(Velt Boyz)

Well, this is a great moment for me. The opportunity to check out a pair of artists I’ve never heard of before. The more I do my review shit, the more I uncover just how large the landscape is! Filled with hundreds of hungry and passionate artists just trying to make a name for themselves, and today we get to cover two more of them! Let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new album by the pair -Nova The Vagabond & RiverCurl, who both MC and produce these ten tracks, and in that respect, we get to discuss the art that these two bring to life across this tape.

I want to start with the production side of things. I can’t say I had an idea of what to expect regarding the sound, but it definitely wasn’t this. This one is one of the most smooth and beautifully crafted production efforts I’ve heard all year so far.

Each track has its own deliberately designed atmosphere that is equal parts powerful and elegant! All I could picture while listening to these beats was me walking through a forest during a nice hot day with the sun shining through! It has that kind of effect.

It’s the kind of score that makes you leave your problems at the door and sit and relax as you are soaked in with those jazz-ambient-soulful moments as these two craft a hip-hop soundtrack so soothing that it’s impossible to hate. All ten songs not only work well as singles but also have an incredible fluency to them that makes them work as a powerful and memorable score as mentioned above.

I love music like this. Enough of the culture turns into that Coke wave/boom bap violent sound. We don’t need any more of that. What we need are sounds like these that put emphasis on the lighter, more harmonious instrumentals that make you feel good inside and inspire peaceful thoughts, and for that reason, I fuck with this sound heavily! 

As far as the MC work goes. These two go equally hard on this front than they did on the beats! (Which makes sense as they made the production, so of course the bars are going to sound brilliant as well), but it’s not just the case of them sounding well executed, but it’s the level of chemistry and synchronicity they share between each other.

There’s a strong trust they both have for each other and their skills. When one passes the mic to the other, they trust that the other will maintain the energy and quality of the first. There’s no awkward transitions or any obvious power dynamic, just two dope MC’s coming together and showcasing their abilities over dope beats.

I’m taking sharp lyricism, introspective pen game, clever bars and one-liners, vivid verses, as well as a tight flow that blends perfectly with the beat to create some of the best words to beat I’ve heard in 2026.

I also love how they decided not to have any features! They are smart. They understand they have the charisma and character to carry an album with just them. Honestly, not all MC’s have that quality; some NEED features to be enjoyable, but thankfully, we don’t have that case here; we just have two men who have that strong blend of infectious cadence and upper-tier lyricism and combine the two, and you have ‘Velt Boyz’.

Trust me, this is a record you don’t want to sleep on. You get to hear a pair of men who show you how to ruin a record on both sides (the raps and production) and make it sound better and more cohesive than a lot of your favourite rappers. If you don’t believe me, go listen to it below! 

https://itsnovabeatz.bandcamp.com/album/velt-boyz

(INNER CITY BLUES 3)

NOW THIS IS THE ALBUM THE CULTURE SHOULD BE WAITING FOR! The album series that has been at the top of the list since last year! A series of incredible performances and even better production between two men who are at this point closer than brothers! So with that in mind, it’s time for the all-important third TRILOGY tape of 

INNER CITY BLUES 3

This is the third INNER CITY BLUES sequel by MC ZELL and Producer DEV RODGERS and together they drop a solid 13 tracks, 24 minutes and fuck me are they on their wave on this one, I mean on their last one they were golden but today they on that DIAMOND SHIT 

If we start with the production. We hear DEV infuse his most powerful and curated inspirations of 

-Jazz

-Soul

-Gospel

-Hip Hop

-Blues

And the way he masters all these elements is beyond exceptional. With this album it feels like you’re soaking in the instrumentation itself. You can FEEL like the Jazz horns running through your soul, you can feel the various plucked strings enter your body and give you the goosebumps! It sounds like each specific vocal harmony is a choir sitting in the room with you singing their loops as intimidating as you can expect the voices to be!

