(A FRIEND OF A FRIEND)

Coming close to the end of the year, artists are gathering up their last bodies of work, singles, EPs, albums, the lot! Getting ready to wrap up 2025 in a bang, and for this artist, it seems we are getting another single teasing us with the potential future release of a bigger body of work before the new year. 

With that in mind, let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by MC FLYG and producer DOMINICAN KEV that runs 3 minutes and 47 seconds (a longer track than we are used to from FLYG), but from experience on tracks he does, it’s always worth the extra time put in!

Starting with the MC work first, which starts off with quite a bold statement: I promise you this is different, you ain’t never heard anything like this before. With that as the opening promise, expectations were set high! 

Right off the bat, I have to point out he’s added a unique take on his voice. It has a softer, borderlined echoing/whisper tone to it. I know he experimented with a different take on that other single that I discussed, but of course, this is for a certain reason, and actually, it’s quite original when you think of it.

When MC’s are thinking of how they can switch up their styles or make a more fresh statement, and how many of them thought to edit the actual voice part? Could be a revolutionary idea.

But regardless, I have to say once again I feel this song (among the others) is a sign of his further improvement, progression, and advancement within his career. His longer verse on this song feels like it contains even more emphasis on one-liners, more complex structures, and set-ups for lines that start with one bar and the conclusion of the set-up ending 2-3 bars down the line! 

His flow remains on the more trademark methodical approach. We’ve heard him across the year switch it up and try different speeds and tone shifts (I’d point out his EP with Ant as the best example), but how we hear him on this song is what I’d describe as his ‘go-to’ sound, and he’s excellent inside of it!

With a bigger push for lyricism, more daring and thought-provoking set-ups, and a pen game, he’s showcasing why he should be the one to keep an eye on moving forward into 2026 (if he wasn’t already the focus of your attention across this year).

Now, as far as the beat is concerned, the first thing that came to mind was ‘mafia soundtrack’ (maybe it’s due to the fact I’ve been binging Sopranos lately), but the way this beat is executed, it makes me think of a tense scene in the movie right before one of the main characters is about to kill someone or vice versa when the main is in trouble with a risk to his life! 

You’ve got those tense swaying chords with a second layer of chords that give off a strong electronic keyboard vibe that’s been distorted in some small sense!

There’s also some heavy bass as well that gives this track a skeleton of sorts and a body structure to bring everything together!

I couldn’t help but feel encapsulated by this instrumental. I had to keep my mind focused on the review because my imagination kept getting the better of me as I started to relive all the mafia films I’ve watched and how this score could fit perfectly into any one of the iconic scenes over the years! Truly cinematic! (Not to mention the fact FLYG has a lot of mafia-related bars across this track) to further push my narrative!

Another masterful performance by FLYG. It seems he hasn’t met a producer he can’t make magic with. DOMINICAN KEV brings a level of theatrical flavour to the track that you don’t hear every day, and their chemistry was solid.

Go check the latest offering below!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6RQVLVMJYkVBlYpyL4o3Tk?si=Yibdktu1SwyzcQ-Tq_Xrvw

(Fold Or Bleed)

It’s always an exciting day when we get a new JJackpot drop! One of my personal ‘Monster Trio’

members for the best of the new generation, and after dropping an incredible album ‘King’s Casino’, he’s been one of my most anticipated artists, and now he’s back with powerhouse producer Koba Dera, and together they drop a solid 2 minutes and 59 seconds of pure heat and energy that is unrivalled! Let’s fucking go!

Starting with that production, we have Kobra inheriting a strong, methodical approach that feels minimal but is harder than a sledgehammer! We’ve got some hypnotic drums that force you to mean-mug the world for the duration of the track!

On top of that, we have what sounds like elegant keyboard keys on a beautiful rhythmic progression that enhances the track 10x fold. 

The way these instruments are layered together, it all forms in an atmospheric unison of big, bold sounds, sharp execution, and enough raw material to make the hardest of hip-hop heads appreciate the music itself!

Talk about material to make the hardest hip-hop heads appreciate, we have the man of the hour, JJACKPOT, and honestly, I don’t know how he keeps it up track after track, even an album (and an upcoming album). He can’t miss!

