(Pain & Laughter)

It’s time again for that new single review, and this time it’s Mason Graves and his latest work, ‘Pain and Laughter’.

From the second this song starts, you can hear that lavish and smooth key samples which sound like they were ripped from an 80’s montage scene. It sounds equally warm and crisp at the same time, absolutely fuck with this instrumental-heavy!

Not long into the beat starting, we get going with Mason, who delivers his trademark deep and powerful voice for his opening verse. As usual, strong and vicious wordplay. He takes his time with his words, methodically delivering and sonically delivering his daggers into the ears of every listener over this contrasting, inviting, and peaceful beat!

This time around, he ain’t alone because to close the track off, we have Arizona legend Maze Overlay here with his trademark slick, smooth, and hypnotic vocal flow to slide all over this beat as per usual.

It’s not even February yet, and Maze has inserted himself into your favourite rapper’s favourite rap songs of 2025, and he ain’t even dropped a new project yet! Absolutely surreal work by Overlay, and of course, he murdered the verse this time around as he’s done on any song he’s on!

Also, I love how the song ends on these jazz chords to fade the track out. Such a small yet beautiful detail to conclude an already fantastic song!

This is definitely a song you don’t want to miss, so make sure you give these two the respect they’ve earned and deserve by playing the track below!

https://open.spotify.com/track/4UZqTzSOl4Xz0uW41hJfil?si=184LhtCzRkW__6QP3gaeiQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A53HFFgt6ZCiVEFNgQwNYqy

(OVA)

Nothing quite as satisfying as finding a short and dope EP, and this is exactly what we have here with the latest release by Solute. 

On this one, we have three tracks: 

-Solute Scorsese 

-Kuabara Bars

-Doja

All tracks produced by Lou Daydream, who helped create a smooth, fresh, and what feels like a Lo-Fi/Ambient/Jazz fusion across these Hip Hop beats. 

Across the three tracks, they all sonically resemble a beautiful Sunday morning walk through a forest on a windy spring day. This is the kind of production I could release to stress out and just relax throughout the day. I love beats like this, and it kind of reminds me of the production ‘Milo’ or ‘R.A.P Ferreria’ would use, and I love every second of it.

Now, on to Solute, he’s found himself pairing well with the instrumentals provided. Even though this EP is only short, he doesn’t let that stop him from spitting fresh bars across all three, solid verses, wordplay, and penmanship to match the wonderful production.

I feel the last track is where he shows us a more ‘bragging’ tone and confident cadence, a tad bit more aggressive than the first two but equally as impressive lyricism. I take it as him trying to make a statement on the outro track, which would make sense if that was the intention, especially considering that’s the song featuring the legendary ‘Maze Overlay,’ and that’s not the kind of guy you’d want to sound subpar next to! Great chemistry between the two!

Overall, short, sweet, and successful performance in this 7-minute project. I know there will be more coming throughout the year, but for now, this is a great little appetiser to keep the palate satisfied and waiting for more! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2oUFTZH67jHp6yUVUF9DDi?si=rqTflImXSQirmYn6g2m5hw

(Artisan Works Of Art: The Masterpiece)

You heard it from me first, this is the year of the 6th man! 

After an incredible run from all artists involved last year, I know they are hungry, they are thirsty for blood, and Hip Hop ain’t ready for the attack they have prepared for the culture. Although this is merely the second instalment of the 6th man 2025 run of this latest collaboration between Crotona P and KNG Bondalero, ain’t nothing to fuck with, and trust me, this one will have all the cats talking panthers back in their kitty kat holes because when the real step up, the fake SHUT UP.

This is a 13-song, 24-minute duo project, and I’ll be honest, as dope as Crotona P’s album last year was, it wasn’t my favourite of the 6th. It had me wanting more, feeling like there’s still another level of evolution waiting to be cracked, and that level is here and now that he’s that guy. Everyone else ain’t nothing but shadows in comparison.

From the first track, the rhymes and flows just hit different. The wordplay, penmanship, lyricism— all of it just comes out more seamless than it ever has before! 

This project ain’t just about hard bars but about the synchronous nature between words and production and finding the perfect middle ground between both, and that’s what’s been achieved on this one!

