Dear listener, I’ve spent the entire month posting some of the rarest hip-hop I know about to Tumblr. Here’s one more track that is a little more emotionally vulnerable than the rest of the pack. Don Lifted isn’t a household name, he’s not big in the music industry (yet) and compared to other modern hip-hop fat cats he’s got a relatively tiny discography to his name. However, if there’s one thing this talented gentleman provides, it’s an elegantly distinctive and rare form of sub-genre which I can only describe as ambient rap. Heavily instrumental, meaningful, and even atmospheric, Lifted is a sculptor of language and a true poet that brings a lo-fi sound to hip hop that is jarringly different than anything your average rapper could or would bring to the table. It’s got an R&B vibe that accentuates love, transience, and loss. His tunes are oddly romantic, quietly anxious, and far more ambitiously artistic in overall style than I think I’ve ever heard from this entire field of melody. He doesn’t just rap, he often tells a heartfelt story with his tunes. Hailing from Memphis, TN and steeped in visual arts, Lifted uses his talents to create a picture, a painting with his words. I’m not personally a big fan of emo, but he mixes emo with shoegaze and east coast rap which somehow manages to turn my hardened heart into a sack of mush. There are contemplative rappers out there for sure, always have been, always will be. But what this reflective performer does transcends mere contemplation and undergoes a downright lost and absorbed experience of introspection. This is Golden (The Wait) from the 2021 album 325i. It’s been my pleasure to deliver some much-needed hip hop to my page, smash play and enjoy!
I feel as if I haven’t ever come across someone so strong on the visual/audio artform as the artist pictured above. I implore you to make him more popular. Image source: https://memphismusichalloffame.com/local_artist/don-lifted/
Happy Birthday to one of the illest emcees, Stack Bundles!! He would have been 40 years old today. A true car guy to those that listened to his lyrics and knew him personally. From his Porsche Boxster, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Lexus SC and other vehicles he aspired to have. His two-tone BMW station wagon was so unique. It was said to be one of the first of its kind in New York City. He is greatly missed. Rest In Paradise.