KevinNottingham.com » Who Spit It Better?

Who Spit It Better: T.W.D.Y. vs. Twista

Morgan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:49 +0000

Legendary vocalist Bill Wither’s uplifting song, “Lovely Day” plays the foundation for the tracks in today’s feature of Who Spit It Better. We’ll look at the rhymes of T.W.D.Y., a bay area group consisting of Ant Banks, Rappin 4-Tay, and Captain Save-Em, on their Ant Banks produced track, “Players Holiday,” featuring Mac Mall, Too Short, and Oakland singing duo Otis & Shug. I’ll be comparing it against Twista’s toned down, yet still blazing flows on his Red Spyda produced “Sunshine,” featuring the always soulful Anthony Hamilton.

Each song stays in a similar lane as the original Wither’s track, keeping the lyrics positive and in reference to, above all things, a lovely day. Twista stretches the word positivity with his street credible bars masked by the spirited vocals of Anthony Hamilton and the undeniably happy sounding sample. Lyrics like Twista’s, “Soon as my eyes see the sunshine, my thoughts is juking the block ducking the one time,” vs. Mac Mall’s, “Beautiful black women give em much respect and ain’t no funk between the east and the west it’s just a players holiday,” highlight the basis of each song lyrically. Twista is speaking from the hustler’s perspective, celebrating the day he’ll come up off the streets onto something greater while Ant Beezy and crew celebrate the fruits of their labor in the present moment (1999).

Little known singers Otis & Shug lend a nice touch to the chorus working in their own vocals, “Today’s the day the players play, so you better be on your way, now it’s time to celebrate, hurry up and don’t be late cuz you know it’s gonna be,” before it falls into what sounds like sampled Withers vocals from his original chorus. Anthony Hamilton does his thang on the Twista cut singing a chorus anyone can relate to, “A lovely day/just got paid/stack it up/be on my way/lovely day/lovely day/lovely day.” They chose to forgo sampling any vocals, except for the intro. Instead letting Hamilton’s vocal chords put in work.

I would consider “Player’s Holiday” to be a posse cut which are always some of my favorite records. The bay area natives sound comfortable as ever trading bars with each other and their familiarity with one another’s styles shines through into the song. In other words, all of the rappers are on the same page, eloquently flowing in and out of verses. “Sunshine” isn’t Twista’s most impressive performance on the mic but it does incorporate his trademark, NFL fast, lyricism to the table. For the most part though, the laid-back track finds him slowing up and switching rhymes schemes throughout. The lyrics are motivational and Twista’s flows are on point, which to my ears equals a strong combination, especially when backed by such a classic sample and talented singer such as Anthony Hamilton.

It’s a tough decision to choose a top candidate between these two. Each song completely flipped the original into their own idea while maintaining its classic feeling and overall theme. Lyrically, “Player’s Holiday” is not as technical as “Sunshine” but its simple content is heavily relatable and can appeal to a variety of listeners. Twista’s joint has a vibrant feeling that is hard to beat and he is able to capture that essence in his delivery. The song just sounds happy, but Twista’s hustle hard attitude brings an edginess to it that isn’t hard to miss. Without there really being anything I dislike about either of these songs, I have to choose the one with the highest replay value to me. That being said, “Player’s Holiday” has been a classic in my collection for years and it still is the anthem to many a sunny days for me. The factor that made my decision ultimately was the positive content and approach of the song.

Each of these are great tracks to ease the mood and uplift your spirits and you won’t go wrong bumping either one of these on a sunny Saturday morning.

So what’s your choice? Be sure to leave your opinion in the comment section below and hit me up with any song suggestions you would like to see compared!

