Swizz Beatz is channeling the ghost of Ayo technology here, except instead of guiding Start It Up into an R&B song, we have something with a little more heat. On top of that, each verse is as good as the next, with Kanye joining two rappers virtually sitting neck and neck in the how they get recognised for what they do – Banks and Fabolous both have had their moments since the early 2000′s but despite being capable of it, neither one has been able to keep up to the scale of popularity that Kanye currently sits. Here they’re on par, but Fab might still take the cake for best punchline: “opinions are like assholes, so who gives a shit?” Care to argue?

Fabolous’ new mixtape There Is No Competition 2: The Funeral Service was due out on New Years Day and then it was rumoured to be pushed back again because of the Haiti tragedy. Rejoice, because it’s finally here and you can now hear Fab do what he does best over Young Money’s Roger That. For example: “I DDT the pussy, I’m Jake The Snakin’ you/I put ‘em in the coffin, I’m the Undertaker too/She met the God, now her man gon’ meet his maker too.” [Download it via Nah Right / 2dopeboyz]

Raekwon – Sonny’s Missing

Only Built For Cuban Linx II (2009)

This album just keeps getting better. I can’t say that any one track stands out, but ‘Sonny’s Missing’ features not only a favourite Pete Rock beat of mine (it was also used in PR’s last album, NY’s Finest), but it has The Chef over the top adding that gritty New York street-level mobster narrative. Now that’s a recipe for a standout track. Ever since ‘Sneakers’ off of Rae’s otherwise pedestrian Immobilarity (1999) the team has provided the knock.

Jay-Z – So Ambitious

Blueprint 3 (2009)

Last summer Pharrell gave us ‘Announcement’ with Common on U.M.C; and this feels like it’s derived from the same batch of beats. But besides the new Clipse project, and this track, where the fuck has Pharrell been? Well he’s working on the KOL remix album, working with Snoop and Shakira and inked a new partnership with Cornerstone, the company who organised Pharrell, Santigold and Julian Casablancas to collaborate and move shit loads of shoes. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s talking about his haters, and, getting older.

Mayer Hawthorne – The Ill’s

A Strange Arrangement (2009)

I fell in love with the new vintage-soul sound when a friend introduced me to Mayer Hawthorne at the top of this year. The song was ‘Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out’ and it seemed to get everyone hooked. Somehow Hawthorne has crossed over to embrace the hip hop community while still appealing to the older generation. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s signed to Stones Throw, or maybe it’s due to his music being really good. You decide. ‘The Ill’s’ is the more upbeat offering on his debut and makes you wanna hit up your local swing dance class. Have a listen…..

Fabolous – Lullaby

Loso’s Way (2009)

Fab always sounds best over these Street Fam beats (such as that on Tha Carter 3). This track is the middle road to Jay and Rae’s above, that over-engineered sound with that gangster talk and commercial appeal. People have talked of  his underrated flow and I’d agree that he does throw in some good lines from time to time. “I’m with a model chick Tyra thick, Heidi’s height, body suit, Spidey tight”. For the most part, especially on this track, his demeanour and authoratative presence on a track keep him relevant, along with his image etc. Straight gangster shit.

Ohio Players – The Funky Worm

Pleasures (1973)

Besides being one of the most sampled songs of all time, Funky Worm formed the backbone and sound of West Coast gangsta rap in the late 80′s and early 90′s. There is a list of over 50 artists that have used parts of the track, but here a few that you may be familiar with.

Snoop Doggy Dog – Serial Killa, Xzibit – Shroomz,  Kriss Kross – Jump, Dr. Dre – Chronic Intro, Dj Jazzy & The Fresh Prince – Boom Shake The Room, Redman – Cosmic Slop, Beastie Boys – Funky Boss, De La Soul – Me, Myself & I, Public Enemy – I Stand Accused, NWA – Dopeman, NWA – Gangsta Gangsta. The list goes on.

Classic Pete Rock Remixes – 1 of 5

Jeru The Damaja – Can’t Stop The Prophet (Pete Rock Remix)