I Had To Call Uncle Murda

the "Rap Up" recap champ puts 2020 in perspective

Oh my gosh, back at it again (me and Murda, New York City, 2016).

“I came in this whole music shit—poppin’ shit.”

Like he always does at this time: Uncle Murda dropped his latest “Rap Up”song. He’s been creating these raunchy raps for a while now, and his 2020 edition, Murda humorously dissects the highs and lows of what feels like the world’s most crazy 365 days. Clocking in at close to 14 minutes, the song, touches on topics as different as the death of Kobe Bryant, COVID, and the Jeezy/Gucci Mane Verzuz battle, and has been in my rotation since it went live on TIDAL yesterday. I hit up Murda (our phoner is above) today to discuss his ability to be disrespectful respectfully, his acknowledgement of the late great Andre Harrell, and whether Will Smith should feel a way about the ways Murda sums up the Fresh Prince’s year. Listen to Murda’s full lyrical madness below.

And do remember: Murda’s been hurting feelings since 2014. Sorry, Skillz. Brooklyn took it.

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“Puff put hands on Drake” 2014 ⬇️

“Lamar Odom smokes crack” 2015 ⬇️

“LeBron did it for Cleveland and got that ring” 2016 ⬇️

“Prodigy. Moment of Silence” 2017 ⬇️

“Nicki rap better but Cardi puttin’ out better music” 2018 ⬇️

“The lil homie Juice Wrld died too fast” 2019 ⬇️

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what more can I say:

The hip hop nation is still mourning the passing of MF DOOM. Truth be told: I only knew him as Zev Love X from the hip hop duo KMD. Dude was a supersmart and somewhat shy person who I interviewed for the Bay Area’s 4080 zine back in 1994.

At the time, Zev was struggling with the loss of his brother and rap partner, Subroc (who died after being hit by a car), and fighting his label, Elektra Records to release their sophomore album, Black Bastards.

The album was shelved for years due to controversial content, and due to the above artwork. Five years later, Zev became MF DOOM. With his mask on, DOOM dominated underground hip hop in the early 2000s. His influence and his DNA remains in many of today’s top hip hop acts — from Tyler The Creator to Griselda.

Please share DOOM’s legacy with the new generation. His evolution was remarkable. The outpouring of love and respect for him on social media is proof that the Long Island man with the mask belongs in hip hop’s hall of fame. ALL CAPS: REST IN PEACE.

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a danyelliott production

Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson