(Have A Good Day)

This is definitely an exciting day. A brand new EP by a man who has set waves to me over the last year. He dropped some of the most amazing albums and left an impression on me that I couldn’t shake, and so I had to make sure I was here to see what he was going to do in the new year. And now that we are here and accompanied by one of the dopest producers in the game, this is a collection of tracks that can’t be missed! Let’s go!

This is the latest 3-track EP by MC Young Reese Dude and Production from Nicholas Craven, and together they drop: 

-Hardcore

-Aroma

-Hell In The Cell 97 -Featuring ActionFigure973

And across this tape, the production is obviously fantastic. Anything Nicholas touches turns into gold, and this is no exception.

When we look at track one, we see Craven utilise those delicate piano keys, plucked bass strings, as well as those subtle drum beats that act as a sort of skeleton to the track! 

There’s also, as the track continues, some high-pitched synth chords that have an almost orchestral effect to the song and add some grand texture to wrap the whole song up!

On the song two, we have a more soulful vibe that’s absolutely gorgeous! It has this prominent vocal loop that reminds me of a Joni Mitchell-type tone and energy that I fell in love with immediately. On top of this, we have some plucked strings, light chord progressions with an ambient effect in the background, as well as some more soft jazz drum patterns as this whole track comes together in a larger-than-life effect!

To close the track off, we have song three, which ends in a more boom-bap-influenced take on the album. You’ve got those mysterious chord progressions in the loop that end in a sharp piano/organ keys as well as some methodical drums that feel hypnotic in nature!

I also love how this track uses WWE Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross talking about the infamous ‘Hell In A Cell’ match as a mid-way interlude before the banger verse by ActionFigure comes through and closes the track off with a BANG BANG!

When looking at the bigger picture, I feel it’s probably best that we started off with a close-knit EP of this calibre to highlight the skills and performance of Young Reese and give the culture a sonic re-wiring to remind everyone just why he’s one to watch out for, and this is a fantastic way to start that!

Across this short EP, you’ll hear him at his most expressive, sharp, and engaging. He knows time is of the essence, and he’s making the most of it! He’s utilising all the iconic wrestling themes and dynamics and playing his role in executing the vibrant and charismatic bars and verses that are sure to be left in your head for days to come! 

I was profoundly impressed with the amount of concentration and rhythm he packed into this EP. The level of creative and colourful puns, one-liners, cultural references, and more. It’s as if he’s trying to cut the most impressive 7-minute promo that’s cut into 3 segments with the assistance of ActionFigure at the end!

Speaking of, talk about impressive! Being able to rap alongside a legend like that and make it look easy? That’s aura if I’ve ever heard it!

Overall, for such a short release, it has the impact of the Double Arm DDT! The production is ridiculously sharp, the lyricism more potent and effective than I’ve ever heard him, and Action closed off with a masterclass verse. Go listen to the EP below and remember, HAVE A NICE DAY!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5pGbRKKTjuXr4t7LMYp2LH?si=jrc3H9iaS1WPr7rI_OTRbA

(The State Chronicles)

Man, we are so back with this one! Not only did I find out the producer is Australian, but also that we are getting a new EP from one of the legends in the game, period. Considering these two factors, what’s there to be sceptical about? Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new EP collaboration by MC and Legend—The Bad Seed and Producer—Kut One— and under the 6th Man banner, we have this five-track exclusive that starts Seed off in 2026 as the same ruthless verbal killer as he’s always been!

If we’re talking about the production, I love how each track pays homage to the classic days of hip hop, power meets simplicity! What I mean by that is back in an era when it was about making ‘dope, sustainable music’ rather than experimental or over-the-top shit, and I feel this EP hits that nail right on the head where it’s supposed to be!

On track one, we have this raw instrumental with delicate elements such as those keys in that loop accompanied by those subtle jazz horns, vocal snippets, and that absolutely in-your-face savage drum patterns!

As the song goes on, we have these chord progressions and scratches that transport you back to a simpler time when the music was better and more impactful!

On track two, we have a more funky/East Coast inspiration with those plucked guitar strings that work alongside those heavy drums and light use of pianos that have a groovy jazz element to them! 

This might be one of the more stripped-back instrumentals on the whole album, but when you have an MC like Seed on the tape, you ain’t need that fancy shit!

