(Satisfied Soul)

Let me tell you all something, back in the day. We’re talking a good 15 years ago, the world of ‘Underground Hip-Hop’ was a very different world than it is today. It wasn’t nearly as recognised or heard as it is now. Some could even make the argument that today’s underground is the new ‘mainstream’, but for those of us who rocked with the cats back then, know that the likes of Brother Ali and Ant were two of the original kings of the shit.

This is the latest 17-track album by these two, and honestly, listening to this makes me feel nostalgic in a way because it feels like I’ve stepped into a time capsule of sorts due to how reminiscent of the early 2000s it is. 

Firstly, let’s talk about Ant, who is famously one half of the hip-hop duo (Atmosphere) with Slug and has put decades into the culture. Although this isn’t a new collaboration partner, to have him be the one to produce a whole project for Brother Ali is perfect in more ways than one.

Across the production, we are treated to the various sounds of: 

-Art Rap

-Rock Samples

-Traditional Hip Hop

These are the sounds I remember so vividly incorporated in my teen years, and I think it’s a blessing to be able to hear these attributes again! Not to say the modern wave of ‘underground’ hip-hop isn’t dope, but sometimes going back to the classic ways is equally important!

Brother Ali, your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper. A man who has proven his lyrical skills and abilities for more years than I can count. One of the only rappers who was on the same level as my GOAT, Illogic. Two men cut from the same cloth, and on this record, he’s proving why he’s still one of the best to ever spit on the mic.

His smooth flow, his unrestrained lyricism, and just general cadence in the studio is unmatched. He’s also one of the very few rappers who have an aura of ‘humbleness’ in the booth, which I find a very rare attribute for a rapper to have, but he does! 

The Verdict? Two legends back to create a modern-day classic of an underground album. For those who truly rocked those days, this should be a no-brainer to listen to. For those who are new to that era, trust me, you wouldn’t be disappointed! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5SLxNDXwM2CR8P0HOtCGBz?si=tfa7pjTmRvKdI1Y3rNWGJQ

(F.L.A.W)

What defines a legend? I’m sure if you asked 100 people you’d get 100 different answers. But to me it’s when an artist can create something beyond amazing with consistency that others can’t. When a man or woman gains the respect of their peers with every new piece of art they release and to do both simultaneously isn’t easy but for Da Legend it’s merely another day at work.

So, what we have is yet ANOTHER project by Napoleon featuring 14 tracks and entirely produced by another legend ‘Gilallo Point’ whose name should be etched into every underground head’s brain for a while now.

Unless you’re living under a rock, this album is not even a month since his last drop ‘Great Minds’ and that album is already on most people’s  ‘Album Of The Year’ list and he’s already back, absolutely ridiculous.

What I find about this one talking about the production is how skeletal and stripped it is in comparison to his previous work with ‘JR Swiftz’ who in contrast had more larger than life sounds, grander and more saturated. 

On this one, I love how smooth and raw it is. It feels like Gilallo is giving Napoleon the floor to let his rhymes appear even closer to the front of the tracks and forced to go all out and carry more of the songs. A project I see an example of this would be Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’ which was entirely stripped compared to ‘Channel Orange’ and forced him to work his vocals 10x more, this is how I feel here, Gilallo knows who he’s got on the mic and he’s letting him do his thing and show the world why he is ‘Da Legend’

With the rhymes at the forefront he doesn’t miss, his smooth and crisp lyricism and flow is as usual, unmatched. He never does or has missed a beat and on this one he’s even brought associated with him to test and prove his penmanship with the most stand out track being ‘Life Or Death’ when he goes toe to toe against Umbrella’s own Jay Royale and matches him equally.

Of course you have other household names such as 

-Invizible Hands

-Ghost Machine

-Eloh Kush

-Sunez Allah

-Nejma Nefertiti

-DJ Riddle

All these names he’s put on as a way to improve and prove to himself that he’s the best out by featuring against the other top tiers out. I know there are a lot of names out there who are scared to feature alongside certain names in fear of sounding washed up, but Napoleon knows too well he ain’t that and he’ll take on any challenge and overcome it.

I’ve said this to all my hip hop heads. I truly believe Napoleon Da Legend is the modern-day ‘Guru’ with his impeccable flow, untouched lyrics, and his consistency most only would wish they had. He shows the diversity to work alongside any producer and create gold, and I’m sure this isn’t the last we will hear of him this year, and I can guarantee it will be a masterpiece because as I said to him, it’s just another day. 

https://napoleondalegend.bandcamp.com/album/f-l-a-w

(Eucalyptus)

As someone who’s spent most of my life in Australia, this is the kind of album that makes me happy to cover! Although obviously this is regarding the pocket sampling app (Koala Sampler), it’s still a sick reference to the most native animal to Australia, so let’s get to it!

This is the latest Beat tape by ‘Snoff The Maker’ with 10 fresh tracks all done by himself while also featuring ‘Shane Wheeler’, the saxophone player who does an incredible job on the intro track.

This album has such a uniquely beautiful and fresh quality to it that it’s hard to put into words. With every beat and sample, it feels like I’m getting splashed by sonic ice-cold water on a hot summer’s day; the feeling of relief and refreshment I feel that same sensation across my headphones with every track that passes.

There are elements of: 

– Lo-Fi

-Jazz

-Soul

-Ambient

-Hip Hop

And he arranges these elements in such a way that is crisp, original, and fun to listen to in every possible way. 

You can hear the mastery in his technique, the passion, and the creativity. Although there are no words, just like with greats such as J Dilla, Madlib, or Flying Lotus, you don’t need words to express quality, and this is such a case.

This kind of reminds me of a modernised take on one of those classic old-school Japanese piano or jazz albums you can find scattered along the Internet such as:

-Ryo Fukui -Scenary or -Hiroshi Yoshimura -Wet Land

Sure, different music entirely, but the vibe, aura, and atmosphere I can relate to with this record, and that’s what helps elevate this record for me!

The Verdict? This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea for sure, but I definitely recommend you give it a try to experience something new! 

https://on.soundcloud.com/yCd7LUknbDB2eXANA

(The Happening)

Oh boy, let’s fucking go! Two of my favourite artists in the game right now together for a collaboration album of the decade. Umbrella Collectives own ‘Josiah The Gift’ alongside producer ‘Machacha’ and together they create an unstoppable force that no one can fuck with!

This album is 11 tracks with 34 minutes and first of all let me say that Josiah is an absolute menace. He starts his album off with a track featuring ‘Vega7 The Ronin!’ That shit is GOAT status shit. He ain’t here to slide by this year he’s here to decapitate everyone and remind the world why he’s been one of the best out! 

Excluding the opening track he also features hip hop killers such as

-Willie The Kid

-Eddie Kaine

-Mav 

-Jamil Honesty

Hand picking only the most lethal wordsmiths in the game right now to sharpen his skills with and these songs make for some of the most cutthroat tracks we’ve gotten all year!

As expected Josiah stands his ground and has proven just how much he’s evolved since his last work. His lyricism is stronger than ever, his flow is flawless and his pen game is second to none. In my opinion he’s always been the top tier lyricist in Umbrella and on this project he’s extending that rank to the whole game!

Now, onto Machacha a man who in the past I’ve hyped up for his masterful work and someone who already has potentially an album of the year with Eddie Kaine on ‘Crown Me Kaine’ he’s already back to capture lightning twice! His production this time around is a combination of raw and larger than life. There’s some tracks like ‘Royalties’ that sounds literally like royalty in how theatrical it is in nature.

Then there’s tracks like ‘Jeux’ which is more skeletal and key based. There’s also traditional boom bap tracks like ‘Teflon’. Point of the story is just like so many other projects he’s done he’s showing off his diversity and strengths in so many different styles.

