We’re into our second week of what proved a popular new feature last week, and you’re in for another journey not too far down memory lane. I call it Recollection Avenue.
This genre-less weekly episodical seems like the perfect opportunity to mix things up, and whilst there’s still ‘normal’ stuff in there, feel free to indulge yourself with the two curveballs I’ve thrown in this week.
Last week you may recall Kid Cudi featuring heavily, and this week’s theme is…April 2009. I’ll be honest, it was more coincidental than anything.
Either I missed the audio when it came out or XV is a little late to the party, but either way Vizzy comes through with his remix of Drake’s oft-remixed The Motto.
Though it’s delayed, the remixes did dry up a few weeks back, so this does actually benefit from coming in a little later as the production now sounds somewhat less overused. XV’s generally sharp with the raps and that’s the case here, with upbeat, bouncy flows that ride this wavy beat nicely, whilst relative unknown Sez Batters also comes through with what’s a confident, smoothed-out verse that has similarities to those on the ‘West Coast’ remix.
The video is comprised of tour footage, and comes with a decent mixture of show footage for energy and backstage/personal stuff for a more in-depth vibe. Nothing spectacular visually, but a solid accompaniment to a decent audio.
Very poignant video here from XV as he gives us the visuals for his excellently atmospheric track, The Kick. The track samples a familiar track (familiar to those of you who’ve seen Inception!), and provides the backdrop for some tantalising introspection from XV.
I saw the title and did wonder whether a mixture of the old-school songstress and Mortal Kombat villain would look anything short of horrifying. Thankfully, XV cleared that up for us with the artwork. Panic. Over.
Unsurprisingly, a Chaka Khan sample is used for the melody here, and ties nicely to the rest of the lively, key-driven production that DJ Tech-Neek serves up, and as a beat that has a mid-2000′s Kanye vibe, it’ll win many fans. Vizzy’s at home on almost any production, and one as easygoing as this proves no different as he provides an energetic yet controlled set of raps that further enhances his status as one of the more consistent MCs in the game. Props for that Triple H reference too.
New material from XV, and here Vizzy gets together with a man regarded as the US’ biggest foray into the dubstep genre, as Skrillex serves up the production (though purists assure me that his style isn’t actually ‘real’ dubstep). It’s a diverse production, with video game-esque samples that stay true to the title and artwork, and genuinely do have an early 90s gaming vibe (think games like Golden Axe), whilst the verses are packed with that dizzying, jaw-rattling bass that you’d expect from any dub-influenced track.
XV’s raps are solid enough, taking on a relatively tricky beat with relative ease and whilst it’s not exactly a lyrical masterclass, it certainly makes for a more enjoyable listen than the mainstream bragging usually found on these energetic, electronic productions. An OK track that will find a loving home in many of your libraries, but as I’m not so keen on the dub style, it won’t hang around in my rotation for too long.
Another excellent track from the Zero Heroes mixtape gets the video treatment (there were quite a few in truth!), with Vizzy selecting the uplifting yet thoughtful When We’re Done.
A well-made blend of energy and introspection, the production calls on a medley of styles with a futuristic feel in the vocal sample, a retrospective, wistful vibe from the key work and a little intensity with the crisp percussion work. XV’s raps equally combine styles, as he comes through with a motivational, often autobiographical message that rotates between inspiring and reflective.
The video is fairly simple and much like the audio appears to have two distinct ‘parts’, with much of the first half split between shots of XV rapping in a desolate space and also journeying the road, whilst the second half has a more celebratory, Carpe diem style that ranges from a night out to a little skydiving. Though the first half is a little slow moving, it’s a decent enough video supported by a strong audio. Grab that mixtape now.
A little off the pace on this one, for which I apologise. Dropped last week at the tailend of XV’s rapid fire releases, this is another show of diversity as XV goes for a motivational style on Hoop Dreams.
Vizzy comes with an enjoyable storytelling style on this effort, nicely detailing a story of someone with basketball ambitions, and as expected with such a title and subject, there are plenty of basketball references interspersed within the lyrics for the NBA fans out there. The production is an easygoing blend of ambience and intensity, with atmospheric synths and samples placed alongside a sharp, crashing percussion, combining for an accurate capture of the thoughtful yet ambitious nature of the lyrics. Another good effort from Vizzy, and hopefully there’s more to come soon.
