UnKommon, ‘Back in the Building’ Credit: Courtesy of UnKommon

As 2016 draws to a close, this week we’re recapping some of our favorite local singles of the year. Today’s selection is “Capitals” by UnKommon.

Back in the Building, the second album from Burlington hip-hop duo UnKommon, was released only days after the unexpected April death of DJ and MC BP — aka Ryan Morin. Morin was best known as a terrifically talented DJ, particularly through his work with seminal local hip-hop outfit the Aztext. But UnKommon’s sophomore album was a revelation in that it showcased Morin’s profoundly improved skill on the mic.

“Capitals”  might not technically be the “best” cut of the album. But it’s certainly the most fun — BP and Kin rhyme about each of the 50 U.S. capitals. And it’s a great example of Morin’s clever wordplay and energetic flow.

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Dan Bolles is a culture coeditor at Seven Days. He joined the paper in 2007 as its music editor, covering Vermont's robust music, comedy and nightlife scenes for a decade before deciding he was too old to be going to the Monkey House on weeknights to see rock shows for a living. He became assistant arts editor in 2017 and culture coeditor in 2021. Bolles has received numerous local and national awards for his writing on Vermont arts, sports and the occasional celebrity canine murder mystery. He loves...