The Verdict? This album and more specifically this collaboration broke every expectation I could have possibly had. These two are on their god tier shit and I just hope this isn’t the last I hear of them both in 2025!

You don’t want to miss this! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0zVtZYdvDlVWSGPZRZdXnn?si=thn00pA_Toa6PbNRVE2D-w

(WORD)

Ladies and Gentlemen, when I tell you that this is one of my most anticipated albums of the year, I fucking mean it. Last year, Maze had an untouched album run, so much so that I had to list him as my ‘Most Consistent Artist Of 2024’, and since then, he’s been featured on a list of single features, but it’s finally time for that album domination, and so, let’s fucking talk about!

So, this is a 13-track project running at 43 minutes. This time around, he’s working with ‘Slang Hugh’ as the producer, and his work on this project is absolutely incredible.

This kind of instrumentation can be reminded of the likes of his last 2024 album, ‘The Grid’, with very cerebral, stripped-back, and raw beats. These kinds of instrumentals help pull the vocalist/rapper to the forefront and make them prove their weight on the mic, and it’s in this format we get to see Maze one again prove to the world why he’s the titan of the underground.

I just love the methodical and dark work by Slang; you can hear his passion for the music, his genius at work with every key, every sample, and every note.

I’ve heard Maze on a whole range of different tones, styles, and vibes, but it’s this kind of cold and calculated production where he shines best, and so naturally, Slang is the perfect man to have in his corner for this record.

Maze, the man who has already accomplished everything there could be in the game, is back to beat the game for the 10th time in a row. As usual, his gritty and ruthless cadence is something to behold. When he spits bars, you’re left hanging on every single word.

He takes his time getting his bars out because he knows the world will listen. His flow, lyricism, and penmanship are soaked in confidence well deserved from conquering the art one album at a time.

This time, he ain’t alone with features from

-Ja’kingthedivine

-Lizeth Arenas

-Asun Eastwood

-Mel Flower

-Lord Juco

-Grace Gayle

-ALX

-Dan Nicholson 

Who helps Maze maintain and sustain the raw energy provided on this album? The cypher-type track ‘Mixed Roots’ is also a sight to behold with Maze rhyming alongside some of the best names in the underground.

The Verdict? This record is yet another masterpiece by Maze; the man hasn’t missed yet, and I don’t think he ever will. His destiny is to retire on top, but until then, the king is back, and he’s taking no names! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/43fFmqcWc7ZOWD8PYMAp9X?si=92I8E8xoQ4S5cEH7Z5B9gQ

(More Than Memories: Prelude)

We’re back again! This time it’s the album by ‘Yo Pyro’ for a record I can only assume is the first of many sequels of a series based on the album title, but regardless, it’s 8 tracks long with 3 features on it, so let’s get to it! 

Let’s talk about production, because it has this atmospheric, soul-inspired beat with a distorted/slowed-down effect. The first album I think of when listening to this is Mac Miller’s ‘Divine Feminine’ record with its melodic combination of lavish beats mixed with lo-fi slow distortion to almost re create that ‘Alt Rnb’ feel but with more vibrance and flavour, this is that.

Especially that intro track. I love how beautifully each individual piece of that instrumental flows and plays; it’s so well done and only goes up from there! 

Also on tracks like ‘Pikkon’, I love the use of those faint ‘chipmunk vocals’ reminiscent of classic Twista/Kanye West albums. I’ve always been a fan of that on tracks, so of course I’ll love it here!

Now, as far as the rapping goes. It works very well with this type of instrumentation. It’s fluent, balanced, and energetic! The flow and lyricism aspects are great; the penmanship and cadence on the tracks are also done well and help elevate the tracks involved!

As mentioned, the features 

-Nazeem

-TFA 223

-AlleyCatdre 

Each person on this list helps maintain the energy and vibe of the tracks! Although this is my first time hearing of these names, they’ve convinced me they are worth keeping an eye out for! 