It ain’t just about music anymore, it’s the technique and masterclass provided by DEV. He’s structuring the songs in a way that it feels completely immersive, it feels atmospheric and clean. There’s not a single weak element to be found, no awkward transitions or amateur breaks or anything. 

Each beat is crafted with purpose and skill to which the entire album feels like a 24-minute score of the most beautifully executed instrumentation with DEV as the operator and conductor of said beats.

It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite beat, because that would be like asking me ‘which period of the sunshine did you like best’? The bright sun is always beautiful, and this album is consistently glorious and runs as fluently as ever! If you’re going to listen to this album, make sure you treat DEV with enough respect to listen as a whole! From track one to thirteen, experience and glory! 

As far as ZELL goes, he’s back on his aggressive fuck everyone mould (as he should be), except he’s somehow turned even more grim and vivid than I’ve heard him last.

It’s as if his lyricisms and its depth have increased 10x fold, and that’s what I noticed immediately from my first listen to my 4ths.

He’s using each song to describe either fictional experiences that could happen on the streets or in certain hoods or real-life events and situations he’s personally witnessed or gone through. Either way, the amount of context and detail he’s putting into these songs is insane!

It feels like he has a brand-new chip on his shoulder, one that’s ready to come unleashed and target everyone around him. Feeling more like a lone wolf than ever, with only DEV by his side, he’s showcasing why his dynamic performances paired with ruthless and pressuring verbal assault make for verses that match intensity no one can really contend with!

This speaks more to the fact there’s no features on this project! Just pure, animalistic storytelling with grand and ever-so-emotionally driven production to further compliment and emphasise ZELL’s work!

Trust me, you ain’t hearing another album like this period. Nah, fuck that! YOU AIN’T HEARING A TRILOGY LIKE THIS ONE PERIOD. These two men are setting a new precedent in the culture, and even if you’re late to it, I’d rather that than to sleep on two of the best artists going! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/563YdU1n5ONEo2dxlmMB4j?si=NUIUw7i1RQaGSQ9pKUlNTA

(LOST THOUGHTS)

This is an exciting day for me. Because not only do I get to try a new project by a man who I only recently discovered and fucked with his production heavy and simultaneously hear verses from a man I haven’t heard yet! It’s a win win for me and so with saying that, let’s talk about it! 

This is the brand new EP between MC Wiz Kelly & Producer Jamar Johnson and together they drop 4 tracks 

-HOME OF DA BRAVES

-DAVID GOGGINS

-LOST THOUGHTS

-SIXTH SENSE with the one feature in -DroTheWhale and man this might be 10 of the dopest minutes you’ll hear in the culture to date!

The first major thing I noticed was how fluent the production was. Instead of feeling like 4x individual beats it feels like one long song continuously running but with slight degrees of change running through them to distinguish from the others.

For example on track one we have a beat with delicate synth style piano keys and a female vocal harmony 

While on track two we have a male vocal harmony with funky style chord progressions and the piano keys layered deep into the background 

Then we have track three featuring those heavy handed guitar strings in the forefront with that methodically paced drum patterns and a subtle vocal harmony that runs it way through the background! 

While the finale track has the most soulful exterior out of all them with that smooth production with those high strung chord progressions and heavy drums that runs fluent throughout the entire track! 

See, every song has its own unique tweaks and variations while maintaining the overall same atmosphere and instrumental as a whole. In very similar fashion as what Marvin Gaye did on ‘What’s Going On’ how the music itself felt very similar to the next track with light variations between them, like one song cut into many.

This is the same vibe here, one I appreciate because the last record I heard him on it was aggressive, boom Bap so to hear that he can pull off such smooth instrumentals proves how diverse he is as a producer! 

As we talk the lyricist aspect of things we discuss a man in Wiz who has one of the most interesting and unique voices in the game right now. 

