7 Chiraq #DRILL Tracks From 2013 Not To Be Missed

Today it’s Keef

The homies over at Fake Shore Drive did an incredible job compiling their list of 100 Great Chicago Rap Songs of 2013. Seriously, the list is amazing, go check it out. They wisely added the stipulation that each lead artist was awarded at max, 2 tracks on the list.

However, it also meant that some really dope tracks didn’t make the cut. Especially from some artists who are right around the corner of breaking through big time! As an amendment to Fake Shore Drive’s Top 100, we’d like to list…

1-3. Chief Keef – “Love No Thotties” “Ain’t Done Turnin’ Up” & “Baby What’s Wrong With You”
“Macaroni Time” was probably Chief Keef’s biggest song of 2013, but “Love No Thotties” started a movement with the word “Thot”. Thot stands for “That Ho Over There” and “Thottie” is simply a derivitive. The song itself is dope with the cell phone bleeps-inspired production and Keef’s 3:00 minute convo with the thot in question. Sidenote: Do you usually have to tell your girl to brush her teeth? Prob a sign that it won’t work out, just us tho…

2012 was such a huge year for Chief Keef and 2013 was kind of an inconsistent year for Keef. However, he put out just enough dope, trippy, weird, jammin tracks to keep fans on the edge of their seat. “Ain’t Done Turnin Up” is awesome for the Mike Jones reference alone, one that is hilarious and very sincere at the same time. “Baby What’s Wrong With You” has such a hypnotic beat that his story kind of runs together, but in a good way? Keef can really do no wrong as long as he remains inventive:

4. Tink – “Money Money” ft. Mikey Dollaz
Good gracious, Tink is an absolute beast! She is definitely the best technical female rapper in Chiraq, and I argue she could hold her own with just about any female rapper out. What makes her even better is the fact that her money talk goes harder than most male rappers out as well. Oh yea, listen to the hook. That’s Tink singing and doesn’t scratch the surface of her vocal ability. Whew!

5. Ballout – “What U Got” ft. Yung Gleesh & Capo & “I Got A Bag” ft. Chief Keef
“What U Got” will not dazzle you with lyricism and wordplay. It will however knock in the Jeep and in the Dre’s thanks to Zaytoven’s laidback and oh so funky production. Each rapper brings their equally laidback trap-talk but the standout here is Ballout, who is quickly becoming an enjoyable character in the vein of the big homie Guwop aka Gucci Mane. Quick and to the point, you will find yourself rapping along with the entire song by the 3rd listen. And loving all 2 minutes and 36 seconds of it:

Showing a lil versatility on “I Got A Bag”, Bally creates a very fun sing-a-long hook that poses a very good question indeed: “You say they ain’t mad/Tell me why they mad then?”. He’s not braggin tho, but he’s got a bag (of money). Keef sounds trippy and happy and the Leek-e-leek banger knocks:

7. Matti Baybee – “Thumbin” ft. Lil Durk
The youngest drilla on the list, Matti Baybee enlists big brother figure Lil Durk for a melodic lesson on retail therapy. Listen to Matti Baybee vocals. The precision and complexity of the layers is downright prodigious and his lyrics are already superior to some of his older Chriaq counterparts. Not to be outdone, Durk sets the Guinness record for holding the word “Nah” the longest on any #DRILL record:

Did we tell you to visit Fake Shore Drive yet? Yea, go do that

7 Tracks You Should Be Listening To Right NOW

Casey Prather rockin out

Lot of dope music being released right now, here’s some of the latest songs that are in constant rotation here at Bricks & Palm Trees. #GatorBoy Casey Prather (pictured right) may or may not be listening to new Bieber. Probably not, but check out these jams:

1. Yo Gotti – I Know ft. Rich Homie Quan
Is there any better hook-maker in the game right now than Rich Homie?? He absolutely kills the hook and the slowed down Luniz – “I Got 5 On It” sample is major. Gotti comes with the straight talk we love him for and this song calls out pretenders in the most melodic way you’ve ever heard:

2. Migos – Jealousy
So I guess Migos claim this track isn’t about their beef with GBE, which is whack as hell. Because the song is awesome. It has all of the flows, adlibs and energy you want and expect from Migos, but it actually feels deep. There a somberness to it that is genuine but still remains turnt. Nicely done.

