(THE CARHARTT TAPE)

We are back in a major way! Not that this man has been absent for long, as he’s proven to be one of the most prolific artists we have in the underground, but with this tape he just hits different, and I’m here to explain why! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new (currently Bandcamp only) tape by MC Gustavo Louis and producer AUR, and these two drop a fresh 12 with the likes of

-mük

-flypaperblake

-jigg myers

-Jules clay

-Earn Dinero

And with this extraordinary cast of names, we are gifted with one of Gustavo’s most memorable and eccentric tapes to date! 

If we start with the production side of things, on this tape we have AUR presenting a classic, old-fashioned, almost noir-type sonic world. Every beat has this methodically cinematic twist that I can’t help but get hooked on!

It’s like you’re stepping into the 60s era. It feels intense, atmospheric, introspective, and thrilling all at once!

It’s like you’re listening to a hip-hop soundtrack to a black-and-white film. I can’t say I’ve heard production like this before associated with Gustavo!

We have tracks like ‘carhartt weather,’ which consists of these lavish organ keys with some heavy bass and subtle synth and drums. This sounds like you’re walking to a Mexican gangster chapel where ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’ style, you can kill someone and just put some cash on the pedestal and be forgiven. The track is minimal, intense, and every bit as dramatic as I wanted it to be!

Actually speaking of what I wanted, we have the next track after that one, ‘sweat suit.’ This track feels like the polar opposite to the one that came before with an almost blues/jazz feel to it. You’ve got those free-lance flute sounds in the background with some synth chords and subtle drums.

This feels like what a soundtrack to a silent movie would be! It’s bizarre, interesting, and ever so refreshing!

Even if we look at the intro track ‘apron’, the track that sounds like a 007 James Bond film score! You’ve got those iconic horns and violin combined! Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock would hear the influence! Perfect way to start the track off!

As far as Gustavo goes. His style (dare I say) sounds more sensual than I’ve ever heard him. His verses feel intimate and lush. A combination of being in the zone and letting all expectations and pressure expire off him as he just does his own thing! 

Whether you talk about his eccentric pronunciation of his words, his quirky word enunciation style, his unpredictable flow and tone! 

Key things he’s known for in the past, but it feels like that but escalated 10x fold over!

He’s normally the type to be charismatic and over the top (in the best way possible), but on this one, he feels like he’s turned over a new leaf and wanted to go all out! This kind of reminds me of his EP with Skip The Kid but even more somehow! 

Across this tape, as mentioned above, he has features with him that are consistent names in the past, and in so doing, they all already have established incredible chemistry with him, so each feature track hits hard as expected!

Considering the project is 12 tracks, I’m very impressed with how Gustavo and company are able to keep the whole album engaging, fun, and interesting! Not a boring track or an awkward period of lack of quality, nothing at all, just a solid development of production and MC work that is definitely up there for the month!

Make sure you check the link below and feel the experience for yourself! 

https://gustavolouis.bandcamp.com/album/the-carhartt-tape-ft-a-u-r

(MOTIONSICKNESS)

This is the final rapid review release bundle for FLYG! With more on the way, but after taking my time with his previous drops, I knew I had to make up for it in quick succession, and this is the finale until we get that brand new album! 

With a production partner, he has more than enough experience with what we are about to get into, which sure is to be one of his more killer singles of the month/year! Let’s get into it!

As mentioned above. This is the brand new single by MC FLYG and Producer Jazzy Lion Man. Together, they drop an almost three-minute track that has a special type of aura to it that feels a little bit different than the rest I’ve covered!

For starters, FLYG. This man, while back on his methodical shit, feels a bit more energetic, eccentric, and charismatic than what I’m used to from him! (Maybe it has to do with his spoken word touches on the end of the track), but throughout his whole extended verse, he has an aura of confidence about him that makes him stand out! 

Can you guess his approach for the song? If you guessed lyrically superior one-liners, then you’d be correct! You can expect him going forward and checking any song of the year to hit that particular trademark, and he’s fucking solid at it!

The few key lines that stood out to me most were as follows: 

-All dogs bite but I’ve definitely never been bit.

-Underground Hip Hop Blog, I’m on the latest print (he definitely is).

