(Black Phillip II)

As far as interesting discographies go, I’d say you’d be far-fetched to find another as interesting as this man’s. From the moment I discovered him, he’s always provided something new and exciting to the table, like a brand-new meal to feast on, and this record is no exception. Let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new record by MC Teek Hall and producer Sumo Corelone, and together they drop a fresh batch of seven tracks that are sure to turn heads for all the right reasons!

Now, as bizarre as this might sound as a critic. But based on the first track, this album sounds like a sequel of sorts to the ‘RTJ 4’ album. Why? Well, first of all, those alarm sounds remind me of the final leg of the outro track of RTJ 4, ‘A Few Words for the Firing Squad’, and then on top of that, you have the same voice who came through on that last leg also! 

A lot of similarities that reminded me of that album, and not to mention, I feel Teek was rapping similarly to Killer Mike as well! Maybe he was paying homage to him on this record, or maybe I’m just hearing him differently this time around, but I definitely hear Killer Mike influence! 

Going from there, I feel there’s a more robust and minimal nature to these tracks that contains bucket loads of aura and magnetic energy that only Teek and Sumo can create! Let’s take track 2 for example, where we have those funky guitar strings with those groovy, free-form drum patterns that give off a strong 70’s funk vibe (which isn’t entirely new to someone like Teek), who has been known to experiment with a vast array of different sound schemes, but this one was too groovy to deny!

Another track that stood out to me was track 6. I loved it because firstly, that intro, with that deep voice going ‘I AM THE LORD OF DARKNESS’ only to be proceeded with this almost trio hop-inspired beat that sounds glitchy and electronic in nature, and I loved every second of it!

It’s like a voice loop that’s been modified into a more techno beat, but it somehow works well with that consistent demonic voice running through the track!

Although this is my first time experiencing the production of Sumo after this record, he will definitely be on my radar permanently, and his chemistry with Teek is undeniably goated!

Now, onto the man himself. As I said above, this man is known for his experimental ways, always the first to try something different and new, and on this record, we get just that.

Straying a bit further away from his usual wrestling-flooded raps (with only a few references here and there), we get a more serious, hands-on, and introspective version of the man who I once only knew as the ‘wrestling geek of hip hop’ as he dives into an array of subject matters from life, the underworld, and everything in between.

Using his broad abilities, he once again showcases his immense talents for vivid imagery, bringing anything he talks about to life with his verbal skills! His flow, which feels a lot more structured and old-school in comparison to his last release, which I felt to be more ‘free form’ in execution, while this one feels rigid and uniform (in a good way).

His pen game is once again magnificent as he pushes himself further from his comfortable topics and dives into a whole contrast of themes and experiences to give the listener a truly in-depth adventure into his mind and vision at any given song and time.

I feel him doing projects like these, especially with no features, helps prove himself against the other names in the game and helps push his quality control, his consistency, his sharpening of his own techniques, and to further evolve his own approach to hip hop and innovation as a whole, and I feel this album hits two birds with one stone!

Another killer album in the bag for Teek. Chemistry is incredible, verses phenomenal, and once again proves why he’s Hip Hop’s ZSJ!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4mChB4NZfrZdgMBuBGDWij?si=WFg5j3tKRHic48boSAEFSg

(CRYSTAL LAKE)

Look who’s back! It’s one of my favourite newly discovered duos. These two, since the first time I listened to them, have taken over my algorithm and had me anticipating what was going to come next! With their unique chemistry and specific sound, they make music that’s exclusive to them and their own lane, and it’s one I find myself excited to travel time and time again! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new record by MC ZELL and producer Dev Rogers, and together they drop a collection of 11 tracks, 24 minutes, and the likes of 

-Chase Fetti to help elevate the record even further!

If we’re talking about the production on here, I’m surprised to say, but I don’t think I’ve heard Dev better. From someone who has outdone himself project after project, he’s not only proven himself again on this one but set the standard for a whole new record that reaches ‘masterpiece’ level of excellence in my opinion.

Obviously, going for a more ‘eerie’ and ‘surreal’ feel on this record, we have Dev showcase his techniques and talents by creating a record that feels ominous in execution and grand in design.