Visuals for the excellent track from the equally-excellent Zero Heroes mixtape. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the finer productions on the tape, courtesy of Just Blaze, who not only provides a fantastic string-driven production, but offers XV one of his bigger co-signs to date.
Rightfully, the video has a personal theme, being centered around XV’s day-to-day happenings in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. It fits both the relatively biographical lyrics and the melodic production, giving the entire package a nice holistic feel with each element suitably enhancing the other.
Another quick strike from XV, as he comes through with yet more really enjoyable material, immediately after releasing one of his finest efforts to date with The Kick.
The production here has a nice blend of soft synth work, light samples (both vocal and electronic) and a thumping bass, offering a strong hip-hop sensibility with a sprinkling of mainstream influence to make this a wide-reaching, accessible beat. The raps from both artists are very enjoyable, and surprisingly Trae probably takes the win thanks to his husky tones offering a superb contrast to the lively production, whilst his rapid delivery is another highlight of his performance. XV is certainly enjoyable with his own work, and this is another solid effort from Vizzy. What I want to know is, where’s the audio for that F.I.F.A. track?!
XV’s not one to hold back with his material, and he lets loose of another track hot on the heels of releasing his BITSTU freestyle. Crucially, his quality is kept at a great standard even with such frequent releases: with that said, this is quite possibly one of his strongest releases to date.
The production is unlike anything I’ve heard XV on previously, sampling Hans Zimmer’s Time (from the Inception score) for a dark, atmospheric production that also boasts a fantastic progressiveness. XV’s rarely slack with the raps, and delivers a passionate performance that uses the slow build of the beat very well, whilst his lyricism blends introspection with a little storytelling and comes laced with numerous Inception references. Very enjoyable music from start to finish, and unquestionably one of his most rounded, captivating tracks to date. Shame he’ll probably never get official sample clearance for this to release it as a single, but there we are!
XV cleverly switches the title to represent him being ‘Back.In.The.STU‘, grabbing the instrumental from the original rather than the more popular Drake version, and lacing it with some really enjoyable raps. Vizzy’s never been a slacker with his delivery, and here he brings a flexible range of flows along with his witty lyricism for a very enjoyable remix. Admittedly, I was a little overwhelmed by the production on the original version when initially exposed to it, but XV’s raps soften its somewhat jagged, experimental edges considerably, and hence it’s a likeable effort that feels more like a genuine remix rather than a freestyle.
XV has quite the growing fanbase, and having reached 30,000 followers on Twitter, XV let this cut loose to commemorate that particular milestone.
One key facet of Vizzy’s appeal to date is the sheer diversity of his music, with the unpredictable beat selection making for interesting and exciting listening. This is no exception, as he blends together a bassy dub-influence with a soulful vocal sample to provide a very addictive production, combining the intensity of the pulsating bass hits with the airy vibe of the vocal sample for a well-rounded backdrop. His raps are solid as ever, with some memorable lines (particularly liked ‘my label is asking for hits I’m thinkin’ I’m steadily bringing up kilos‘) switching up his flows regularly and riding this tricky beat comfortably. Another decent effort from XV as he keeps fans on their toes once more with that unpredictable style.
As I’m holding down the fort over the weekend I’ve had to delve into things I might otherwise have left for my fellow co-writers. XV is an artist I’ve seen pop up here now and again (Ajay’s lane I think) and this is the first time I’ve checked for the guy. Not really my thing from an artist I (rightly or wrongly) categorize as ‘skateboard rap’ but don’t let that put you off. The soft production and easy-flow raps here on Phobia are sure to go down well with some.
Having reached 25,000 followers on Twitter, XV took to the internets to let loose of this J. Cole-produced effort that didn’t quite make the cut for the recent Zero Heroes mixtape.
It’s not the first time these guys have worked together, with SmallVille being a previous work of the duo, and it appears they’ve got some decent chemistry as this is another enjoyable effort. A fairly soft yet punchy synth makes up the primary melody, and works comfortably alongside various vintage samples to create a fairly simple and memorable production. It works nicely to bring the emotion and tone of Vizzy’s voice out, and when coupled with some solid raps throughout it’s a very easy and likeable listen.
I’m very excited to listen to this tape, and I’ve got no doubts that anyone who has listened to XV’s material in recent months will share my anticipation here.
