Petty, 'Didn't Cha Know'; Villz, 'Appreciation'; Franswais and Jacinto Princep, 'Corrupted Freestyle 2K13' [Fresh Tracks]

Petty, “Didn’t Cha Know”

Two days ago, Petty celebrated his 26th birthday. In response, the increasingly elusive MC released a new track as a birthday present to himself and the world. This newbie, “Didn’t Cha Know,” is stream of consciousness and free association from start to finish. The rapper bounces between different metaphors and imagery almost faster than your ears can keep up, all over a classic, soulful beat. Stream it below, or download it via Petty's Soundcloud page.

Villz, “Appreciation” (prod. by Mike Ewing and King Malcolm)

We first introduced Villz when he released the video for “420am,” a track that made its rounds on the Internet and built some buzz for the Florida native turned Nashvillian. He’s recently released his first new material since then, a track titled “Appreciation.”

Villz teams up with again Mike Ewing on the production, this time enlisting King Malcolm as well. The track is subtle and expansive, growing in momentum as it goes along. Villz’s unique style is fully utilized here, and the synergy between him and Ewing/Malcolm is worth noting. He’s preparing to release a debut album, Till The End of Summer. No word yet on a release date. But after releases like “420am” and “Appreciation,” Summer could prove to be one of the sleepers of 2014 ... that is, if it actually comes out this year. Stream below, download here.

Franswais and Jacinto Princep, “Corrupted Freestyle 2K13” (prod. by CHASEMONEY.ORG)

We’re still waiting for a proper release from the Moon Unit collective, but in the meantime we’ll have to settle for this very entertaining freestyle. Franswais and Jacinto Princep go back and forth on this quasi-trap beat, produced by CHASEMONEY.ORG (which deductive reasoning would suggest is actually local producer, Chase Windu).

There are more than a few memorable rhymes on this one. But even when the humor veers toward nonsensical, Franswais and Princep’s personality and energy are more than enough to keep “Corrupted Freestyle 2K13” chugging along from start to finish. Hear it below.