For example, we have tracks like ‘DIRTY SLUMS’ which has that mix of gritty boom-bap and subtle jazz influences with those drums and light, intricate piano keys that are shading sonic real estate with those muddy bass lines and looped instrumentation!

The kind of beat that can turn a simple ‘trick or treat’ to a ‘give me everything in your wallet and then some’. 

There’s the beat ‘#49DO GODS BLEED’ which has me reminded of some ‘Gorr the God Butcher’ type vibes with that song title. Nonetheless, ironically, it’s one of the more soothing and relaxing beats on the whole record with more jazz-inspired (centre stage this time) free-form piano keys accompanied by some melodic and methodically paced drums that feels like a warm hot chocolate while watching the snow outside type shit! Absolutely loved the vibe on this one!

My favourite track by far is ‘#53 NEW JERSEY TO BALTIMORE’. That instrumental is absolutely insane. Those angelic and mesmerising female vocal harmonies, accompanied by those looping keys, reminded me of the Berserk soundtrack. It’s truly masterful and hypnotic at the same time. I remember listening to this, legitimately zoning out, going into my relaxing state listening to this song!

As I said above, Dev has definitely gone above and beyond for this record, and it shows!

Now onto ZELL! If ActionFigure973 is the most ‘Interesting Man In The World’, then ZELL would be ‘The most intense’ because this man wouldn’t know how to apply breaks on his flow if he tried; he’s just one speed! Ballistic. 

As I’ve come to love and appreciate from this man, he returns with his no-nonsense, in-your-face, rough and rugged approach to the mic with intrusive thoughts, relentless wordplay, unlimited energy, and the aura of an army! 

You can tell every word he says in your fucking bones. You can feel his seriousness and the vivid/gruesome pictures he’s painting for the audience with his verses and bars.

No matter if the beat is angelic or raw, he never switched his style up; he’s a one-style-fits-all juggernaut that runs through any and all instrumentals like a freight train on cocaine!

I feel on this record he’s his most aggressive and hostile. It honestly feels like he’s taking the beats hostage and manipulating them for all their worth while he lets his verbal venom trickle through the cracks and exterior of the production themselves! When a man who sounds like this in his default stage goes to spit on a Halloween-based album? You know you gotta run!

The track featuring Chase is also incredible as both men share similarly intensely crafted verses, and their synchronicity is undeniably strong and infectious to listen to!

Once again, another AMAZING drop by the two men who have captivated me and the underground since they paired up, and I can’t wait for their Christmas album. Man, ZELL rapping over Christmas hymns would be CRAZY! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3rRcvzVlsVDGfAaYnBv5qG?si=fqHb-iljQPWfjBjZCxd36A

(The Night Gawd Dreamed Of Ashes)

This is the definition of a surprise drop! One of the most prolific artists of 2025, a man who wouldn’t know what ‘taking an L’ looks like if he tried, has just shocked the culture with an unannounced release for Halloween, and we are here to cover it! Let’s go!

This is the brand-new album by MC Ferris Blusa! Covering a fresh eight tracks and 18 minutes of content that feels darker and more intense than usual! From that opening track, you can hear those build-up keys, those sharp synth chords that almost sound like ‘Thriller’ in execution, as Ferris uses the art of anticipation to build suspense and excitement for what’s to come in the rest of the record!

When the album properly hits, we are hit with some cinematic and theatrical touches of underground hip hop that is elevated beyond anything else I’ve heard him on this year! (Which is saying a lot.) Every time I think he’s reached his ceiling, he shatters it into something even greater in quick succession!

I love how fluent and consistent the production is on this record. It feels like a walk through a haunted street at midnight. It’s unsettling, nerve-racking, and violent. The kind of instrumentals that could leave a man on the edge of listening to at night time!

It’s sharp, ruthless, overpowering, and decisive in execution and set up! 

If I had to describe what the music itself reminds me of, it would have to be a combination of ‘Geto Boys’ and ‘Twisted Insane’. It’s got that combination of new school hip hop with twisted and yet that malicious, gritty tone of a classic Geto record. Truly a terrifying mix! 

Especially for an album that’s only 18 minutes long! This thing feels like fucking 30! It feels like an underground edition of a ‘Twilight Zone’ episode, and it’s honestly addictive to listen to and perfect for a Halloween drop!