The Verdict? A fun, catchy, and assuming introductory album that will eventually be a piece to a much larger puzzle that I’ll definitely be excited to see unfold!

https://yopyro.bandcamp.com/album/more-than-memories-prelude

(Couldfellas)

I gotta be honest, it’s been a minute since I’ve even listened to a ‘supergroup’, let alone reviewed one. I think the last group I remember fucking with was ‘Army Of The Pharaohs’, so this is an exciting opportunity for me! So let’s talk about it!

This is the second studio release by group ‘Wise Guise’, which consists of the following members: 

-Fubar

-Hi-Q

-Jake Haw

-Absoulut Karnage

-Edd Bundy

And these boys come with a fresh 10 tracks featuring the likes of -DJ TMB on the cuts, and together they release a banger of an experience that will surely ring through the minds and ears of all Hip-Hop fans alike!

Speaking on the production (handled by Edd), this has a unique combination of larger-than-life, theatrical sounds, grime, and boom bap instrumentals!

For example, the outro track ‘Couldfellas’ has a beat that sounds like it was ripped right out of ‘Lord Of The Rings’, like they recorded a sample sound from Mordor itself, absolutely nuts.

Other tracks like ‘Ashes To Ashes’ have this melodic and crisp instrumentation loop over a traditional Boom Bap/Classical-influenced beat. 

There are a lot of variations in sounds on these 10 tracks, and Edd masterfully knows how to craft each inspiration into a banging/catchy track.

When it comes to the rhyming, each man knows exactly how to hold their own. Even Edd himself is on a few tracks showcasing his diversity as a producer and a rapper. Each man knows exactly what they need to do and spits flames accordingly.

We are talking: 

5x Personalities

5x Egos

5x Different Styles and Cadences.

And it’s in these differences that make for such an interesting listen! Nothing worse than listening to a collab project and you can’t differentiate the voices you’re hearing from MC to MC. But here, just like with ‘Army Of The Pharaohs’, you can distinguish each man clearly and get to enjoy a different aura and vibe with each voice on the mic! 

The Verdict? A fantastic showing by 5x of the prime underground artists we have right now (as well as DJ TMD) 

They have great chemistry, connection, and synergy that provide for one of the most banging listens you’ll have all month! Don’t miss out!

(Sincero)

‘Perfect Piece Of Art’ has to be the best way possible to describe an album like this. As the intro states ‘To do each job so skillfully, so honestly that it’s like the perfect piece of art, sincere’ I wish I could have thought of a better intro myself but Louie beat me to it, I present to you 

‘Sincero’

This is the latest 13-track project by Louie Sincere that has been making waves across social media since its release and for good reason. This album is unique and diverse in many ways that it’s a force to be reckoned with by principle alone, but combine that with the vast amount of producers who help create this masterpiece and Louie’s bilingual rhythms and penmanship then this album goes from simply a piece of music to a modern-day art piece.

Starting with the production, I find this album alternates between so many different sounds such as 

-Boom Bap

-Stadium 2000’s Hip Hop

-Festive/Dance Beats

-East Coast Style Grime

I love this diversity. I love the fact he’s not feeling the need to stay grounded to one style of production, it’s a refreshing change and something I invite more artists to try this method!

Shoutout to the producers involved in making that happen 

-Dan Murphy

-Matteo Getz

-Hoccii

-Chuck Chan

-Ditty Broker 

-Doice Vita

-Reuel

-M.W.P

-Serious Beats

Now. Onto the star himself Louie the man of the hour who sounds as confident as ever! He has a killer flow, hard lyricism and passion to rival anyone’s! Also I love how easily he can switch it up from song to song. To me he reminds me of what Pitbull would sound like had he not sold out and what if he was a top-tier lyricist to begin with.

