dropped a new track, Classic Love last week. Check it out below.


Macc McCray - Thanks for Nothing is out! I'm really intrigued by Macc's music. There's some buzz surrounding the West Orange artist. He's probably produced some stuff for artists you like too. Dude has a plethora of vibes and sounds he can catch you with from hip hop to R&B. Between this album and whatever else he cooks up, Macc McCray will have a breakout year.

MostDope - Simply put, I think he's next up out of the 732. Thus far in his discography, MostDope hasn't missed. P.O.M.E., Feb 14th, and Pressure have all be easy on the ears. I'd be silly not to include him on this list. He's one or two moves away from going next level, and the same goes for the rest of the A1 crew. Quote me if you like.

Khalil Jibran - Remember what I said a few months back: "Khalil Jibran is by far in my opinion the
best live performing emcee in Jersey right now." Time went on and I still stand by it. His energy is crazy. If you go to a show and see him on the bill there is no way you fools can keep your arms folded. Some talent just can't be denied. F*ck 12 has won awards, and he's started his own record label. Keep a lookout on A-Side B-Side for our interview with the Newark upstart.

Party Michael - Badside off NVR WRY is one of the best kept secrets of 2017. I even put it in the Sub-R&B playlist. I had the luxury of interviewing him on Non Fiction Radio and doing a live review on FB and Twitter live with him at The Lab at WTM. Let me say this. Party is brilliant. As a producer he is above average. As a vocalist I'll let you make your own opinion especially considering he knows mine. Oh did I mention he did features on Macc McCray & Joe College's projects. He also opened up the Joe College and Friends Sold Out show. How do you get so much done without dropping any music of his own this year? I feel it coming, 2018 is going to be special for Party, just watch.

Samad Savage - Things have been fairly quiet for the Montclair emcee recently. Enough to make me ask, Where's Samad Savage? Quiet as it's kept I imagine he's in the studio working or already done with a project. Last time I caught him was opening last summer at Starland for PNB Rock and being interviewed on the show right after Pass the Aux this summer at Nonfiction Radio. His soundcloud boasts a couple remixes and covers as well as OMG a few months back. Must mean a project is on the way. It is only February right?

Listen: Thanks for Nothing - @MaccMcCray

Maybe about a month back I finally woke up and realized Macc McCray is responsible for a lot of songs I like, especially around these parts. Some of my favorites are Make Me Say by Kärma and the work he did on Reason by Hardaway.

A few weeks ago Macc released a project of his own, Thanks For Nothing. The project was a thousand flame emojis. Seriously, braggadocio flows meet a plethora of beats. Thanks is an excellent grand sounding way to kick things off. Some of my favorites include a couple of features from Kärma with You Already Know and Say Amen which features a dope live electric guitar solo towards the end. That production is especially great because it basically loops the Jersey City songstress's own vocals in a super original and unique way. No samples, all talent and plug in. The skits are well placed and include stuff like viral video clips, interviews, and more. I also enjoyed Don't Call My Phone with Party Michael. Respect is fire and honest to God so is the Jersey Club remix. To sum up the project I think Respect could tell you what to expect here. Trust me, in due time the respect will come Macc. Keep up at this rate and they won't have a choice but to respect it.

We’ve never formally met, why not for the record?

— Jonathan C. (@RamseySaidWHAT) January 18, 2018

Macc McCray is too talented as a spitter and producer alike. There's no reason you guys haven't listened to this yet. It's on every platform you can get music and it's embedded below. If you need another reason to listen maybe we can get him on A-Side B-Side before Season One is over. Until then, Thanks For Nothing below. I need you to feel this.

Review: Reason - @NylesXNature (words by @RamseySaidWHAT)

Reason is probably the best project I missed out on last year. I said what I said. This is one of the best told stories I've heard in a long time. Not all albums are stories but collections of songs but for Hardaway, this is a coming of age tale. I don't want to waste much time so, let's get to it.