Bill Withers: “Lovely Day”

Twista: “Sunshine” (feat. Anthony Hamilton)

T.W.D.Y.: “Players Holiday” (feat. Mac Mall, Too Short & Otis & Shug)

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Who Spit it Better: AZ/Nas vs. Ice Cube

Morgan — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:30:31 +0000

For this weeks edition of Who Spit It Better we match up AZ and Nas’, “How Ya Livin” vs. Ice Cube and Krayzie Bone’s, “Until We Rich.” Each contains samples from Glenn Jones 1984 hit single “Show Me,” Hip-Hop samples ever. East Coast beast L.E.S. provided his beat for AZ’s Pieces of a Man album while lesser known producer Carl Thompson laced Ice Cube with his beat for 2000’s War and Peace Vol. 2 It seems like every producer/DJ that uses the Glenn Jones sample utilizes it in very similar way, L.E.S. and Carl Thompson are no different. At the end of the day the beats sound basically identical except for the tempo and mix. Obviously the drum kits and small details (i.e. the scratches in “How Ya Livin”) are different, but it’s driving force, the “Show Me” sample, is used in just about the same way. Thompson could be called for biting because “How Ya Livin” dropped in 98’ and but I will let ya’ll decide all of that. Regardless, both of theses beats integrate the use of the sample very cleanly. The main difference between the two instrumentals is the mix. Until We Rich is big and sounds viable to be on a commercial album while “How Ya Livin” is rough and dusty but this gives it it’s character. It isn’t the grittiest of street songs, rather sleepy actually, but it still upholds that grimy east coast vibe I love.

“How ya living on your block/Mines is hot/How you living on your block/I got it locked/What’s going down on your side/Who got shot/Same shit dun/Yeah right I meet you up top.” “How Ya Livin” contains one of the realest hooks I’ve heard to this day. AZ and Nas portrayed their classic storytelling abilities, trading bars back and forth while highlighting the good and evil of daily life on the streets of QB. Stunting on enemies and politicking with kings. The combination of AZ and Nas on a track is historical to say the least. The two’s styles mesh so well together, it was incredible to me they never released a joint project but I love everything they’ve done. “How Ya Livin” see’s plenty rotation in my I-tunes, but because of it’s relaxed tone, falls into background noise at times. I absolutely love the song but it lacks the attention commanding appeal that “Until We Rich” brings through your speakers.

“The best thing in life is health/Be yourself playa/Television it will keep your ass wishing forever/You won’t never get your life together.” The lyrical content and overall concept of “Until We Rich” is inspirational. Motivating listeners to take a look at the reality that they are living in. Many times when artists take the uplifting route on a song it can come out extremely corny and cliche, especially when the artist regularly raps about shooting guns and slamming hoes. Cube does a great job of avoiding this downfall, blending the positive content within his aggressive delivery and thuggish nature. He brings his one of kind hard nosed gangsta swagger to the soft track, but it’s still nice enough to bump while moms is riding in the car with you.

At the end of the day it’s a tough decision but I give the slight advantage to Cube’s “Until We Rich.”

It packs the punch that “How Ya Livin” doesn’t and was an actually good venture away from what Ice Cube as a rapper is known for.

I know ya’ll Nas heads will be on me for this so make sure to make your opinion count and cast your vote/comment below!!!

Glenn Jones: “Show Me”
Produced by LaLa Cope
Finesse (1984)

AZ: “How Ya Livin” (feat. Nas)
Produced by L.E.S.
Pieces of a Man (1998)

Ice Cube: “Until We Rich” (feat. Krayzie Bone)
Produced by Chucky Thompson & Kevin Vendy
War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc) (2000)

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Who Spit It Better? Chiddy Bang vs. The Throne

Carsten — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:15:11 +0000

Besides explaining how wealthy you can live during a financial meltdown, Kanye and Jay-Z showed us once again how cool it is to sample music from the Ed Banger generation on their collabo effort, Watch The Throne. Alongside “Why I Love You,” which samples and interpolates Cassius‘ club hit “I Love You So,” Kanye and Jay-Z also decided to, probably during their sessions in the UK while sharing a very expensive bottle of vine, put “I Can’t Stop” from UK Dubstep producer Flux Pavilion through the grinder. The thing is, Ye’ and Mr. Knowles weren’t the first artists who fell in love with the Dubstep track. Months before, Chiddy Bang‘s emcee Chiddy spit his rhymes over the instrumental on a track which was featured on their mixtape Peanut Butter And Swelly.

