CRT FRSH
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back with the newness! With our latest update this week, we’re gonna focus on Joey BadA$$ and his feud with what seems like the entire West Coast before sharing new heat.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say. — D.L. Chandler, Lead Curator, CRT FRSH
Like I said, I’m opening up this week’s update with all the joints I could find from Joey BadA$$, Ray Vaughn, Daylyt, and anyone else who hopped in the ring, including some of Badmon’s Pro Era team like CJ Fly. Not every song is on DSPs, so what we’ve amassed here is all we got unless folks can clear samples and production to get it up on streamers.
I’m not picking any sides in the battle. I’m just enjoying good rapping, and that it’s all being kept to recordings and not spilling into nonsense in real life. If rapping is a sport, then battling is one of the ways to show and prove one’s mettle. One super impressive thing is that in the back and forth between coasts, folks are working quickly and addressing bars head-on instead of ducking from any smoke.
If I missed a joint you feel like should’ve been added, let me know and I’ll adjust. This playlist is live for two weeks, so we’ll probably have plenty of time to update this. And, from what I’m hearing online, there are over 90 songs recorded by several artists since Joey took the first swipe at the West Coast on his Conductor Williams-produced track, “The Ruler’s Back.”
I’m not going to break down every joint. Instead, check out the collection of songs we did find, search out the rest online, and just enjoy the collection of new heat I tacked on at the end of the disses.
Salute to Joey BadA$$, Daylyt, Ray Vaughn, AZ Chike, REASON, CJ Fly, Kai Ca$h, Hitta J3, YG, Shoreline Mafia, IDK, Joey Valence, Brae, DRAM, Ellis Quinn, Chance The Rapper, Erick The Architect, Joyce Wrice, Smoke DZA, Dave East, Mike & Keys, Niontay, Sideshow, MAVI, Troy Ave, Boldy James, Your Boy Posca, Mike Shabb, CRIMEAPPLE, DJ Skizz, Estee Nack, ETO, Grafh, Benny The Butcher, NYC Rap Star, Ransom, Jay Electronica, Numbz, Larrin, Defcee, Paralell Thought, Lukah, Statik Selektah, Larry June, Cardo Got Wings.
We’ll be back with an update in two more weeks. Check out the CRT FRSH update below.
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Photo: Peter Carruthers / Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back with the newness! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
We open up this weekend’s playlist with Megan Thee Stallion’s bouncy single “Whenever,” released under the Houston Hottie’s full creative control. We follow that up with Westside Gunn’s “EGYPT” remix featuring a face-melting verse from Doechii.
Switching it up, we feature BigXThaPlug’s high-charting single “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmmerman, and the ultra-talented JID’s “WRK” single foll ows that track. Taking things down to Baton Rouge, we have “Shot Callin” from NBA YoungBoy, and then we hop over to New Orleans to check out La Reezy’s “Have Mercy” joint.
Salute to all of the acts that make up this CRT FRSH update: Flo Milli, T-Pain, Russ, Bas, The Hics, Ab-Soul, Saba No ID, MFnMelo, REASON, Cozz, Ray Vaughn, Defcee, Pararell Thought, Lil Tjay, 42 Dugg, Niontay, Swizz Beatz, Larry June, Conway The Machine, Sauce Walka, Benny The Butcher, Daringer, Skylarr Blatt, MIKE, Tony Seltzer, Sideshow, Valee, Harry Fraud, Curren$y, and Deante’ Hitchcock.
We’ll be back in two weeks with 20 new Certified Fresh songs. Stay tuned. Check out this week’s drop below.
To be considered for inclusion in the CRT FRSH playlist, please email playlist curator D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com
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Photo: AnnaStills / Getty
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Kai Ca$h first appeared on our radar by way of his excellent 2021 album, 711 (Deluxe), and has been featured on past CRT FRSH (Certified Fresh) playlist roundups. The Brooklyn native spoke with Hip-Hop Wired about his persistence and consistency as an artist, which has positioned the humble and talented rapper’s career to soar even higher.