3. Tink – Treat Me Like Somebody
There has been a void in the R&B world ever since Aaliyah passed and I don’t know if anyone has come closer to filling it than Chicago’s Tink. It’s not that she’s trying either, there’s just an effortless, soothing quality to her music that recalls the late Aaliyah in all of her excellence. This track reminds me of Aaliyah’s track “Be Without You” and that’s a good thing.

4. Natasha Mosley – Sick
Yo, Natasha just went hard as hell on this track. “That Gucci real, 2pac alive” she sings as she calls out all flexers in 5 words. “You need to save your money, stop getting high”. Forreal, someone pissed off Natasha in real life because she gets mad specific in her details. Makes for a killer record tho!

5. Woop – Go Away
Imagine if Boosie’s cousin from Florida listened to a lot of Chief Keef and Future, but had better punchlines and was more on key. That gives a good idea of Woop’s performance in this creative spin on the traditional hater topic. The piece de resistance is the last line of the hook: “But I love it when they hate”. Extremely insightful and cocky all at once.

6. Justin Bieber – Roller Coaster
So we’re all on the same page that late 2013 Justin Bieber is dope, right? Yea it still sounds weird saying that but fuck, lil dude is jammin. This track has a real classic funk vibe to it, along with a dirty, screwed up bounce feel that drops before the chorus. It gives the tempo a true up-and-down roller coaster feel that makes this a winner. I dare you to play this around some old folks and see if they don’t start hittin a carwash 2-step into a arthritic twerk session.

7. Rondo Numba 9 – Ride ft. Lil Durk
If y’all haven’t heard that “Life Of A Savage” by Numba 9, you might not be aware that dude is a problem. Imo, he has an equal scare factor as Fredo Santana, but better music and lyricism. Him & Durk make a crazy 1-2 punch since they sound nothing alike. Durk goes especially high with his sing-song flow on this one, but Numba 9’s menacing mumble steals the spotlight.

4 Songs For A 2013-2014 #GatorBoyz Soundtrack

Basketball players and headphones go hand-in-hand like rappers and a microphone. Well, maybe a basketball is a better analogy for a player, but watch teams warm up and many guys have their locked-in gameface on as well as a fresh pair of Beats By Dre’s. For this year’s #GatorBoyz squad we’ve put together a quick list of songs to get pumped up to and explain why they are especially relevant this season. And these songs are not the edited versions so don’t say we didn’t warn ya!

1. Lil Durk – L’s Anthem

Lil Durk is one of Chicago’s newest and brightest stars and signed to Def Jam off of the strength of his smash single “L’s Anthem”. In addition to repping his block Lamron (Normal Ave spelled backwards), the L’s stand for Life, Love, Loyalty and for those Locked Up. With so many new faces on this year’s squad playing significant roles such as Kasey Hill, Dorian Finney-Smith, Damontre Harris, and Eli Carter, it is extremely important to form an air-tight bond quickly. As three of these guys throw L’s with returning star Casey Prather, it’s obvious the Love & Loyalty are already established:

L’s up 4 the #GatorBoyz

2. Dangeruss – My Fork

Rapper Dangeruss is an underground legend in the state of Florida thanks to being discovered by James Franco for the movie Spring Breakers off the strength of the street anthem “My Fork”. Although his subject matter is more street-oriented, the energy falls in line with exactly where #GatorBoyz like Mike Frazier and Casey Prather need to be. And that is, it’s time to eat. With the three leading scorers from last year’s team gone, guys like Mike and Casey will be called upon for increased scoring. Get your forks ready fellas and bring your appetites because it’s a long season from here to the Final Four. If the first games are any indication, these two haven’t eaten in months!

