Melbourne-based hip-hop artist Kid Lab Rat is breaking down the boundaries of Aussie rap music right now. His music is bound by no genres—it travels freely between punk, metal, and electronica, delivering something completely unique.
So fresh off the release of his new album Out Of The Laboratory, we caught up with the artist for a run-down of his favourite verses in hip-hop.
From Wu-Tang to Kendrick, Melbourne-based artist Kid Lab Rat shares his five favourite verses in all of hip-hop.
Teeth Marks – Jam Baxter / Verse 2
This is the last track taken from Jam Baxter’s 4th album ‘Mansion 38’ & it is packed full of lyrical intricacies with melodies and flows that transition into each other seamlessly. Lyrically, I believe Jam is writing as if he is thinking back into the past about a relationship that disintegrated because of destructive behaviour. Currently whilst thinking back on the subject, I feel Jam is realizing he has no one to blame but himself for past mistakes yet willingly continues down the same destructive path.
Control – Big Sean (Kendrick)
Released back in 2013 the 2nd verse in this track by Big Sean featuring Kendrick Lamar still stands the tests of time. The impact this verse had in the culture of hip-hop was monumental, for a few months you couldn’t go anywhere without somebody bringing up the “Control Verse”. Calling out a rapper’s name on a track is nothing new, however calling out the same people you’re on the song with had never been done before and garnered a lot of attention within hip-hop.
Triumph – Wu-Tang Clan (Inspectah Deck)
Going all the way back to ’97 with Triumph taken from Wu-Tang Clan’s 2nd album Wu-Tang Forever. This was the 1st ever Wu-Tang song to have every member on the track spitting a verse. Right out the gate, Inspectah Deck delivers one of the greatest verses in hip-hop history, showcasing incredible rhyme schemes full of intricate wordplay. Not many people know this but Inspectah Deck had actually recorded that same verse 2 years earlier on ‘Tony touch’s 50 mc’s VOL 1’ mixtape, however, didn’t gain the recognition for the penmanship until after Triumph was released.
Dreams & Nightmares – Meek Mill
The 1st track from Meek Mill’s debut album of the same title, Dreams & Nightmares feels like a 4-minute soundtrack to a modern day army heading into war. The first 2 minutes are a perfect build-up, setting you up for what’s coming. Meeks rapid-fire delivery in this track is guaranteed to get you amped up and ready to take on the world.
Morgue Freestyle – Shotty Horroh
Taking the final spot on the list is none other than UK hip-hop artist Shotty Horroh with his massive verse in Morgue Freestyle. I genuinely feel this is a track not many MC’s would be able to keep up with. The lyrical ability and flows in this are second to none. Flows in this track are a solid blend of grime and hip-hop cadences put together with a rapid delivery style. Instrumentally written by none other than grime king Wiley and originally used for a rap battle DVD L.O.T.M.
Out Of The Laboratory is available now. Listen here.