Kai Ca$h took time out of his busy recording schedule to talk with Hip-Hop Wired about his early beginnings, finding his voice as an artist, and where he hopes to take his craft now that he recently signed a deal with the stacked Generation Now collective founded by DJ Drama and Don Cannon and distributed by Atlantic Records.
For Kai, his current position was something he honed in on early on.
“I was born into music, and it’s what I’m most passionate about,” Kai explains, adding, “I never really gave myself a second option when it came to what I wanted to do in life. I’m really proud of that because I put my blood, sweat, and tears, everything I have, all into the music.”
Kai credits his mother’s diverse ear for music for increasing his palate as a listener first. His father was a close friend of The Notorious B.I.G. and a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A., giving a young Kai access to meet buzzing rap stars such as Lil’ Kim and Lil Cease, among others.
“Just being around those types of environments and that energy and then going back home with my mom listening to music, it just reassured me that this is the thing I wanted to do,” Kai said.
As mentioned above, Kai’s 711 (Deluxe) was a wider introduction of his sound after dropping his debut in 2019, and he shared what his journey was like between that project to his latest project, CASH RULES.
“At that time [during 711], I was independent. Being an independent artist is one of the hardest things ever, ” Kai shared. “I champion every independent artist that figures it out and develops a system that works for them because you might not see any money from it in a long time.”
Surprisingly, Kai revealed that he was shy and reserved, but the independent grind motivated him to work on his craft and transform his timidity into the ferocity fans witness now during his energetic live performances. He recently performed at this year’s Dreamville Festival alongside his longtime collaborator and friend, Niko Brim, who also hails from Hip-Hop royalty.
Source: Kai Ca$h / Generation Now/Atlantic Records
Our conversation with Kai moved to CASH RULES, his first body of work under the Generation Now imprint. Clocking in at 10 tracks, CASH RULES covers several lanes, including soul sample-driven beats, songs for “outside,” and plenty of moments of self-reflection. Don Cannon’s guiding hand opened the way for production from notable names like Bink, 2forwOyNE (Jack Harlow), Buddah Bless (Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion), and more. However, Kai’s already sharp and focused delivery sounds immediately improved.
“I still have a lot of work to do,” Kai said, not content to rest on recent successes. “I feel like a freshman walking through these doors. It’s just as important as everything I did before, and in some sense even more, because now I have eyes on me and a different kind of pressure. But this has been my dream since a kid, so I don’t feel any pressure at all.”
Check out Kai Ca$h online on Instagram here, and keep up with his movement on his site here.
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Photo: Kai Ca$h / Generation Now/Atlantic Records
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we showcase music that we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update this week, we’ve added some songs you should know and other joints you need to know, so let’s get into it.
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
Welcome back to CRT FRSH, a collection of songs we feel should be on your radar if they aren’t already. With this week’s update, we did our best to put together a playlist that showcases the wide scope of great Hip-Hop music, although we’re sure to have missed some drops.
We open up the playlist with Mozzy’s “WHO WANT WAR” with a guest feature from Polo G, appearing on the Sacramento rapper’s new INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS album. CRT FRSH favorite Raz Fresco links again with Futurewave for their excellent Stadium Lo Champions album, and the track “Cyanide” is one of our top joints.
“Danger Danger” is a new track from Swizz Beatz from the Godfather of Harlem Season 4 original soundtrack, featuring verses from Jadakiss and Pusha T on the closeout. Mathematics, the longtime DJ and producer with the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered his new album Black Samon, the Bastard Swordsman, and the track “Mandingo” is a classic Wu banger featuring Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and a stong anchor verse from Cappadona.
From The Private Selection of Saba and No ID could very well end up being the album of the year for many, and “30seccchop” featuring Joseph Chilliams and a strong performance from Jane Deaux is just one of the heaters from the project. Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signees, delivered his new mixtape, The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, and “EAST CHATT” features fellow TDE artist, Isaiah Rashad.
Salute to Young Thug, Future, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Half-Empty, Partly Vacant, SALIMATA, Khadijat, Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist, KenTheMan, Niontay, MAVI, Sideshow, Shoreline Mafia, Boldy James, V Don, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Quik, Domo Genesis, Smoke DZA, Dough Networkz, Graymatter, Coyote, Ab-Soul, Python P, 2 Eleven, Low The Great, MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea, LaRussell, Busta Rhymes, and Mike G Beatz.