Speaking of production, I honestly feel KNG is the perfect man to be behind the table for Crotona. It’s as if he’s reading his mind with instrumentals, like they both speak the same language but in different forms of communication. One with a pen, one with the beats.

There are a few different styles across this one, such as: 

-Underground

-Boom Bap

-Ambient Aesthetic

-Soul/Jazz inspiration, and each beat is done so masterfully that it makes your mind travel across songs and makes you think. This is the key sign of a professional at work when the music transcends the music itself and makes you feel something mentally and emotionally, and when you combine that with the lyricism, it’s nothing short of beautiful.

Across this project you also have underground powerhouses such as

-MercyDaharlemkid

-Jus Daze 

-The Bad Seed 

Each of which could easily hold their own individually so to come together as a power trio on this one is a statement in and of itself!

All in all, this is the 6th man we need! The ruthless yet masterful showing. No more doubting, no more anticipating THE TIME IS NOW and I guarantee you when it’s all said and done whether your talking 

-Griselda

-Umbrella Collective

You’ll be making sure to put some respect on the 6th man in the same lane because the revolutionary is happening NOW check this shit out!!

https://crotonap.bandcamp.com/album/crotona-p-x-kng-bondalero-artisan-works-of-art-the-masterpiece

(BYRDS)

It feels as though it’s a daily occurrence these days where I discover a new artist, and today is no exception as I found the new ‘BLUEHILLBILL’ album called ‘BYRDS’.

I didn’t know what to expect with this album (as is the case with all new artists), but based on not only the visuals of the album cover but also from a friend’s recommendation, I expected at very least a dope hip-hop record, and I must say after listening through, that’s exactly what I got.

Now, starting with the production side of things, it’s very reminiscent of the ‘Indie/Underground’ scene with its raw and grimy elements and sound structures as well as at times its ‘Lo-fi/Ambient’ inspirations in the production undertones. All and all, making for a unique and interesting head-banging listen from start to finish!

My favourite track (instrumentally speaking) would have to be ‘Have More’ with its repeating key loop beat; it’s something I can imagine getting high and listening to for hours on loop!

Now, onto the rapping himself. I’ll admit it took me a minute to get used to his voice, similar to the experience for what it took for me to get used to an artist like ‘Danny Brown’, but equally as quick, it didn’t take long, and it was out of mind fast. When it comes to the lyricism and flow, I was pleasantly impressed with the level of penmanship, wordplay, and puns.

I saw there were a few wrestling bars, which as a wrestling head made me happy, and overall just a lot of clever verses and quotes across the 16 tracks’ runtime!

Overall, an interesting and refreshing listen that should make any hip-hop head of all tastes and cultures happy, and I recommend everyone should listen!

Shoutout to all the features who helped make the album pop!

-Reem Skully 

-BoriRock 

-Godda Bouche 

-Main’tain 

https://open.spotify.com/album/28xTDcUXcHsZ98R2xUhSDA?si=CzGbJ9W0SGqXXd7ESt1amg

(Arnam Palmer)

Today, I get the privilege to review the latest 2025 release by producer ARNAM, who in the past few years has been making waves in the underground circuit, and with albums like these, it’s not hard to see why! With 11 tracks and a 24-minute run time, this project is sure to blow you away!

Firstly, I must add that this record has a certain ‘aura’ behind it that most albums I’ve heard this year don’t! A certain level of passion and enthusiasm, creativity, and originality, all tied up into one!

You can hear woven in every word, bar, and verses delivered by the Rarefield Air boys, men I only discovered from this record yet their conviction for the art and their determination to be the best going this year is as evident as ever in this record!

Across the 11 tracks, Aram provides you some of the grimiest and bass-heavy hip-hop tracks I’ve heard in a minute. The smooth beats crossed with that underground trademark vibe make for the kind of record you’d want to bang your head to on a hot day, windows down, music blazing! 

