Nomads is a powerful statement from the duo of LA rapper XP and Queens, NY producer IceRocks, in the form of timeless hip-hop. The slick, sharp lyricism captures the essence of XP’s ascension as an artist, as he’s making his proper debut with this project after years spent performing and dropping smaller releases. And his talents are matched perfectly by his New York brethren, who flips dusty samples into straight-up incredible instrumentals.

With 15 tracks to flaunt their talents, the duo wastes no time getting right to it with opening banger “Rain Dance.” As church organs and huge drums fill the background, XP spits rewind-worthy lines like, “I’m praying to God I can enjoy it before he take me/ I’m-a keep, laying this jewelry down on breakbeats/ I make feats.” It’s that mix of self-awareness and clever bravado over raw instrumentals that makes the entire record so immediately satisfying. 

In addition to religion, you also get bits of XP’s life as a Mexican-American man, his struggles, and the ups and downs of being a single father. Those stories permeate through the many standouts on Nomads, including the Wu-reminiscent “Shrunken Heads (feat. Supreme Cerebral),” the soulful and celebratory “YGB,” and the cinematic closing raps of “Open Doors (feat. Roc Marciano).” 

The centerpiece of Nomads, however, is the lead single “Ashtray,” a wonderfully produced track where XP pulls you in with his engaging storytelling. And it’s only fitting that it received the music video treatment from Kwervo, who envisions our narrator as a wealthy don and puts a high-definition spin on the otherwise minimalist track. The song itself also encapsulates what makes these two such a formidable duo musically, a point that they both brought up when talking about the other’s sound.

As XP explains, “IceRocks’ style is like a river over a cascading waterfall—very majestic and natural—but still captures the essence that classic New York Boom bap.” The producer had similarly kind words for his rapping partner, “XP’s style is fierce yet smooth and transcends coastal barriers. He might be from LA, but just by listening you might think he’s from NYC.” It’s a valid point that embodies the feeling of Nomads and how it transcends location or any preconceived notions.

Nomads is available now through all major DSPs via IceRock’s own label, DXA Records. Also, be sure to check out the visual for “Ashtray”, which premiered last month! 

The post RESPECT. THE PROJECT: XP & ICEROCKS CONNECT ON ‘NOMADS’ (ALBUM) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Once again, from Queens, New York, all the way down to Los Angeles, California, 2 powerful forces in hip-hop combine to deliver their latest single, “Ashtray“, accompanied by a fly, elegant visual.

The duo took a trip to Tulum, Mexico and connected with director, Kwinten Kwervo to capture the fly sh*t, where You’ll find XP The Marxman in several picturesque scenes, letting off raw raps over smooth, percussion-less production, suitably constructed by Icerocks.

Together, the duo is gearing up for the release of their forthcoming project, NOMADS, which is coming sooner than later.  Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open, but for now, check out the ill video for “Ashtray” and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post RESPECT. Premiere: XP & Icerocks Unleash Visual for “Ashtray” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Rapper, XP, and Producer, IceRocks, have teamed up to bring to you an album that unites the east and west coast. With XP hailing from Los Angeles and IceRocks from New York City, both artists have come from different group atmospheres; XP from the Rhyme Addicts and IceRocks from DXA.

The duo met while they were both on tour, separately, and happened to be performing at the same venue one night in Amsterdam. Both were impressed with each other’s skills so they kept in contact and eventually decided a collaborative effort would be a great look.  XP is recognized for collabs with Big Twins, Snoop Dogg, Crooked I, Onyx, and J-Ro of The Alkaholics. IceRocks, too, has worked with notable acts such as Meyhem Lauren, Ag Da Coroner, Masta Ace, Nems, Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire and Spit Gemz.

The first single, premiered earlier today, entitled “No Doubt Son.  With grimy visuals directed by videographer 8th Kind, it’s guaranteed to take you back to filthy staircases with brews and blunts being passed around. In order to combine the hometowns of both artists, the visual takes place in both NYC and LA and is a brilliant representation of what it’s like when the East and West collide.  Heavily reppin both worlds, XP and IceRocks display an ideal fusion that is invigorating and true to their hoods.

Make sure you peep the visual above, stream it via Soundcloud below and feel free to drop us a comment.

XP Online
Instagram: @xpthemarxman
Twitter: @xpthemarxman

IceRocks Online
Instagram: @icerocksdxa
Twitter: @icerocksdxa

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The post #PeepTheVisual: XP & Icerocks “No Doubt Son” Prod. By Icerocks appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.