I spent the majority of my replays trying to pint point what his style reminds me of becuase his voice and cadence makes me remember someone until It hit me. Reminds me of a combination of Nipsey Hussle X Ab Soul! He has the street poetry the heavy subject matter and vivid imagery in his lyricism combined with that tough grit that Nipsey had!

And he also has that vibrant, undeniable charisma and soul that Ab has! That wavy energy where everytime he jumped on to a beat the world paid attention, each word feelings like an explosion of verbal fireworks going off, that’s how I feel about Wiz.

With the help of Jamar he was able to turn a mere 4 track EP into one of the most replay value projects of the year. 

From the outspoken and passionate performances to the atmospheric and smooth sounds of the production this thing is definitely a must listen that I’m sure everyone will love! Listen to it below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0b8GREB7XuPJXDaEq4kBtc?si=6aBhwloeQmGlfGTwxC3jpw

(Patterson…Indigenous)

If there’s any artist that I can say has been consistently hitting the thought-provoking, cultural, and political bars in the most potent form possible, then this man has to be the top of the list. 

Every album I’ve heard of him has always been charged by a specific topic or event. Never a man to be careless, every drop is a mission statement of the utmost importance, and this one is no different, driven with the utmost ominous and aggressive Bandcamp message I present to you. 

PATTERSON: INDIGENOUS

This brand-new tape is a familiar collaboration between MC Dot-Com Intelligence and Producer August Fanon, and together they drop a collection of 12 tracks with the likes of 

-Mike G. The Writer 

-Kendall Spencer

-Khalid Salaam

-Jvnus 

-GreyPhox

-Kadeem

And if we start with the lyrical aspect of this album, it’s obvious the subject matter. For those who captured his passionate Bandcamp message prior to this album, you’ll understand his mindset (and it doesn’t take long while in the album to hear where his thoughts are going). This is an aggressively focused letter to the United States of America, to its current leaders, and the organisations within.

Let me preface by saying, I don’t live in America, so regardless of my point of views or political beliefs, it doesn’t make me biased in any sort of way when listening to other people and their strong points! 

On this album, Dot takes us on a deep dive into his mindset. His frustrations, his fear, his personal afflictions, and his feelings towards the current situation in the country. From the second track onwards, each song has strong political ties and views that blatantly provide an anti-Trump, ICE, and presidential take. (An opinion definitely not new to just him.)

And using his newly formed anger and ruthlessness, he’s channeling that into his art to create an array of powerful verses and bars that not only sound great but provide adrenaline to the listener! 

He’s always been one of the smartest guys in the room as far as the culture goes. Now he’s combined that complexity with direct action and political messages to the current regime, and that fusion is quite potent and lethal. He ain’t holding back; he’s like a poet meets mathematician turned verbal vigilante whose one job is to raise hell and convince as many as possible just how fucked the USA really is, and he does a fantastic job at maintaining that stern and focused, precise energy!

This is the most impressive and locked in I’ve ever heard him. He’s letting out every single thought he’s had over the past six or so months, and he ain’t letting anyone or anything subdue him!

Making the lyrics pop is none other than August. If anyone is able to match this vibe and atmosphere, it will be him. The Chris Jericho of the beat makers, the man with 1001 styles and influences to draw from! Across these 12 tracks, we see him back on his down-to-earth, skeletal, and surreal bag as he tries to find the most accurate score to match that intense rhythm! 

On this tape, August brings the cinematic score to further empathise with the words, feeling, and emotions of Dot.com, its production laced in such elements as:

-Jazz

-Contemporary 

-Art Rap

-Soul and more. Although generally, these out on the same record would provide a more upbeat and dynamic mix, on this one, it’s all kept stripped back and bare to match the betrayal and chaos going inside of Dot’s own head.

Every track is masterfully executed, that lingers for minutes after it’s done. The type of instrumentals that work best listened to as a whole album rather than individual songs. Remember, for Dot, this is a collection of his mindset, so he needed to make sure the music itself matched how he felt, and that’s where we get this score.