What stands out most to me about this man is his rhyming/flow nature. Every single word, bar, breath he places onto a beat feels smooth; it feels like a gear perfectly placed in motion. 

It’s comparable to a velvety feeling, the enjoyment of touching such exquisite fabrics, knowing it’s high quality. He has the same gifted MC strains as the likes of 

-Slick Rick

-Rakim

-The Notorious B.I.G

-Big L

The type of gear where your verses cut like butter on top of an instrumental without a hair out of place. He’s so fucking continuous & serene when he spits that it feels like a homage to the greats I just mentioned who were able to do the same!

On top of that, his passion for the music, his precision, determination, his vivid street poetry, and his sharpness across the board, paired with intense charisma, and you have a man that will continue to turn heads, and the reason why he’s one of three men I consider the golden trio.

This new album is going to be a GAME CHANGER, and with the few samples we’ve gotten so far, this could be an instant classic. This duo tore the house down with impeccable performances and dope, old-school production with a chemistry so strong it has to be heard to be believed! Listen down below! 

https://open.spotify.com/track/6H2aOLS70EQBgeET5NJ5sw?si=qLjYm2KZTyayrjIaf2HdjQ

(Malpractice)

So for those paying attention, we had the amazing end of P-Ro’s monthly efforts in his ‘12 For 12’ record. After that dropped, the majority of us had only one thing left to think about. How would fellow monthly competitor G-Fam Black end his run? Now we have the answer! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new (and presumably) final album of 2025 for MC giant G-Fam Black @ Producer PHD Beats. They dropped seven tracks, 16 minutes, and feature the likes of 

-Sankofa

-Tali Rodriguez

-P-Pro (all in the final track)

The one thing I found interesting about this drop is the contrast in themes compared to G-Fam and P-Ro in their last albums.

While P-Ro did a smart and complex road down memory lane with every track representing a discussion of his last albums, we have G who has only the intention of creating an even more powerful and escalated form of boom bap!

That’s the thing about G-Fam. Every album feels like an escalation! Which is ridiculous considering how intense he already is naturally and the fact he’s only gotten heavier, dirtier, and more vicious over almost 12 months? That’s a scary progression, but it’s something he’s done effortlessly throughout the year!

On this record, it’s as if he’s revealing himself as the world’s deadliest serial killer. Every bar, verse, concept, and adlib all points to death.

There’s even the chorus on ‘Burn Down The Clinic’ where he goes ‘Kill them all’ if that doesn’t make a mission statement, then I don’t know what will! 

He’s as expected as cutthroat and savage as ever on these beats! He’s devastating, a walking, breathing virus that gets caught in everyone’s throat before the songs are over! There’s no antidote for his straight-up verbal venom. Effects include

-Mean Mugging the world

-Violently moving your neck and head bopping to the dope shit

-Playing this album on repeat against your will 

Fuck COVID-19, this is GFAM25, and I guarantee you it will have a 100% effect rate, and no one is safe! Still can’t believe how grim and diabolical he is on these tracks! 

As far as the beats are concerned, if G-Fam’s antics and performances were heavy, it’s only due to the massive emphasis on cold-hearted production that PHD beats provided for him to work with, and I can’t state this enough: THESE SONGS GO HARD AS FUCK!

You’d think ‘only 16 minutes, what could you possibly achieve in less than 20?’ Well, in this case, a whole fucking lot because we get a glimpse into a dark, murderous atmosphere that is only pairable with the no-holds-barred approach of G-Fam, and the two of them make a dangerous and deadly 

There are so many cuts on here that feel like the sonic equivalent of ripping flesh, kick in the chest, abrasive levels of rawness and grit! For example, the track 

-Cadaver Communion! You’ve got those glossy piano keys, those wavering chords in the background. Those ridiculous drums as well as the heavy bass! 

While not using anything too complicated, he’s able to use a few layers to murder the scene provided! Absolutely nuts!

Or even the track -Black Market Organs, which sounds like a beat you’d hear on the early Griselda tapes! You’ve got those looping piano chords and heavy drums! As well as some shrieking chords in the background to give the song a bit of volume!

