It might hard to remember now, but when Drake first emerged as a rapper, his music was indebted to underground hip-hop by artists like Slum Village, Little Brother, and 9th Wonder. The legendary producer and the once-emerging Toronto rapper collaborated on a song, "Think Good Thoughts" from Drake's project Comeback Season, and while more music was promised in the future, none emerged.
Enter Critical Hype, the mashup artist behind this year's acclaimed Kendrick/Dr. Dre blend The DAMN Chronic. His new work is called More 9th, and it combines Drake's verses with 9th Wonder's distinctive, soulful instrumentals. Some are the verses are deeper cuts – Critical Hype told Pigeons & Planes that the tempo of Drake's biggest hits didn't sync with 9th Wonder's beats – but that actually helps More 9th succeed: when there aren't any instantly recognizable lyrics taking center stage, you can suspend your disbelief a little bit easier, and the alternate collaborations Critical Hype imagines seem that much more plausible. Listen below and read an interview with Critical Hype at Pigeons & Planes.