Having heard a few of the tracks directly from this mixtape, it’s fair to say they probably represent some of the highlights of the aforementioned back catalogue, which is really saying something about their quality. I really hope this is a breakout project for XV too, as he’s certainly due some real acknowledgement, and has the talent to back up any hype that comes his way. Enough talking him up anyway, grab the mixtape for £0.00 below!
From Vizzy’s upcoming Zero Heroes, dropping at short notice: next Friday! The artwork is included here, and it’s pretty damn nice in truth. Click here to see a bigger version, it’s definitely worth it!
XV has been on a great run of form with his music in recent months, and for that reason this project is immaculately timed to take advantage of the resulting buzz. This particular track is yet another superb one, with an atmospheric and eclectic production built up of a drifty melody on the keys, sharp percussion, energetic synths and a catchy vocal sample. Enjoyable raps as ever, with Vizzy coming through on a retrospective style that works as a positive, forward-thinking effort. Couple that with a memorable and inspirational hook, and this probably goes down as one of the more ‘complete’ songs in XV’s collection.
Very nice track from XV. Coming through on an retro-uptempo vibe, Vizzy lays some uplifting lyrics about a lady of his interest over a fantastically perky production that has a hugely adddictive summer vibe.
The beat brings a crossover style, blending pop, dance and alternative together to deliver an uptempo, bouncy funk that emits a hugely infectious positivity. Those ‘happy vibes really fit the brighter weather we’ve (occasionally) seen recently, and this is certainly nicely timed. Vizzy’s been on a great run of form with both his beat selections and raps recently, and the latter are once again a nice show of diversity as he runs through the qualities of what sounds like a pretty awesome girl! Hugely uplifting, and definitely worth checking out to brighten your day.
Outside of one or two plays the pop scene isn’t really my thing, but Erin’s work is getting some serious playtime from me. Naked in particular hovers that pop/alternative boundary, giving it an engaging and ultimately addictive quality that has made it a highlight of the pop scene.
XV links up with Erin once more (here for the first time) for what I assume is the official remix of Erin Christine’s superb single, and comes through with yet another very enjoyable performance. He shows his subject versatility here and keeps with the vibe of the original on his well-delivered and intelligent verse. Many rappers would have stuck to ‘what they know’: this feature proves that contextual verses make guest spots worthwhile. You can check out an acoustic performance of the original track here, and/or grab the audio for the original studio version here.
Huge fan of this. I’m surprised no-one’s taken this beat on yet as it’s absolutely prime for some of the more lyrical rappers in the game right now (looking at you Royce), so props to XV for stepping up and taking the first swing. He’s pretty much knocked it out of the park too.
Many feel his music can be very ‘backpack’, and right or wrong he’s far from that tag here as he comes through with a very passionate, intelligent track that makes full use of the powerful production. The ‘Words I Never Said’ concept is taken on a more introspective route by Vizzy, as he applies it in a more regretful and personal manner than Lupe’s broader social commentary. Not saying one is better than the other by any means, and instead it’s a refreshing and original take on the track, and hence is another top effort from XV. He’s undoubtedly stepped his quality up in recent weeks, and this is not to be slept on by any quarters of the hip-hop community.
The official visuals for a good little collabo between all these four up-and-comers. XV has been on his grind for a little while now, churning out great track after great track, so it’s good to see some much needed airtime for the guy.
Nothing really to add what I already said about the audio (go cop that here), the visuals are decent enough, with the four of them banting it up in the club and Erin Christine looking as lovely as ever.
Fresh from Vizzy’s Twitter, we’ve got another hugely enjoyable piece of solo material that further establishes XV as one of the better (and most overlooked…talking to you XXL!) young rappers in the game.
An uptempo production makes for a change in pace, as recent material has been a little more smoothed out and hence this provides a nice look at the adaptations Vizzy can make in his flow. The synth work is enjoyable, and adds a triumphant feel to the track, whilst hints of guitar in the hook add a slightly sharper and edgier quality. It’s a decent production, and though it’s probably not on the level of his last release, F.I.F.A., it’s probably a slightly unfair comparison due to both the massive difference in beat styles and the relative uniqueness of F.I.F.A. Worth a listen for sure though, especially if you’ve not yet had the chance to hear XV on a more high-tempo flow.
