Welcome to Play Count, the Volume’s weekly mix of the best in recent hip-hop. In this edition, new music from Jon Hope, Daytona, Consequence, Joe Budden and more.
Click past the jump for commentary.
Dirty Money ft. Drake - “Hurt (Loving You No More)”
When Diddy announced the formation of Dirty Money—consisting of himself, Dawn from Danity Kane and newcomer Kalenna, for his Auto-Tune-heavy album, Last Train to Paris—it sounded like a bad joke. Surprisingly, the music isn’t too bad, and this latest leak, featuring a showstopping verse from 2009’s biggest new artist, Drake, is the group’s best effort yet.
Chiddy Band ft. Black Thought & elDee the Don - “Slow Down”
This young Philly crew may be new to most, but Chiddy Band is poised to be a true threat in the New Year. With a verse from Black Thought—and the fact that the group will be jumping onto the Hot 97 Who’s Next Live showcase at S.O.B.’s later this month—Chiddy Band looks to be doing anything but slowing down.
The Kid Daytona ft. Bun B - “1st Class Upgrade”
Producer 6th Sense brings the best out of Daytona, and he’s been enlisted again here for the confident MC’s venture out of the obscure and into the next level of his career. Daytona calls the song his upgrade into “bigger and better endeavors” and after the brilliance of Come Fly with Me, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Joe Budden - “Russian Roulette”
Jump Off Joey jacks Rihanna’s new single for his own dark and disturbing look at taking chances with his life. His best music has always come from battling his own demons, and Budden’s storytelling here is in the same vein as the classic “10 Minutes.”
DJ K.O. ft. Phonte, Wordsworth, K-Hill & Masta Ace - “Ladder of Success (Mydus Remix)”
The head-bopping begins the second Phonte drops the leadoff verse, and it doesn’t stop till the beat rides out.
Jabee and the ARE - “Blood”
Producer the ARE doesn’t get enough shine in the mainstream. Here, his soul stylings make a perfect fit for Jabee’s dedication to friends and fam—recorded in remembrance of his brother who passed away in September.
Jon Hope - “Real Talk Pt. 2″
Rhode Island spitter Jon Hope is a new talent worth a listen. The MC has been honing his style behind the mike since 2005, and will be in New York at the Highline Ballroom Sunday, November 22, alongside Jeremy James.
Consequence - “Whatever U Want (G.O.O.D. Music Remix)”
Kanye West, Common, John Legend, Kid Cudi and Big Sean. Now that is label support for a lead-single remix.
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