Another big track from The Four Owls and their third album, which saw its release last month. The album is home to a lot of notable features from America’s selection of heavyweight lyricists, as you can see from this latest single which features underground favourite, R.A. The Rugged Man. A slight switch up on the production too, as Leaf Dog knocks up a pacier beat for the proceedings, leading to some incredible flows from the assembled MCs. The retro arcade game style video was created by The Astroknight. Nocturnal Instinct is out now on High Focus.
Tag: R.A. the Rugged Man
The Four Owls: Nocturnal Instinct (Stream)
The Four Owls release their long-awaited third album today and it stands as a testament to the success of High Focus, who reach their 10 year anniversary this year. There has never been an independent UK hip hop label that has achieved what HF have achieved since their inception in 2010, whether that’s in terms of impact, influence or breaking through the US barriers, Fliptrix, Molotov and all the artists involved have now built a brand that’s recognised across the globe. With this latest Four Owls venture, we are shown exactly how much clout they wield now, thanks to a string of features from some truly legendary US rappers, including Kool G Rap, R.A. The Rugged Man, Roc Marciano, and a SECOND collaboration with Preemo, something unheard of in itself on these shores. Production wise, Leaf seems as hungry as ever to continue to uphold his position as one of the UK’s best boom bap exporters, and he manages to keep the styles varied enough for it to not result in a head-nodding snooze fest. It’s basically the album that both the Owls and their fans deserve. A definite level up on the last album, but still peddling the same reliable brand of hip hop that has served them so well up to this point. You can hear the full thing for yourself below and there are plenty of other options available over at the High Focus shop. Continue reading “The Four Owls: Nocturnal Instinct (Stream)”
R.A. The Rugged Man ft. Slug & Eamon: Golden Oldies
New leak from the forthcoming R.A. The Rugged Man album, as he unveils the latest single. Golden Oldies is a lighthearted look at the impact of age gaps in relationships (with a couple of questionable bars) and also a more general comment on the topic of growing old. The track features a nice guest verse from Slug and a suitably soulful hook from Eamon, as well as some uplifting production from The KickDrums. All My Heroes Are Dead is due for release on 17 April.
Eligh: Last House on the Block (Stream)
L.A. son and Living Legend, Eligh, has returned with a new album, something like his 19th solo project since he first dropped As They Pass back in 1996. Last House on the Block delivers 18 tracks, with some typically strong features from the likes of R.A. The Rugged Man, The Grouch, Zion I and Evidence, who is also responsible for the excellent cover photo. Of the title, Eligh said on Twitter that it is “a metaphor used in the rooms of recovery for as long as I’ve been clean, also a metaphor used by me to describe this planet, and us as residents”.
You can watch the latest video from the album below, for Pain on the Break featuring The Grouch and you can also stream the album. Last House on the Block is out now on EMPIRE. Continue reading “Eligh: Last House on the Block (Stream)”
Sadat X ft. R.A. the Rugged Man & Thirstin Howl III: Industry Outcasts
Big new track here from Sadat X, the next to be lifted from his new Agua album. Industry Outcasts features not only R.A. the Rugged Man, but also the distinct vocals of Thirstin Howl III. Agua is available now on Tommy Boy, through all the usual spots.
Reks ft. R.A. The Rugged Man: Bitch Slap
Reks has a new album on the horizon and so expect to hear a lot more from him in the next few weeks, starting with this new video. Bitch Slap also features a strong verse from RA The Rugged Man, on a crazy beat by The Arcitype. The album, The Greatest X, is due out on 9 September on Brick Records.
R.A. The Rugged Man: Bang Boogie
R.A. recently released this video for the track Bang Boogie, which is taken from his 2013 Legends Never Die LP. Featuring a nice cameo from his baby daughter, some might see this as a sign that The Rugged Man has softened. But then maybe not… “Witness the evolution of an artist who will murder you lyrically while pushing a baby stroller.”
Rampage ft. R.A. The Rugged Man “Zig Zag Zig”
Feeling this track from Rampage’s new EP “Everyone Ain’t Loyal”. Took me a couple of listens cos the beat is kinda odd, but in a good way. Rugged Man’s on point as ever. Beat by Felony Muzik.
gingerslim 