Can we speak about a jack move here?

What are your thoughts? Check out the tracks and vote and leave comments below!

Chiddy Bang: “I Can’t Stop”
Produced by Flux Pavilion
Peanut Butter And Swelly (2011)

Kanye West & Jay-Z: “Who Gon Stop Me”
Produced by Shama “Sak Pase” Joseph & Kanye West
Watch The Throne (2011)

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Who Spit It Better: J. Cole Vs. CRU

Morgan — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:20:25 +0000

In this battle of Who Spit It Better, we match Mr. Second String himself J. Cole and his track, “Sideline Story” against the now defunct Cru’s (also known as the Rhythm Blunt Cru) jam “Just Another Case” ft. Slick Rick. Both producers that covered these tracks flipped the seventies band, Rhythm’s,” The World is A Place,” but this time around we are focusing on the “spitters.”

New York trio Cru blessed producer Yogi with strong bars reciting ghetto stories of triumph and defeat that weren’t the in-depth tales of Nas or Rakim but still made for a dope song that was thorough. The first verse had a buttery flow and came off instantly with that classic Hip Hop feel, “Once upon a time, lets see if I remember, back in January, nah chill it was December.” Then, Slick Rick took the hook and added a simple yet flavorful touch, “This ain’t funny so don’t cha dare laugh, Just another case about the wrong path,” which coincided with the song well and brought everything together. It was a simple song by a talented group that stood their own alongside a great like Slick Rick. And the laid back beat and soft drums gave a vibe that made it easy to just fall back and bob ya’ noggin’.

On the flipside, I wouldn’t call J. Cole’s “Sideline Story” a radio song but it keeps that mainstream appeal; especially when placed up against a straightforward Hip Hop song like “Just Another Case.” (Commercial may just be the better description for it.) Starting his first verse abruptly, Cole comes in emotionally aggressive like so many of his other tracks. He spits, “I put my heart and soul in this game I’m feeling strange, unappreciated, unalleviated.” This is an intro to the overall theme of the song; overcoming frustration with hard work and dedication as the rest of the song follows suit as well chronicling his recent rise in the game. When I first heard this song, I really enjoyed it but as I continue to play it, it begins losing some of its appeal.

Compared to the mellow and simple feel of “Just Another Case,” Cole’s “Sideline Story” sounds complex and over detailed. It’s better overall in terms of its elements within any genre, but “Just Another Case” is the better rap song. The rhymes are personal yet understandable, the beat is hypnotic and minimal which blends well with the vocals allowing the artists to take over, as they should. In other words, it’s not over-produced at all. Plus, it features a verse from Slick Rick The Ruler. “But and idea concocted in his stock, why don’t we try and turn this money over on the drug tip, he gave his man a shriek in excitement, didn’t know his peeps were under secret indictment.”

For this battle, I’m giving the Spit It Better title to Cru’s “Just Another Case.”

So who you got? Make your opinion count and cast your vote below.

Rhythm: “The World Is A Place”
Rhythm (1976)

J. Cole: “Sideline Story”
Produced by J. Cole
Cold World: Sideline Story (2011)

CRU: “Just Another Case”
Produced by Yogi
Da Dirty 30 (1997)

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Who Spit It Better?: Joe Budden vs. Deezus vs. Sean Price

Thomas — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:00:06 +0000

The latest edition of Who Spit It Better has Mouse Budden’s “Dear Diary” facing off against Canadian rapper Deezus’ “Cover My Tracks” featuring Brooklyn’s own Sean Price. Both tracks sample Lakeside’s ”Alibi” from their 1983 album, Untouchables. Both tracks use the soulful parts of the track (vocals) but what separates them? Let’s find out.

Sean P starts “Cover My Tracks” off with his classic rugged flow “Fucking with the god/that’s a wrong move/what you want par/dope or dog food/I smacking the shit out of niggas on dope or dog food.” and a Billy Dee Williams/Colt 45 reference. Pretty standard P rhyme.