When we look at track three, we see a more haunting interpretation! This reminds me of some ‘Roc Marciano’ type shit. You’ve got those eerie key progressions, those sharp high-pitch notes in the background, and those hypnotic drum beats that roll on in the background to give this song a type of tribal feel to it, like a ritualistic production used to summon something sinister! 

This is the type of track I could listen to for hours and never get sick of! 

On track 4, this track has another case of a mesmerising effect because this song has these excellent uses of those vocal harmonies that are in a sharp/loop in one-second increments! On top of that, we have those plucked piano keys and rhythmic drums that roll on in the background in some amazing pattern that I found myself focused on more than anything else; it was so infectious!

I also can’t help but love that outro with that old-school rapping acapella to ride the track off, definitely gave an 80’s rap vibe!

As we get to the final track, we have a more jazz horn-friendly track than all the ones combined! This album has those horns in two different layers as one goes off in the loop and the other in a more rare and occasion pattern in a more lively/free-lance pattern!

On top of these sounds, we have some skeletal drums that provide a sort of skeleton to the whole song that leaves this as a bare but raw take for the finale!

As far as the MC work goes, if there’s one thing you never want to do, it’s count out The Bad Seed. Because doing so would mean doubting a legend that’s been in this game for ages, one who has mastered his craft and even formed his own label that has been taking over the world as we speak!

This man, no matter the producer or project, kills it every single time, and today is no different. Across these five tracks, we hear him utilise his iconic no-nonsense, brutally honest pen game that is laced with authenticity and truth because what he thinks on the mic is exactly the same outside of it!

He’s mastered the art of rapping; his bar work is always on point, his thudding flow is crisp and sharp, and his experience combined with his natural charisma makes every verse he drops sound like a modern-day classic!

He’s the king of that bully rap shit. He’s been shitting on rappers when most of your favourite rappers were still shitting on themselves! He’s mean, brash, and stays hungry. He speaks his truth, and ain’t no one gonna tell him no able to tame a seed that’s been ‘bad’ for longer than most of your life spans!

He embodies that golden era technique, back when cats had to be skillful and dope on the mic to make it; he’s literally the last of the dying breed, and across these five tracks, he makes known that even on your best day, you can’t fuck with it!

I don’t need no fancy wordplay at the end of this to make it enticing. Go support and play the fucking album! 

https://choppingblockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-state-chronicles

(Pure Form 3)

A sequel the world didn’t know it needed. I still remember covering the last drop and how that was my starting point for both these men. I guess you can say ‘Rest is History’ and now we return to the project series that started it all for me! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new (and third instalment) of the highly regarded collaboration album between MC’s Sabio Dub & MISKEEN HALEEM and this time around production from the likes of 

-Jazzy Lion Man

-Sabio Dub

-Nav Sagan

-Mack Stirner

-Malhee

-Diplomats

-FVNTVNV 

As well as verses from the likes of 

-God Gotti

-Gustavo Louis

-AU

All names I’m highly impressed and familiar with and each man suits this grand album exquisitely!

And I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting how the album started off with that aggressive hip

Hop formula! (Although it has been a minute since I last heard Sabio with MISKEEN) but I’m so used to dub working across those angelic/sunshine production that it kind of threw me for a loop!

But as the album continues you begin to understand the intro and the diversity present in the instrumentals!

Across these 14 tracks we have a whole range of dynamics and sounds that lend their way into creating the most memorable and interesting chemistry for these two men. From the hard-hitting style of the intro to the more subtle, refined and soul-heavy cuts that we get on later tracks we are gifted with a palette of soundscapes that give us a glimpse into different styles and themes!

No matter what your favourite subgenre is in this game guaranteed one of these producers got your sounds.

You like it heavy and gritty? They got you. You like it sunshine-based and smooth? (Like me?) they got you.

You after a more atmospheric score with ambitious instruments and melodies? Once again THEY GOT YOU! On their return for part 3 they wanted to celebrate with every type of fan in the room and I feel in that respect they nailed the job perfectly!

It’s not just the issue of variety; it’s the fact that it’s all done so fucking tastefully and masterfully! They knew they had to go BIG for this album, and that’s exactly what they did. Absolutely phenomenal performance by all producers involved!

To question the already well-established chemistry between Sabio and MISKEEM would be ridiculous, and I’m not going to start here. As I just described with the production, these two also understood the importance of the third instalment, and I’ll be damned if they didn’t give their star performances across this tape!

