Talk about ‘Keeping us waiting’, this is bound to be a project for the ages. Two men at the top of their respective fields dominating the 2025 year and now combined for a powerhouse fusion that ends the year with a BANG! Or more specifically with a ZINGER!
This is the brand-new record by FEED THE FAMILY General Top Hooter and iconic, workhorse producer Machacha, and together they drop an iconic 10-track, 22-minute sonic drive that will leave your mind blown by the end of it! This project features the likes of
-BeenOfficialLord
-Dun Dealy
And let me tell you now, Top has been one of those names that since I discovered him (which was his ‘Hooter Hyena’ tape), he’s done nothing but evolve, level up, and improve on every single aspect of his career to where he has become a monster in the field.
What makes him stand out? To me, it’s his powerful interpretation of street poetry and the gravitas in his voice that makes his stories feel that much more dangerous and, most importantly, vivid!
Another aspect of his MC characteristics that’s impressive is he can work across any kind of production and make it work! For example, he’s a king in his wavy, boom-bap, gritty underground sound (alongside the FEED THE FAMILY Crew).
We heard him earlier this year on ‘Handing Out Samples’, working with deeper and more cerebral sounds and darker tones. Then we even heard him feature on one of the most incredible singles of the year on the new Apollo Brown X Ty Farris tape, where we heard him go off on a big, mainstream-sounding stadium vibe beat!
There isn’t a sound, influence, or instrumental he can’t work with, and across this tape, we hear him utilise that exact quality to his advantage. We hear his impressive lyricism, his cold and calculated flow, and demeanour sync perfectly with Machacha’s atmosphere to create a stunning array of verses that’s sharp, surreal, and powerful!
He has the kind of energy that can rock a whole record by himself if he has to! It’s always a treat to hear him alongside his brothers in arms, but his undeniable charisma, conviction, and skillset make him a man that needs no help to get over! As he says on the track – Resident Evil ‘I’m the Apex predator, top of the food chain’ all that is true!
Now, as you all know, the other part of this equation is none other than Machacha. This man has easily been the most overworking producer this year. The amount of bangers he’s dropped is well over 20! (In fact, I have another review needed with him and DOZA later!) A testament to his work ethic, and now he’s decided he needs to be a part of the legacy alongside Top, and I loved what he did with the sounds.
Across this tape, we hear a combination of the roughest, muddiest boom-bap tracks you’ve ever heard and melodic, methodically crafted songs that make a heartfelt attempt at connection, the emotional/mental side to Top and his stories!
For example, we have tracks like ‘Spin Towers’ which is just downright wavy energy. You’ve got that almost Asian influence with those old-school plucked strings and elegant piano keys with those heavy bass and drums! One of those methodically inspired beats that the FEED family thrive off!
Not to mention the killer feature by BEENOFFICIALLORD! He’s never one to be lacking, and he doesn’t start now!
We have tracks like ‘H2H’ which showcases the other side of the balance I was talking about. This is an example of the more mellow, delicate, and beautifully executed piece of music with those violin strings, light drums, and some of the most beautiful piano pieces I’ve heard in rap this whole year!
On this track, we hear Top shed his soul a little bit and what he feels and thinks on the daily! Definitely a thought-provoking track!
Then we have tracks like ‘While It Lasted’ which honestly feels like a finale vibe song, the kind of track that you’d expect to be towards the end (as it is) it has a feel of conclusion to it and it’s another beautiful listen!
You’ve got those plucked strings, further strings in the background in a different rhythm and a vocal humming loop that’s ever so angelic. Not to mention the brother in arms Dun Dealy closing the track off!
Even if you haven’t been witness to the year of either of these men THIS is the one to watch out for! It’s the perfect collaboration of MC & Producers and a strong closing for 2025! Check it out below!
https://open.spotify.com/album/5rjEpzPlSmACJA5vudYaJM?si=dEi06hRQQiGSqho8c02ElA
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