This is one of the more skeletal offerings on the record but one that gives goosebumps and makes you feel it across the whole song! 

Since this is only 7 tracks, I don’t want to spoil the rest but just take my word that the production on this project hits hard as fuck! It’s the perfect chemistry for the intensity of G-Fam Black and for his last effort of the year, they exit with the biggest explosion possible! Shoutout to everyone involved! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5eugPYYvBGsFyWDYS69NwY?si=ypILIht6T-Cq8AYsMqX0YQ

(More Violince)

An opinion I feel so strongly about, I had to share it with the man himself. In my mind, DOZA has to be one of the most unique and exciting new artists I’ve discovered in a minute. Anytime he’s on a project or as a feature act, he’s one to watch, and then you add in the fact he’s made a full-length alongside Machacha? That’s a formula that’s a no-brainer for me. Let’s get into why!

Brand-new collaboration project. MC DOZA, THE DRUM DEALER & Producer, Machacha. Together, they drop a solid 10 tracks with the likes of: 

-Aïda 

-Casket D

-Sam R I

-Mar

-Kaeson Skrilla

And across this tape (as I fully expected to be the case), we have DOZA unleashing a lyrical barrage of overwhelming personality, original eccentricity, and an aura so rare you can tell he’s on the track a mile away!

For example, his flow is an interesting combination of free-lance and structured! He’s somehow found the balance for both to make his bars unpredictable and yet precise and tight in execution!

His bars are filled with high energy, lively pronouncements of his words, a heavy lace of passion and conviction that makes him sound like a verbal menace across the tracks!

He makes every song he’s on feel like an experience to go through! Due to his over-the-top performances, his fun and crisp rhythms, his fresh pen game, and his never-ending spirit that feels like it increases with every track that passes, like a build-up sound that goes up with every octave passed! 

Imagine that with a human being unleashing all his creativity into a gradual progression that makes this (and any other song he’s on) feel rare and special!

I’d compare it to the WSG effect! How no song is ever tame or quiet. How each track is full of a variety of sounds, snippets, adlibs, samples— you name it!

Imagine that same formula except on a different scale! A more personalised version of that aura! He’s like a genius wordsmith gone wrong or turned to the dark side, and now he’s unleashing all his honed skills and abilities onto the beats to create a controlled chaos that makes anything else I listen to afterwards plain or boring in comparison!

The features he brought out for this record were definitely impressive and stand out! They weren’t just there for feature’s sake and actually elevated the specific songs they were part of! I have to give a shoutout to my main man ‘Casket. D’ for his incredible verse, as I feel he had the MVP feature track on the album!

Speaking of the album, we can’t forget about the beatmaker himself, Machacha. A man who I am convinced doesn’t sleep! A man who probably sleeps in his studio with his rate of consistency with, I’d guess, among 20+ hit records this year alone, and he obviously hasn’t finished!

Across this tape, we hear Machacha take on sounds even I haven’t heard him tackle before! It really feels like he’s doing his best to match the wild and untamed energy of DOZA with his own take on unique sounds and atmospheres that are a few stages darker and experimental than even someone as well-versed as he is used to!

For example, take that intro track into consideration. To me, it sounds like a menacing, thrilling take on a swarm of bees! You’ve got that swarming sound, relentless in the headphones! On top of that, we have those thudding, heavy dragging drums and those haunting keys that were so long and plucked that it leaves an eerie effect! 

What about the song -Popular with that hypnotic wave of instrumentation. This kind of reminds me vaguely of the Busta single ‘Woo-Hah’. It’s got these droning and repetitive motions that make you feel like you just smoked a fat joint!

Those slow, surreal drums as well as those vocal harmonies that all come together to make a modern-day stoner track feel!

Even the incredible features help lend themselves to the vibe and aura of the track! The two of them KILL IT! 

Every beat on here feels more refined as well as more explosive! This honesty feels like he’s throwing caution away and on the final month of the year revealing a new sonic face that’s even foreign to him and letting whatever happen, happen!

Trust me, I’ve heard him utilise and sample every single kind of genre & influence known to man and even so. A style consisting of pure brash ideas, uncompromising instrumentation and uncontrolled creativity and I have to say it suits Machacha quite well this more non traditional style and I hope to see more of it in the future!