-Heavy breathing, of course, you’re bound to snore/put up the window, shut the door.

These are just a few key lines that stood out to me the most! If you’ve been following his career thus far, then you know what he’s about, and his vocabulary, verbal assaults, and rhythm all contribute to his evolving as a MC! YES YES

As far as Jazzy goes, this feels like one of his coldest productions yet. I hear him inheriting his inner early years WSG with his one, nothing but a cold and skeletal loop track with those long-winded synth chord keys, subtle drum beats, and that obviously overwhelming distorted vocal loop that takes over the whole track.

This is the kind of loop that invented that ‘boom bap’ sound, and Jazzy, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, he’s just greasing it up and giving it a new lease on life!

This is the kind of track you could play for hours (well, I could) and never get bored of. I love how there’s a minimal amount of layers, and yet it still has that grand, rich sound you’d expect from a million-dollar producer!

Another banger from this duo. One of the darker and coldest tracks from the pair, but one that’s bound to break your neck! Cowards who try to diss this track will get

MOTION SICKNESS! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4dYsEMwM3NaVKlPCIhBQZQ?si=CieuxZd5RFu1o4ZxRMJIBw

(WHAT IT TAKES)

Damn, as we walk into part III of my FLYG review push, I get into the first beat I can honestly say I’m not fully in love with! (That’s surprising to me.) Let’s just get into this so I can explain why.

So, a Monday release single by FLYG and producer Molly KiLLa’, where together they drop a solid two minutes and eleven seconds worth of content, and let me just get right into the production and discuss my thoughts on it!

Now, one thing I will say in respect to Molly is that it’s one of the most unique beats I’ve heard all month/year! It’s got this dreamy, tri-hop influence on it that I do adore, but unfortunately (in my opinion), the vocal samples don’t pair properly with the beat.

As far as the separate elements go, I enjoy them! The vocal harmonies give off that haunting, ambient vibe that is rather unique. But I just don’t like it on this specific instrumental!

On top of the vocals, we have these loose piano keys and super subtle taps that make for a rather intimate listening experience that you don’t hear every day!

As far as FLYG goes, he’s able to manipulate and change his style depending on the track, and he showcases that once again here! We hear a more methodical and thoughtful sounding version of him to match the ambiance of the beat, and it pays off!

This song contains his trademark usage of extensive set-ups for one-liners and killer phrases that span a range of topics from pop culture to personal life.

That’s an aspect of his lyricism I never give full credit for: the fact that his topic versatility is pretty much endless. He can rap about literally anything and make it sound dope! 

With fluent pronunciations, a killer pen game, and an eccentric sense that only he has to himself, he made the vocal performances come out as brilliant as they could have been while utilising this specific instrumental!

I will say this though to FLY. They also incorporated Mr. Freeze in the ‘Gotham’ TV series, so I’m gonna fact-check you on that! 

Anyway, another more serious-toned but equally as entertaining single where both sides did incredibly well! Just because I found fault with an aspect of it doesn’t mean you will! Check it out in the link below!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5oXGYv3eeyXcAnTyY5u0T3?si=nSiQ7mJzQ6ethrIcsIPAbA

(T.P.O.P.)

Part II of my FLYG review sweep! Got catching up to do with his releases, and after loving the previous single I covered, I have high hopes for the rest of the drops, so let’s get into it!

This is the new single by MC FLYG and producer Drega33, a returning duo that never let me down in the past, and based on pairing alone, I knew I was going to be in for a fire collaborating, and that’s exactly what we got! Let’s talk about why! 

Across this single, we are gifted with a rather minimal yet majestically crafted and elegant beat that is right up my alley! It’s essentially just a vocal loop with some light instrumentation pairing with it! 

That vocal sample sounds like a 60’s/70’s ‘Blue Eyed Soul’ Frank Valli type performance! The kind of singing I’d expect to hear from Grease! It’s passionate, heartfelt, and oh so classic; it’s the kind of shit I love to hear! 

Accompanying the loop, we have this groovy drum pattern and these big stadium-size piano keys and what I think is some kind of either synth or violin chords in the background acting like sonic fireworks in the background!

Once again, Drega33 hits the nail on the audio coffin with one of the best beats I’ve heard all month!