XV-Finally Home ft. Machine Gun Kelly
Huge fan of this. I’ve never hidden my blazing, all-consuming love for smooth, chilled out hip-hop and in both the audio and the video, this package fits the bill perfectly.
Vizzy serves up a laidback production, knitting strong percussion work onto a light, elegant piano melody, and embellishing the combination with occasional hits of keys/samples. As one of the more intelligent and articulate upcoming rappers, the rhymes are on point too, as he plays off the relaxed production with easygoing and down-to-earth lyricism and flows: No overly complex, hidden metaphors or unnecessary tongue twisting. The video keeps that theme with an everyday (for him at least!) mixture of studio work and hanging out with friends.
Props for the Fifa 10 nod at the start too, but come on Vizzy: get on that Fifa 11. Audio coming soon!
Projects like this always get me excited. Released in between Dilla’s birthday and the day of his passing, it’s a fitting tribute from one of the nicer upcomers in the game, and acts as a dedication to both the man himself and his incredible Donuts album. Dilla beats beg for a talented rapper to take them on, so what better way to honour him than with some bars.
I gave this a very, very brief listen and it did sound rather good. Vizzy seems to switch his flows up extremely well, and with his natural style being more intelligent than aggressive, he’s certainly a good fit for the relaxed, smoothed-out Dilla vibes he’s picked. Also, if you missed it a few days back, head over here and check out 88-Keys’ recent beat tape, with 88′s style throughout drawing some strong Dilla comparisons.
XV-Thanks For The Donuts (Dilla Tribute)
I would have got these posted over the weekend but I’ve been busy, apologies.
XV brings us a song that’s been very well received by all, so if you like this too you’ll definitely enjoy his upcoming album, as he’s already stated this is the sound he’s going for with the album. Unsure whether this song will be on it, but it’s certainly good enough for it to be. Produced by J. Cole, which shouldn’t come as a surprise because you could easily hear him spitting on a beat like this. Download —–> XV – Smallville
Wiz’s new single will be on his new album, and is produced by Stargate. Subject matter is the same as per usual, but with a more mainstream appealing vibe. This track is good and it’s good to see his versatility, but I much prefer tracks like Black & Yellow from him. Download —–> Wiz Khalifa – Roll Up
Edit:I messed up the link when I posted this last night (I am human after all!), link is fixed now.
XV just let this loose on his Twitter, and what a collaboration to let loose. Featuring fellow upcomers CyHi Da Prynce and Vado, each rapper brings likeable verses to a well-stocked table that contains a beat reminiscent of 2006/7 Kanye West, and an Erin Christine hook that also wouldn’t sound out of place on Ye’s 06/07 material: an all-round package that most certainly suits XV.
Definitely looking forward to what else all three of these rappers bring us in 2011. Download linkage below.
One of my favourites upcoming rappers is next up on Kanye’s Dark Fantasy beat, and XV certainly does himself justice.
I’m always entertained by XV’s modern-day referencing in his verses, and it’s refreshing to hear rappers timestamp their tracks in this way. From the tracks I’ve heard, Vizzy does this quite often and it’s a very endearing quality, as hearing his play on the latest events (for example, Wiz Khalifa’s arrests) is generally entertaining. This freestyle also got me thinking: is it actually possible to sound bad over this superb production? I’m not sure it’s going to be possible for anyone to release a bad remix/freestyle!
I don’t know much/anything about Woody, and I’m sure there are many of you in the same boat. What I do know is that he’s clearly a smart guy: an upcoming rapper releases a new mixtape, so how do you grab attention?
First off, get a great artwork designed, and secondly get some good features involved (Charles Hamilton, XV and more). Both very simple moves, yet not adhered to by enough artists. It lets people know you’re creative, interesting and other artists clearly see something in you. Upcoming artists, take note. On this basis, I’m hoping the music lives up to the expectations set by the bits surrounding it though, and it isn’t just smoke and mirrors!
Love this song, which was on XV’s recent mixtape, Vizzy Zone. This track, or various versions of it, have been floating around for seems like yonks now and yet it still sounds as fresh as ever. XV is certainly destined for big things, in my opinion.
The highly anticipated mixtape is finally here and check out that artwork, dope personified! Click here to grab the mixtape which has features from the likes of Mike Posner, Kid Cudi, Talib Kweli, Bun B & Colin Munroe. Oh and click below to check out the tracklisting.
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