(Sacrificed A lot To Get Here 2)

This shit right here is that shit! This is that sound I wanted to hear, that unique and banging sound that will blow everyone else away! Let’s fucking go!

So, this is the latest project by rapper ‘Keen Streetz’ who gives us 9 tracks with a 24-minute run time and he’s out here to show everyone how it’s done! When talking about the production, we have various names helping out to make this grand sound come to life and that’s exactly what was achieved – ‘grand’ because from the opening track, you can hear how he’s decided to elevate and evolve inspirations we hear on the daily but he just does it that much bigger: 

-Boom Bap

– R&B

-Grime

-Soul

We’ve all heard these elements used in Hip Hop, but the difference being is that Keen and his crew make every single song richer, crisper, and overall more lavish and bombastic in nature. It’s like the older brother of all these sounds came back to teach the younger brother how it’s done! I love everything about this production; it’s the definition of ‘next level’.

Speaking of Keen. He really is about that MC life. His lyricism is vicious and lethal across infectious beats! You can hear his cold-blooded nature on these songs, his dominating vocals and cadence across the tracks, and his top-notch penmanship. 

He raps alongside some hard hitters on this one such as:

-Benny The Butcher

-Taylor Ricard

-Millyz 

-Dave East

And even in the presence of certain legends, he holds his own and more. He remains ruthless and cutthroat across those tracks and proves he’s just as worthy to be alongside them and anyone else! He’s really like that.

The Verdict: This guy is the real deal. If this record is a sign of things to come, then we can expect great things!

Shoutout to the producers:

-ARAAB MUZIK

-SONARO 

-MR AUTHENTIC

-LAVISH

-MAJESTY TWIX BEATS

-GABE LUCAS

-BUCK ROLL

-WILLY PROPANE

-MONEY MARK

-BIGGZ

https://open.spotify.com/album/5mHT0OOr23gfanMuNnQ5hn?si=uLlpBIImRSqJiwhAIBHkUw

(Donation link)

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(IMMACULATE REFLECTIONS)

It’s no secret that Vic Monroe is one of my favourite rappers and my choice for the most underrated artist in the game right now. He’s released nothing but banger after banger, and I decided to go back through his discography and cover this one, so let’s talk about it!

This is the 2023 release featuring 13 songs with a 30-minute run time. Starting with the production (this time done by Vic himself), I love how high-profile, rich, and larger than life this all feels. This feels like he invented a new division of Boom Bap that, although lacking the hard-hitting, in-your-face qualities it normally features, he’s replaced those traits with a smooth, jazz-inspired, and introspective atmosphere featuring aspects of Ambient, Lo-Fi, Soul, and vibrant loops and samples that make you feel like you’re in a sonic fever dream that sounds like the audio equivalent of walking through a forest on the most beautiful day with the sun beaming!

VIC himself has always been one of the stronger lyricists in the game! I’ve always loved his thought-provoking rhyme, his clear and cut approach to his flow and bars, and how he’s not focused on sounding like anyone else in the game but himself. He’s true to himself, and that’s the main thing I’ve noticed across all his projects.

His penmanship is unique and flooded in charisma and strong cadence that has him always being the strongest standout in the room.

No matter who he’s working with or if he’s doing everything himself, he’s the man to beat. He’s been one of the most consistent rappers in the game, and his thought-provoking form of hip hop is a trend I wish would catch on, but in the meantime, we have the man himself keeping that alive for the underground! 

Shoutout to the features:

-SLIK JACK

https://open.spotify.com/album/6Luny6Q6p5h4oz5cNztRBh?si=szz6feXaSgi3X7MBGawopQ

(Donation link)

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(Coulrophobia)

Coulrophobia: The fear of clowns. Something I feel I definitely have myself, but in this hip-hop context, the definition is a dope album by one of the underground’s strongest players. So let’s talk about it!

This album came out in Jan of this year with 14 songs and a 40-minute run time. The producers include:

-Wino Willy

-Wavy Wallace

-Su$hi Punk

-Tone Beatz 

-JSON

-ASLTW Break

And I must say listening to this, I had the most unique experience. Because the production and instrumentals are in their own lane with its smooth, slowed-down, and hypnotic aspects. This album sounds like how music sounds when you’re high and everything is passive and, dare I say, sluggish, but in this context, the lethargic pace works to Cheeko’s advantage because he utilises these mellow beats to create a serene soundscape to drop some of the best verses and bars we’ve heard all year!