Deezus rides the beat nicely on “Cover My Tracks,” but doesn’t say anything worth hitting the rewind button. His verse isn’t bad just not memorable.

Budden’s verse (about a 100 bars) is probably one of his best in terms of the raw emotion, his vulnerability, exposing himself to the public, and his loved ones/friends. Joe is great at detailing the hurt and pain in his life while exploring the troubles he has within his personal relationships or at least his side of the story. He explores not only those troubles, but the burden of carrying NJ on his back and the fighting within its Hip-Hop scene as well as the ongoing drama with his son’s mother. The song is a perfect example of why Joe has a crazy fan base. The flow, honesty, and passion he puts into his bars are all endearing qualities.

This battle is extremely one sided: Budden >___>Sean P/ Deezus. Who y’all got? Songs and poll underneath.

Lakeside: “Alibi”
Untouchables (1983)

Joe Budden: “Dear Diary”
Produced by: WMS Sultan
Mood Muzik 3: The Album (2008)

Deezuz (feat. Sean Price): “Cover My Tracks”
Produced by: Blunt
The Soulden Era (2008)

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DaVinci vs Shyheim vs Hell Razah

Thomas — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:19 +0000

Another edition of Who Spit it has Filmore District (San Francisco) emcee DaVinci battling Wu-Tang affiliates Shyheim and Hell Razah. The trio rhyme over O.V. Wright’s “Nickel and a Nail” from his 1967 album, Eight Men, Four Women. The tracks supplied by RZA and Big D use the track nicely with RZA focusing more on the vocal’s and Big D highlighting those blaring horns. All emcee’s provide good performances, but the Wu-Tang fan in me digs the back and forth of Shyheim and Hell Razah. Who you got?

Poll and tracks underneath.

O.V. Wright: “Nickel and a Nail” [download]
From the album: Eight Men, Four Women (1967)

Shyheim feat. Hell Razah: “Co-Defendant”
From the album: The Swarm, Vol. 1 (1998)
Produced by RZA

DaVinci: “All I Have”
From the album: The Day The Turf Stood Still (2010) [download]
Produced by Big D

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Rick Ross vs Joe Budden

Thomas — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:20:20 +0000

The Bawse and Joe Budden both have used one of my favorite samples, “Silly Love Song” by Enchantment. The Bawse uses the sample for his lead single (“Super High”) featuring Ne-Yo from this forthcoming album, Teflon Don (July). Joe Budden utilized the track for his 2008 album, Halfway House [buy].

Both are decent songs aiming for club/radio spins, but only one of the tracks feels natural. I dig Joe Budden and the skills he has on the mic, but this isn’t his lane. Joey is at his best spitting introspective lyrics discussing his inter turmoil and playing up his status as the underdog role. At times he is great at that (see Mood Muzik 2), but the club/party/radio joints just isn’t him.

Rick Ross (like him or not) is right at home on “Super High” talking that fantasy lavish ish over lush production. If anything Rick Ross has an ear for beats that compliment his style/content. “Super High” is no different. Plus, it doesn’t hurt having Ne-Yo‘s smooth vocals on the hook either. “Super High” is just a better song all the way around. Easy choice. Who you got?

Tracks and poll underneath.

Enchantment: “Silly Love Song” [download]
From the album: Once Upon A Dream (1978)

Joe Budden: “Check Me Out”
From the album: Halfway House (2008) [review] [sample set]
Produced by Mizfitz Soundz

Rick Ross feat. Ne-Yo: “Super High” [download]
From the album: Teflon Don (2010)
Produced by DJ Clark Kent & The Remedy

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Erykah Badu vs Alicia Keys

Thomas — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:30:40 +0000

Two beautiful women. Two solid tracks. One song a lead single to a live album. The other a solid album track on one of the best R&B albums released this year. Both sing over Eddie Kendricks often used “Intimate Friends” track. Alicia beautifully sings about the “unbreakable” nature of celebrity power couples (at that time). Ms. Badu warns potential male companions the danger of falling in love with her.