Time 2 Eat…

3. Chief Keef – Ballin’

Our guess is that once this team is together and begin gelling after suspensions are served and injuries are healed, they will be an incredibly exciting team to watch. When points are flowing and guys are rolling, there is no other term to capture it other than, Ballin’. 18-year-old Chief Keef’s energetic, upbeat track has a playful, loose rhythm that still has a sharp cadence to it. For the #GatorBoyz to succeed they will need to play on edge, but still remain loose and relaxed to avoid succumbing to lofty expectations or pressures. A huge factor in achieving that balance? None other than 18-year-old Kasey Hill

“I’m Ballin’ like Spalding”

4. Drake – Forever ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem

The #GatorBoyz have reached three straight Elite 8’s and the last time they reached the Final Four was with a group of 4 freshmen dubbed the 04’s. In 2014, 4 Gators players who came in as freshmen together will graduate, facing their final opportunity to reach the Final Four. Notice a theme with the number 4? For Pat Young, Will Yeguete, Casey Prather & Scottie Wilbekin the time is now. If they want to be remembered “Forever” (or should it be “Four-ever”) than it’s time for this unforgettable foursome to lead the troops to victory and get over the hump. It’s only right then that the quartet of Drizzy, Yeezy, Weezy & Em provide the perfect soundtrack into March. This might be the best basketball warm-up song ever.

#GatorBoyz Class of ’14

Oh yea, don’t forget the official #GatorBoyz theme song produced by Lil Nemo Got Beatz! It’s already achieving cult status online…

 

Official #GatorBoyz Theme Song! [FREE MP3]

Just in time for the start of the 2013-2014 basketball season, diehard Gator fan and Gainesville, FL beatmaker Lil Nemo Got Beatz presents #GatorBoyz theme song.

The track features FL lyricist Dangeruss (most recently serving as James Franco’s mentor for the character Alien in Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers) and fellow Gator diehard $hamrock (winner of Vh1’s White Rapper Show and national recording artist).

This one has potential to make it’s way onto a few ipods with it’s menacing beat provided by Nemo and shoutout lyrics by Dangeruss & $ham. Make sure to grab the free Mp3 download and memorize the lyrics below:

@LNGBeatz – #GatorBoyz (ft. @Dangeruss727 & @Yung_Irish)

HOOK
Mama told me don’t go in there
It’s some Gators in that water
You don’t wanna go to war
Cuz these Gators here from Florida
I can’t promise that you’ll come out alive
Deep in that swamp
Cuz them #GatorBoyz’ll getcha
When they hitcha with that chomp

VERSE 1
That’s 3 straight, Elite 8’s
SEC Champs, can’t hate
Homecourt, we undefeated
This year we gon repeat it
Billy D on a winning spree
Every year rewrite history
So many greats done came through
This squad doing they thang to
Big Pat, he control the lane
& Will Yeguete hustle insane
Point guard, that’s Scottie 5
Alley-oop to Casey, too live
Sportscenter like every play
& Mike Fraz gon hit for trey
Dillon Graham going Dillon-ham
& DeVo got that wingspan
What about them Mickey D’s
Chris Walker, Kasey
Damontre ready, Doe-Doe
Billy Jr, time to the hit the flo
Jake the snake, he trained to go
Eli Carter, whatup though!
They don’t wanna come to the O-Dome
Cuz they’ll take another L when they go home
Mama told me it’s some Gators in that water
You don’t wanna go to war
You don’t wanna get em started
Them #GatorBoyz go harder
Them other teams aint bout it
Them reptiles get rowdy
& get louder, when they shout it,
Like this

We’re looking forward to watching these #GatorBoyz in action!

Nick Calathes Drops Dimes to Chris Walker, Wait, Huh??!

This Home Team Hoops video mixtape from the Orlando Pro Am is really dope for 4 reasons:

1) Nick Calathes is throwing some sick passes, showcasing no-looks, a nasty handle, and a lot of added strength since his college days. His vision is pretty unreal.

2) This video shows a reunion of 2007 Gator Freshman Chandler Parsons, Adam Allen (awesome just to see him still hooping!) and Calathes.

3) The 2013 connection of a no-look Calathes pass to Parsons dunk will make you do a double-take- Where they just wearing blue and orange jerseys?

