We’re excited to introduce Askia Mohammed Toure Rumph, also known as Corté (pronounced “cor-tay”), an American rapper based in a small town right outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 2011, he released his debut album, SourLife, via 700 Level Entertainment. At the time, he felt he was being held back, so Corté flew the coop, becoming an independent artist and pursued bigger, more ambitious dreams. Not long after going independent, he opened up for rising star and fellow Philadelphian Meek Mill at Club 27. Methodically building his resume in the hip hop world, he has been featured with artists such as Joel Venom, Rico Brown, Eazzy, Biz Mighty, Key Loads and Livin. Sponsored by label SPAT Clothing, a clothing line on the East Coast, he is gaining attention in the scene and acquiring endorsements. The Pennsylvania rapper and lyricist cites such artists as KRS One, Rakim, Nas and Notorious B.I.G. as major influences.

Corté was born on January 23, 1992, in Trenton, New Jersey. His mother worked as a cashier while his father served in the military. The family moved from Trenton to South Carolina when Corté was born, where they resided for a short while before relocating again to Hawaii. They eventually settled back to Rodgers Gardens in Trenton after his father was injured in the military in 1996. In 2001, Corté and his family moved to Levittown, a town twenty-five minutes outside of Philadelphia. His mother named him after the African king, Askia Mohammed Toure; the stage name “Corté” was given to him by his family at a young age.

Recently, I was put in contact with Corté’s manager Dan Habermehl through a friend. The friend mentioned that a colleague/friend of his, Dan, was managing a hip hop artist near Philly and asked if I could take a look at them for our site. We get numerous requests a day, we’re always weary about sub-par content as we pride ourselves in only showcasing top-notch talent. But I was happy to oblige and immediately started a correspondence with Dan Habermehl. Honestly, I gave the album a glib listening, initially. At first, I think I said something to the effect of, “It’s not bad.” No, it’s not bad, in fact, after several focused listens, it’s very, very good. Corté’s sophomore entry into the music world is infectious and will grow on you with its tight production, aided by Corté’s natural and unaffected flow. He brings an authenticity without pretense that I dig, if we’re talking about today’s hip hop artists.

Purple Clouds, a potential anthem for the tree-burners out there, has a laid-back, throwback feel a la Camp Lo. The production is also reminiscent of older Odd Future tracks. The Friedlife Remix has to be one of the best cuts on this sequel to Sourlife; this track is begging to be on some film’s soundtrack. With Medicine, Corté shows us that he can switch it up and hang with the contemporary hipster-hoppers, spitting to a video game/16-bit Flying Lotus-esque beat. The production, rhyme style and lyrics on Still on It strongly remind me of Lupe Fiasco, a harder yet even smoother Lupe. Ritten House should be on your summer mix; pump this track at your barbecue this coming weekend. With a little more bass (dubstep remix, anybody?) I can picture In the Air pumping at the hottest Miami nightclub. In Up Next, the dude proclaims that he’s next in line and he’s coming for the crown. And we believe you, Bro, we believe you. We get a taste more of Corté’s crafty and breezy flow wrapped up with a little storytelling in Bodega Stories. In the penultimate track, Beach Breeze, we see the return of Mr. Flava In Ya Ear; Craig Mack, Son.

This is a solid sophomore effort, we’re proud to present this album by Corté and look forward to more from the developing East Coast hip hop artist.

Don’t forget to download all of the tracks via our Soundcloud page, they are limited downloads, so get ’em now.

–@teemunny

Also available at DatPiff

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