Check out out in two more weeks for our next update. If you wish to be CONSIDERED for inclusion, email D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com.
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we attempt to showcase music we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update after too many weeks away. We’ve had a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get to the newness!
Disclaimer:
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
What up, Hip-Hop Wired nation?! We’re back with our latest Certified Fresh playlist, and we hope to add to your weekend vibes. This week, we open up the playlist with “EVIL JORDAN” from Playboi Carti’s latest album, MUSIC. We follow that up with “GRITS” from Erick The Architect’s excellent I’ve Never Been Here Before: Director’s Cut project.
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U is still moving on the charts and “BRIAN STEEL” features Drake in big sh*t talk mode, and that gets followed up by Atlanta’s MARCO PLUS and his “omm” single. Texas spitter BigXThaPlug delivered his Take Care (Deluxe) set earlier this year, and we include the “Life Of A Boss” track. PremRock, one half of the dynamic ShrapKnel duo, dropped off his latest work, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…?, and the track “Doubt Mountain,” produced by CRT FRSH fave YUNGMORPHEUS, is a standout from the release.
Salute to the rest of the CRT FRSH entrants KenTheMan, Goya Gumbani, SALIMATA, Ken Carson, Niontay, Lil Durk, Future, Young Dro, Zaytoven, Trouble (RIP), Turbo, Gunna, P-Lo, Ovrkast., Micheal Sneed, demahjiae, Lil Tecca, Falamoun, SIDESHOW, Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA, Lil Yachty, Veeze, Raz Fresco, and Futurewave.
Salute to all of the artists we’ve included in this week’s update. Tune in in two more weeks and we’ll be back with 20, ahem, Certified Fresh joints for the people.To be considered for inclusion, please contact D.L. Chandler via email here – dchandler@bhmdigital.com in case the link doesn’t open.
—Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we attempt to showcase music we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update after too many weeks away. We’ve had a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get to the newness!
Disclaimer:
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments, nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler, lead curator for CRT FRSH
What up, Hip-Hop Wired nation?! We’re back with our latest Certified Fresh playlist, and we hope to add to your weekend vibes. This week, we open up the playlist with “EVIL JORDAN” from Playboi Carti’s latest album, MUSIC. We follow that up with “GRITS” from Erick The Architect’s excellent I’ve Never Been Here Before: Director’s Cut project.
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U is still moving on the charts and “BRIAN STEEL” features Drake in big sh*t talk mode, and that gets followed up by Atlanta’s MARCO PLUS and his “omm” single. Texas spitter BigXThaPlug delivered his Take Care (Deluxe) set earlier this year, and we include the “Life Of A Boss” track. PremRock, one half of the dynamic ShrapKnel duo, dropped off his latest work, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…?, and the track “Doubt Mountain,” produced by CRT FRSH fave YUNGMORPHEUS, is a standout from the release.
Salute to the rest of the CRT FRSH entrants KenTheMan, Goya Gumbani, SALIMATA, Ken Carson, Niontay, Lil Durk, Future, Young Dro, Zaytoven, Trouble (RIP), Turbo, Gunna, P-Lo, Ovrkast., Micheal Sneed, demahjiae, Lil Tecca, Falamoun, SIDESHOW, Wiz Khalifa, Smoke DZA, Lil Yachty, Veeze, Raz Fresco, and Futurewave.
Salute to all of the artists we’ve included in this week’s update. Tune in in two more weeks and we’ll be back with 20, ahem, Certified Fresh joints for the people.To be considered for inclusion, please contact D.L. Chandler via email here – dchandler@bhmdigital.com in case the link doesn’t open.
—Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Westend61 / Getty
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we attempt to showcase music we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again! With our latest update of the year, we’ve had a lot of catching up to do so let’s get to the newness.
Disclaimer:
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler
Welcome back to the latest update to your newest and favorite playlist, Certified Fresh (CRT FRSH)! We’ve been MIA for a while so we’ll need to dig deep into the virtual crates as we bring the listeners and ourselves up to speed.