A frantic pairing that no one could have predicted but now one I can’t imagine without! Somehow this might be my favourite Machacha production of the year and any occasion with DOZA is life altering! Check below now!

https://dozathedrumdealer.bandcamp.com/album/more-violince

(Omerta 3)

This is a moment in my career that I’m super happy about! Why? Because the last time I covered this MC was way back when I was still writing for the legendary ‘Raw Side Hip Hop’, and so this will be my first time covering him under the ‘Serpent Tongue’ title. And with that being said, let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new record by MC E Murda and produced by Bryan Blox, and together they drop a solid nine tracks, 25 minutes of PURE HEAT that is meant to rival the best of the best in 2025! 

I feel we should talk about the production first. As I remembered from the first project I covered from him, this is a gritty, boom-bap-filled roller coaster that’s filled with trauma lyrics, vivid memories, and situations of pain and overcoming! This score pairs perfectly with those narratives and creates a sound bed for the most extravagant pieces of underground hip hop you’ll be expected to hear! 

To name one song as my favourite would be impossible, so I’m going to name the small handful that really stood out to me! Firstly, I want to discuss -Life Of Sin. This track has so many qualities I love.

Starting with that harmonic vocal loop that subtly glides through the instrumental in the most beautiful and profound way possible! On top of that, we have these light piano keys as delicate as I’ve ever heard of, as well as some ridiculously powerful bass and drums that will damn near blow your face off if you ain’t careful. I’m talking that mean mug the world type shit! 

Also, not to mention that amazing feature verse by the one and only Flee Lord!

We also have the track -Air Drake. A track that features the only feature ETO, who, as you’d expect, dominates the verse! But apart from that, we have this absolutely ridiculous instrumental that feels like murderous intent come to life! 

The amount of layers of cold-blooded, sonic ruthlessness is impossible to ignore. You’ve got those heavy, plucked strings, those heavy bass, and one of the most downright gritty tracks of the whole album! Absolutely could listen to this track for hours due to his relentless energy! 

Actually, I want to talk about that intro! It has a true mafia feel to it, and the rules of not snitching and the consequences of such. It’s the perfect way to start the record. 

See everything from the way it starts to ends, the placement of the features to the beats themselves. It’s all placed with such technical precision that it matches some of the best production of the year!

Now, onto the MC of the equation. E Murda, this man was a beast when I first heard him, and he’s even more deadly now! What makes him stand out for me is his next-level ability to portray himself in situations, the way his depth of words reaches. 

The way his words have a unique combination of sharp, deadly, and smooth! The kind of guy that can sell water to fish, just before he finds a way to drown said fish in that same sold liquid! He’s a talented MC with a strong personality, tough street poetry, and a charisma so eccentric that you can’t help but pay attention to! 

Across this 25 minutes, he didn’t waste any time. No filler or awkward moments. Just pure bars with enough savagery and precision that it’s sure to scare off any pretenders in the game right now! He’s the real deal, and he’s making everyone remember that!

From the first album I covered of his, he’s only leveled up all his attributes. His lyricism, his performances, his techniques, cadences— absolutely everything is upgraded, and you can hear it! He’s coming in with a lot of confidence and vigorous willpower to make sure every single breath he spits on the track has purpose and is felt through the bones of the listener!

I absolutely loved this record. I loved the undeniable chemistry between E and Bryan! I loved the legendary features and the overall atmosphere of the album. Make sure you check it out below!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4wdjFEI8pQ3BhGL6uGh1Nq?si=m30TmbhOTpqjEes9gyVbhw

(Keep You Waiting)

Talk about ‘Keeping us waiting’, this is bound to be a project for the ages. Two men at the top of their respective fields dominating the 2025 year and now combined for a powerhouse fusion that ends the year with a BANG! Or more specifically with a ZINGER! 

This is the brand-new record by FEED THE FAMILY General Top Hooter and iconic, workhorse producer Machacha, and together they drop an iconic 10-track, 22-minute sonic drive that will leave your mind blown by the end of it! This project features the likes of 

-BeenOfficialLord

-Dun Dealy

And let me tell you now, Top has been one of those names that since I discovered him (which was his ‘Hooter Hyena’ tape), he’s done nothing but evolve, level up, and improve on every single aspect of his career to where he has become a monster in the field.