4) Although he has yet to play a game for the Florida Gators, 2013 McDonald’s All-American and Gator freshman Chris Walker is the recipient of some Calathes assists and proceeds to tomahawk with authority. This is the stuff that Gator basketball dreams are made of…

 
It’s going to fun to watch Nick play with the Memphis Grizzlies this year, best of luck to one of the best Gator freshmen ever.

Erv Walker helps us wish a Happy Mother’s Day 2013

At Bricks & Palm Trees, we want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mom’s around the world. Seriously, where would we be without our Mom’s? On top of everything else, think of all the little league games and practices that Mom took you to and cheered you on louder than everyone else, no matter how the game went. We can’t think of anyone better to help us celebrate this special day than one of our #GatorBoyz, the unforgettable Erv Walker.

Happy Mother’s Day 2013

Erv has never been afraid to admit being a “Mama’s boy” and why should anyone? Mom’s are there from day 1 and are probably there at every major step in our lives. There was not a dry eye in the building on Senior night 2012 when Erv held his UF jersey high with Mom close by:

And whenever we move into new digs, Mom always helps us set up and get situated when she can’t be around. In Erv’s case, he flew his Mom to Italy when he began his professional career overseas:

And as we get older, when we get to go home and visit Mom, we cherish the times more so than ever before because we finally realize everything she did over the years:

There’s no one like Mom. Thanks for sharing the pics on IG Erv, you helped us illustrate Mother’s Day perfectly. Happy Mother’s Day to your Mom and I can’t end this post without showing some love to my beautiful, caring, loving, patient, understanding, strong, fierce and intelligent Mother, Patty:

Happy Mother’s Day 2013.

Joakim Noah digs @BricksPalmTrees & the Twitterverse digs Jo!

Jo as the Bulls win Game 7 last night

For the chi

— Joakim Noah (@JoakimNoah) May 5, 2013

24 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks. Joakim Noah has once again proved that he is an absolute warrior, this time powering his Chicago Bulls through the 1st round of the NBA playoffs sans-Derrick Rose and with only one good foot. Jo not only predicted victory earlier in the week, he also took the time to “tweet” the Q&A we did with his fellow #GatorBoy Adrian Moss (which gave this little blog a record day in views!):

bricksandpalmtrees.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/our… boss playa

— Joakim Noah (@JoakimNoah) May 1, 2013

As if we didn’t love Jo enough already. And the whole world digs him to! Without further ado, here are some of our favorite Twitter reactions following Joakim’s amazing Game 7 performance:

Outstanding game from @joakimnoah and the #bulls! “Team of fighters!” #gogators

— Billy Donovan (@UFCoachBillyD) May 5, 2013

Joakim Noah, that’s all!

— Will Yeguete (@Will15Yeguete) May 5, 2013

He is unbelievable RT @will15yeguete: Joakim Noah, that’s all! — Patric Young (@BigPatYoung4) May 5, 2013

NOAH a WINNER! Really reps the ppl of the Windy City. BULLS vs HEAT! — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 5, 2013

Impressive win by the bulls. Noah is a beast.

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) May 5, 2013

Jo is ours, and you can’t have him.

— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) May 5, 2013

That guy @joakimnoah was an animal 2nite. His determination, presence, & focus willed us to victory. Great game 7 performance. #SeeRed

— Nazr Mohammed (@NazrMohammed) May 5, 2013

We agree with all of these tweets, but the one from @AlligatorArmy rings especially true. Jo is one of the #GatorBoyz for life! Look at the picture below, not a whole lot has changed… Mad love Jo.

Joakim Noah #GatorBoyz

Our #GatorBoyz Q&A with Adrian Moss

What an honor to chop it up on the phone with Adrian Moss, the Senior captain of the legendary 2006 NCAA Champion University of Florida Gators. We love our 04’s, but I distinctly remember Joakim Noah saying how great it was to send their senior out with a ring. Adrian has some of the best stories I’ve ever heard and he’s got one of the most diverse tastes in music I ever encountered as well. Without further ado, here’s the official 1st Bricks & Palm Trees Q&A with our guy Adrian Moss:

Moss the Boss!