This feature is usually reserved for emcee’s, however, the ladies are front and center today. Tough choice, but I love the “hardness” of Erykah‘s song (lifting a B.I.G. line for the hook doesn’t hurt either). Who you got? Who Spit Sang It Better?

Tracks and poll underneath.

Eddie Kendricks: “Intimate Friends” [download]
From the album: Slick (1977)

Alicia Keys: “Unbreakable”
From the album: Alicia Keys Unplugged (2005)
Produced by Kanye West & Alicia Keys

Erykah Badu: “Fall in Love (Your Funeral)”
From the album: New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010) [read review]
Produced by Kariem Riggins

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Roc Marciano vs Alchemist vs Twista

Thomas — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:30:21 +0000

Roc Marciano and The Alchemist both used Smoked Sugar‘s “Keeping Up My Front” for their songs “Hide My Tears” and “Smile” respectively. Marcberg is dope, but I don’t like “Hide My Tears” as the use of the double time delivery just doesn’t work for me. The Alchemist, Twista, and Maxwell created a banger as “Smile” was one of our top songs from last year.

This post was originally scheduled to drop the same week Marcberg hit stores, but I had some Usershare code in the post that was screwing things up. Kev finally figured it out and here we are! Onto the competition…Twista>Maxwell>Alchemist>Roc Marciano. Who you got?

Links and poll after the cut.

Smoked Sugar: “Keeping Up My Front” [download]
From the album: Smoked Sugar (1975)

Alchemist feat. Twista & Maxwell: “Smile”
From the album: Chemical Warfare (2009) [read review]
Produced by The Alchemist

Roc Marciano: “Hide My Tears”
From the album: Marcberg (2010) [read review]
Produced by Roc Marciano

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Wu-Tang vs Joell Ortiz

Thomas — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:42 +0000

Joell’s slept on debut album featured a massive posse cut featuring Ras Kass, Sha Stimuli, Graph, and Gab Gotcha spitting over Bunny Sigler‘s “Half A Man” freaked by Frank Dukes. The recently released Wu-Massacre album by Meth, Ghost, and Raekwon uses the same sample for their song featuring Solomon Childs and Streetlife.

Both tracks are almost identical when comparing it to the sample. What separates the songs are the emcees as Joell and friends blow my Wu brothers out the water. The Wu seem to mail in verses compared to five hungry emcees spitting that ish on “125 Part 3 (Connections).” Easy choice….Sha Stimuli>Joell>everyone else.

Tracks and poll underneath.

Bunny Sigler: “Half A Man” [download]
From the album: I’ve Always Wanted To Sing (Not Just Write Songs) (1979)

Joell Ortiz feat. Ras Kass, Sha Stimuli, Graph & Gab Gotcha: “125 Part 3 (Connections)”
From the album: The Brick: Bodega Chronicles (2007)
Produced by Frank Dukes

Meth & Ghost feat. Solomon Childs & Streetlife: “Smooth Sailing (Remix)
From the album: Wu-Massacre (2010)
Produced by Ty Fyffe

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Danny Brown vs Slick Rick vs Wu-Tang Pt. 2

Thomas — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:00:52 +0000

Another Who Spit It, another Danny Brown battle with Wu-Tang Clan and special guest Slick Rick. The Hybrid takes on Ghostface, Raekwon, RZA, and Slick Rick over the Unique Blend‘s gem, “Does He Treat You Better.” “The Sun” samples the track and was originally suppose to appear on GFK‘s third album, Bulletproof Wallets. Allegedly, RZA forgot what he sampled for the track and/or Epic didn’t want to clear the sample. I believe this song was on the promo version of the album. Danny‘s, “The Counterfeit” appears on his dope mixtape/street album Detroit State of Mind 4 [download].