What makes him stand out? To me, it’s his powerful interpretation of street poetry and the gravitas in his voice that makes his stories feel that much more dangerous and, most importantly, vivid!

Another aspect of his MC characteristics that’s impressive is he can work across any kind of production and make it work! For example, he’s a king in his wavy, boom-bap, gritty underground sound (alongside the FEED THE FAMILY Crew).

We heard him earlier this year on ‘Handing Out Samples’, working with deeper and more cerebral sounds and darker tones. Then we even heard him feature on one of the most incredible singles of the year on the new Apollo Brown X Ty Farris tape, where we heard him go off on a big, mainstream-sounding stadium vibe beat! 

There isn’t a sound, influence, or instrumental he can’t work with, and across this tape, we hear him utilise that exact quality to his advantage. We hear his impressive lyricism, his cold and calculated flow, and demeanour sync perfectly with Machacha’s atmosphere to create a stunning array of verses that’s sharp, surreal, and powerful!

He has the kind of energy that can rock a whole record by himself if he has to! It’s always a treat to hear him alongside his brothers in arms, but his undeniable charisma, conviction, and skillset make him a man that needs no help to get over! As he says on the track – Resident Evil ‘I’m the Apex predator, top of the food chain’ all that is true!

Now, as you all know, the other part of this equation is none other than Machacha. This man has easily been the most overworking producer this year. The amount of bangers he’s dropped is well over 20! (In fact, I have another review needed with him and DOZA later!) A testament to his work ethic, and now he’s decided he needs to be a part of the legacy alongside Top, and I loved what he did with the sounds.

Across this tape, we hear a combination of the roughest, muddiest boom-bap tracks you’ve ever heard and melodic, methodically crafted songs that make a heartfelt attempt at connection, the emotional/mental side to Top and his stories!

For example, we have tracks like ‘Spin Towers’ which is just downright wavy energy. You’ve got that almost Asian influence with those old-school plucked strings and elegant piano keys with those heavy bass and drums! One of those methodically inspired beats that the FEED family thrive off! 

Not to mention the killer feature by BEENOFFICIALLORD! He’s never one to be lacking, and he doesn’t start now!

We have tracks like ‘H2H’ which showcases the other side of the balance I was talking about. This is an example of the more mellow, delicate, and beautifully executed piece of music with those violin strings, light drums, and some of the most beautiful piano pieces I’ve heard in rap this whole year!

On this track, we hear Top shed his soul a little bit and what he feels and thinks on the daily! Definitely a thought-provoking track!

Then we have tracks like ‘While It Lasted’ which honestly feels like a finale vibe song, the kind of track that you’d expect to be towards the end (as it is) it has a feel of conclusion to it and it’s another beautiful listen!

You’ve got those plucked strings, further strings in the background in a different rhythm and a vocal humming loop that’s ever so angelic. Not to mention the brother in arms Dun Dealy closing the track off!

Even if you haven’t been witness to the year of either of these men THIS is the one to watch out for! It’s the perfect collaboration of MC & Producers and a strong closing for 2025! Check it out below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5rjEpzPlSmACJA5vudYaJM?si=dEi06hRQQiGSqho8c02ElA

(THE ZING WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS)

You know I had to do this surprise drop. A build-up to the announcement of a brand-new Christmas-themed record by the Dawg himself! The man who has set the culture on fire with one of the most wavy, original, and gritty discographies in 2025. So to celebrate an incredible year for him and FEED THE FAMILY, we are taking a step back in time to 2023, when we tell the story of 

THE ZING WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS! 

So, this is the Christmas 2023 drop by MC powerhouse BORIROCK! On this record, he’s accompanied by producers such as 

– Don Hooto

– MINIMANSIONMELLOS

– Latrell James

– CHUPISNOIZEY

And with only eight tracks, the Boston Grinch came alive to rob the industry of all the aura, wavy energy, and success all for himself! When Bori says ON DAWGZ, he ain’t talking about Max! 