A soundtrack drenched in dark, looming aura that is more serious and direct than it is infectious. The point of this soundtrack isn’t to be ‘club bangers’ or ‘number one hits’ but instead sonic representations of the same feelings as the vocals have been representing and in that respect, the soundscape is as perfect as can be created for the occasion.

Look, this album IS lyrically and politically heavy this ain’t an album Dot is making for fun, he’s doing it for what he feels like is absolute

Necessity for the world and more specifically the citizens of America to hear and act on. If you ain’t into such serious vibes like that, then you probably won’t dig this but I invite everyone to give it a try and maybe your eyes will be opened too! 

https://dotcomintell.bandcamp.com/album/patterson-indigenous

(PIMPSTEAD POETRY)

*NEW NARCOMIX INCOMING*

You already know what that means, and if you don’t, you’re about to find out today! This is a certain release by a certain MC who challenges himself to rap over an already established song and try his hand at the performance! He’s done plenty of artists already, and now he’s back to tackle who some would call ‘The Underground King’ himself, so let’s get to it!

Brand new single by MC Gustavo Louis, this time rapping over the beat by icon Roc Marciano and his beat ‘MELO’, and I’ll be honest, I had to quickly go back and hear the original before I could be objective in my comparisons.

So, if you haven’t heard the beat, it’s a super ‘mellow’ angelic track with a vocal harmony in the forefront, accompanied by some methodically paced bass strings and some light and subtle keys in the background!

Now, the important part. How does NARCO GO?

Well, in my opinion, he does well. I’d say the major difference between the two is that Roc has a more traditional and straightforward approach to his performance. He’s running in the middle and playing it in his trademark safe style. 

But Gustavo unleashes his more aggressive and free-flow style across this beat; his lively, unpredictable, and complex rhythm makes for a fantastic contrast to the skeletal instrumental!

If we’re talking just pure lyricism, I’d say he matches Roc bar for bar. He brings the same charismatic, brash/materialistic bars that paint a picture of luxury, street poetry, and drugs. Both men can pull this off incredibly well, and both have great flow, precise visuals, and pen game to match! 

Prior to hearing this, I would have been hesitant to see how Gustavo can match an artist of his calibre, but I should have known better. He’s been covering a variety of artists and doing them justice, and this is one of those times!

So, go ahead. Come with me to support another successful NARCOMIX and comment on this post: did he live up to the remix or nah? Tell me why! 

https://gustavolouis.bandcamp.com/track/pimpstead-poetry-narcomix

(YUNG LAZARUS)

That time is FINALLY HERE! Even though it’s still January, this is still one of the most anticipated drops of 2026. A pairing of legendary proportions coming together for a record that is undoubtedly going to be a MODERN CLASSIC. Let’s go!

This is the brand-new tape between MC Nyeusi Loe and Producer BONEWESO, and together they drop a solid 12-track album with the likes of 

-HYROGLYPHX

-CODENINE

-ESTEE NACK

-???

-OP. SHIZ

-ERG ONE

And with this list of heavy hitters, we have the final roster for this one-of-a-kind project that has the potency of an ounce of weed and 10x as powerful!

When we discuss the production of BONE, we talk of a man who came through with legendary status and has only gotten stronger. Every album he’s ever produced has been critically acclaimed, and after being able to talk to him in person, I can say with absolute certainty that no other man works the way he does. HE’S THE REAL DEAL!

Across this tape, we see him back on his theatrical/cinematic vibe. He’s trying to create a score so grand and atmospheric that it makes you sit back in your chair and contemplate life. This is the kind of soundtrack that will force you to change your act up and better yourself, the type of sounds that bring out the best of people and make them get off their asses and go accomplish their dreams! 

When I was listening to these songs, I felt like I was levitating. I felt surreal goosebumps running through my body as every new track acted as an amplifier to the sonic high this album injects you with! 