Ghost and company wax poetics about the sun while Danny spits a tale of an attempted jux gone bad. This is an easy choice as Ghost>Slick Rick>Raekwon>RZA>Danny Brown.

Who you got? Hit the cut for tracks and poll.

Unique Blend: “Does He Treat You Better” [download]

Ghostface Killah feat. Rza, Raekwon, & Slick Rick: “The Sun”
From the album: Put It On The Line (2006)
Produced by RZA

Danny Brown: “Counterfeit”
From the mixtape: Detroit State of Mind 4 (2010) [download]
Produced by Danny!

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Ruste Juxx vs Roc-A-Fella

Thomas — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:30:08 +0000

Ty Fyffe and Marco Polo provide basically the same track for the Roc and Ruste Juxx to spit over. However, Marco’s drums are gritter than Ty‘s IMO. Not only do the beats have commonality, but so do the rhymes as emcee’s rhymes are littered with drug, guns, and money references. With that said Jay/Beanie>Ruste Juxx>Memphis Bleek>Amil.

Hit the cut for the tracks and poll to vote on Who Spit It Better.

Roy Budd: “Main Theme” [download]
From the Fear Is The Key soundtrack (1973)

Amil feat. Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel & Memphis Bleek: “4 Da Family”
From the album: All Money Is Legal (2000)
Produced by Ty Fyffe

Ruste Juxx & Marco Polo: “Bread On Ya Head”
From the album: The eXXecution (2010)
Produced by Marco Polo

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Danny Brown vs Wu-Tang Pt. 1

Thomas — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:00:31 +0000

It’s been a minute since we’ve done a Who Spit It, but it’s back. This go around has Detroit emcee Danny Brown going to battle against some Wu Generals, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Cappadonna. “Fish” and “The Wizard” (produced by Tru Master and Apollo Brown respectively) both sample Otis Redding‘s cover of Sam Cooke‘s classic song “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

First, Tru Master and Apollo Brown craft head nodding tracks for all emcee’s to flex their unique rhyming styles over. Ghost, Rae, and Cappa throw sharp darts about street tales while Danny mashes the track with his distinctive voice and flare for punchlines, getting money, and chicks. The vets against the newcomer? I would say Ghost>Raekwon>Danny Brown>Cappadonna.

That’s just my opinion though, who you got? Hit the cut to listen to the tracks and vote.

Otis Redding: “A Change Is Gonna Come” [download]
From the album: Otis Blue (1966)

Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon & Cappadonna: “Fish”
From the album: Ironman (1996)
Produced by True Master

Danny Brown: “The Wizard”
From the mixtape: Detroit State of Mind 4 (2010) [download]
Produced by Apollo Brown

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B.I.G. vs. Big L

Thomas — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:19 +0000

B.I.G. is considered by many to be the Greatest Rapper of All Time, with two classic albums under his belt. Big L dropped a classic album in 1995 and had a cult like following on the underground scene. B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records had Hip-Hop and the radio/clubs on lock from 1994-1997. Rumors had Big L on the verge of signing with Roc-A-Fella Records before his death. Both were gunned down at the young age of 24. Both murders are still unsolved. B.I.G. and Big L had many things in common except sharing a track together. I’m puzzled why these two lyrical giants never collaborated with each other as it would have made for a good discussion on who spit it better.

Since that collaboration doesn’t exist this Who Spit It Better drop will have to do! Both Big L and B.I.G. spit over DeBarge‘s “Stay With Me” in 1995. Big L‘s use of the sample appeared on his debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. B.I.G. used the sample for the remix of “One More Chance.” Big L rides the smooth groove to let everyone know he is one of the best in the game. B.I.G. dropped the ultimate players anthem, with his remix. Both songs are dope in their own right, but B.I.G. is the clear winner for me. Big Poppa created a party starter with that record along with loads of quotables.

Who you got? Stream of songs and poll underneath.