I really love about this record is the Synchronicity and fluency of the features. Some projects just incorporate a bunch of voices for guest’s sake, but here each person joined feels like an important element to the album as a whole, as if they are sharing one mind and pen in creating each song. I absolutely love it! Shouting out the features including: 

-Solute

-Lord Ra 

– Unorthodocks

-Gorgeous Jefe 

-Dr. LaFlow

-Maze Overlay

Arizona is looking strong as of late. Of course, legends like Maze have already set the table, but with upcoming legends such as Arnam on the way, without a doubt, you can expect a takeover by this state, and you can put my name on that! Go check this shit out! 

https://rareair.bandcamp.com/album/arnam-palmer

(All About Me)

This is an exciting single for me to review because it features a man who is part of one of my favourite bands in the world! The bassist of ‘Tyr’, Gunnar Thomsen, has decided to go out solo, and it’s something I couldn’t be more excited for than I am now!

So, as the track starts, we have this lavish, beautiful chord progression before the song kicks off its badass metal tunes with those heavy guitars and rhythmic drum patterns!

Since he was also backing vocals for the band, it’s no surprise his singing voice is incredible on this solo project! He has a very deep yet smooth vocal style that fits this kind of music he’s playing perfectly.

I also love how towards the back end of the track, we have this switch-up which consists of a slow-down in pace with some distorted sounds and melodies before the track returns to its regular rhythm for the closing!

All in all, I love this song. It’s an exciting new venture into his life and career, and I can’t wait to see it progress! Make sure you all check this new song out and get ready for more! 🤘🏼

Also shoutout this Guns daughter for creating this amazing artwork for the singles!

https://youtu.be/_t0hGk8DHzs?si=QOAhLcwD8UvZMcEW

(Namaste)

As someone who has been a fan of Rome since he came to my attention with his debut Griselda release ‘KISS THE RING’ he’s been on my radar since.

From his numerous underground/Griselda feature verses to his album collaboration with Daringer ‘Hatton Garden Holdup’ to his upcoming project with Conductor Williams he’s been on a role most can only dream of and on his way to that new release he has released this single with Cuzzin Howie called ‘Namaste’

Firstly, this production is a lot different then what we are use to him from this point in his career. It’s a lot smoother, sweeter on the ears, that vocal loop is beautifully done and helped enhance that ambient/lo-fi vibe instrumental making for the kind of track that you’d assume off the bat might be too mellow for the type of style Rome presents but that’s not the case at all.

Rome, pulls off a killer two verses in his usual braggadocio tone and flow. I feel with every new release his skill as a lyricist and wordsmith improves as the more he spits the more seamless his verses and bars become. This is definitely the case here as he absolutely kills this beat and makes it work for him! 

All in all, a fun single to keep us going until his new album and I would be interested to hear more collaboration between these two because I feel they have great chemistry and it would work well! 

https://open.spotify.com/track/34Nhx8nMM8gsEwlTLqBejA?si=D6_nMmRuSzuUyDdxLXqWuw

(Holiday Land)

Once again, it’s time for me to discover a new artist and their latest 10-track album. This time it’s that new ‘Benny Holiday’ project, so let’s talk about it!

This project runs just over half an hour with 31 minutes in length, and I gotta say even though I didn’t know what to expect, the production of this one surprised me for its variety and creativity almost for each individual song.

For example, from the first song to the last, every song has a different stylistic choice and different instrumental choice to change the whole structure of the track from the one that came before!

Shoutout to the producers for doing their thing with the sounds such as

-Snowgoons

-Al’tarba

-I.n.c.h

-Shookz

We have hardcore tracks like ‘Payback’, which featured a posse-like vibe with multiple features on the one song like 

-Conway The Machine

-Caskey 

-Dope D.O.D

-DJ Illegal

And it feels like an Onyx or M.O.P. track 

And then on the final track ‘Francisco Goya’, has this soulful, slower, and smooth aesthetic to it to close the album off. So in that respect of sonic diversity and variety, I fuck with this album 

As far as the rapping goes, I feel similarly to the production. Benny likes to switch it up and try new styles, flows, vocal parts, and things of that nature. He’s a dope rapper and he has solid verses and lyricism, but in the same way, an ODB or even a Sticky Fingaz who might talk in an unpredictable manner on a track, or ODB being completely untrained in his style, I feel the same way here, not to mean it wasn’t enjoyable but unpredictable! 

All in all, a very interesting listening experience, and I feel those who are looking for something different, this would be the one!

