The ultimate appeal of the EP is Briggs’  unrestricted willingness to explore different sounds. This openness isn’t equally rewarding on all songs, but when it works, it’s powerful. “Somebody,” for example, features  a heavy sample of Gotye‘s hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It’s surprising to hear a rapper appendaged to the poppy ballad, but after experiencing Briggs’ intervention, it feels perfectly natural. “Loser,” which samples Beck‘s “Loser,” isn’t as successful, but Briggs makes up for it on “Cold,” a menacing Sean Nathaniel-produced song that features Briggs at his most vitriolic and technically proficient.

Stream and/or download the EP below.

The post New EP: Tyrone Briggs – Scattered Thoughts appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

T.I. recently dropped a video for “Memories Back Then,” with an all-star lineup including verses from B.o.B. and of course Kendrick Lamar. This is from Tip‘s upcoming Hustle Gang Presents G.D.O.D. (Get Dough or Die). Kendrick raises the level with bars such as: “You looking for the nigga with the tallest ‘fetti/ You overlooking every nigga that ain’t ready/ To make it rain on you like about to break a levy,” which elevate the rhythm that can be too flat at times. This song is about reminiscing about past boys or girls they encountered. The song was originally going to be called “Somebody That I Used to Know”, sampling Gotye’s hit. The sample clearance was impossible and that is why it will not be featured on Trouble Man.  You can sense the similarity in flow. Check it out!

The post New Video: T.I. ft. Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B. & Kris Stephens – Memories Back Then appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.