Of course, who else but FLYG working on the mic? Who else can utilise the production better than him? The answer is no one because this G is FLY!

Across this song, he goes full speed ahead, doesn’t waste any time with more crowd-favourite performances with lines such as: 

– Don’t get it twisted, I’m as powerful as an atomic missile 

– These are the Stip-U/Relations like my mother’s daughters/I wish I could have spent more time with my father/I guess that’s why I’m raising daughters

– It’s getting kinda hectic, but I know I got the power 

Once again, he’s demonstrating his lyrical prowess with not only golden one-liners and fluent flow but on this occasion, a bit more introspective in his lyricism, talking about his family, father, and daughters! 

Once again, this duo didn’t cease to amaze me. I remember loving the album or EP they dropped earlier this year and considering this is the one and only single dropping until their drop of ‘MENNBLVCK II’ that drops on BLVCK FRIDAY you know you don’t want to sleep on this one!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0u7rT1sHqDlSuSaW91P1Of?si=6aYSUf7RS-eRbU7A-HqxYg

(DIVINEDAP)

It’s been a minute since I last covered this artist. (Well longer than usual for this man), and yet we are back with a handful of tracks and future records to review, with this being the start of the journey! With that in mind, let’s get into it!

So this is the brand-new single by MC FLYG with Drew Prince on the beat and Kid Bizarre as the feature, and together they drop one of the most infectious singles of the month! 

I honestly haven’t reviewed many singles this month (this might be my second), but regardless, this is one of those tracks you just want to absorb due to its groovy nature!

If we start with the production, we have this light, funk-inspired instrumental that had me replay this song three times before I even thought to write anything just to take in that beat!

You’ve got these incredible/mesmerising drum patterns as well as these subtle bass strings and delicate keys with a very intricate vocal rhythm that’s in the background!

A very well-mixed and composed track that I could honestly listen to for hours! 

Once the verses kick in, we have FLYG starting things off with his trademark warm-ups as we hear the familiar ‘Yes Yes’ only for him to get straight into letting the world know how he feels about himself by saying lines like

‘Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. It’s The Flyest/Kid B and Drew P’

Among other things, I feel this line sums up his 2025 progression so far! 

He continues his slick one-liners with bars such as 

‘Writing in different scripts like Donald Glover’ or ‘The King of the Underground, please handme my crown’ 

and probably my favourite line of his verse ‘The Wordsmith shogun, warrior spirit like ronin/but stronger than the likes of Konan’ 

Just another shining example of his lyrical superiority in this year’s wave of rappers!

We have Kid Bizarre ending the track off coming with a more smooth, calm, and collected style of verse compared to FLYG! Short and sweet but hits the point.

Across this song, he gives off a ‘Q-Tip’ type blitz performance. Fluent flow, heavenly demeanour, and a sharp and solid pen game to act as the finale of the song.

I love the different contrast of cadences between the two, and across this solid beat, it was a home run!

Make sure you don’t sleep on this latest track! It’s got everything you could want from a hit single, with more greatness to come! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5A4JifEsjgeGyVttEvG08I?si=M1lcM-HaT16O6Csl-7reGg

(Let Go And Let Gawd)

Man, talk about a duo we’ve been waiting for more than most! I still remember when I heard their record ‘And That’s When I Saw Gawd’ and how godsmacked I became. The fusion was iconic and now they are back and it got hyped with name recognition alone! So let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new collaboration project between MC THE GAWD, Ferris Blusa, and Powerhouse Producer Observe Since 98’, a man who has more than shown his worth as one of the dopest beat makers we have alive right now! This time around they feature a firm 16 tracks, 34 minutes, and the likes of 

-Aubren Jay

-Jamil Honesty

-M.A.V

And these three names alone are enough to captivate the record and bring that extra level of flair to elevate the album to the stratosphere! 

Speaking of flair, we have Ferris who at this point is just flexing. He’s already dropped more than a handful of records in 2025 but isn’t satisfied. From horror-themed to introspective and personal drops, he’s done it all.

On this record, he’s utilising the more methodical and theatrical takes on the beats to bring his words to life!

He sounds more confident than ever on this album, from his cadence, his dark eccentricity that’s cutthroat, down to earth, and explosive!

