Heavy Rotation: BJ the Chicago Kid f. Kendrick Lamar - "His Pain II"

"His Pain II" is easily one of the realest songs I've heard in a while. I've been meaning to post it since I first heard it in January, but I'm just now getting around to it while listening to BJ the Chicago Kid's album, Pineapple Now-Laters. I haven't listened to the entire album all the way through yet, but I expect nothing but dope soulful music. Listen to "His Pain II" below, and check out SoulCulture's review of the album with previews of tracks from his album as well. Pineapple Now-Laters is now available on iTunes.

ScHoolBoy Q - Habits & Contradictions

Top Dawg Entertainment's first album release of the year comes from ScHoolBoy Q with Habits & Contradictions. For those of you who enjoyed Setbacks, then you can expect more of the same gritty and honest material from his newest album. Soul Culture describes it as one that "jumps deep into the underbelly of society and at times bathes unreservedly in the various questionable ethos." Add dope production plus features from Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Curren$y, and A$AP Rocky, and you can't lose. Check out the album  and a few of the tracks below.

And If You Don't Know - BadBadNotGood

Lately I've been hearing a lot about this hip-hop influenced jazz group out of Toronto called BadBadNotGood. Hearing their cover of Waka Flocka's "Hard In the Paint" is what really made pay attention to the group, although they initially created an internet buzz from their Odd Future and Tyler the Creator covers. Last year they released BBNG, which features hip/hop covers from artists such as Nas, Slum Village, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and others. What separates this group from similar acts is their ability to merge the original hip/hop vibe of the song with classic jazz perfectly. These guys are crazy talented. Hit the jump below for a link to BBNG, an interview with Respect Mag, and a few of my favorite tracks from them....