Speaking of, Cheeko, when he goes off, he GOES OFF. Every bar he spits captivates the listener with his confident energy, his intricate lyricism, and his superior penmanship.

You can hear the years of experience paying off on this one; he sounds calm and collected, in control, and ready to spit his lethal force into this album to blow away the competition.

I love that, depending on the track, he will slow it up and give us a methodical performance or switch it back into a faster pace, and I love that he has that level of diversity on the tracks; he can form himself in however he seems fit for the best-sounding track, and I absolutely love it!

Across this project, he’s also rapping alongside: 

-ROCXNOIR

-Tate228

-Stag O Lee

-RU$H

-All Hail Y.T

-Dhani

-Jay Nice

And even across these formidable names in the game, he stands his own and proves himself an equal and remains headstrong on his own album, and I give him all the respect in the world for that!

Overall, this is a fantastic edition into 2025! Love the concepts, sounds, features, and performance by Cheeko himself! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5hRDq877iOnL8kR6mYpIKC?si=DisQKfLiScGxtK1LhxDkpw

(Donation link)

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(Soulful Journey)

This EP needs no more explanation than the project title itself. This truly is a ‘Soulful Journey’ more then I’ve heard in recent years, so let’s talk about it!

This is the 2024 EP by rapper FlyG and he’s accompanied by various production  this release is 24 of the most smooth and intimate minutes you’ll hear in Hip Hop period, this is shit ain’t about hits or tough ghetto tracks nah this one is for the soul and anyone who says they don’t feel this one in their hearts is a damn liar because this shit is nothing but beautiful.

From the opening track you can hear the melodies, harmonies, soulful influences and angelic atmosphere. This album has the smoothness of a Marvin Gaye or Luther Vandross in its essence. The kind of music you’d listen to while laying with your special someone, looking into their eyes passionately as you pour your heart out to them, and they to you and you both come to that moment where you go from a couple to soul mates.

If that sounds heavy, well this is the sonic equivalent of that! Every instrumental, loop sample, instruments played it all comes together in the most organic way possible to create a sound I can’t imagine anyone replicating!

FlyG himself navigates the blooming production with great precision, energy and charisma of smooth vocals and rich flow and penmanship. His verses kind of remind me of how Mac Miller rapped over those gorgeous beats on his ‘The Divine Feminine’ album and in the same breath Fly makes sure he doesn’t sound too Lo Fi quiet or low but also not too over powering or loud to create an awkward contrast between production and vocals but he’s masterful with the way he’s walking through the soundscapes and does it with great ease!

Overall, this is a fantastic EP! The production is some of the best I’ve ever heard and FlyG eliminates any doubt of his worth as a rapper and his skills! Hopefully we get more of this in the future 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5bpTZsWFSPrdRU3V8A8adg?si=LcrlbsNMT2i8kT9BAUcu9w

(Donation link)

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(The Barcelona Tape)

Smoke DZA. The man who has more then earned his recent notoriety and reputation in the game. Whether that be from his albums, mixtapes or various feature appearances his name is on everyone’s mouth as of late and for good reason, so let’s talk about it!

This latest 12 track 35 minutes project sees Smoke rise to a more ‘high stakes/rich’ status compared to a few of his others. One I reviewed a while ago ‘THC3 (Kushedgod Bitch)’ which was a stoner anthem album with more chill, smooth and smoker aura tracks.

On this one it sounds more traditional Boom Bap influences with more of a ‘mainstream’ appeal then that other one.

The features including 

-Ling Hussle

-Flames Dot Malik

-24 Hours

-Really Jaewon 

-Bizzle The Bad

-DJ Muggs

-DivineRBG

And each feature brings their own unique vibe and performance that helps them stand out on the tracks they are on. I was excited to see my main man Flames was on two tracks on here, and it’s insane to hear how quick to 100 he gets when he starts rapping like on the song ‘Dirty Euros’ where it has this chill instrumental, then two relatively relaxed energy verses then out of nowhere the ghetto incarnated voice comes and hits you in the face and I absolutely loved it!