BPT: What’s up big fella! It’s been 7 years since your career at University of Florida ended in stylish fashion with the 06 championship. Where are you currently and where has your professional career taken you though the years?

AM: I’m in Houston, Texas. Getting ready to go to South America today, I’m going to play in the Summer League in Uruguay. Then I’ll probably head back over to Europe for the season. I’ve played in Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, all over. I’ve got 2 more continents to hit, and then I’ll be around the world. I get to see the world, play a little ball, and make a little money.

Does your international career allow you to still keep up with the #GatorBoyz?

I always bump in to them! I bump into Matt Walsh, Anthony Roberson. Walsh, Brent Wright, and J-Ham (Justin Hamilton) were all on the same team in Belgium! I played against Lee Hump (Humphrey) in Germany to! I was in Argentina and they kept talking about an American who shoots all the time named “Robertson”. I’m in the lobby, I hear a voice and it’s Peep (Roberson)! I wake up at 3 in the morning if I have to, to watch the Florida games. I live and die by my Gators; I live and die by my team.

That’s awesome, great to hear! With three straight Elite 8 NCAA tournament appearances, it’s safe to say that the program is returning to the excellence of those 06 & 07 teams. Let’s rewind a bit to your Gator days. What was it like playing under Billy D and the other coaches?

It was an experience, a learning experience. You grow up a lot during that time. Coach Donovan and the other coaches constantly teach being a man. They teach basketball, but teach life more. They give you all the keys you need to deal with adversity.

2005 SEC Champs

The 06 & 07 championship teams get a lot of attention, but I want to start one year earlier with the 05 SEC Championship team that you were a part of. 8 players on that team played in at least 1 NBA season (Lee, Walsh, Roberson, Richard, Noah, Horford, Green, Brewer). That’s incredible- what were those practices like?

Practices were competitive, harder than the games. Out of all the Big’s I played against, only me and Bonnell Colas didn’t make the league.

And you, Bonnell & Lee Humphrey have all carved out success internationally! The very next year, you were the lone senior on that team. How was it being the Senior captain on the 06 championship team?

It was a little different because there was a big age gap. I graduated at age 24, they couldn’t even drink! I love those guys; I still talk to them all the time. When Corey was on the Mavericks, it was Game 6 in Dallas, I called Corey and said “Bro, I need tickets.” He said, “They’ll be there for you Moss.” I got to go the game and then we went out that night to, had a great time.

Did the team have any nicknames for you being the old guy?

“Uncle Moss”, I remember “Boss”.

2006 National Champs

Pretty appropriate. The 04’s (Noah, Horford, Brewer, Green) got a lot of press but I always felt that people forgot how imposing the overall frontcourt was with You, Chris Richard, Joakim and Al. Did you big guys have a special camaraderie that last season?

We wanted to be known as the best Big’s in the country. When you got your chance, you came in, you did your job and then you cheered for the next guy. There was no bickering, none of that. None of that from a team with so much talent.

You also played against big men like David Lee, Udonis Haslem, and Matt Bonner. Which big man during your UF days gave you most trouble during practice?

All of em!

Was it hard to come in as a freshman and have to play behind Udonis?

Early Gator days

It was crazy. You’ve got to remember, I came in with 2 McDonald’s All-Americans. My freshman year I came in with David & James White. I was used to being in the shadow a little. Those guys earned their spots and I knew I had to earn mine.

This upcoming season we’ll see tremendous frontcourt depth with Pat Young, Will Yeguete, the addition of Chris Walker, and Damontre Harris and Dorian Finney-Smith becoming eligible. We’ll even throw Casey Prather in the mix because he can play the 4 in a smaller line-up and can def throw down on anybody.

Big fan of Casey Prather, big fan.

Do you think the inside presence will be the key for this upcoming squad?

Yeah, I do. If they learn how to mesh and play together, gel and come together, the frontcourt and the backcourt, I don’t see why they can’t win it all. They will have the tools they need and they need a bit of luck. You always do, the ball to bounce their way a couple times, but I don’t see why they can’t win it all.