The GAWD himself is on a roll with this record. His down-to-earth and raw energy is amplified tenfold across this project with those darker and sinister themes in place! He’s out for blood and showing no mercy as he raps what could possibly be his most memorable and evil bars to date!

He makes sure to utilise every single second of those eight tracks to a tee! Wasting no time and energy as he makes sure to enunciate every word, hit the bars exactly where they are supposed to be hit, land his trademark one-liners, phrases, and double entendres when necessary, and continuing to dominate with his verbal massacres across the record!

Once again, rocking with no features required, he’s taking centre stage, and he’s one of those MC’s that is more than comfortable in that role. He has enough charisma, personality, and ability to lead a record start to finish without the help of anyone else besides him, and he’s proven that time and time again!

For a man of his calibre to drop out of the blue and still maintain this level of fire is ridiculous. He literally dropped a few weeks ago a record most would consider ‘AOTY’ (dropped a few of those actually) only for him to do it again without any hype or promotion? That is the real definition of a GOAT!

So, get your popcorn ready, your favourite beverage, and get ready to soak into the chaotic story that is ‘The Night Gawd Dreamed Of Ashes’.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5hXWC2ycXq6pwpBbFfrUn9?si=KLzraUr8QMm6NUXeJv0UrQ

(It’s In The Eyes)

Now, this is quite the interesting full circle for me. It was their last collaboration effort that had me rediscover both these men! Flu and Jamal! So in a way this is a fun turn around that I can’t wait to get into! So let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new record between as above mentioned Producer Flu (from Australia) and MC Jamal Gasol. Together they dropped a fresh batch of 7 songs that feature the likes of 

-UFO DEV

-Daniel Son

I must say, I’m really enjoying the more recent ‘Less is more’ series I’ve been seeing with only a few names per project rather then a whole group of names! Makes for a more intimate listen!

Now, as far as the production goes. I was left very happy and satisfied (pause) at the state of sounds Flu decided to run with. This was marketed as a ‘Halloween’ vibe record and it definitely lives up to that hype! You’ve got unnerving variations of boom Bap running rampant across this project! A few of my favourite beats were

‘Resurrection’ where it has those melodic piano keys accompanied by those heavy bass lines and gritty drums that feel like a heart attack to listen to! 

I love the contrast of ‘heavy and light’ this track provides and is the perfect track (as they all are) for Gasol to go off on! 

Another one of my favourites is ‘Killer Run’ this is the track with Daniel Son but it’s the beat itself that stood out to me! It has this 80’s Twin Peeks vibe to me.

With those creepy guitar strings, those glossy keys in the background as well as that bass and violin that forces itself into track and provides a strong aura for the song.

There’s also a light vocal sample here that’s deep in the background that also provide a good ‘eerie’ feel because it can almost be mistaken as screams! Just like in a horror film.

Flu has been MVP for 2025 with my favourite of his production so far being his work with P-Ro ‘Used Crayons’ but this holds a stronger contender for some of his best work! It’s cinematic yet minimal and beautifully woven piece by piece, it’s good to see Flu back especially when he’s as good as he is! 

Now, what can I say about Jamal that I haven’t said across all my other reviews of him. This man is criminally underrated (pun intended) and he has time and time again released some of the best and compelling records the culture has seen and yet I struggle to see him on many lists and that doesn’t sit right with me considering his talent.

Across this project, he out did even himself with his performances. He embraces that heavy, horror filled flow to a tee, making his own verses , cadence and rhythm as dark and brooding as can be and I love it.

He sounds intense as fuck across this record, he’s ruthless, cunning, ever so vivid and to the point that it’s addictive.

Talking about the culture as it stands, the reality of the images portrayed by certain rappers. His own life and problems as well as his one standing he’s an open book about his thoughts and feelings and it makes for great content on the mic. 

He feels like a man possessed across this project, not worried about image or popularity but in speaking the truth and being as down to earth as possible and because of this he’s never sounded better!

He’s able to hold his own with the best of them and that’s exactly what happens when he pairs up with the legends UFO FEV and Daniel Son. Two heavy hitters who could massacre any lesser man on the mic but not Jamal, this man experienced, trained and ready to stand beside and against anyone and those tracks prove it!