I’m talking about the fact they hired a few of the best players in the game right now to accompany them! Or the fact they got a star-studded cast of beat makers to make the score. These two tore the house down with their iconic tag team-level synchronised raps and flows! 

Two different energies and cadences going back to back, passing the verbal baton back and forth with each other, matching the other blow for blow, bar for bar, competitive in getting the best verse in, always staying sharp and motivated for the next round!

The notorious bond they shared on the first two is only further amplified with this one! They spare no expense in their pen game and natural rhythm and aura across these 14 tracks and provide once again why they are some of the best around!

Also, the fact they were able to go toe-to-toe with some of the illest in the underground right now is a testament to not only their bond with each other but their ability to share the mic with those around them! 

Trust me, this is a MUST LISTEN! It’s unbelievable in every way imaginable! If you ain’t supporting this new project, then I don’t know what you’re doing because anything else ain’t that important!! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3gtomaslIOXZ90xF0qAYDW?si=rTJZH0j9S0e_uplw38kwKQ

(INTROVERT)

Man, this feels like a trip to me. There’s a certain group of artists who I’ve covered over the last year that I feel have somehow come together into a little conglomerate of sorts. When I saw this project appear, I was like, ‘Wait, they know each other?’ That’s so dope. 

Regardless, two of the most creative artists coming together for a solid album, how can it go wrong? Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new album by MC AU and Producer JAMIS (who does small contributions to the MC role), and together they drop a solid seven tracks that are sure to make you feel a certain way one way or the other!

Now, as I was predicting when I was JAMIS was on the production, this shit is experimental as fuck! It’s what he’s been vibing with over the past few releases, and it’s one of the reasons he’s been one of my most watched-out-for artists in the past, and now he’s bringing that same brand of chaos in tune with AU, and that combination is definitely noteworthy!

A perfect example is that intro track -GOOD MORNING (GOOD EVENING), which starts off with this CIA, Hypno tape style introduction that evolves into this synth-heavy chord progressions with some methodical drums!

But things go the more chaotic route towards the end of the track as we hear a bunch of distorted screeches and loud sounds that give an abrupt ending to an otherwise (relatively) smooth track. 

Or the song -WAR MISSION, as we are given this super distorted, backward-sounding keys that have this eerie, haunting effect to it. You can hear some plucked strings amongst the chaos, and it helps provide a sprinkle of normalcy to a dominantly noise-inspired instrumental! 

Hell, the track -LIVE FOREVER, which closes the record off. We have more high-pitched notes with those horns and synth chords as well as some shaking maraca-sounding pulses that all come together in another off-the-wall take for instrumentation. 

The key word here is CHAOS, JAMIS thrives in it, and he’s utilising this kind of production to showcase how to make a standout album using the most out-there techniques!

Accompanying him on this soundtrack of chaos is AU, a man who I’ve seen is equally as capable of thriving in any genre put in front of him and come back with a W!

I’ve heard him on his many collaborations with producers such asDJKROOKED, who is just as experimental in nature as JAMIS is, and so I knew he would be just fine across these beats, and I was right.

On these seven tracks, we get what I would describe as a comfortable contrast to the noisy and chaotic sounds of JAMIS with his own brand of smooth, confident, and trademark verses that are the ‘quiet after the storm’ to the hurricane of sounds provided.

He’s utilising his slick charisma and natural flow with great efficiency. He’s laying down a variety of bars (as he’s known to do) from

-Personal stories

-Brash/in-your-face cocky bars

-Introspective, thought-provoking lines 

And more.

He’s the type of MC that likes to take a small look into all the different lanes and sample each one. I’ve never really known him as a household name in any lane but more an adventurous, wild spirit that likes to travel between any given style and topic at any given moment, depending on how he’s feeling at the time!

Same goes for this album; he’s obviously a fantastic lyricist with an incredible pen game to match. It’s just always fascinating to me how he always has such a wide array of vocabulary options to choose from when he writes, and that’s partly what makes him stand out as strongly as he does!

Regardless. This is one I want you all to try out! It’s definitely different and is sure to make you expand your horizons that little bit more!

https://au205.bandcamp.com/album/introvert

(Mainline 2)

THIS IS THE DUO THE CULTURE NEEDS RIGHT NOW! A pairing that might go under the radar to a lot, but one that will explode harder than your top 5’s!