Alright, let’s switch it up. Let’s do a lighthearted word association. We’ll say a word or phrase and you say the first word or phrase that comes to mind. Ready?

Let’s go.

First one, Billy Donovan.

Greatest coach I’ve ever played for.

Joakim Noah

Motor that no on can match, great dude.

Lee Humphrey

Great shooter, 2^nd best shooter to come through the Florida program.

Who’s the first?

Kenyan Weaks.

Al Horford

Beast.

Matt Walsh

Great dude, I’ve never seen a crowd ride a player like that.

Corey Brewer

Long. Athletic runner, jumper.

Taurean Green

Great dude, great point guard. Leader.

David Lee

Athletic! Great rebounder. Led the league in double-double’s, Cmon.

University of Kentucky

Hate em. Bottomline.

Vanderbilt

Impartial

Florida State

Impartial, I lost to them maybe once.

Tim Tebow

Defines “Winning”. Happy to see him get out of NY.

That was awesome man, great job. Couple more easy questions and then we’ll let you go. How about a Headphones Check-in: What’s in your iPod that you listen to pregame to get hype?

Probably some old Rage Against The Machine. Maybe some old Fiona Apple, some J Cole, Coltrane, Kanye’s first mixtape. Whatever I feel like that day.

Who was your favorite player in the NBA growing up?

Hakeem, being a Houston kid.

Did you model your game after any specific player as you got older?

I tried Tim Duncan, but that didn’t work out too good (laughter). The greatest power forward to ever play the game.

Who was your favorite Gator to watch before you played for UF?

Man, probably Dupay. Old Ted!

Who has been one of your favorite Gators to watch after your UF career?

I enjoyed watching Murphy’s (Eric) maturation the most. He has a real good shot at staying in the league a while.

Adrian, we can’t thank you enough for taking the time for this Q&A. You’re a legend in our eyes, we wish you all the success in the world and we’re very thankful you are a one of the #GatorBoyz! 

#GatorBoyz4Life

Throwback: Erv Walker in Nike+ Commerical

We feel like this really dope video of Erv Walker in a commercial for Nike+ kinda went under the radar. The angles and clarity of the visual are incredible and showcases Erv’s trademark playing style in same matrix-like effects:

How sick is it that they put a hardwood court in an outdoor setting? It looks especially cool when you see Erv break out the NY playground handles against his defender. And it doesn’t look like the wind is bothering Erv’s J that much- Zing!

(Sidenote: did these Hyperdunks ever actually hit the market?)

Pat Young Headphones Check-In

Orange & Blue Dre’s? Swaggy!!

Patric Young has really cool taste in music. In addition to stating that he enjoys country music, we also know he’s a R&B fan as well. This would explain his smooth moves that we highlighted in this video.

In just the past week, Pat has tweeted that he can enjoy System Of A Down and we found out that he’s digging Justin Timberlake’s 2nd single “Mirrors” off the now platinum 20/20 Experience:

I mess with System of a Down
— Patric Young (@BigPatYoung4) April 19, 2013

Cause I don’t wanna lose you now, I’m looking right at the other half of me
— Patric Young (@BigPatYoung4) April 16, 2013

We can’t even lie, JT’s whole album goes in and “Mirrors” is a guilty pleasure. There’s harder tracks on the LP, but watch this video and try to deny yourself from belting out the same part of the chorus that Pat tweeted out:

See, impossible. We’re right there with ya big fella. Now here’s the interesting part: We are learning more and more that Big Pat can also hold a tune. First there was his mention in this video about the secret talents of some of the Gator players at the :31 second mark:

Then he also tweets about his superior ability to croon a John Mayer hit:

I can sing that song really well RT @miranda_milady: Slow Dancing In a Burning Room ~ John Mayer
— Patric Young (@BigPatYoung4) April 18, 2013

We kind of think of Pat as the Gators personal Clark Kent/Superman so we actually don’t doubt that he can sing, since he can most certainly soar through the air for dunks and blocks like a superhero. All we’re saying is we want to see it!

Cmon Pat, you know you want to…