PREMIERE: LNYCHPIN Assembles 23 New York Emcees and Producers For Powerfully Progressive Collaboration

We don’t normally do album reviews. They’re a bit obsolete these days, especially when pretty much anyone can freely listen to pretty much every release and form their own opinion.

Still, it’s important to spread the word about certain projects. And despite something of a renewed focus on the New York rap scene in the past few months by the previously oblivious, it’s even more important to highlight the area’s true artisans who have been continuously pushing the envelope of rap music, lest bandwagoners or recent converts feel that the only type of hip-hop the region has to offer is what squeaks through to catch a bit of mainstream adoration.

LNYCHPIN is that type of project. The 14-track compilation, curated by Queens MC Lt. Headtrip and Brooklyn producer and engineer, Willie Green, LNYCHPIN assembles a squad of NYC-based artists and producers who have been pushing that progressive envelope for years.

Boasting a lineup that includes 16 MCs and 7 producers from crews and labels including Karma Kids, Reservoir Sound, Backwoodz Studios, Uncommon and Smoker’s Cough, LNYCHPIN dances between dynamic styles of lyricism and delivery, from the intricate to the playful to the eccentric. Coupled with a variety of production styles ranging from lo-fi and smokey to high-powered and energetic, there is enough variety in this collection to catch the ear of all but the most close-minded rap fan.

LNYCHPIN ALBUM RELEASE
SAT., DEC. 9 AT BUSHWICK PUBLIC HOUSE

Again, because I trust your capacity to form your own opinions, dear readers, I won’t force mine upon you. Highlights of the project will be subjective. But that’s what makes a project like LNYCHPIN so appealing. All too often, artists in today’s landscape create low-hanging musical fruit in an attempt to appeal to masses, leaving behind listeners who are not affected by the sonic siren call of mainstream vibrations. In their attempt to appeal to all, they often miss many.

The success of artists and collectives like Odd Future, Danny Brown and Run The Jewels, for example, prove there is progressive life on Planet Hip-Hop, with many carrying on the unboxable traditions of the Aesop Rocks and MF Dooms of the world.

LNYCHPIN‘s artists and producers are all strong denizens of this arena, with long histories creating hip-hop music residing unapologetically off the beaten path, shunning trends in favor of their own artistic visions.

In doing so — by targeting no one — they leave the door open for everyone.

LNYCHPIN, therefore, now stands as a welcome and valuable linchpin for the continuing success of quality experimental, multiform rap that still bubbles throughout hip-hop’s Mecca.

Artists, musicians and producers featured on LNYCHPIN include Teddy Faley, Shape, Duncecap, SKECH185, Willie Green, Uncommon Nasa, Gruff Lion, Samurai Banana, Lt. Headtrip, billy woods, Warren Britt, Premrock, Hype Wonder, MC Eleven, Googie, Big Breakfast, Jeff Markey, DJ Zesto Q, GDP, Blastmaster Baker, A.M. Breakups, Creature and BALD AFRO.

Listen and support LNYCHPIN on Bandcamp.