*Side Note: check out these dope drops from Daily Math on Big L and B.I.G..*

DeBarge: “Stay with Me”
From the album: In a Special Way (1984)

Big L: “MVP”
From the album: Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995)
Produced by Lord Finesse

The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Faith Evans: “One More Chance / Stay With Me Remix”
From the CD Single (1995)
Produced by Rashad Smith & Sean “Puffy” Combs

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Common x Cassidy x Nine Simone: Strange Fruit

Thomas — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:00:36 +0000

This unreleased gem from Common titled “Strange Fruit” was unleashed to the internet sometime this week as a track from the Finding Forever sessions. Obviously this song wasn’t on the album, but seems to fit in with the overall sound, subject matter, and vibe of Finding Forever [review]. When you hear the song the powerful vocals of Nina Simone hit you in the face. As we know Finding Forever sampled “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone.

When the track leaked the production credit was attributed to Kanye West, however I noticed a few comments around the web stating Ye didn’t produce it, but Devo Springsteen did. Also, pointed out in those comments is Cassidy‘s “Celebrate” from his 2007 album B.A.R.S. (The Barry Adrian Reese Story) uses the same beat. And it is produced by Devo Springsteen. On further investigation there were numerous sources that confirmed Devo Springsteen produced the track. Not sure why Common didn’t keep the song because this dope beat has been lost on Cassidy‘s album as I listened to that album once.

Now with all of the backstory out the way Who Spit It Better? Common or Cassidy. Don’t hate me, but I like Cassidy‘s version better. He has had one of these “introspective” type tracks on his album (Split Personality & I’m A Hustla) it seems. Enough from me…who ya got?

Hit the cut for the streams of the songs, the poll, and link to the songs.

Nina Simone: “Strange Fruit”
From the album: Pastel Blues (1969)

Cassidy feat. John Legend: “Celebrate”
From the album: B.A.R.S. (The Barry Adrian Reese Story) (2007)
Produced by Devo Springsteen

Common feat. John Legend: “Strange Fruit”
Unreleased (2007)
Produced by Devo Springsteen

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Royce Da 5’9 vs. Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?

Kevin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:32:36 +0000

No this is not a contender for Freestyle Friday… I would never put these two emcees in the same league. However DJ TrackStar at TSS did! I’ll let him explain below:

“Since Jay-Z stopped worrying about being the best and declared himself the greatest, many people have claimed the title of Best Rapper Alive, but few as often as Lil Wayne and Royce Da 5′9″.

While Wayne is a global superstar and Royce owns the underground, they seem to share similar taste in beats — “D.O.A.,” “I’m Me” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” as notable examples. I went ahead and put together twelve rounds of Nickel and Weezy facing off over the same beat, threw in a boxing motif, and now I’ll let the people decide.”

Interesting concept… hit the jump to check it out and sound off!

DOWNLOAD

Jay-Z vs. Eminem vs. Royce Da 5’9″

Thomas — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:56 +0000

Our last Who Spit for Jay week.

“Eminem killed you on your own sh*t.” Nas spit that famous line on “Ether” as an answer record to Jay’s “Takeover.” So the question is did Eminem kill Jay on his on ish? Was Royce’s original verse better than Jay’s?

Ok…we decide today. From my understand “Renegade” was originally a track Em and Royce record under the name of Bad Meets Evil. No sure why Eminem kept the track and gave it to Jay. If I remember correctly around this time Em/D-12 and Royce were “beefin” so this may have contributed to Em giving the song to Jay.

This was originally an Em track and he owned it from day one. Royce wasn’t able to keep up with Em neither was Jay. Jay’ wasn’t “killed” on this song…his verse is super dope. Any other emcee he wins. On this track with Em…no so.

Em>Jay>Royce.

Who you got?

Eminem & Royce Da 5’9″: “Renegade (Original)” [download]
From the promo single “Renegade” (2001)

Jay-Z feat. Eminem_: “Renegade”
From the album: The Blueprint (2001)

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Jay-Z vs. The Notorious B.I.G.