What separates Ferris from the rest is although he’s a powerhouse on the mic, he’s always so calm and collected that it’s hard to tell what he’s like in the studio because he never breaks his poker face. Just a dope spitter sharing his wisdom, mastery of techniques, and gritty execution of his bars and verses!

As expected on this record, he’s as fluent as ever. Never a break in his style, just pure, unadulterated pen game and wordplay that floods the record with excellence!

He’s the type of man who never has to switch his flow up or change for anybody. He’s built his career on his slow-paced, in-depth approach and heavy-handed delivery on his bars, and he ain’t about to give that up for nobody. I’d say that style more than anything suits Observe’s beats more than anyone! They are a match made in heaven!

I also love how there’s small little interludes throughout the record, that reminds me of his ‘GAWD GAWD’ album with the various interludes that helped navigate the album as if you were listening to a documentary or info commercial on the events of the world!

This man Observe has worked alongside the best of the best in the industry, and this collaboration speaks for itself. We see his trademark darker, skeletal tracks that take over every single sense in the body of the listener.

For example, the track ‘No Encores’ which features the intro of that live crowd cheering, which stays as a remaining constant throughout the track! 

Alongside that live audience feel, we have that old-school vocal sample as well as those mesmerising drum patterns and heavy piano keys that have weight to them that make this track feel cinematic in execution! 

We have tracks like ‘The Heartless’ which has a strong orchestral feel to it. With that beautiful violin string in the opening, which transforms into those looping guitar strings and subtle, deep bass and intricate piano keys! 

As the song progresses, we have the vocals of Aubren, who does both the singing chorus and a verse towards the end! A very unique side of a Ferris track, but I fucked with it hard! 

Another track that stood out to me was ‘Fool Myself Again’. This track legit gave me goosebumps when I first heard it. I loved everything about it.

From the fact there are two different kinds of vocals, we have the main loop ones in the intro, then a second chipmunk-style vocals in the background that flourish the track immensely! 

This song is accompanied by these delicate bass strings and light, almost jazz-like drum patterns that give this track a strong, distinct, and atmospheric rhythm to it that I couldn’t ignore!

Another KILLER record by these two. A match made in the culture that is always guaranteed to be a BANGER! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1l59NzlxnmRMhFCXOVJeQD?si=iVT8WLj0Sgy0bZUgSbP3LA

(The Harvest)

This is an artist that I’ve been long overdue to cover! An artist that has deep roots into the underground, whether that be his releases or features! He’s a man who has a genuine love for the game, and with this five-year-old release coming back remastered, I get to experience his passion unfiltered! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new REMASTERED edition of an older project by MC King Adroit, featuring production from DJ Krooked and Intifada, and together they drop a 12-track project with the likes of 

-Bless Picasso

-FLYG 

-New Villain

-Ant Kelly

And with this solid cast of names, we have a project that’s equal parts thrilling and refreshing!

If we start with that production, I love that there’s so much variety in flavour and styles. It feels like King wanted to celebrate ‘Hip Hop’ as a whole and utilise as many influences as possible in the process!

From soul-inspired production to 2000’s stadium cuts to jazz-filled sonic pieces! Funk beats with enough groove to get your body moving to even gospel-level cuts! 

I’m telling you, there isn’t a sound that you couldn’t pinpoint on this record. A true celebratory record that wants to pay homage to all the genres that helped make rap the way it is, and it’s fucking beautiful.

If I had to think of a few of my favourite beats, I’d have to choose these two! Starting with the track ‘Rap Pilgrim’, not just because of the incredible features on the album, as well as my main man DJ Krooked on the beat, but it’s that 2000’s stadium Hip Hop vibe that I fuck with heavily!

With those long electric guitar loops, mesmerising drums, subtle drum patterns, and glossy keys! This reminds me of a prime 50 Cent or Kanye West drop!

I also love that chipmunk-inspired chorus in that vocal harmony! Absolutely perfect!

Another track I loved was ‘Last Night Supper’, again not just because of the feature of New Villain! This song has a beautifully methodical vibe and tone to it that I can’t get rid of! From those classical vocal loops as well as those light guitar strings and what sounds like a snippet of a tambourine that adds a certain level of subtle flair! 

