Journalist 103 feat. Guilty Simpson & One Be Lo – Felony [Audio]

Journalist 103, the voice behind The Left’s critically acclaimed 2010 opus Gas Mask, is gearing up for the release of his sophomore solo album, Battle for the Hearts and Minds which hits stores later this month via Babygrande Records. Today, Journalist unveils one of the more timely cuts from Battle, “Felony,” which tackles social issues such as political corruption, racial inequality, police brutality, wealth disparity, and the United States prison population. Given the current political climate in this election season, “Felony” is a significantly relevant track sure to resonate with many Americans as well as those abroad and overseas. The DJ Stresh-produced single, which premiered today via 2dopeboyz, also features guest appearances from two of Detroit’s most revered mouthpieces, Guilty Simpson and One Be Lo of Binary Star. Journalist 103’s sophomore album, Battle for the Hearts and Minds, features guest appearances from an all-star ensemble of Motor City lyricists including Clear Soul Forces, One Be Lo (Binary Star), Guilty Simpson, Willie The Kid, MarvWon, Nolan the Ninja and more. Battle for the Hearts and Minds will hit stores worldwide on October 28th via Babygrande Records.

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Ricko feat. Guilty Simpson – Work Ethic [Video]

When you’re hustling, constantly creating art, and working painstakingly to get your music heard, you also need to find time to enjoy the little things. And that’s just what London’s Ricko does in his fresh new video for “Work Ethic,” featuring Detroit bruiser, Guilty Simpson. Armed with a laid-back flow and knack for storytelling bars, Ricko takes the listener through a lyrical and visual portrayal of how he spends his downtime. For the Londoner, that means a trip to the barber shop for some touch ups (very important) and rolling blunts with his guest. Speaking of, Guilty looks just as fresh as his host here, rocking a fly Detroit-repping bucket hat and spitting a slick verse about staying motivated. For these two like-minded artists, pushing their art to the masses is what keeps them going—and from avoiding other pursuits and bullsh*t from 5-0. It’s all set to a perfectly smooth, jazz-sampling instrumental that sets the tone for these equally relaxed visuals. “Work Ethic” stems from Ricko’s forthcoming debut LP, The Slick Rick LP, which follows up the emcee’s series of mixtapes and loosies (namely his Slick Sundays project). Peep the visuals, and be sure to pre-order Ricko’s debut, The Slick Rick LP, via iTunes, which is set to drop on September 29th through all major streaming platforms and digital retailers, via CRMG Records.

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Ed E. Ruger feat. Guilty Simpson & GamerGad – Crack In The Pavement [Audio]

“Crack In The Pavement” is an anthem for all the underdogs out there who have thrown middle-fingers at the opposition and stayed on their grind. It’s also the latest single from Ed. E Ruger, who’s joined by fellow Greensboro emcee GamerGad, and Detroit bully rapper Guilty Simpson, with DJ Phillie Phresh manning the turntables. Guilty’s gruff signature vocals sets off the track with bars directed at his naysayers, who “told me my life should be void.” They’re eating their words now, though, because he’s touring and smoking that good overseas. That sentiment carries on throughout the track, whether it’s Ruger spitting on the hook, “I’m from the sewer, but I knew I was destined for greatness,” or GamerGad looking back at everyone who tried to pull him down amidst slick references to Super Mario and Red Dead Redemption. Ruger sums it up best, though, barging through Jon Jackson’s brooding instrumental and delivering lines like: “On my own terms I made it, navigated through the circus/ Never listen to these clowns, when they doubt I was determined/ Writing verses that’ll make you question life like a sermon.” They’re self-assured rhymes, but they’re also well deserved given that his music has been heard on The Boondocks, Breaking Bad, ROH Wrestling, and other notable programs. “Crack In The Pavement” is now available for stream in promotion for ‘Guerrilla Grind Pt. 2,’ which is due out this Saturday, Aug. 6 exclusively through Bandcamp. That same evening, Ruger will take the stage at Arizona Pete’s

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