Sizzlin' Sounds

Been a while since the last post, so my apologies for all readers. Last few weeks have been busy for me, but I'm ready to get back to updating everyone to the hip-hop world once again. So what better way for me to do that than introduce a new series?

Each week, I'm going to be rating the top five rap tracks that you'll want to hear right away. I'll include the download link (if there is one) for each one so you can be bumping these on your stereos ASAP.

So, without further ado, here is the first edition of "Sizzlin' Sounds".


Just missed the cut: "The Breeze Cool" - Wale ft. Wiz Khalifa and Tre of UCB
A track that you would expect on an album by Wale, this is the best song you'll hear on his most recent mixtape, More About Nothing. Wale sounds better than ever and it's clear he's becoming a better MC with his lyrics. A great song to play at any time, especially if you're driving with the windows down on a cool summer day.

5. "Trillionaire" - Bun B ft. T-Pain
I don't agree with the perfect "5 Mic" rating the Source gave Bun B on his most recent effort, Trill O.G., but he had some absolute standouts all the same. "Trillionaire" is one of them, with a surprisingly good chorus by T-Pain and a great beat by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Bun sounds great as well and is strong lyrically.

4. "Right Above It" - Lil Wayne ft. Drake
Hey, had I started this series a few weeks ago, this would've been an easy choice for #1. It won't be on Weezy's Carter IV, but it could be a taste of what we'll hear. If it is, it will be plenty for hip-hop lovers to be satisfied with. Although Drake's verse isn't bad, Wayne is clearly the star in this track, with lines like "life is a beach, I'm just playing in the sand," and "yes I'm in the building, you just on the list of guest names".

3. "It Won't Be Long" - J. Cole
It's very possible that the best rap album this year will be released by Cole if he stays at the level he's at in this track. Cole describes experiences in the hood, talking to his mama in a letter format. It's an inspirational song, and another very strong cut from Cole. It may appear on his debut, Cole World, which is to released later this year. Definitely an album you will want to pick up.

2. "Go To Sleep" - Lupe Fiasco
Can Lasers please just be released for the sake of hip-hop NOW? Lupe hasn't made a release date official yet, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been releasing new music. His latest here is "Go to Sleep", where 1500 or Nothin' is on the production end. Lupe is once again, terrific, showing no drop in his delivery skills. When you hear Lupe dropping lines like "But I'm warming up, ocean is on the rise, I be ocean with 11 associates on the side", you've got even more reason to get excited.

1. "Power Remix" - Kanye West ft. Jay-Z
This wasn't going to make the list, if it had stopped at the 3:16 mark. After that, Kanye unleashes on the mic. Not only does he destroy it lyrically, but he raps over an old school beat with "I got the power" chanting in the background. Blend that with a strong verse by Jay-Z to open the track, and you have you're #1 sizzler for the week.