I felt my imagination expanding, my soul enriched, and my appreciation for Bone increase tenfold! If you thought he was classy before, then you ain’t heard NOTHING YET! This album might very well

be his production magnum opus yet, it’s that good! 

Every track feels like a fluent wave, part of the same ocean. As dope as each track is individually, they work best when listened to in album format, as each track that came before and after helps each other in maintaining the richness of the overall record! This is the definition of the perfect score, the kind of album I know I’ll be cycling for the next few months at least!

 When we discuss Nyeusi, we talk about a man who has drafted one of the most underrated discographies in the game right now! I’m ashamed to admit I only uncovered the full extent of his past records the other day! All the producers he worked with have a pure volume that is insane. 

It’s no surprise why he’s talked about in such high regard by the best going, and this album only increases his worth as a top-tier artist! 

On this album, we hear him unleash his most powerful antics and mesmerising and infectious charisma as he bodies these beats and showcases his lethal lyricism, his vivid wordplay, and impressive pen game that has helped him stand on top of the culture for the past few years!

What impressed me was his confidence and ability. With him, there’s no second-guessing or worry; he knows he’s the man, and he transfers that energy to the mic and, in turn, to the ears and hearts of the audience.

It’s like when you listen to a motivational speaker who you know is authentic. You can always hear the difference between real and fake, and the same applies here.

He’s the real deal; he speaks his truth. He utilises his impressive vocabulary to create detailed stories and situations that he bases on his real life. His brash lines come from his well-earned confidence in himself, and that’s why his bars sound so impressive and immersive!

Not to mention his technique gifts on the mic, the way he can execute bars and devastating verses that are filled with clever puns, one-liners, and personal touches that make you feel like you’re there yourself!

Also we need to talk his chemistry with the names provided above. I don’t have to tell you that trying to rap alongside with those MC’s ain’t easy. They don’t hold back for anyone and yet he sounds as smooth and chill as ever! He’s in his element when alongside competition who can help push him further than he is and that’s why he can stand toe to toe with the greats! 

Overall, this is another impressive showing by Nyeusi and another masterclass by Bone! A pairing that I already knew would be incredible before I heard a single track and of course I was right! Do yourself a favour, click on the link, go support the artists and listen to the greatness for yourself! 

https://nyeusiloe.bandcamp.com/album/yung-lazarus

(No Faces)

We are so fucking back. An EP from what one of my credited ‘monster trio’ artists? Yes, please. With a discography full of refreshing takes and sounds and a one-of-a-kind personality, he rose to my list quickly as an artist to focus on, and I haven’t looked back.

Now coming in hot with a new EP, it’s time we discuss… 

NO FACES!

Brand new tape from MC Wst. Taylor with production from Wst himself and contains nine tracks and 24 minutes of content sure to make you flip!

If we start describing the production, it seems like Taylor was going for an overall ‘classic/orchestral’ feel to the project. Weirdly enough, this kind of reminds me of the same vibe as the album ‘Titanic Rising’ by singer Weyes Blood. He’s going for a grand, signature style of instrumentals that the listener can feel into their bodies and souls. This feels less like hip-hop beats and more like a cinematic score, and that’s why I love this man’s musical taste and mind!

He’s never one to rely on ‘normal’; he’s always pushing the boundaries and trying new stuff, whether that’s a record with more singing than rapping or abstract projects, hardcore hip-hop ones, or ones as elegant and vibrant as these!

These beats are absolute poetry in motion, from the more jazz-oriented cuts to the vocal-heavy harmonies that saturate the song with relaxing overtures and melodies so smooth it acts as a natural stress reliever. Although maintaining an overall concept for the music itself, each song is still its own sound and theme. 

It’s like if each composer in an orchestra was given free reign to create their own piece of music, and this is how it came out! 

It’s authentic, vibrant, it’s compelling in an artistic sense, and it’s really unlike any other production you’ll come across because it’s barely hip-hop music; it’s more hip-hop adjacent but executed in rap fashion.