Either way, the production on this album is as engaging as it is diverse, and I know there will be a sound for everyone!

As far as the MC work goes, it’s just as passionate and energetic as the production is! What I love about King Adroit (based on the former features I heard him on) is his level of excitement, enthusiasm, and conviction across his verses!

He sounds like a man who’s having fun and wants to be in the booth and wants to be a part of hip-hop history with drops like this, and it’s that level of excitement that makes me excited myself!

Across this project, we hear him rocking solid flows, sharp lyricism, and wordplay, complicated verbal set-ups, and fun one-liners, puns, and phrases that make the mind wonder!

On top of being a real-life hip-hop head, he’s also a dope MC, so his skills across the mic are evident as he showcases his abilities time and time again on the verses!

None of that speaks more obviously to me than on the features he brought with him. All of them I’m familiar with, and all KILL in their own lanes, so to see King not only pair up with them on their respective tracks but match their rhythms and skill level with ease was an impressive achievement in and of itself! 

All in all, a fantastic effort by everyone involved! This might be a five-year-old project, but it doesn’t sound a day over present! Go check it out now! 

https://kingadroit.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest-remastered?fbclid=PAVERFWAOSDPtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafoCtjP6d9zqrHFDth6xWpMambvvDcIAcUFQDIl8QfBMlnM1nhyRWJb8SALdw_aem_ZW9_xEsRSh-Fh4CxlnjM-Q

(IT’S MARQUISE! NOW)

From the album cover to the title, this becomes a record that I want to dive into before I even listen to the music itself! It reminds me of the classic 2000s ‘No Limit/Cash Money’ designs on their artwork, and that gets me hyped! 

But when you have a producer of this caliber on the beats, you know this is going to be an international success! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new EP by MC MARQUISE! And legendary producer Grubby Pawz, and together they drop this five-track project which features the likes of 

– Michael Christmas 

– Luke Bar$ 

And I gotta start with that production, because once again, and as he’s proved the whole year, he’s able to incorporate and execute a variety of different sounds while working with a range of different artists, and this time is no different!

So on track 1 ‘BAOW!’ we have this funky, short yet explosive burst of jazz instrumentation on loop!

You’ve got the combination of those plucked strings and those jazz horns working in unison, as well as those light and methodical drums! As well as these keys towards the climax of the beat that brings all the sounds together in this groovy and energetic composition! 

The best intro to utilise the unique sounds of MARQUISE!

On track 2 ‘YOU KNOW!’ we have this beautifully orchestrated instrumental that features a lot of elegant elements!

You’ve got those high-strung guitar strings that loop ever so gracefully! On top of that, we have this squeaky-sounding what sounds like a synth chord running through the background!

On top of that, we have some subtle bass lines and this time some funk-inspired drum patterns to give the impression of a beat I could imagine Bobby Brown or maybe even James Brown would fuck with! It’s colourful and flavourful in every second of the track!

On track 3 ‘YA DIGG!’ This is probably the most soulful, jazz-inspired track out of all of them and definitely my favourite beat out of all of them. The subtlety of this song is gorgeous. This track consists of those smoothly executed jazz horns that scream prime Miles Davis while we have those ever-so-soothing drum beats and gentle piano keys that are in the background in the most delicate way possible.

This track has few layers but the ones that appear work perfectly with each other. This feels like walking through a bustling city where you hear live jazz playing throughout the night, perfect.

On track 4 ‘SHAWTY!’ We go for a more ambient and atmospheric feel to the instrumental which feels like the natural sequel to the track that just came!

On this song, we have these glossing keyboard keys that have a spacey/sci-fi nature to them that I can’t help but adore! 

Very light bass to match which provides this song with its skeleton to bring it all together! Again I’d say this is the more looming track of the lot and it’s absolutely fantastic!

For the final track ‘DAWG’ we have a more energetic cut to bring us to the finale! In this song we have a few layers to discuss such as those choir/orchestra vocal samples that breeze through the background in an almost haunting way!

On top of this we have these sharp synth chords, methodical drums and thrilling keyboard that all come together for this big energy track that is also the only song with features on it! 

In which Michael Christmas and Luke Bar$ absolutely kill the verses and provide this song with that extra level of heat to close the EP off with a bang!