If you think you’ve heard either Flu or Jamal before you ain’t heard nothing yet. They’ve decided to end the month with a BANG and it’s a shot that everyone will feel and hear!!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ojjiCbv1kVkWWDH5IVmcA?si=FxoNExjqSmiWNop2-5LcRg

(SHRPNDBLDS)

The long-awaited release is finally here. After a few key singles that captivated the culture, this new record between two of the most captivating artists in the culture is coming together for a project that you won’t be forgetting anytime soon!

Brand new collaboration between MC FlyG and Producer Lo Katana! They dropped 10 tracks and 22 minutes of content that could be Fly’s most mesmerising content! 

Right off the bat, this album (sonically) speaking kind of reminded me of a Pink Floyd album in execution. The actual production and instrumentals have an otherworldly feeling to them with ambient sounds, beautifully enriched atmosphere, and a damn near spacy aura to each and every song.

For example, if we look at the track ‘SIIFU’ which has this daring and avant-garde effect to it with those eerie strings, methodical drums, and those subtle bass lines that make me think of a Pink Floyd song off the ‘Wish You Were Here’ album, darker and more cerebral than most.

Or if we look at the track right after that one! ‘REFINEDWISDOM’ which gives me straight ‘The Wall’ vibes. Those lively yet hypnotic tones with those bouncy chord progressions and layered drums make for a track that I feel is meant to act as a stabiliser track in the tracklist.

It’s direct and captures the mind and ears of the listener! Something very similar to what they did on the ‘Wall’ album.

Of course, you have one of the most fascinating singles in the intro track ‘INSTNTKLL’ a track that is equally beautifully woven as the others with that looping vocal harmony and those Asian-inspired acoustic guitar notes and those light keys in the background! 

This sets the tone for the record and with its angelic presence opens you up to what will soon be known as a grand opening of soulful pieces and elegant sounds! 

Hell, even the song ‘UNSHEATHED’, which is the perfect name for the track because it describes how the song feels. It’s uncompromising and sharp in every sense of the word. You’ve got those high-pitched razor strings that are accompanied by some light keys and drum patterns that provide what could be the most minimal track on the album, but man, does it pack a fucking punch!

This whole collection of instrumentals, I would say, provides what would probably be the most colourful and entertaining I’ve heard yet for a Fly album. Lo really plays his hand and showcases why he should be considered one of the dopest producers out there!

Now, onto my main man himself, Fly. A man who has dedicated his career (especially this year) to creating the best one-liners and puns you can think of, and with a steady rate of improvement in mere months, he’s a lyricist you can’t turn your back on!

Across this 22-minute record, we hear him waste no time and inflict heavy verbal damage with his pen game strikes and vocabulary beheadings to all the haters!

Whether we are talking about his ‘Katana’. His ability to structure his bars in such a way where each and every song is flooded with a heavy stack of phrases, one-liners, puns, complex sentences, and double entendres that leave the listener engaged to the very end with his lyrical superiority! 

Or whether we are talking about his ‘Dual Katanas’, where we see him growing and further utilising his natural charisma and cadence that is woven into each breath he takes. As soon as you hear his trademark ‘I said umm’, then you know he’s about to spit fire and, in doing so, bringing with it his energy, passion, and conviction across the tracks!

If we look at his ‘Yari’, which I would categorise as his immense chemistry and synchronicity with the producer at hand. Something a lot of people don’t take into consideration is the fact that you need to build a strong relationship with your producer in order to create magic, and you can tell from the first song that these two have it in spades!

FlyG’s words melt into the music itself like melted butter as his flow glides through the instrumentals like a leaf mindlessly gliding in the earths wind! 

Lastly his ‘Kusarigama’ his persistence and drive that right now is overshadowing most in the game! Just like the weapon himself he has his slick and light side. That being his readiness to work with anyone and everyone to achieve greatness, his loving and supportive presence within the culture. But then you have the heavy side which is his relentless perseverance, his killer instinct in the studio. 

His output of album after after, EP after single how he’s relenting in his pursuit to be recognised and remembered as one of the best out and it’s in this spirit that he’s forging himself and his vision to reality.