My main man, WST. I still, to this day, don’t understand how he’s so fucking smooth when he raps. Across all his tapes I’ve reviewed, he’s continued to impress me with his introspective lyricism, his thought-provoking ideas and concepts, as well as his laid-back approach and performances that make him sound that much cooler on the beats.

None more evident than now when I’m convinced he’s rapping alongside a full set orchestra! He’s the coldest guy in the room (and that’s not on accident), he raps like he has a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute, never being one to get aggravated or bothered.

Although he can often hit personal topics (such as on the track – Trippin On Everything) where he discusses the issues of rent payments, not being able to see his kids, etc., but even in his most vivid moments, he still maintains his composure with his fluent flow and exquisite tone!

Although technically you could say this about anyone, but in an interesting way, I feel he always sounds his best when working solo. Don’t get it twisted when he’s accompanied by like-minded individuals; he destroys the verse! He can hold his own against anyone in the game, but there’s a certain level of studio intimacy and internal comfort he finds when he’s alone, like a specific void he can enter where his thoughts, feelings, and emotions are all amplified to peak music conditioning! 

Look, this EP is dope. I had no doubt in my mind about that. He’s the kind of guy to maintain the ART in ARTISTRY, and it makes me happy to see him still continuing to explore and experiment! Go give it a try now! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/23P4o8qQJBPH4pAXdMKX8Z?si=qPRnCU99TBumVja43D6Qxg

(Str8 Disrespect…Respectfully)

Man, what a STATEMENT to make for the start of 2026. This producer had the strongest run in 2025 and that’s no contest, 20 albums (if I’m not mistaken?) and all of them bangers! Working with all the biggest names, putting the culture in an unbreakable chock hold.

Now while barely taking time for a breather he’s back this time working with one of the strongest MC’s in the game right now. Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new album between MC Rufus Sims and Mega Producer (or as I’ve been told to describe him as the King maker) Machacha! Across this album it consists of 12 tracks, 40 minutes and the likes of 

-Knowledge The Pirate

-Jae Haze

-Ju Jilla

-Panamera P

-Waterr

-Vic Spencer

-IAMGAWD

-Chubs

-J Aims

-The Lil People

An absolutely star studded cast of members recruiting to take the album to fucking space. 

When discussing the production, it feels almost like a HEX to assume anything but brilliance from this man. He’s beyond proven himself as one of the greatest to ever do it and this is nothing more then an extension of what he’s already shown he can do 10x fold

Across these 40 minutes we see him activating his more lively sounds to match the ever colorful charisma of Rufus!

Take tracks like -Wannabees where we have this dancehall inspired groove track with that harmonic vocal harmony, those funky flute samples, plucked guitar strings and groovy as fuck bass lines! It all comes together to create a rhythm that’s too irresistible to ignore! 

Or there’s the track -Left Titty which showcases the more soulful and slow jam inspired instrumental! This one has those heavy handed bass strings, super light keys that glisten in the background!

This track also has some more flute samples and skeletal drum patterns that combine together to create a fusion between Soul X Boom Bap in a connection that is undeniably cold! 

Not to mention the beasts of Chubs & Jae accompanying the song to bring fire to this chilly slow jam!

We can even look at the cut -Crash Out Dummies which has an interestingly piano heavy structure where the song’s interlude has these beautifully executed piano keys, some sharp violin strings and some thudding drums that makes for one of the more hypnotic tracks on the album. This has a mixture of classical and muddy atmosphere that I couldn’t get enough of! 

When we take a look into the rapping side of things, in almost the same vain. To question Rufus should be criminal as he’s been killing it in his lane for a while now and taking over the culture itself!

Across this tape, it’s obvious he ain’t taking for granted who he’s on production with as he’s delivering quite possibly his best performances yet (which is saying alot) as we hear him with more passion, conviction and aura then 99% of the MC’s in the game!