Shoutout to the names involved!

-Jupiter May

-DJ Tray

-Lil Flip

-Jacc D. Frost

-Gorilla Zoe

-Dogma

https://open.spotify.com/album/0YJT97PuHAyxM760hvn6hZ?si=SQUQXh7bSjGgb41IiSAvaw

(40 Cal Capone)

Man, with the amount of dope albums that have come around in January alone, I always get surprised when the consistency gets better and better, and this record has blown my mind in every way possible!

What we have here is the latest collaboration album between Chubs x Rob Viktum, and they hold nothing back in this verbal assault on hip hop with a hostage grip on the industry that I’m not sure any man or group could take over from them!

Starting with Rob, his production here is relentless to say the least. Raw, traditional underground hip hop at its finest. Nothing fancy, just straight-up vicious and boom bap style beats with the utmost mastery and precision. 

This is the kind of album you could play on repeat for days on end just for the production alone; it’s near impossible to get sick of it! Each song hits harder than most in the game right now, and paired with Chubs and the various collaborations, this project blows absolutely everything out of the water!

Now onto Chubs. A man who has proven himself tenfold over the years, but on this one, his lyricism, bars, and flow are even more refined, powerful, and damn near perfect in flow. When I say there isn’t even an off ‘word’ or ‘breath’ by Chubs in this album, I mean it; he doesn’t fucking miss! It’s incredible.

With every new track, his bars keep blowing me away for the fact of his immaculate flow; he’s on beat with everything, and I’ve listened to this album 3x now for this review, and every time, just gets more and more impressive.

Talking impressive are the features on this project, with one standout track ‘Oxymorons’ ft Bub Styles, who complements Chubs’ styles like no other, helping him create a hood banger of 2025 that will be unrivalled!

Not to shadow the other features such as

-ILL BILL

-Fastlife

-Reek Osama

-Northside Lord

-Dusty Renoylds

All who help elevate this project also, each bringing the same savage energy as Chubs!

I’m telling you, this album is beyond incredible, and I can’t believe with all the records we’ve already got that we have artists like this continuing to push the limits and quality even further!

THIS IS A CAN’T MISS ALBUM!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2tpAf9aA5D26eq3fXYNRQl?si=rxJM_HJwTuGI8kqG65kdnA

(Theatrical Torture)

The best thing about the underground is the fact that I could discover a new artist every week for 10 years and never run out of new recommendations! The case in question is here: 3 new artists, one rapper, and two producers, and this is one hell of an album to discover them on! I present to you the latest collaboration from 

‘SC Static’ X ‘Dynasty Brothaz’

When talking about this 8-song record that runs just under 30 minutes, I’d love to start with the production because it does do justice to the album title ‘THEATRICAL TORTURE.’ Because most of the instrumentals on here do give off a strong ‘classical/theatrical’ vibe and aura about them.

This album has a sense of smooth, crisp, and historic vibe that most albums just don’t have. The way the brothaz have utilised those 18th-19th-century sounds with all the trimmings of intensity, suspense, and build-up is all insane.

It’s like Mozart himself is behind them, orchestrating this whole album himself over the dope beats! I honestly haven’t heard anything quite like this (at least in hip-hop), and for the production alone, this will make it a standout album for 2025.

Now, on to SC Static, especially after I hyped up the production to the extent I did, how does he hold up against that? Well, turns out extremely well! He’s a lyrical beast, and for those who already know him, I’m sure this is no surprise, but for me, he blew me away!

I love his lyricism, his witty wordplay, like ‘You’ll drop dead but not because you’re gorgeous.’ I love that line. He provided more complicated bars per verse than most rappers in the mainstream do per album! He knew he couldn’t let that fantastical production go to waste, and boy did he prove his worth 10x fold on this one. Every song left my face scrunched up and in awe over his ability! 

For an 8-song project, this is beyond great; this is a phenomenon! Each man involved helped create a modern-day classic, and I hate to use that term lightly, but I just can’t think of any other way to describe this! Definitely a standout for the year!

Shoutout to ‘Marz One’ for his dope feature on the record as well!

https://snowgoons.bandcamp.com/album/theatrical-torture