Oil Money

Turn your focus to Freddie Gibbs’ “Oil Money,” which has already secured a prestigious spot in my top songs of the year list. The beat is simple, entrancing, and dirty as shit. The less is more minimalism gets run over by the all-star team of rap stars filling in the spaces. Bun B, Chuck Inglish, and the track’s leader Freddie Gibbs glide effortlessly into the incredibly smooth chorus that separates their verses. Reminiscent of the communal circle-rap of Souls of Mischief’s “93 til”, “Oil Money” might just earn that classic status.

Freddie Gibbs – “Oil Money (Feat. Chuck Inglish, Chip Tha Ripper, Bun B, Dan Auerbach)”

*****

Sick Sad Morning

What might seem like a tired and overdone description, this Strokes meets Vampire Weekend rollicking rock band, The Dig, have room to push them aside. The only VW reference comes from a similar nasal vocal delivery, and the Strokes share some gutting guitars. Touring relentlessly, and opening up for other Night Bird favorites CHIEF at Bowery Ballroom this Tuesday, this group of Berklee graduates have a musical gift just itching to be discovered by the masses. The chorus soars mightily backed by the off beat drums that works so well behind the shouting “I give it all!” that cements this track as a perfect entry point.

Go see them live.

The Dig – “Sick Sad Morning”

*****