Packed with 4 deadly weapons and in the spirit of planning, arrangement and execution we have yet another golden record by FlyG. He hasn’t missed yet and he hasn’t started now! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0Euh4Gmwm7ka1VE6QQK0o3?si=Hu4JYB9oRjqhvGGeXXwlLw

(Street Purgatory 2)

Another example of a link-up I wasn’t expecting in 2025. A pair of names that in their own lanes have dominated their respective paths and now have found themselves back again for a sequel that had the whole culture waiting, and now it’s finally here, so let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new collaboration (and sequel) by MC Reek, Osama, and Producer BhramaBull, and together they reunite with a fresh 9, 18 minutes, and the likes of 

-Borirock

-Eddie Kaine

-Monday Night

A terrifying trio to try to fuck with, and their legendary art helps elevate this record beyond what I thought was capable for the two of them! 

If we start with the production, Bull provides (dare I say) the first glimpse of high-end, mainstream feel vibes to a Reek record I’ve heard so far. The beauty of his production is that he can always balance that extremely fine line between luxury, bombastic sound signatures while maintaining true to the underground scene with those dark, gritty, and muddy boom-bap sounds that damn near rip your ears off!

For example, we have the track ‘Ogars’ which has those fast-paced, shimmering chords going off, which then are accompanied by some luxury jazz horns and soul-style drum patterns! This track has that balance I mentioned. The expensive jazz influence and the gritty shimmering chords! 

(Plus, Bori’s chemistry with Reek is absolutely insane!)

Or we can look at the track ‘Derty Diana’ which has that almost Middle Eastern, Egyptian ‘The Mummy’ vibe chord progression with those loud and abrasive horns and heavy drums that all fit hand in hand with each other! 

Again, the contrast. I feel those Egyptian sounds are a cinematic score flare while the drums and horns are a more boom-bap influence! Once again, he’s showing us the light and the dark and how they work together! 

Or finally, we can look at the track ‘Jungles’, which low-key reminds me of a GZA ‘Liquid Swords’ track, even though the chorus is an obvious homage to the legendary track ‘The Message’. But I can’t help but hear those deep chord progressions and not hear a RZA-produced influence in the mist! 

This whole production just feels like the best case of synchronicity you can ask for between two states of mind, and the pure talent it takes to make the two worlds collide in a way that isn’t awkward or overbearing. And it makes it some of the best 18 minutes you’ll hear all year!

Man, can we talk about Reek for a second? This brother has never sounded better than he does right now! Maybe it’s due to being around this powerhouse producer, maybe it’s due to having that dangerous trio alongside him, but regardless, he is on top of his game (and the rest) when it comes to these verses that I was blown away!

Across this record, we hear him deliver bone-chilling bars with enough killer instinct to make John Wick hide in the corner! His in-depth street poetry towers over most in the industry, and his devastatingly sharp wit and pen game make for a truly murderous and memorable delivery across these songs!

He isn’t just ‘rapping’ his verses; he’s manifesting them on the beat. He’s using his powerful rhythm and incredible aura to make the words come to life and make you feel like you’re living through every single scenario he’s putting forward, and that’s a chilling thing to consider!

As I stated above, although there are three killer MC’s on the features, I do feel his collaboration with Bori takes the cake. Both men know for their aura-filled bars and executions, and when they come together (at least for the first time that I’m hearing), it’s a beautiful and badass thing to witness! 

Overall, this is probably my new favourite Bori Rock album! The only minor complaint I do have is that I wish the producer tag would have been placed in different parts of the songs to change it up instead of right at the start every time, but that doesn’t change the replay value at all, so it’s really just nipping at my part!

Make sure you go check it out now! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wQVo94hbHRKjWy7Yp9WMK?si=9XRRPJkoSc22m9UoADqAPQ

(VICTORY DISEASE)

I’m trying to think of an artist that has had more of an iconic career than this man. From Infinite Wave to now, he’s caused literal WAVES everywhere he goes, and with good reason! Banger after banger, not a boring album in sight, and now he’s back with a surprise drop with his brother in arms, and this thing is as good as your expectations! Let’s talk about why!

This is the brand-new album by MC and FEED THE FAMILY soldier Bori Rock, this time joined with fellow FEED THE FAMILY member and super producer Tremendiss. Together, they drop a seven-track adrenaline rush with only one feature in -DUN DEADLY. This is a FTF event through and through!