Across this album you can catch various tempos and themes to experience! Such as slower tracks, fast paced ones, more stoner inspired and more ghetto or smooth. Smoke gives us a variety pack of instrumentals and with a handful of features to rap on top of them (not to mention the legendary DJ Muggs) then you have a recipe for at very least a fascinating listen!

Overall, this was a nice leg up for Smoke DZA. I loved how professional and mastered this sounded and the level of quality with the features and his own verses makes this a must listen!

Shoutout to who I could find for the producer credits!

-Let’s Go Hayes

-RFC Music Group

-Pria 

-Dizzy Banko

-Purpledogg

-Cartune

-DJ Muggs

-iseekarlo

-Kino Beats

-Harry Fraud

-John Dutch

https://open.spotify.com/album/4IdTS89QkC2kfXqQ6CHnXS?si=LG3F2Z7XQpeoIygWrCfpIQ

(Donation link)

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(Serenade Symphony)

I can’t believe it took me this long to discover FlyG. I’m a sucker for Jazz/Soul-type production, and this is his second project that features this style, and even after the first listen, I knew this would be one I would remember for years to come!

This is the latest project by rapper FlyG and producer SPCL_CHRCTRS, and together they create another irresistible and powerfully smooth record that goes through your whole body and brain and eliminates any and all stress inside your body!

From that opening track featuring that Jazz Melody that just melts into your ears, it sets the tone for how beautiful the rest of the album will be, and for the 17 minutes of duration, this thing is the kind of album you play while it’s raining outside with a hot chocolate in hand and just reminisce on life and all your loved ones. I swear this album has a healing factor built inside of it because of how ‘magical’ it feels while listening to it; call it a placebo effect, but I definitely feel something!

Once again, we get to bear witness to FlyG’s smooth-sailing sentiments on the beat. He has tasteful flows, crisp wordplay, and excellent penmanship. Instead of rapping alongside the production, he’s always fused with the beat itself to be one with it. He never sounds ‘too high’ or ‘too low’ on the production side of things, and he’s always sounding intelligent, on point with conviction that lets the listeners understand that he is ‘the one to beat’ right now.

Again, another solid showing by FlyG, and combined with SPCL, they are a perfect match in the studio, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more releases from both. 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5TvdVcoRJWU9fJ7lRJLQkj?si=SvXiEBcuQx6Ca404U-FrLw

(Donation link below)

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(DISCONNECTED)

It’s been a minute since I reviewed a project by August Fanon. The man who in the last few years has had a run most producers could only dream of, and today he’s back on this new single featuring AWOL Da Mindwriter, and this shit is HARD!

Firstly, the production we see August going back to his jazz style influence, which is probably my favourite go-to of his 100x different styles he’s capable of pulling off. I loved those jazz notes played in the loop; it sounded so crisp, smooth, and natural it was a treat for the ears.

What I find to be a very interesting contrast to the production this time around was the very lively and outgoing charisma and personality of AWOL on this track that I wouldn’t say (in the traditional sense) complements the instrumental but one that stands out and helps highlight when two worlds collide and how that can help a track stand out and be memorable.

AWOLs contributions are fantastic, reminds me of a Danny Brown with his endless energy and enthusiasm that could rock a crowd into jumping up and down at a concert, and when he’s doing so over such a serene atmospheric jazz beat, it makes you experience both sides of the spectrum at once, and in that I find true artistry at its finest!

This single has definitely got me excited for the upcoming album, and I can’t wait to see what kind of chemistry we will see in the future!

https://open.spotify.com/track/1cH5R17U1d9SHHvww4Mf9t?si=5wNjy7g9TSuC2OwJrCYYwg

(Donation link below)

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(Charred Remnants)

After months of waiting, I get to finally experience another project by Sleep Sinatra, and not only that, we get the return of producer SOO DO KOO, and together they bring you what appears to be a prequel EP for an upcoming project, so let’s talk about it!

This EP has 4 tracks:

-Diluted

-Scrying Mirror

-8 Million Darts

-Grim Sleep

All of these tracks have this smooth, larger-than-life, and beautifully crafted instrumentation that fuses soul, lo-fi, boom bap, and ambient. These combined make for a project that is equally tranquil/breathtaking and raw, crisp. SOO has always had the ability to create serene soundscapes that help your mind wander, and on this one, it’s no exception. This is the kind of project you could play after a long day at work to relieve your stress whilst enjoying quality beats and production!