He’s a one of one with a pen of gold. Every breathe he takes on this record feels like bricks ontop of the track. He has such pressure and expert take on street poetry where he combines his vivid imagery with brash lines and advance vocabulary to create a new level of lyricism that only he can pull off!

Not just in the verses either, even when he’s on the chorus’s he comes with superb writing and harmonious lines and repetitive bars that have a hypnotic effective! He’s legit though of everything song to song!

On top of his extraordinary pen game and wordplay he has the ability to create excellent chemistry with the best MC’s in the game right now. Any one of these features has the potential to wash the competition, so to hear Rufus not only hold his own but raise the stakes and bring the overall experience to a new high is something truly exceptional!

My favourite feature verses arguably had to be from Waterr and Chubs! Those two can never do wrong! 

What a 2026 debut for Machacha! Recruiting the powerhouse Rufus to re apply his chokehold and we just have to see if he plans to keep it on the whole year or give someone else breathing room and a chance to take the spot! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2RFekc4xxqQNqQ2vICiG1G?si=YZ7t8bOZQlyFRYovIqOFjQ

(Welcome To The Show)

Welcome to the show indeed. I have yet another opportunity to discover two new artists and add them to my ever-growing list. A couple of names that, upon a bit of investigation, have been making waves in their own rights, and with that in mind, it’s time to dive in and see how they fare together! Let’s go!

This is the 26th of December 2025 release by MC Seth Narley and producer Halal Seeds, and together they drop a solid nine tracks, 15 minutes, with no features, just the pair and each other! 

So, I want to peep with the MC side of things. I’ll start off by saying this: Seth impressed me with his gritty charisma and performances. He seems to be incorporating the blueprint of the old school, trademark structure of ‘putting bars over the beat in an orderly fashion’, nothing over the top, no experimental or freelance type shit, just down, direct, and heavy-handed bars.

It’s a style I see less and less frequently across the board as the new generation wants to make a name for themselves in their own fashion (which is fine), but I also love when I get artists like these who are committed to keeping the ways of the classic era alive and well.

Not only does he possess that no-nonsense rapping style, but his lyricism is quite incredible and vivid. He can paint an immersive picture in the space of six bars and make you feel what he’s feeling or seeing.

It’s his choice of words and when to drop them. I can tell throughout the album he’s using more descriptive words in places others would use normal shelf words.

It’s almost like he’s a self-aware thesaurus. Not to a ridiculous Aesop Rock level where every word has to be looked up to be understood, but I can tell he’s purposely trying to increase the value and verbal punch of his sentences and bars to give them that extra depth, and I love it. It’s like word replacements here and there scattered throughout the songs, but it’s enough for me to notice.

He’s a MC paying homage to the golden age with his steady flow and rhythm while proving something to himself with his knowledge of the English language. A truly astonishing combination of traits.

When we start talking about Halal, on the other hand, we see that he provides the incredible sonic structures and executions to create the vast and powerful atmosphere that Seth goes off on! Across these 15 minutes, he doesn’t waste any time at all to create a soundscape so strong that it draws in the listeners and doesn’t let go until the last second!

Just as Seth decides to pay homage to the MC’s of old, so too do I feel Halal is doing his best to inherit the spirit and authenticity of the producers such as

– Dr. Dre

-DJ Premier 

-Havoc

-RZA

You name it, he’s respecting them and modelling his dope, raw, and at times fantastical beats after the greats that invented the blueprint for today. You can hear it in the mastery of the instrumentation, in the way he utilises every single layer to utter perfection. His techniques, the fact that it sounds like a grand score you’d hear in a feature film! 

He’s able to take beats with minimal layers and emphasis on each sound until it comes out golden. I was listening to this record blown away at what he was able to accomplish (especially for just 15 minutes worth of content). He milked each beat for everything it was worth, and it sounds absolutely cinematic! 