If we take a look at the production first, in my opinion, we get Tremendiss at his most stripped back and skeletal. On this album, he’s utilising the bare essentials in layers and showcasing why he’s one of the best producers, period, by taking a little and making mammoth-size portions out of it!

There are moments like the track ‘MONUMENTAL’ where it starts with what sounds like an 80’s drama flick dialogue. With those distinctive high-pitched strings in the background, it kind of reminds me of ‘Shawshank Redemption’ in the score, and this intro gives the rest of the track with the rapping that much more emphasis! 

Or even that intro track ‘GLORIOUS ZINGER’ which highlights this beautifully woven classic vocal sample that sounds straight from the 60’s. Alongside a more subtle background choir-style vocals and methodical bass guitar! It’s the perfect ease into an album that’s full of bare instrumentation and atmospheric melodies!

One track that stood out to me was the finale track ‘ZINGER TEARS’, not only for that instrumental that has me reminiscing of the 90’s G Funk Era. With those wavy synth chords, light drums, and bass lines.

But as infectious as that production is, this track hears Bori I’d say at his most stripped back and personal. It’s not normally a side of him I’m used to, but it definitely fits for an impactful closer!

What I love about this project and its sounds is that Tremendiss understands it’s only seven tracks and a surprise record. He added in the perfect amount of finesse and cinematic depth into the record that is neither lacking nor overdoing! And it’s in that balance that I feel his mastery is shown!

The only thing I could say against it (and this is extremely nitpicking on my part) is that at the very end of the final track with that sample, it just goes ‘you’ then ends abruptly. I was like ‘why even use that sample at all?’ But again, it doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things but just something to point out! Excellent work by him as per usual!

Onto Bori. Now, what I love about his work is he’s literally the answer to the big problem in hip hop today. You’ve seen everyone saying ‘it’s not enough to simply be a good MC, you gotta also be energetic and entertaining and draw the masses’

He’s literally all that in spades, and then some. When you hear him rap, you ain’t just staying for the fun, quirky street poetry but his eccentric style and mannerisms that make an artist that’s impossible to ignore or forget!

Across this record, he’s more of his trademark flare and outgoing nature across these minimalistic yet grand sonic designs and as trademark, he takes over the room and forces you to listen! 

I love the way he crafts together words, his clever puns, the wavy swag between all of his bars and verses and just his natural charisma that floods any track or album that he’s on!

As I mentioned before, on the outro track, we have him being more introspective than usual, even trying his hand at a time of singing for the chorus (which didn’t sound too bad) and he hammers home the shit he has to deal with, his feelings and more.

With only fellow FTF member DUN as the feature, it’s clear Bori couldn’t be more in his element than he is today. He’s filled with aura, sharp on the pen, groovy on the rhythm, and has a flow and adlib game that can rival the Flygod

himself! As they say ‘On Dawgz like Bori Rock’

Bandcamp exclusive (for now) only $25. Not a steep price to pay to support the man that has given us one of the best discographies of the year so far! Let’s get it! 

https://borirock.bandcamp.com/album/victory-disease

(Shadow Caster)

Two projects in a matter of weeks by this man? Both projects going back to his ‘Sunshine Rap’ era? Nah, this is my Christmas present! We gotta get into this, so no more waiting!

This is the brand-new album by MC Sabio Dub and Producer FVNTVNV, and together they drop a solid ten tracks with 22 minutes of content and featuring the likes of 

-MISKEEN HALEEM

-Dr. LaFlow

-Solute

And this combination of names does wonders for turning this record into a masterpiece! I feel we have to talk about the production first. With this producer being someone I’m sure I’ve covered before and a man who’s definitely making his rounds around the culture, pairing with the best and brightest and helping record bangers!

Across this album, we see him tap into his Ambient/Soul/Jazz influences with each track sounding more melodic and angelic than the last!

Whether you want to talk about that opening track ‘Power’ which features a combination of methodically paced Jazz horns, subtly placed Bass lines, delicate piano keys with a  gorgeous free-form vibe to them as well as some wavering chords in the background that almost sound like a sound effect from a sci-fi flick! Either way, an amazing way to start the record off!

We even have tracks like ‘Turbo Man’ which further pushes that Jazz narrative with those horns placed in a repetitive loop that makes the focus of the instrumental. On top of that, we have more delicate loop keys that have a synth vibrated to them and more of that sci-fi effect notes! 