My favourite track is probably ‘Scrying Mirror’ with its infectious and harmonious vocal sample used for the beat!

Sleep Sinatra, an equally brilliant mind in the game, with his creativity being the main focus for me. For example, this is his SECOND project I know of that’s working as a ‘prequel’ with ‘Hero’s Journey’ being the same.

This to me proves his mind works at a different frequency than most; he’s not just thinking about making studio albums; he’s trying to create ‘experiences’, and his cinematic mindset is what makes him second to none.

Of course, his talents as an MC are well documented. He has a smooth, confident, and intelligent atmosphere to him, and he uses his relaxed tone and seasoned style to create the perfect co-op to these instrumentals!

Overall, an excellent and exciting edition to both these men’s discographies, and it’s gotten me even more excited for the future drops!

https://sleepsinatra1.bandcamp.com/album/charred-remnants

(Donation link below)

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(Loud and Clear)

This EP title says it all, Don Def is leaving nothing on the table with this one and with production by ‘Jokey Ent’ this 6 track EP should be some of the most enjoyable 17 minutes in the underground you’ll hear this month!

Firstly, the production feels high tier. Feels like that mid to late 2000’s era mainstream Hip Hop that you’d hear blasted over the CD players and radios. It feels crisp, original, raw and yet at the same time larger than life and rich in texture and sound.

I also love how each track compliments the next, and makes this (although short) project feel cohesive and tight nit as if the production had a water like quality where everything flows perfectly from start to finish.

Nothing worse than a collection of songs that just sound separate from each other in execution which ruins the flow of the album but I can safely say that’s not the case for this one! 

Don himself understands the assignment on dropping fire on these instrumentals because he comes in swinging. Whether we are talking about his passionate, energetic voice or his thrilling flow and lyricism or his top tier penmanship and cadence. He’s got the whole package and he uses all his talents across the EP to make it from a great beat tape to an excellent full album.

Every second he’s on the beat he doesn’t miss, every bar hit exactly where it should be. Every word and verse landed on the beat exquisitely and he’s doing the rapping so effortlessly that it almost seems like he’s mocking the rest of us with his easy execution of his wordplay and MC abilities!

Overall, another dope EP to add to the collection of projects to come out this year. Very excited to see more from this man and the producer! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/7L1nAJGMj9OY4kfliS8ABA?si=h0EU5nr2Tp6G49DGqWIgMg

(Donation link below)

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(Raw Art)

New EP alert by two men, ‘Herbal T the God’ and ‘That Producer GI’, and together they come together for a 9-track, 26-minute experience that’s sure to impress all types of hip-hop heads far and wide.

From the opening track, you hear that combination of grime, boom bap, and drill, and when you come to this trio, you get a unique experience where the best of all 3 sounds come together and form a new, dare I say ‘raw’ sound that, if utilised by the right MC, could blow the minds of fans and artists alike!

Thankfully, we have Herbal on the case; the UK heavyweight comes in swinging with an impressive performance of dope flow, savage lyricism, and impressive penmanship. It sounds like (to me) at least that’s he’s manipulating and taking control of the various instrumentals and making them his own by adding his magical words on top of them, evolving them from beats to sound experiences. 

Whether he’s on softer vibes with ‘Half A Mill In Life Richness’ or more grimy tracks like ‘Drafted’, he knows how to transition his tones, cadence, and rhythm to fit the different atmospheres, and I can respect an artist that can understand the importance of switching up depending on the style of song!

Across this EP, we have features from

-Joe Spesh

-Magevizo 

-Kincee Babyface Pearlis

And each feature brings something special and unique to the tracks they are on and does elevate the EP instead of just being on for ‘feature sake’.

Overall, this EP fucking slaps. Great chemistry between Herbal and GI, the features are dope, and overall, for 26 minutes, this does feel larger than life! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/7Eas4FmrRz7eXipjGNIeYm?si=nMCTbMUHRoaE6bSuPLNpFA

(Donation link below)

https://www.paypal.me/Corbz94?locale.x=en_AU