This week’s edition of YO! HIP HOP RVA rolls out an eclectic tapestry of sounds, featuring a trio of powerful woman MCs and a dash of masculine energy to spice up the mix. Zuri brings the classic boom-bap back to life, infusing her tracks with a storytelling prowess that’s as sharp as it is insightful, painting vivid pictures of Richmond’s streets. In contrast, Naeedy and A.Chardae take us down a different sonic avenue, delivering trap beats that are infectious, guaranteed to be the anthems of night-outs. And amidst this female powerhouse, Cho0n straddles the line, blending styles with an ease that speaks to his artistic versatility.
Are you an artist with new tracks, a listener with suggestions or the inside scoop, or just want to say hi? Send an email to gilessterling@gmail.com.
Zuri “The Camp Inc.” (single)
“The Camp Inc.” is yet another example of the premium Zuri puts on storytelling. She raps about the unfortunate perils of growing up and living in Richmond. She also makes it abundantly clear you don’t want smoke with her collective of artists and creatives UNDER DOG RECORDZ. If you love boom-bap, you’ll easily fall in love with this record. Zuri’s pen is razor sharp. Follow Zuri on Instagram.
Zuri — The Camp Inc.
Naeedy “Eenie Meenie Miny Moe” feat. A.Chardae (single)
Ladies, if you’re looking for a fun record to turn up to before you step out for the night, look no further. “Eenie Meenie Miny Moe” is a bonafide anthem—trunk-rattling bass and 808s (produced by KeeMoney), an ominous bell chime (that almost always works), a catchy hook and riveting lyrical performances. A.Chardae—who was also featured in last week’s Yo! Hip Hop RVA write-up—teams up with Naeedy on this infectious song. Off the first listen, you and your homegirls will be rapping along with the hook like the group of women toward the end of this video. Follow Naeedy here and A.Chardae here.
Naeedy feat. A.Chardae — Eenie Meenie Miny Moe (Official Video)
Video credits Directed by Rick Blair
Cho0n “Turk” (single)
Cho0n’s versatility is on display once again (take a look through his Instagram to see for yourself) with this edition of Booth The Streets. The song title and last line of the hook—Was raised ‘round them Hot Boys like Turk—both pay homage to Turk, a member of the rap group Hot Boys. The posse was a cog in the uber successful New Orleans rap machine of the early aughts led by No Limit and Cash Money Records. Now back to Cho0n. This record is a master class of riding the beat. The contrast of his slightly nasally, conversational flow and the beat’s low-end 808s makes for a head nod-worthy track. Follow Cho0n here.
Cho0n — Turk (Official Video)
Video credits Directed by HundoMadeIt
Believer. Multi-hyphenate. Old soul. My calling is telling and surfacing Black and Brown stories. Also—Midnight Marauders is a better album than The Low End Theory.