With every song he has this vibe that’s unmatched. Every word, every bar is felt, his emotions absorb the listener. Plus his puns are always on point, he definitely is an all-rounder if there ever was one!

The verdict? An album definitely worth the hype. I understand now why the world has been buzzing about this one and I can’t wait to hear more from him in the future! 

https://louiesincere.bandcamp.com/album/sincero-2

(Forgotsies)

Time for a new EP release! This time around, it’s a collaboration album by rapper ‘Freddy Stone’ and producer ‘Oldboy’ with 5 songs and 8 minutes of heat to drop. Let’s talk about it!

Firstly, the production has this old-timer quality to it that I really love. It’s like a combination of Classic Jazz/Lo Fi/90’s era hip hop. A mix between Miles Davis, Open Mike Eagle, and Mobb Deep vibes. There’s something menacing and cold yet crisp and vibrant about the instrumentation on this EP that is just downright infectious.

If I had to choose my favourite beat of the bunch, it would have to be ‘A Fiend Named Jesus.’ Not that the other tracks aren’t DOPE, but this one and its heavier jazz influence really connects with my taste the most. But the rest of the cuts are as raw and grimy as can be, absolutely savage.

Now, onto Freddy himself. Just like the beats he’s working on, he’s just as cutthroat and ruthless in his presentation. His ice-cold vocals, his downright monotone demeanour, and delivery make for a killer performance with clever wordplay, lyricism, and penmanship!

He has one feature to help him out on this thing with ‘Pootie,’ who definitely nails his feature, but otherwise, Freddy carries this EP himself on the mic and does a great job in doing so!

The verdict? An infectious and organically relentless collection of tracks that I can definitely see having lots of replay value! Definitely check out below! 

https://fuckfredman.bandcamp.com/album/forgotsies-ep

(Back 2 The Pulpit)

Back on this review shit and today we have the latest album by ‘JFliz’ X ‘Tali Rodriguez’, a sequel record to their acclaimed ‘Devil At The Pulpit’ and so with the release of this anticipated next chapter, let’s talk about it!

This time round this is a 10-track project featuring the likes of 

-DJ Decepta

-Crotona P

-Sankofa 

And with only 3 features including the producer himself, this album relies heavily on JFliz himself to swing for the fences and provide that killer, relentless flow we all know him to have and I’ll say he does that in spades.

From the very first track ‘Devil You Know’, it’s clear his intentions of his return and you can hear the hunger in his voice and his determination to bring something to the plate that is better than the rest!

His raw, raspy voice combined with his solid wordplay, penmanship, and flow all come together to create a series of memorable verses and bars that pair nicely with that dark and gloomy production!

He sounds more methodical than ever on this record; he’s patient. 

In no rush to get the words out, he understands the pros of taking his time and letting every word be felt and that adds that extra layer to every song on here. 

He wants you to feel every bar in your body and soul and honestly there is a sense of sonic possession that comes over you as a listener when you hear how he lays out his words and I dig in! Definitely a unique experience to hang on to every word spoken and I think it again fits perfectly with the instrumental landscape provided!

On the production side of things, it kind of reminds me of a more darker/grimy telling of one of those comic-style albums that you’d hear from likes of 

-MF Doom

-CZARFACE, etc. 

The vocal samples of monsters and such remind me of that but to put it briefly, if those types of albums mentioned above are the trademark 80’s style colourful world comic inspirations, then this would be the equivalent of ‘Christopher Nolan’s’ ‘Dark Knight Trilogy’ more rooted in darkness and grit in comparison.

Regardless, Tali does a fantastic job with the raw and crisp production, the various elements of: 

-Boom Bap

-Underground

-East Coast Style Grime

To create a world that you wouldn’t necessarily want to be a part of but would make an interesting story to hear and learn about, and in this case, we are getting a firsthand masterclass in sonic adventure.

The Verdict? A great album with incredible concepts and dope production/features/performances across the board. The holy trinity was achieved on this project!