Thomas — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:06 +0000

Jay and B.I.G. recorded three songs together (Biggie Duets and “A Dream” don’t count). On “Brooklyn’s Finest” B.I.G. shined bright. On “I Love the Dough” B.I.G. was masterful again with Jay keeping pace. On “Young G’s,” Jay’s verse that included lines such as: “Some say I been here before because of the way I zone/Some said, Jigga zone is like the fallin of Rome/Reoccuring, that he thinks like that cause he’s observing/Won’t be known until I’m gone and niggaz study my bones” was a notch above B.I.G.’s drugs and guns verse.

B.I.G. still leads 2 to 1 tho… Who you got?

Hit the cut for the stream/download and poll.

Oliver Sain: “Over the Hill” [download]
From the album: The Main Man (?)

Puff Daddy feat. Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G.: “Young G’s”
From the album: Puff Daddy and the Family: No Way Out (1997)

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Jay-Z vs. Joe Budden

Thomas — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:00:32 +0000

Rumor has it that Jay-Z turned down this track from Just Blaze prior to Joe Budden grabbing it for his lead off single from his self titled debut album [download set].

The track sounds like something that could have fit on disc one of The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse.

Jay jumped on the instrumental of “Pump It Up” at the end of 2003 for his S. Carter Collection Mixtape mixtape]. I’m taking that Joe Budden noticed that Jay killed the track and wanted to go in over it again. Now youtube has a video up that says Joe Budden’s freestyle to “Pump It Up” is a diss towards Jay-Z (video) but I don’t buy that. We all know that Joe Budden is a competitive person and probably wanted to grab his track back from Jay (assuming I am). Nothing more nothing less to me.

Jay’s verse is 10x’s better than the O.G. “Pump It Up.” Now the two freestyles is something different. Jay weaves in and out on the track with such comfort and confidence with lines like:
“Hovi baby you Kobe, maybe Tracy McGrady/Matter fact you Harold Miner, Jr Rider/Washed up on marijuana/Even worse you a Pervis Ellis/You worthless fella/You ain’t no athlete you Shawn Bradley/I ain’t talkin to nobody in particular.”

Jump off Joe isn’t a slouch on the track either (word to DJTommyIIGunz):
“You can give it back now/All these rappers is cookin crack now/Took the realness out the game its time to put it back in/The fans finally got it understood they just yappin, while Joeys in the hood like madden”

In 2003/2004 Jay was on the top of his game. Jay > Joey (by a hair).

Who Spit It Better? Hit the cut for the poll….

Kool and the Gang: “Soul Vibrations” [download]
From the album: Music is the Message (1971)

Joe Budden: “Pump It Up”
From the album: Joe Budden (2003)
Produced by Just Blaze

Joe Budden: “Pump It Up” (Freestyle) [download]

Jay-Z: “Pump It Up” (Freestyle) [download]
From the album: S. Carter Collection Mixtape (2003)

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Jay-Z vs. Angelous

Thomas — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:30:52 +0000

When I became aware of Angelous in late 2002/early 2003 and heard his song “A.N.G.E.L.” I thought Jay-Z was dissing himself. After a couple listens I figured out it wasn’t Jay-Z. Now there have been some Jay-Z clones before Angelous (Bathgate, Sam Sarcfo) that seem to take Jay-Z’s flow, ad-libs, and style to the 10th power. But, Angelous is different….he has some skills. His voice and style screams Jay, but he has that good ole Brooklyn Swagger like all Brooklyn rhyme stars do.

“Blueprint 2″ was Jay’s mature response to Nas during the thick of their lyrical battle. I still stand by my thought that there was a lot of truth in this song and Jay understood that regardless of what he did he wouldn’t win the popular vote in his feud with Nas. Anyhoo…off topic. Jay is the overwhelming winner.

Hit the cut to sound off!

Ennio Morricone: “The Ecstasy Of Gold” [download]
From the soundtrack: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1968)

Angelous: “A.N.G.E.L.” [download]
From the album: It Ain’t a Game Part II (2003) [download Angelous mix]

Jay-Z: “Blueprint 2″
From the album: The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse (2002)
Produced by Charlemagne

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