Right from the start, we get exactly what you’d expect to hear from a Bori X Christmas record. I’m talking the most gritty and explosive/expressive, raw, and chaotic adlibs and bars you’ve ever heard in your life but done over classic/old-school Christmas tunes that, dare I say, feel ‘tainted’ by this new wave of boom-bap wavy force that is impossible to ignore or look past!

Maybe it’s because it’s December and I’m consumed in that ‘Christmas Spirit’, but this might be some of my favourite Bori productions I’ve heard in a minute! That unpredictable twist of gritty hip-hop and organic merry music is absolutely magical (in the most savage way imaginable).

This album gives me a strong feeling of the Gucci Mane ‘East Atlanta Santa’ tapes but way more energetic and charismatic with arguably better production match ups! Whether that means that intro track ‘XMAS INTRO’ where it’s literally just Bori going ballistic over a Xmas classic! 

Over whether you’re talking about the track ‘XMAS W DA KRANKS’ which has a more Boom Bap infused Christmas vibe with those trademark piano chords and heavy drums! It’s a combination of Merry and muddy! Whether you’re naughty or nice, it’s all the same to the wavy dawg! 

Then there’s tracks that don’t feel too Christmasy such as the song ‘IN-TUNED’ which has an overwhelming Soul instrumental with that infectious vocal loop with the subtle horns and funky drum patterns! A short and sweet track that provides a type of interlude from the Xmas themes! 

The song ‘BAPE TOWEL’ has what I would consider a gangstas Christmas soundtrack. It’s got those hollow taps in the background that almost sound like reindeer bells! But combined with plucked bass and some hypnotic drum patterns that make this a thugs anthem you’d play in late December, drinking egg nog and mixing candy canes with your Hennessy! 

Even the outro track legit sounds like the Grinches theme. This is what I imagine he plays In his headphones as he robs houses, destroys Christmas In the most wavy way possible! You’ve got those sinister synth chords, subtle plucked strings in the background and absolutely ridiculous drums!

The perfect idea for an outro track with the closure of bells to match! A truly dark and savage way to end!

Bori, whether it’s 2003, 2023, 2033 he’s always gonna hit! Always provide the culture with that high intensity, chaotic atmosphere that puts him on another plane of tiers compared to his contemporaries!

Across this album (as we all expected him to) he goes off in his trademark slang and phrases his recognised adlibs and adrenaline filled performances where he’s always going 1000x miles a second!

His unmatched wavy flow, his unique batch of street poetry and the ability to match his style with any theme or concept! Whether that be Christmas, X Men or Lord Of The Rings. No lane is unattainable to him and he provides it on this record!

There’s not a single boring point on this album and that’s the thing there NEVER is! He’s hype turned human. He’s the definition of endless stamina with a wavy conviction so strong he leaves impressions everywhere he goes that lasts a lifetime!

I can’t lie all, this was one fucking FUN Christmas album. If this was 2 years ago, I can’t wait to see what he’s evolved with next! Make sure you support the man below and buy on bandcamp!

https://borirock.bandcamp.com/album/the-zing-who-stole-christmas

(MY STORY NARCO STORY)

We got another NARCOMIX track before the end of the year. One that is inspired by the latest anticipated record by DJ Premier and Nas, ‘Light Years’. This track covers the song ‘My Story, Your Story’ featuring AZ.

Now, right off the bat (as is the case with every NARCOMIX), the production is the same as the original album, so the normal DJ Premier beat! You’ve got those elegant piano keys, those plucked strings in that repetitive rhythm, and those light drums! One of the more subtle tracks on the album, but it hits just as hard! 

Now, how do I feel about the lyrical aspect? I think considering Gustavo is attempting to compete against both AZ and Nas, it’s a tough task, but I feel he does an excellent job of maintaining a consistent three minutes of non-stop bars!

He showcases more charisma than usual! Strong, fluent flows, precise and sharp wordplay, a heavy pen game, and a ton of killer one-liners, puns, and bars that make up the mix! 

I do feel this time around he’s trying a more lyrical approach (adding more words per minute in), trying to match the same tone or energy as the ones on the original track, which was a nice switch-up to hear!