Two men who individually have created a storied career for themselves with a solid discography to match. But together? That’s a whole new ball game, one you ain’t ready for! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new collaboration project between MC J-Haze and Producer BhramaBull, and together they come equipped with a solid 10 tracks with the likes of 

-Twan Green

-Baby Byron

-Rick Hyde

-Showoff Stoner 

And with just these four guests, they come with enough firepower to take down a whole nation! 

Starting with the production, is there really any producer smoother than Bull when he goes off? I mean seriously, when he’s in that zone, this man is untouchable, and he showcases his most powerful self across these 10! 

What he’s able to do with the limited layers he adds to his tracks is more than anyone in the mainstream could do with million-dollar studios! He’s able to draw out the most exquisite and breathtaking sounds and atmospheres from just 2-4 layers combined to create a cinematic feel!

For example, you have tracks like -Welcome, where we hear BhramaBull utilise this smooth vocal harmony that subtly goes off at the forefront of the track, accompanied by these light piano keys and some marvellous drums that remind me of beats Phil Collins would use in his heyday! 

I also love how there’s a small window of reverb added to the vocal loop that sounds like she’s singing underwater; it’s a small detail but adds all the emphasis in the world!

Or the other track -Beltzhoover Blues (a single I’ve covered before), but still hits like a house of bricks! 

You’ve got that angelic vocal harmony with those violin strings and those absolutely funky key progressions and drums that make this track a hypnotic experience that you could listen to for hours and never get sick of!

That’s the point I’m trying to make, this man doesn’t need 1,000 layers or a room full of yes men to make magic. He can pull it off using the bare minimum amount and still create bangers harder than most can with all the trimmings! He’s absolutely incredible!

Now onto J-Haze.  A man who I discovered with that above single I mentioned that I covered a while back, but he left an impression on me that I couldn’t forget, and now he’s back to show me exactly why he’s someone to be remembered!

Across this album, we see him fuse his gritty street poetry with his unbelievable charisma and cadence that turns all his bars into passages of fire and brimstone that could smoke your favourite rappers!

One thing that impresses me about his style is that he can take the classic blueprint of ‘Rapping to the beat, in a uniform fashion’ but make it more elevated and lively to where it sounds less like verses and more like a preaching of his thoughts and feelings on the mic!

He has such incredible in-studio personality and passion that it actually infuses with his own pen game to create a new level of depth and immersion for the listener that makes us excited for everything he’s going to say and drop from one song to the next!

I also love how he carried himself among the various features! He understands the necessity for good chemistry and to make sure each person rostered onto a song is there to not only drop dope bars but to elevate the song and in turn the whole album and not just be there for feature sake, and thankfully each man does their part exceptionally!

Man, this is a banger and a half! From the legendary production to the skillful and dominant verses as well as the small roster of names, this thing is the ultimate album that I feel everyone should try!

https://open.spotify.com/album/79QXVIs7vQSuojEeuMDWR2?si=E4YnhkK7S52Q8dK3z0Augg

(Dozie! The Deluxe)

For me, this MC was one of the most standout artists in 2025. With a solid discography and a style that was unique to him. With a memorable sound and quality behind his releases, it only makes sense he’d remain on my watch list for the new year, and now accompanied by one of the dopest producers in the game, he’s here to make a statement for 2026! Let’s go!

This is the brand-new collaboration album between MC Doza, The Drum Dealer & Producer William Bostick, and together they drop a solid nine tracks that feature the likes of 

-Kaeson Skrilla

-D. Goynz 

and man, just when I thought Doza couldn’t be any more outgoing and larger than life, he goes and drops this and proves me wrong all over again!

Across this tape, we hear Doza’s trademark witty performance with his quirky pen game, his off-the-ball flow, and his refreshing approach to timing and lyricism that has his material stand out immensely! 

He has a certain ‘magic’ when he raps where every word uttered becomes Hooked on by the listener like bars of gold, impossible to ignore or put down, and grabs a hold from start to finish!

He’s like a mad author, one who walks his own path and never does things in a normal way but chooses to create his own styles and verbal representations. Such as his hypnotic rhythm with

His bars or his unbound charisma when he’s delivering his lines or his strong sense of individualism and the freedom he grants himself to be grand and colourful makes him that much of a more threat in this game as one of the most creative MC’s the culture has ever seen!

