Popular Rappers Combine Forces

A quartet of well- known artists collaborate Sam OwenASSOCIATE REPORTEROctober 17, 2013 [dropcap]E[/dropcap]ver since Kendrick Lamar’s rise to rap super-stardom following the release of his critically acclaimed album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City” last October, he has been a constant presence on party playlists and rap radio.Despite his now massive popularity, there’s something many people don’t know about him: He’s part of a rap group called Black Hippy.Based out of Los Angeles, Black Hippy formed in 2009, consisting of Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and up-and-coming Schoolboy Q.Though they have yet to release a group album, the four have collaborated with each other frequently. As of now, Lamar is the only one to release a major label album, although with Schoolboy Q gearing up to release his album “Oxymoron,” that is set to change.Those who listen to Lamar’s album should be familiar with Jay Rock’s show-stealing verse on the track “Money Trees.” The two worked together on the song “Hood Gone Love It,” featured in the popular new video game Grand Theft Auto V. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOpjusxCSJY Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q are both known for their street-smart lyrics, with Schoolboy Q having a more modern sound and Jay Rock recalling late 90s gangsta rap.Of the four, Ab-Soul raps about the streets the least, instead preferring to take on politics and personal matters.For examples of these styles, check out the excellent tracks “Terrorist Threats” featuring Danny Brown and “The Book of Soul” from his well-received 2012 tape “Control System.”Don’t think he’s all serious, though, because on guest features, he is generally much more playful.All four talented members can be heard together on tracks such as remixes of Lamar’s “The Recipe” and “Swimming Pools,” as well as remixes of Ab-Soul’s song “Black Lip Bastard” and “UOENO,” originally by Rocko.After the success of Lamar’s major label debut, it will be interesting to see how Schoolboy Q’s upcoming album which is utilizing many of the same producers will do.If “Oxymoron” receives a fraction of the attention of Lamar’s album, Black Hippy stands to blow into one of the biggest rap groups out right now.Don’t forget to catch Lamar at what is sure to be a show to remember on Kanye West’s “Yeezus” tour, on Oct. 22 in San Jose, Calif. and Oakland, Calif. the following night.Contact Sam Owen at sowen@scu.edu.