The only downside I found (and I hated this from the original track as well) was the overuse of saying ‘My Story, Your Story’. That line on this mix and the normal one was overdone and over-saturated. I wish that was cut down, especially for a three-minute track.

But besides that one aspect, I loved the direction he took this NARCOMIX! It was fun, vibrant, and interesting! Definitely one to check out! 

https://gustavolouis.bandcamp.com/track/my-story-narco-story

(Wolf Tickets)

Two releases in a matter of weeks?! Someone pinch me because I’m sure I’m dreaming. It wasn’t enough that we got our first Mickey drop all year with Big Ghost nonetheless, and now we not only have a new album but teasing of a new series from the pair? Nah, this is Christmas come early! If this doesn’t get you excited, then you don’t support the culture; it’s as easy as that! Let’s fucking go!

This is the brand-new album by MC legend and Umbrella member Mickey Diamond and regular beat-making collaborator Big Ghost Ltd, and together they drop this new album with no features, just these two!

Now, in my previous review (regarding his physical-only drop ‘Dollar $ign Diaries’), I spoke on the fact that I could feel his maturity and growth in his lyricism, accepting life as it passes him by and evolving as a self-aware MC who uses his experiences and knowledge to elevate himself.

While all that is true on that record, I feel on this one he’s just having fun going back to what made him famous and brought him to the dance to begin with!

While that album was a special peek into his vulnerability, this one feels like his iron wall pulled back down and him back on his ‘fuck the world, I’m the GOAT’ level shit, and honestly, it’s infectious! 

He sounds like his early 2020 self. Back on his selfish, bragging, and powerful vocal performances that are cutthroat, verbally massacring the competition and leaving such heavy imprints on the culture that it leaves a craving that no other artist can seem to scratch or remove! Long story short, when he drops it’s like a sonic tattoo on the underground. His impact is fucking permanent!

What I love as well is the lack of features. Even on the original ‘Gucci Ghost’ series, it had its fair share of names and affiliations, but the fact he’s deciding to come back AND do it solo? That’s a statement and a half! 

That’s Mickey confirming he never needed anyone to begin with outside of his umbrella soldiers, and it’s a move I respect more than anything (especially considering this project is 12 tracks long).

I feel at the heart of this album (as it has been for all of his drops) is his strong cadence and charisma. His baritone octaves and deep voice have a level of aura attached to it that makes every single word feel tough and precious. Honesty, he could probably just make a whole album reading children’s books and would still shatter records with the level of confidence and precision he possesses!

But the fact he also has one of the most incredible rapping styles we’ve seen in the last decade is further evidence of his mastery of flow, his unrivalled pen game, and his ability to rock a record solo if need be! He’s literally the whole package! 

What’s there to say about Big Ghost that hasn’t been said yet? Anything he touches turns to diamonds. Even outside of Mickey, he’s run himself a ridiculous production discography working alone, side names such as

– Conway The Machine

– CRIMEAPPLE

– UFO FEV

– EDDIE KAINE and so much more.

His reputation precedes him and comes with a level of expectation that is fulfilled each and every time. Now, times that 20fold, and that’s the quality you get when these two meet up. One of the most iconic players in the game as far as pairing goes! 

Across this album, we get that same heavy-handed, skeletal, and old-school boom-bap classics that had us all rocking from the 2020s Gucci volumes!

We get the same combination of soulful sample snippets combined with those heavy bass, sickening drum patterns, plucked guitar strings, and an overall atmospheric harmony and brilliant score that makes you want to come back again, again, and again! 

I legit had to pause and check my phone at the intro of track 2 ‘High Steaks’ thinking I had accidentally left the shuffle button on and played the original Gucci Ghost record! They played the intro to track ‘Stone Island Shooters’ which had me going nuts! Love the throwback!

We have tracks like ‘I Dare You’ which has that iconic snippet of a Ric Flair promo which evolves into an 90’s RnB/Hip Hop inspired instrumental with those plucked strings, heavy synth chord running through and groovy drum pattern that runs through! 

This is one of those tracks you’d play in the car, windows down bumping your head!

