Well, this is certainly not a collaboration effort I expected to see in 2025. With all the surprises and dope drops we have had already, to have something of this magnitude drop is a game changer and already has the world buzzing! Let’s talk about it!
This is the latest full-length album by MC’s Recognize Ali and Tragedy Khadafi, who are notorious in their own right but together are the definition of ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and together they are joined by
– El Maryacho
– K Sluggah
– Hobgoblin
– Twelvebit
– DJ Tray
– Swab
– Vago
– Dredi Beats on the production and
– Vinnie Paz
– Trife Diesel
– Ransom
– Flash of NBS
– Lukey Cage on the features!
And my god, is this a candidate for ‘AOTY’ or what! To say I was blown away would be an understatement from the ferocious and masterful crafting of the various producers to the sharp and absolutely devastating mic work by not only the duo but the other powerhouse features; this whole thing just comes together unlike any other I’ve heard this year!
From that opening track ‘Will Be Free’ and that beautiful production with that haunting female vocal snippet across that minimal beat that creates an immersive atmosphere that very few tracks can replicate!
They made sure the intro track went HARD and they refused to let up across the entire album!
The rest of the album featured production styles such as
– Boom Bap
– Middle Eastern Rock Vibes (Track 2)
– Soft Rock
– Ambient/Synth
– Soul/Choir
– Classical
– Jazz
And the way each different beat is handled is some of the best technical work I’ve seen all year. Each song is marvellous in its own way with its own unique spirit and soul that is individual to its own!
You get a wide range of different sounds and aesthetics across this record. Although each track maintains its ’muddy, raw, and grimey’ exterior, the actual inspirations will change depending on the track.
Some tracks are softer and more subtle in nature while others are as in your face and unapologetic as they come! There’s a nice balance between Rugged and Theatrical, Intricate and Cold Blooded and I feel in putting emphasis on such diversity only enhances this albums quality and replay value!
This album is 13 tracks, 40 minutes long but feels half of that! A good album always feels shorter then what it really is and with the surreal production and the even greater lyrical performances this thing will fly by you before you can realise what hit you!
A strong reason for its effectiveness to the listener as mentioned above is the MC’s. More specifically the Duo at work. Both men are monsters in their own right and so there can be no doubt into anyone’s mind that when this force unites all hell will break loose!
You have the quick witted and savvy street poetry of Ali that leaves favourite impressions on anything he’s featured on with his slick flow and impressive pen game! Pairing with a man who sounds like a nuclear weapon going off and the violence it would wreck on a country. His voice is raw and his verses more so.
Tragedy stays true to his name sake and devastates any song he’s on and leaves it a flaming pile of rubble with only his verses left standing.
Together these two have a chemistry unlike no other, they have perfect/savage synchronicity with the skills to match. Each man understands what the other is thinking and acts accordingly.
They have hired the very best of the best to accompany them and these features kill just as effectively. Whether you’re talking the living legend Vinnie Paz or The Lyrical assassin in Ransom each man holds their own, takes no names and leaves a lasting impression.
To say this album impressed me would be the understatement of the century! It’s bold, original, tough and unforgettable. You won’t find an album like this all year! Trust me!
https://open.spotify.com/album/340NanjgTziY78nnD7DWku?si=fXK3c22hQwmq-13RhO8Uvg
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 