As far as the vocals go, MARQUISE! Is unlike any other rapper I’ve heard. This man raps like every day is his last with the amount of charisma, eccentricity and personality he floods every track with! 

The whole time I was listening to this I was blown away by his performances, he has a truly mesmerising cadence that forces the listener glued to his words!

Across this EP he truly does rap like he’s paying homage to that golden 2000’s where aura, swag and high energy was the thing to do. I’m thinking of the Lil Jon’s or the Busta Rhymes or even Prime Lil Wayne or the Mystikals, Gucci Mane name your artist he pays respect to them while providing his own originality on the beats!

From filling the track with his unique adlibs to his short bursts of colorful verses with enough character to overwhelm the listener and culture alike!

With performances like these, it makes you realise how tame the rest of the artists are in comparisons. He’s a man who couldn’t care less about the next man, he’s hear for him and his verses show!

He has a chaotic flow, his lyricism is fresh and exciting and his rhythm is unpredictable which provides an extra level of fun and spontaneous to the songs!

His performance alongside his features went well! As I said they elevated the track and I felt their chemistry was as chaotic and fun as he was! Couldn’t ask for two better features to match the vibe of MARQUISE!

Another SOLID EP by Grubby Pawz and a fantastic showing by MARQUISE! I can’t wait to hear more of him! Definitely a project unlike anything you’ve heard yet! Go listen below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0M85QObB3iKnvatQPphXTD?si=j7p0OBEPSdSznwaW275QFw

(EYE OF THE BEHOLDER)

It’s customary for me to write ‘This artist is back’ but to be honest, this producer never left. Across this whole year, he’s been the definition of prolific, to the point of ridiculousness. How he has time to make albums of constant quality on the run he’s on is beyond understanding, but here we are with his probably 30th album at this rate! Accompanied by a rapper I have a brief history with, and I’m sure together they have nothing but mad chemistry! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new record by MC Jalen Frazier and Super Producer Machacha! Together, they drop a fresh seven tracks with the likes of 

– Heather McCorkle

– J-Classic

– Isaac Castor

And across this tape, we hear Machacha embracing his more melancholy and methodically laced beats! It’s impossible to box this man in as across the year he’s done every style and variation possible! This is just a return to a sound he’s no doubt executed before!

Although this is only a 20-minute listen, he makes it feel at least half an hour with how powerful, theatrical, and emotional the music itself feels!

Some of my favourite tracks are as follows. We have the song ‘DOLPHINS’ which has this amazing concept of classical meets boom-bap. You’ve got these lively, high-strung violin strings that are looping in the background!

As well as some light vocal harmony loops and a beautifully executed vocal arrangement for the chorus! 

Topped with some skeletal drums, and you have a recipe for a killer single! 

Another track I love is ‘CONFLICT RESOLUTION’ which has one of the most raw and gritty takes on the whole record. With that classic boom-bap sound with those eerie keys in the background giving that haunting vibe.

A rather sombre vocal sample loop as well as some heavy drums to create a goosebump-worthy track that gives the sonic equivalent of a walk in midnight! 

Machacha, whether you give him a full-length hour-long project or a short 20, he’s able to turn it into magic and an experience you’re not soon to forget, that’s the mastery of a SUPER producer!

As far as Jalen goes. He’s an artist I remember covering earlier this year, and he’s caught my attention since. As I expected across these seven tracks he brings to the forefront, ultimate charisma and conviction in every verse he spits!

He ain’t your average rapper. He’s the type to ponder his bars for hours before he puts them on a track, more considerate than most. I get the feeling he takes time with his work and makes sure it’s perfect before releasing. You can hear it in his flows, his word structures, even his pronunciations and enunciations, and how smooth and clear they are upon delivery!

He’s the type to be able to steal the show without the help of features (although there are a few here) but the type to capture the attention of any room or booth he walks into and steal the show! He’s got that eccentric rhythm on lock, that killer pen game, and enough heart to share with the culture and then some!

Each of these songs feels like poetry in motion. Like he’s an author selling short stories to the masses rather than your average rapper spitting random shit for the sake of it!