There’s the song ‘Blood Moon’ which has a creepy scream at the start which sets the tone of the track. On this song we have these methodically paced guitar strings alongside some echoing chords and light bass strings which makes for one of the more minimal tracks on the record!

I love the horror reference raps by Mickey and the various adlibs on the song! Truly exceptional!

Once again, (as if it’s a surprise to anyone) that this makes for another modern day classic. The simple truth is this. When it comes to Mickey and Big Ghost, you can’t loss. They don’t understand the concept of taking an L and they never will!

Mickey is Bangkok Dangerous, he’s a Gucci Ghost. Whether he’s watching ‘Ric Vs Flair’ with his Bulletproof Bathrobes. He understands there’s No Liquor Before 12 but as he’s Imported Goods he knows It’s 5 O Clock somewhere.

Understanding that Nobody Bleeds Like Flair and that Flair 4 The Gold that’s what gives him his natural ‘Smoke Face’

He’s Mr Oroku Saki himself And His name is death. 

Oozing characteristics of NOIR, sending out death threats and capital gains he’s not only the Super Shredder but Mr Motherfucking Gucci Gambino AKA 

-Diamond Cutter or THE WOLF TICKET. 

shoutout to -D-Styles for the cuts on the album! 

https://bigghostlimited.bandcamp.com/album/wolf-tickets

(Fish, Chips & Guns)

Wow, I wasn’t expecting this pairing up. Two men who share similar lanes and work alongside the same type of artists, but the idea of these two on the same record is surprising and bound to be a special occasion! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new surprise drop by MC God Gotti and producer Lo Katana! Two of the most interesting names in the culture currently, and pairing up for greatness!

9 tracks, 15 minutes, and -FLYG on the feature list! 

Now, I gotta say, as frequently impressed as I am with Gotti across all his releases, his performance on here impressed me the most! He was more fluent than I’ve ever heard him. He was laying down bars after bars, verse after verse, relentless in his motions and equally as sharp.

There were no gimmicks or trying to be funny in any way, just raw, rough, and rugged bars that were also equal parts smooth! 

He was hitting on all cylinders on this one. I genuinely haven’t heard him as focused and tapped in as he was on here. It was crazy!

He doesn’t waste any of the 15 minutes given. Besides the intro track (which was only 22 seconds anyway) or the ‘Wifey Interlude’ (which was 42 seconds) and the various features by main man FLYG, it’s all him rocking that luscious Katana production!

Speaking of FLYG, he absolutely killed his verses on here as well! I don’t think I remember these two collaborating prior to this, but regardless, their energies and passions for the game are similar, so I knew it would be a dope process, and it was! He’s on his prime, shit-dropping two solid verses filled with his trademark set-up bars and one-liners! 

As far as the production is concerned, I can honestly say Lo is quickly becoming one of my favourite producers in the world right now. Every time he drops something new, it’s always gorgeous, masterfully done, and angelic in execution. 

He’s the type of guy that can make the audio equivalent of an ASMR clip! Or turn the waves of an ocean or a beautiful summer’s day into a musical experience! 

He’s always out there creating soulful, funky, and atmospheric instrumentals that warm up the body, mind, and soul! 

He also doesn’t waste any of the 15 minutes. Honestly, he’s like the hip-hop equivalent of Phil Collins! That surreal production, the goosebump moments, and build-ups that keep you coming back for more! 

This whole album plays like a heavenly score created by a mastermind. A man who knows the secret to harmony and ascension! 

I can’t praise these beats enough, seriously. It reminds me of Phil Collins x Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild soundtrack. The depth, the immersion, the immaculate use of the instrumentation, and everything in between. 

This is truly god-level shit. He’s just going around, minding his own business, creating modern-day classic-worthy instrumentals and dipping. He should be the one on everyone’s mind and mouth, be the one the culture is critically acclaiming! This shit is dopamine in a bottle, and it’s nothing short of phenomenal!

To a collaboration I wasn’t expecting, to a pairing I can’t imagine without! With the addition of FLYG, this record breaks all expectations and comes out the other end as one of the strongest albums of the month! Check it out below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ThIYKiIAouSXfSNJrc0mR?si=HqIyYqpDTfKR_of_AHlNSA