This is the track that has MISKEEN, the brother from another mother, for Sabio and normally brings out the best of both of them when they are together! 

Or if we take a look at the track ‘Praise Be’, this thing is ASMR on cocaine. It had me dosing off for a  second listening to this instrumental; it literally sounds like recordings of a forest. Which then further incorporates drums and a heavy, what sounds like a looped organ keys, the type you’d hear at a church.

I swear if this man literally went to a forest to record that would be ultimate dedication!

Either way you look at it, this production is gorgeous in every sense of the word, and definitely highlights the man in question. He understood the task of Sabio’s taste to the tee and it paid off 10x fold!

Speaking of the man of the hour, we return with Sabio. The man who (as I’ve noticed) has taken on a few different styles and characteristics across his rap career from the reincarnation of Bob Marley to trying his hand at more gangsta themes and topics to everything else in between. But as I’ve always said he’s always best when he’s on his ‘Sunshine Wave’ and although there are a few moments of bragging and tough guy talks I feel he’s capitalised on that exact vibe across this project!

Utilising this amazing production we hear Sabio possibly more confident than he’s ever been. He’s smooth, grand, soulful in execution and gliding through the beat like wind through grass. The way he raps is just that elegant!

He doesn’t just rap over beats, he absorbs them and amplifies them. So many times I’ve listened to his records and felt a special unison of MC and Beat becoming one and that feeling is divine.

I call him The King Of Sunshine rap for a reason, because just like cats like Blu or at times Chance The Rapper he comes with this wave of positivity and enthusiasm that very few can match. He literally feels like a Rastafarian turned Hip Hop Underground star and nobody seems to be doing it like him! 

Combine this aura with the chemistry he had with the various features and you have a recipe for an album that’s brilliantly crafted and chill on all corners!

Once again, another home run by Sabio! FV did a number on these beats and really made it feel like you are listening to audio magic! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0GRJi12Uc3p6EklhF9o5EO?si=Zyo2hpcUSxyMQh80gAXouw

(Lyrical Lasagna)

Man, as a fat fuck who loves food, all these Narco-affiliated food records are dope! So far, I’ve seen: 

-Four Piece

-Macaroni

-Sauce

And now Lyrical Lasagna! Anything food-related, you know I’m keen for, especially when the record is DOPE! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new EP by Narco-affiliated artist Flypaper Blake! Produced by Skip The Kid and featuring the familiar face of Gustavo Louis! Six tracks, 17 minutes, and a whole lot of swagger attached to this record!

If we start with the MC work here, Fly has a certain level of charisma attached to him, in the same vein as Gustavo, but surprisingly with a bit more ‘oomph’ attached.

His voice reminds me of the 2000s Crunk Lil

Jon area of music. Like a powerful hype man with a voice that can control millions. You know the kind of voice you’d hear on those early singles that would make you want to jump up and party! Cats like Fatman Scoop how he made his presence felt on ANY song he was on and damn near took over the joints with his eccentric, powerhouse energy.

This is exactly what I’m feeling on this record! He’s colourful, gritty, raw, and has enough natural flair for everyone! Across these six tracks, we hear the man go off, showing us his extensive skills in rhythm and wordplay. His hype moods and cadence, as well as his expert lyricism and vocabulary!

This man has the whole package. Combine that with the features of Gustavo, and you have yourself a truly stacked lasagna that is layered with quality performances, fun vibes, and even greater executions! Fantastic work by the man!

Speaking of fantastic work, we have Skip back in the building. One of my favourite producers going right now and a name that’s symbolic of creativity, originality, and exploration in the best ways possible!

As expected from him on this album, he gives a masterpiece of unique sounds, groovy textures, and down-to-earth beats that are sure to make you twist your neck!

Going through this record, if I had to name one song I’d have to call my favourite, it would have to be ‘Imagination’. This song is just such a fucking vibe, man! It’s got everything I could hope for in a beat!

Those delicate keys, those wobbling bass lines, and those raw drum patterns you’d expect to hear from the late 90s rap scene!

In saying that, every track runs within the ones that came after and before it as a beautifully woven, fluent experience of music that can be enjoyed as a full project or picked apart and have a field day with the singles that are all banging individually! That’s the magic that Skip holds! 