I don’t remember if he’s worked with Machacha before, but regardless, their chemistry is solid! I love the pairing of those theatrical beats with his colourful wordplay and bars! They feed off each other unlike most other duos and they milk every single second for what it’s worth and don’t waste any time!

So, what are you waiting for? Two of the most solid artists in the industry right now coming together for a combined effort? Go stream with the link below!

https://open.spotify.com/album/65fbfKlZG4yhmMheqPCksM?si=QiVT8VksRaqMRsIRa5_bHw

(ANCESTOR MONEY)

Wow, what an album. I knew this was going to be special, but this was next-level shit. Let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new record by MC Mani Jurdan and producers

-C-Sick

-God Mode

-Jxnoir

-Ze11a

-93 preme

-J9

-Flame Flowers

Featuring the likes of 

-Asha Omega

-Toni Mono Flow

-JazStarr 

-Manasseh 

-TaylorSymone

-Afro_Centrk

-Sandy Benjamin

-Prince Drive

-Marvxxl 

-King Louie

This is the kind of MC that the culture needs right now! After seeing the name of the record and the artwork, I could tell this would be something different, but I wasn’t expecting this! Especially considering that intro! 

This is a man who’s in tune with his roots, his ancestry, and his culture, and he’s using that love and respect to shape and mould this record into a beautifully crafted expression of love, artistry, and connection! 

This man brings to the table a level of performance you don’t often see in this game (underground or mainstream). This is some 80’s/90’s era authenticity in his words. I’m getting a strong African, reggae vibe to this album with those soulful instrumentation and the lively production that breathes life into the music itself.

Whenever I hear Mani rap, he does so with purpose, conviction, and spirit that has no room for apologies or censorship!

Whether that be that gorgeous intro track where he tries to mediate and manifest good deeds into the world

OR

If we are talking about the track ‘DEAD RACISTS’ where he discusses in very graphic and detailed descriptions what he wants to do to the likes of 

-Donald Trump

-Charlie Kirk

-Christopher Columbus, etc., and his passion is strong on this track! (Once again, no apologies needed for this record)

Across this whole project, regardless of the topic in hand, he talks about it with the utmost honesty, energy, and integrity that keeps him true! He reminds me of a Hip Hop Malcolm X! Out to protect his brothers and people while holding that gun in his other hand and his pen in his main hand! 

Hell, even if you look at the track ‘ANCESTOR MONEY’ where the chorus goes ‘Shoutout my grandmas/grandpas/shoutout to the creator,’ 

that’s SPIRIT in its purest form! He’s a man who’s spitting and talking about what’s on his mind and sharing his soul with us, the audience, and I fucking love it!

I love artists who combine talent with creativity. Passion with skill and cultural value with originality! He ticks all the boxes! Not to mention his killer wordplay, his one-of-a-kind pen game, and his fluent and exciting flow that is filled with tons of charisma, eccentricities, and aura to match! 

When it comes to the beats, they provide a fabulous contrast and blend of various sounds to suit the different tones and themes! For example, that opening track we have that culturally heavy, choir-style beat that is completely organic and tribal in execution!

You’ve got those accapella vocal harmonies while we get those spoken word statements at hand! Literally, the perfect intro track!

Then we have more aggressive tracks like the beat for ‘DEAD RACIST$’ which has a heavy trap feel beat to match the ruthless nature of the song! Those heavy drums, high-pitch synth chords, and those keyboard keys in the background!

This is the kind of beat you’d expect Gucci Mane or Lil Jon to rap on! Absolutely insane and yet appropriate for the messages at hand!

I think the only beat I was surprised with (talking about the music meets the topic) was the song ‘ANCESTOR MONEY.’ I was expecting a beat similar to the intro, but instead, we have a 2000’s OG trap beat that sounds like something T.I. or Young Jeezy would be on!

You’ve got those funky synth chords, heavy bass, and light drums! The classic sign of the forefathers of the genre!

Even though I may prefer certain beats to others, it doesn’t change the fact that this variety and techniques are exquisite and full of life, colour, and passion that most producers should want to strive for!

All in all, an eye-opening project that I want EVERYONE, Hip Hop fan or otherwise, to fuck with and try with the link below!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0q17pRB5Z21BmHp6KmkMEp?si=lbtPzRqfRgewyzRc9FJkeQ