That's What's Up

Bishop Lamont ft. The New Royales - City Lights
from The Confessional Mixtape (2008)

L.A.’s Bishop Lamont has a ridiculous flow, something I discovered thanks to his 2007 collaboration with Detroit producer Black Milk, Caltroit. On this joint, DJ Khalil lays down an atmospheric, tweaked-out update of that 2001-era Dr. Dre sound. It’s The New Royales, however, that give the song it’s umpfhf (umf? Whatever… you get it).

As the chorus kicks in, the backdrop becomes a rock/rap/electro mash to surround crooner Erik Alcock’s impassioned cry. He’s a dead-ringer for Bono on this one… in the good way.

The New Royales are just appearing on most people’s radar. They’re an eclectic group, co-signed by some of hip-hop’s elite, and this won’t be the last time you hear (of) them.