We open the playlist with “NOKIA” from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which has been making moves on the charts since dropping earlier this year. Taking it to Montreal, Mike Shabb’s “Crews pop” is one of several standout tracks from his hazy, well-executed album, shabbvangogh. Playboi Carti’s new MUSIC album is doing its numbers and the track “GOOD CREDIT” sounds ready for a stadium performance with Kendrick Lamar appearing for a scene-stealer verse.
MARCO PLUS, one of dopest rappers out of Atlanta, has been on CRT FRSH before and the track “gmfu” is more of his usual strong, hypnotic work. Doechii re-released an extended version of her stellar Alligator Bites Never Heal project and “Anxiety” is one of the bonus tracks of note. We took it back to 2024 and Nappy Nina and Swarvy’s slept-on Nothing Is My Favorite Thing and the track “Omakase” features some extremely dope verses from maassai and Stas THEE Boss.
We want to thank the rest of our CRT FRSH included acts such as GELO, GloRilla, Big Cheeok, Dhani, J. Cole, LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON, Freddie Gibbs, Hidden Renaissance, MACADEN, King Quad, JT, Samara Cyn, Sherwyn, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Zelooperz, Real Bad Man, The Alchemist, Wale, IDK, Lil Durk, Jhene Aiko, Pyraminds, Planet Asia, and Guilty Simpson.
We’ll be updating this playlist in two to three weeks with some, ahem, fresh updates and new acts along with a revamped structure to the segment. Stay tuned!
To be considered for inclusion in the CRT FRSH playlist, please email playlist curator D.L. Chandler at: dchandler@bhmdigital.com
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Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CRT FRSH, Hip-Hop Wired’s playlist where we attempt to showcase music we believe is “Certified Fresh,” is back again for 2025! Now that we’re nearing the end of the year, we’re trimming down the CRT FRSH playlist and updating the concept with our latest drop which we hope you all enjoy.
Disclaimer:
The CRT FRSH playlist is a labor of love. We don’t take payments nor do we do favors. We only add joints to our playlist that fit the theme and vision we’re going for and don’t seek to waste the listener’s time. Further, we don’t stick to one lane of Hip-Hop. We believe that all aspects of the music should get some light, whether it’s young lions in the trenches or those hoping for that one shot to blow up to grizzled veterans puffing out their chests with lots more to say.
I want to explain how I approach curating the CRT FRSH playlist. Most importantly, I don’t segregate my Hip-Hop. Every form of music from the main cultural tree deserves a listen and a look. When I construct the playlist, I want to include all regions across the States and, when applicable, across the globe. I also want to entertain every fan of Hip-Hop, not just those who enjoy one segment of it. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it. — D.L. Chandler
Happy New Year, Hip-Hop Wired Nation! I’m glad to be back to curating what’s about to be your new favorite Hip-Hop music playlist! Since the year is new, we’ll be featuring quite a bit of music we missed over the past year.
Opening the playlist this weekend is Lil Baby’s “Outfit” from the Atlanta rapper’s new WHAM album, and he invited 21 Savage along for the ride with a verse that some believe was in support of frequent collaborator, Drake. We follow that up with Redman’s “Dynomite” from his fantastic new album, Muddy Waters Too with Sheek Looch of The Lox on the feature.
Offset’s “Swing My Way” sees the Migos artist back in top form. Smoke DZA, one of our favorite rappers, delivered a couple of projects in 2024 and his You’re All Welcome deluxe drop with DJ RELLYRELL had several standouts, including “Another Full Tank In The Bronco” featuring Westside Gunn and Stove God Cooks.
We’re still enjoying CHROMAKOPIA, one of our top albums of 2024, and the track “Thought I Was Dead” featuring ScHoolboy Q and Santigold. That’s followed by Mike Shabb’s “Free Jesus” from the Montreal artist’s Sewaside III album featuring the talented Navy Blue. We slept on that one, our fault.
We want to salute all of the entrants on this week’s playlist and thank you for your contributions to the art.
We’ll be updating this playlist in two weeks, so live with these songs a bit and stay tuned.
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Photo: Getty