It’s not just that he’s a deadly lyricist or that he has enough passion to fill a room. It’s the fact that he can incorporate all the elements in perfect harmony to make the kind of music that will be remembered in time! 

Speaking of memorable music, we have William Bostick, a man who in his own right has paved an unconventional path for himself using his production rather than his pen but has worked out all the same!

Across these humble nine tracks, we see a stark combination of underground gritty boom-bap and glorified cinematic elements that play off each other to create one of the most compelling scores I’ve heard in a minute!

There are so many strong parts that tag at the listener’s soul, such as the intro track, how it has those gripping jazz horns with those relentless drum patterns! Not to mention those light keys in the background!

What about the track -Soul City? As we see Bostick go for a 70’s thriller vibe with those sharp looped strings, plucked bass strings, and funky drum patterns that all come together for one of the most intense tracks I’ve heard, period! This song reminds me of a chase scene from the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series; this is the kind of track that gives you adrenaline just by listening to it! 

There are also tracks like -AL, which showcases a more mellow side to the production with these soulful vocal harmonies, that separate shorter vocal snippets that loop around in small second increments!

This track has these plucked keys as well as skeletal drums! 

One of the more minimal tracks but one that stood out to me regardless for its magnitude and atmosphere!

This was a duo I didn’t know I needed but one I want infinitely more of! The performances are S+Tier, and the production even more so. This is a match made by the culture and one you should pay the $10 to support! 

https://dozathedrumdealer.bandcamp.com/album/dozie-the-deluxe

(PASS JESUS THE BLUNT WHEN THE GATES OPEN)

First of all, what a dope concept (the album title). If anyone has the balls to do that, come back and let me know how it went! Anyway, this is an exciting time because this one features a producer I’ve been fucking with HEAVY since 2025 and an MC that’s newly discovered. The combining of old and new has me hyped, so with that in mind, let’s talk about this!

This is the brand-new collaboration project between producer Lo Katana & MC THEFOODLORD with eight new songs and the likes of 

-K.I.D

-Grvndmvster Ave.

And man, I feel like I have no choice but to discuss FOODLORD first because, man, what a fucking introduction to his work. This man is an absolute enigma on the mic! Of course, I had no idea what to expect going on, and now that I have, he has already become a staple in what I want to hear going forward!

What makes this man so intriguing is his pure, organic, and unadulterated charisma. This man has that rare/precise combination of aura and skill.

Most MC’s have a strong sense of one or the other; it’s almost impossible to have both. You’re either seen as a strong lyricist or a memorable performer. When was the last time you remembered one as both? Well, now the new generation has a new one! In FOODLORD! I ain’t joking; this man’s presence is infectious and hypnotic as hell.

I was blown away how in one moment I’m hearing him sound colourful and flamboyant as hell with the various adlibs and emotions work on his sleeve. He’ll laugh one moment, scorn his haters on the next, then proceed to drop one of the most vivid and personal bars you’ve heard in your life. (All within ten seconds of each other.)

I was drawn into his style immediately. He was able to lock into every possible lane across this album, as fast as Muhammad Ali, he’ll jab you with his sharp lyricism, only to rock you with a theatrical performance the very next line! Then knock you out with a supreme storytelling verse that you’ll feel deep in your gut. 

Man, what an energy this man brings to the table! Going from curiosity to obsession with his cadence and skill, I can’t stress enough he’s a one-of-a-kind talent that you shouldn’t sleep on!

As if his work wasn’t good enough on its own, we have Lo Katana (easily one of the standout producers in the game right now) coming through with what could arguably be his strongest score to date (and that’s saying a lot) considering his past discography.

If I had to describe the sounds on this one, I’d have to say a twisted, ambient, and distorted rendition of soul, jazz, and funk. Combined with elements of modern-day underground rap, and you have this soundtrack.

Picture Knxwledge meets Boom Bap, and you have a close example of what this album represents sonically.

But what makes Lo stand out is his ability and preference to make every song and project feel as grand and beautifully cinematic as possible! He isn’t satisfied with just making music; he’s here to create experiences! The kind of instrumentals that will last a lifetime, and that’s exactly what this sounds like to me!

It’s grabbing, mesmerising, breathtaking, and surreal in all the best ways possible! 