Overall, this is another fantastic edition by Skip and a fantastic showing by Flypaper! A man who will now be on my radar!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1YFQzfSMZ2tXooZ0V3kxRF?si=ycp1qorPTJKfdkdPBxeD_A

(1000BUCK$ presents: Non-Euclidean Dust Bunnies)

I really gotta stop using the ‘2025 bingo card’ reference in my reviews. The more I use it, the more ridiculous match-ups the world throws at me to almost prove a point of irony. This time around had to be the biggest surprise of the year! With two men who (as far as I was concerned) were from two different universes in the culture, have come together to release a record that is every part as ‘SPLASHY’ as I’d expect from this duo, with a chemistry that was better than I anticipated! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new record by MC/Producer .Tetsuo and 23 Incredible Soldier ‘THEHIDDENCHARACTER’, and together they drop a collection of tracks that are definitely refreshingly original from everyone else in the game right now!

When we discuss the production, I’m reminded of .Tetsuo’s trademark classic sample usage, and the way he does it is unlike anything else, period. He adds such a skeletal yet cinematic spin on these loops that take your breath away and give the listener goosebumps!

I’m talking 1950’s Classical/Swing samples, and he treats these instrumentals like a ‘Studio Ghibli’ movie soundtrack. 

Dramatic, theatrical, and gorgeous in execution. Little did I know that THEHIDDENCHARACTER would be the perfect partner for tracks like these, and now that I’ve experienced him on them, I don’t want to hear him on much else!

This whole album reads like a continuation of sounds. Like the hip-hop equivalent of a vinyl platter playing on Christmas Eve in front of a fire with hot chocolate and snow outside. This production makes me legitimately feel warm inside! The placebo effect of hearing such classic music unlocks a feeling in me that is deeply rooted!

These loops go beyond ‘Boom Bap’; they are more polished and traditionally kept, which gives them their original textures!

Honestly, when I was listening to this record, I was drifting away, just relaxing and enjoying the internal warmth it gave me as my mind was put to ease! I knew I had to pay attention for review’s sake, but I couldn’t help it! .Tetsuo is so fucking angelic with his production that it takes over the brain and puts you into a state of tranquillity whether you want it or not!

Speaking of the man, as I mentioned above, he’s also an MC as he’s on every track on here. As he’s trademarked to do, he brings back his intense, never-stopping style of rapping. I’m talking the kind of shit you’d need to listen to on 0.5 speed to pick up all the bars and flows!

I do remember on one of my earlier reviews of his that he would slow the fuck down. I guess he ignored me completely because on this record, he’s only one speed, GO! He’s got that tiger’s blood, he’s Bi Winning!

Not only is he fast-paced, but he’s free-form in his flow. Very similar to his fellow brother on this album, he doesn’t have a specific formula to follow for his rhythm or lack thereof. He just raps and says whatever he wants like a verbal machine gun with vocabulary bullets that will land on anything and everything!

It’s quite the interesting contrast to have such meaningful and methodical instrumental samples only to be followed by almost unfathomable lyrics that you have to slow down to understand! But hey, that’s .Tetsuo’s style, and he’s sticking to who he is, and I can respect that!

Now, the exciting addition to this record is THEHIDDENCHARACTER! Someone who, as I mentioned, does have a similar free-lance, all-power-on-no-breaks technique (except a tad bit more paced to understand better), but regardless, I now understand why these two would make a good duo.

Across this record and the songs he’s on, he showcases his trademark swagger-filled flow, rhythm, and lyricism. As usual, it sounds like all his thoughts come pre-rhymed. As if he’s just talking on the mic and never writing anything down!

He fits these beats like a tee! These match his energy and charisma and he goes off on them just as well as .Tetsuo! I would have loved to hear him on all the tracks but it’s a treat to hear him on any regardless!

He kind of reminds me of the modern day Slick Rick. He has that same swagger and aura to him, the same ability to make his own slang terms and phrases that he was the father of! 

He has the same skill of impeccable flow and packed with a bar game so strong he’s often (and deservingly so) compared to the greats for his talents.

Look, I’m still blown away by this pairing. You remember your friends the Chinese guy and the French guy? Yeah me neither. It never happens and yet today it did! I would really love to see more of them in the future!