Man, I really hope the culture is as geeked as I am over such a high-profile release. I swear the only people who aren’t have no idea who these two men are because if they did, they would be screaming right now as I am.
Two men who have not only gathered a cult following but have crafted the underground culture we know today, both men who have been killing it in 2025, and so to see them come together on an album is the definition of ‘Dream come true’. Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new collaboration album between MC Legend Napoleon Da Legend and Producer Legend Dub Sonata, and together they drop a fresh 12 with the likes of
-Maître D
-Tone Spliff
-Nejma Nefertiti
-Innocent?
-Tracy 168
-DJ Rhettmatic
-Evening Elevator
I feel like with every new Dub album that comes out, I get re-surprised in just how authentic and elegant his art is. This man has stayed true to himself from day one, and it shows. Across this record (just like every other), he showcases his mastery of the Hip Hop techniques that have a balance of the old school and modern influences to create his one-of-a-kind sound that is instantly recognisable!
With each track produced, you hear the passion, life, and soul he puts into his music. Whether that be tracks like ‘Sports Vet’ with those lively classical-inspired keys going off in that freelance motion across the thudding drums and violin strings!
Not to mention the legendary influence and desire of the one and only Tone Spliff, who provides those ridiculous cuts and scratches that never get boring! My main man for sure!
Or if you want to look at tracks like the opener ‘Forever’ with that cinematic take on the 90’s East Coast vibe with those theatrical violin strings that go off in that chaotic, thrilling motion alongside those skeletal drum patterns! Feeling like something straight out of a Godzilla film! A miniature score of pure adrenaline and unrivalled energy that sets the tone for the rest of the album!
Even if we take a look at the melodically enhanced track ‘Everywhere Is Foul’, where we have those delicate piano keys leading the way for that old-school boom-bap 90s homage track that feels both rough and rugged and beautifully composed all at the same time.
It’s no easy feat to accomplish having two opposite ends come together in harmony, but that’s just the skill of Dub at work.
Once again, just like his work on ‘Much Given, Much Tested’, we see Dub bring his production to life unlike anyone else in the business. The instrumentals are groovy, raw, full, and exciting, where it will take you away and snap you out of reality for just a brief moment.
Onto the work of Napoleon, the man who is on his 5th project to date, and he hasn’t missed yet. Whether that be conceptually driven cuts such as ‘Dessalines’ or more bar-driven performances such as ‘Great Minds’, he’s the type of man who can flourish under any circumstances, and if anything, this production has enhanced his performances to that next level!
We hear Napoleon sync one with the music, performing like a bee flying through the flower-filled grass in the wild, completely at peace and in his element. We hear him flex his god-level pen game that outshines everyone in the best of times, his charismatic and intelligent personality that has you feel like you’re listening to a linguistic professor or preacher trying to spread knowledge and life experiences to the masses!
His precision and timing are immaculate as he always is, never one to skip a beat or get lost in any transitions or sequences. Every breath this man takes is right where it needs to be as he takes the lead in this album!
Some people when they are charged with leading a record don’t have enough energy or conviction or personality to hold the listeners’ attention for a full LP’s amount of time, but thankfully, Napoleon has eccentric taste in spades, and so that’s never a problem for him!
Across the handful of features hired for this album, the one that stands out most is ‘Money’ as he goes toe-to-toe with the legendary Nejma. Hearing these two icons on the same track made me very happy as they showcased the power of artistry and originality while flexing their dominating MC skills!
I know I’ve used the word ‘legendary’ a lot in this review, but that’s because it’s deserving of the praise. From the producers to the MC’s to the features, they all hold a certain notoriety that deserves to be acknowledged! This album is a MUST LISTEN!
https://open.spotify.com/album/1CLsHJ8clGw1MrwOAAkqaD?si=D5jMKHZhRWyMeslD_kMDcw
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 