From the utilisations of the vocal harmonies throughout the various tracks to the glorious horns, plucked strings, and key progressions that are as smooth as they are powerful! He’s inherited the art of ‘less is more’ to create the perfect batch of tracks that fully embrace the layers provided and elevate each instrument to its highest potential to create pure sonic magic.

I wasn’t expecting this collab to be this groundbreaking, but it really was! I’m still blown away. If you’re looking for life changing hip

Hop albums, then look no further because it’s impossible to be the same after this one! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2DqC6u1cmcqrwuExMs8oRK?si=XUdAXKslS1OFQmoSwOz_NA

(MLKWTDR)

Well, with an intro like that, how can I not be drawn to this? This is a man who spent 2025 on one of the most proficient run-outs with over 20 projects. If I’m not mistaken, and it seems his drive is far from over, as he sets his sights on the year 2026 as his new playground! So with that in mind, let’s fucking go!

This is the brand-new album by MC Gustavo Louis and producer Ian Jones, and together they come through with eight tracks (one intro, one outro, and six songs) that all serve their purpose in delivering an experience you won’t forget!

I gotta say I found the production this time around rather interesting because it was a mixture of classic new wave, boom-bap, and old-school hip-hop mixed into one.

Some songs had a heavy jazz and soul influence, some just straight gritty underground music rap, others an experimental fusion of both. You can tell for this album they just wanted to keep things within a certain lane and lay emphasis on the sounds they have to make them sound as masterful as possible and more importantly memorable (and I feel that was accomplished here).

If I had to choose a favourite track from this score, it would have to be -FRIED CHICKEN WINGZ N FRIED RICE.

Firstly, I want to point out the wild combination this is. I’d never have those two things together, but regardless, this song stood out to me due to its haunting and sinister vibe to it with those distorted chord progressions, methodical drums, and subtle bass! 

It’s quite the skeletal track, but it does everything it does have phenomenally! 

Also, as I mentioned in the intro, can we discuss that fucking intro? An AI Martin Luther King speech? I don’t know how to feel about it except for the fact that it’s definitely creative!

As far as Gustavo goes, he sounds like he’s on the same wave as he was in 2025! That same passionate, hustle mentality with his bars. I’m taking that rhythmic flow, street poetry meets complex vocabulary elevated by his heavy charisma and one-of-a-kind personality and cadence that makes you recognise his music and voice ability.

Once again, whether you’re talking 8 tracks or 80, he never wastes any time. He’s just straight rhymes, one-liners, fun puns, explosive verbal imagery, and brash lines to make you all remember that he’s the man of this shit!

He’s as relentless and hungry as ever across this tape, and it adds to the replay value and ultimate atmosphere of the album!

In short, although this is short, it’s definitely one worth checking out! It’s produced well, the performances are killer, and the concept for this album is wild! Check it out below! 

https://gustavolouis.bandcamp.com/album/mlkwtdr-co-staring-ian-jones

(DEARwinter)

I feel like in the first few weeks alone of January I’ve heard combinations of artists I never thought would come! This is one of those moments, we have two of the most interesting and underrated acts in the underground and they come together for a short but equally dope single that is sure to please the fans out there! 

This brand new single features MC D-Don and Producer Eric from Salem and together they drop a solid 1 minute and 32 second track that has no room for filler to think of.

Starting with the production, this has a very simple, minimal and engaging instrumental that has enough layers to make you feel a certain way!

You’ve got these glistening flute samples, Jazz Horns and in the forefront this harmonious vocal harmony in a loop form, as well as some acoustic guitar strings and very subtle drums that all come together into this smooth and atmospheric track that I could honestly hear for an hour and never get sick of!

Eric has always been the type of producer to make captivating beats with theatrical production in every direction! Sometimes cinematic and other times in situations like these where he lets the stripped-back layers talk for themselves! 

As the MC work goes, I loved the verse on here because it wasn’t just random bars thrown together, it felt like a vivid story told in real time, with the events still fresh in the mind of D as he recounts a freshly written journey or diary that he felt the need to share with the world!

He has such a strong, introspective voice with a smooth flow and sharp lyricism that is obviously soaked in his personal life and that makes every word he says that much stronger and deeper.

Normally when you get a short track like this, you don’t normally get a heard-felt conceptual verse. Trying to recap off the top of my head the last time I heard a verse of this nature on top of a small loop track and I can’t think of one. The fact that D-Don decided he wants to utilise the short amount of time on here to tell this tragic story speaks volumes of his abilities as an MC and his mindset to being confident enough to tell such a complete and compelling story in under two minutes! A verse that had me on the edge of my seat, listening to every word carefully!