I ask all my supporters and readers to give these guys a chance! If you do, I guarantee they will be on your watch list from now on! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/7JmT2cAxtCWKXwVh5c0wHL?si=2Kn0YmsdSmulWAkdBpco8A

(The Last Call EP)

You know, often times when you hear ‘compilation’ you can get mixed reactions. Some worry that it might be one of those unnecessary song hauls onto the fan base that don’t contain the same quality or standard that normal studio releases have.

Others tend to be sceptical as to their nature or expectations compared to other types of drops. But for me it’s all about the artist in question! I’ve heard some absolute dog shit compilations, others have been some of my favourite releases from the artist in question.

One thing is for sure though, this is a man who is nothing if not ‘thorough’ and has the awareness and knowledge not to make these said mistakes, so in saying all this let’s get into it

THE LAST CALL 

This is the compilation album by MC J.O

It consists of 9 tracks with a variety of producers such as

-Korza

-VVS Tears

-Old Souly

-BoneWeso

-Kenny Prosper

-Renaissance Tone

And when we start talking about the MC work, this is the most vibrant I’ve heard him period. He’s always had the magic touch of his smooth, unpredictable and powerful vocal performances but it honestly feels like he’s turned a new leaf on this one as each track feels more compelling than the last.

When you have an MC who sounds spectacular on his worst day, what do you think would happen when you compile all his BEST picks? You’re bound to get nothing less than perfection.

I found myself completely absorbed by his lyricism, the way he can hypnotise you with his manipulation of the English language, the way he can mix and match his vocabulary to go in different spots, wrap around the beat, be sharp enough to cut the beat off whatever he wants he makes it happen with his thoughts alone!

He reminds me of MF DOOM in that way, the way he can structure the wordplay in such a way that the words feel alive, as if he’s playing a game of lyrics Tetris putting his bars and verses in unique positions that sound absolutely velvety in execution!

And not only that, as I’ve said in previous reviews, it’s the way he manifests his performance! He’s not ‘rapping’, he’s preaching and presenting the culture with an experience unlike any other, and it shows on this one! I had no idea his handpicked best work would be this solid! It truly is a gift to the fans!

Speaking of the production side of things, it’s just as compelling as the vocals. Every person on this list is an A+ produced in their own right, and so it’s only natural that these nine tracks hit as hard as they do!

Trying to play a game of DEVIL’S ADVOCATE and pick a favourite beat would be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, so instead, I’ll choose three that I want to highlight!

Starting with -Higher, this song was soulful excellence at its strongest. First, you have those angelic vocal harmonies looping around the beat, as well as a separate vocal layer that works its way in a more forefront position on the track!

Accompanying all that, we have those thick bass lines, those funky drum beats, those plucked strings that are as elegant as they are sharp! This is one of those beats that just put you at ease immediately! Everything runs smoothly.

The next song has to be -Lazarus, this song done by one of my favourite producers, period -BoneWeso, and as usual, he doesn’t miss on this track either!

We have these mellow jazz horns that loop and wrap themselves around this beat alongside some more layered chord progressions that’s a tad bit more present and forward. We have some methodically paced drum beats as this whole song being one of the more skeletal on the whole project but one that I find deeply moving.

I also love how there’s a tiny window of silence before the instrumentation kicks off again, giving the illusion of finishing before the instruments come back to life! I thought that was a nice touch as well!

And then we have -When I Want To, and I loved this song because it was one of the more left-field songs on the record. This has a strong mainstream trap feel to it that I found incredible! On some prime Migos shit, I was bopping my head to this one the entire duration of the song! You’ve got those subtle key loops as well as those heavy/in-your-face bass lines and infectious beat progression that I legit couldn’t stop grooving to! I caught myself surrounded by people just moving by body without a care in the world!

At the end of the day, compilation or not, THIS IS A DOPE AS FUCK ALBUM. It’s got the variety to satisfy any hip-hop head, and the performances are killer! Give it a listen now!

https://jo2024.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-call-ep