Right Place serves as the intro. It doesn't have lyrics as Hardaway doesn't appear to the next track. That's a recurring theme throughout Reason. I'll explain why later. Baby Boy takes us on the trip any parent must got through in the nine months until their first child is born. For those like me that don't have kids, really think about it. Imagine the maturation you have to make in less than a year as your life changes forever.. This song takes us on that journey. It doesn't really have a hook but I think his cadence is dope. In each line he shares a thought as it's followed up with the title of the track.

"This sh*t is crazy I'm finna have a BABY! Sh*t been changin' lately she boutta have my BABY!"

The song fades out to Hardaway singing a lullaby to his first born and a classic Lawrence Fishbourne scene in Boyz In The Hood. Searching for the Reason begins. Pay attention here. This one is a roller coaster of emotions about the world around him. The beat even changes to that classic Daylight sample by Ramp.  You might know the sample better from Bonita Applebum by A Tribe called Quest. The beat fades out and he vents on the rest of the track. The Price of Life follows up. They looped the Bow Wow hook from Hood Star with Omarion. The beat slows takes  us on a low fi mood. This is music to ride up and down route one on a summer day. To be honest aside from the storyline this is how I feel about his entire project. It's the second verse on this song you really need to pay attention to. His voice serves as a DJ scratch and the instrumentals combined equals beautiful music. No really, his voice and tonality is magic throughout this entire joint. Watching God and Ghetto Messiah are a package deal. I think this is kind of the climactic point in the album.

D.R.E.A.M. is what it looks like. Punchlines on punchlines lace this track until the hook comes. Death rules everything around me. This tale isn't for the faint of heart. Let's be frank the whole project isn't. He explains it himself in the description: An album about change & purpose. A drug dealer coming to terms with the speed of life and the understanding of being alive. As the project closes out Purest Feeling and Rahway (Just Like You) take things to a retrospective point of view. After all that's happened in his life the things that are important and really matters now hold more meaning, for instance his son.

I like to think I have an eclectic ear. Reason is one of the most pure hip hop albums I've listened to in a long time. This was a super super easy listen for the purist and trap listener alike. The skits and movie monologues were a nice touch in addition to the interludes. I said earlier some of the tracks didn't have any lyrics. Sometimes there aren't words for what you're feeling so the music spoke loud enough. Macc McCray strikes again. This was mixed and mastered super well. McCray and Hardaway really did their thing. The samples and beat selection blended well as did the sequence and order of songs. This project is industry ready and takes us on a helluva ride. You ever hear Ab-Soul's outro? Kendrick said something in there that reminds me of this project. "You wonder how I could talk about money, hoes, clothes God and history all in the same sentence?" He hits a lot of themes and I hate comparisons but if you like music like section .80 you'll love Hardaway. I even played this one for my pops and it got the Mr. Ramsey cosign. If this project came out in 1996 I don't think anyone would have noticed. Also no features. I don't want to be like every J. Cole stan out there but I'll say this. Entertaining someone for 45 minutes plus is a feat. Think about a stand up comedian. We just give them a microphone a chair and some water and say entertain us. I'm that impressed when a musician does it too. Reason is a must listen and the East Orange Native floated on this. I feel like I just watched a full length film. I'd love to see visuals for this. In fact just listen for yourself below. Well done.

Listen: Make Me Say - @_TheRealKarma (prod. by @MaccMcCray)

From the moment I heard the Crush on You sample I was immediately gassed for the new Kärma offering. Before I say anything further, Macc McCray, well done.

Kärma really floats on this and talks about her crush on her man. I wasn't sure until now but I really enjoy the Jersey City songstress over remade or samples of classics like Don't Forget Me, sayYes, and House Party from i95 & Wifi. The difference is she is an elite songwriter herself and doesn't just cover the songs as pre-written. She adds her own flavor. Enjoy Make Me Say after the break.