If there’s any single track you should hear this month, it’s this one! Two men come together with incredible energy and chemistry to make a killer song that you’ll no doubt find yourself coming back to over the year!

https://open.spotify.com/album/678Lk8hmm8wnBM8pAia21R?si=dEWPykirQF-S7R3pGhZ6XQ

(FORTUNE FAVORS RISK)

If I tried to credit everything I respect and admire about this producer, then this review would become a novel. Long story short, Grubby Pawz has been at the forefront of cutting-edge sound and album quality for the past few years, no more evident than his ridiculous 2025 run where he worked with an array of different artists and pumped out modern-day classics like it’s nothing.

Now, he’s back with his first album for 2026 with a man who has been making his own massive tsunami warning waves in the industry, and together they team up for a collision that no one will be able to avoid! Let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new collaboration album between MC AVENUEBLVD and Producer GrubbyPawz, and together they drop a solid eight tracks, 26 minutes, and the likes of

– Hill Holla

– Caliph

– Chase N. Cashe

– ARI 7

– Borirock

– TEGA

– Alage

A real mix of who’s who in the industry all coming together under a common goal and theme. 

As I get into discussions of the production, the first track goes by, and I’m already blown away. This is the aspect of this man I don’t see people talking about more! The fact that he’s so fucking diverse in his work.

You could play a different album back-to-back and hear a different side of him you’ve never heard before, and that’s what’s happening here. 

On this album, we hear Grubby on quite possibly his most stripped-back I’ve personally heard him yet. As indicated from that opening track with that minimally layered combination of various strings and vocal harmony! It’s all done so beautifully and with care that it sounds straight out of the orchestra!

As the album continues, those cinematically executed instrumentals become more prevalent and even more grand. Track 2, for example, this is a vibe I’ve never heard Grubby on! It’s absolutely insane.

You’ve got these hypnotic drums, these light piano keys, as well as these bizarre sound bites ranging from distorted jazz horns (I think), some wailing vocal harmonies, and even some ocean breeze birds! 

This might be my new favourite beat by Grubby due to its originality and out-there influences!

Another track that stood out to me was -Mind Get Away and why is that? It’s because of the utmost soothing nature the production radiates. You’ve got these angelic piano keys, some subtle drums, and what sounds like either a vocal humming loop or some synth chord lightly running through the track.

I have to highlight those keys though; the free-form jazz style they use as they run throughout the track was so tastefully done that I couldn’t help but keep returning to this track due to this aspect!

Not to mention ARI-7’s dominant feature at the back end of this track!

To put it bluntly. This is the most raw and bare we’ve seen his art in a minute. He’s letting the instrumentation and his mastery of production speak for themselves in the most beautiful way possible! 

As far as the MC work goes, this man is an absolute unit and a half on this album. Although only eight tracks, he doesn’t waste a single second. He lets his standout charisma, conviction, and passion flood the tracks and make every song a banger with his talent! 

This man doesn’t have a heavy, in-your-face style like so many of his contemporaries, but instead, he has a more subtle and sophisticated personality that he uses to put emphasis on his smart lyricism, his introspective approach, and his verse layouts that make it sound like he’s one with the beats synchronised to the fullest extent.

He sounds like a wandering poet. A man who lets his day-to-day experiences dictate what he says in the booth; it feels less like ‘bars’ but more like thoughts and feelings compressed into a rhythmic motion as if his inner monologue just happens to rhyme.

He’s literally the perfect vessel for Grubby’s music. The best artist to inherit all the raw sounds and amplify them with his one-of-a-kind delivery that is sure to stand out! 

I also love how he handles himself across these features, definitely not the kind of MC’s that make it easy to have a shining verse but he deals with it with ease, creates organic chemistry and makes sure every feature feeds off the same energy and increases it 10x fold! Adding substance to the songs not just there for feature sake.

I expected nothing less the greatness from Grubby’s 2026 debut album and I wasn’t disappointed. His chemistry with AVENUEBLVD was literally perfect and the powerhouse features did their part to make this record that must better! Check it out below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/612TMyGq7xSyYHuZ9Ca3KC?si=gOogAafSTlCPp-c_Z1S8Ow