(IF IT WAS EASY)

Man, sometimes I find it crazy just how much someone can pack into a few minutes or less. This man is the prime example of that! After his stellar job on the first review I did for him this time around, he’s back somehow sounding even more luscious and in-depth than he did before! Accompanied by one of the dopest underrated producers, this track is the perfect teaser for things to come! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by MC AU. Featuring Producer 067Red, and within this 1 minute and 38 seconds, we hear AU spit a tale of tragedy, hardship, and perseverance on a flagship scale!

From the opening line, how he says ‘It’s hard to learn patience/can’t do everything the fast way’, I already love his introspective nature and looking within himself and realising the crossroads of life!

He will further go on to say ‘In space I lost faith in the family/I made mistakes I took a break for my sanity/can’t replace what I broke, I bit the hand that was handing me food’. 

That right there touched my soul. I have so many regrets and fuck-ups I can’t go back and change, and for him to say this so bluntly is something that definitely had me reminded of the past, and it was like a sucker punch to the gut! 

Across this whole verse, although short, he bares his soul, the life he had to live to get to this point, and his demons all for the audience to hear and absorb. Not everyone would be this forthcoming, and I appreciate the honesty!

As far as the production goes, to suit the ever-so-delicate and complex nature of the lyrics, we have 067Red who provides the song with a smooth jazz and soul-inspired track that is so soothing it’s hard to concentrate!

It’s got these succulent drums that groove ever so methodically, accompanied by these plucked bass strings, intricate piano keys in the background, and chords so luscious that it takes over your whole body and gives goosebumps! 

This is the kind of beat you listen to after a hard day’s work when you just want to relax and take the edge off! Which is rather interesting considering the deep and intense lyrical matter at hand, but still, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most harmonic instrumentals I’ve heard in a minute!

If you’re looking for a single that carries both substance and high-class production, look no further than this track right here! It’s the perfect combination of both! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6nqGUVeXFJe6SflFr15IN5?si=CH2KESHuR6-K_PEHW4J7Hw

(Moon At Midnight)

I can’t believe it’s that time again already! Another single is dropped by a producer that has and has had the culture on the edge of their seats for years now, and now with his dive into the instrumental beat tapes, he’s once again captivated an ever-eager audience with more of his grand sounds! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new instrumental track by legendary producer Apollo Brown, whose reputation precedes him. After dropping countless classics in the span of half a decade, he’s turning to beat tapes to continue his ever-growing legacy, and this track might be his best yet!

So, three minutes and 03 seconds of pure creative genius.  We have the track starting off like a classical orchestra in motion with the slow-building swing-inspired strings that fade in and out of centre attention, giving you the feel that something big is coming (which it is), including those swaying high-pitch chords in the background, and this thing is the interlude for the ages!

When that beat kicks in with that slight drum roll and we hear that heavy thudding bass and smooth jazz drum pattern, I fucking lost it when I first heard that transition. The ease of it all, the transformation from subtle to cinematic in one motion, was absolutely incredible to say the least.

This beat takes over the mind, soul, and body. On top of all the new jazz horns and violin, we get these beautifully angelic voice harmonies that are the cherry on an already gourmet cake, and it just tips the beat from phenomenal to perfect.

I feel bad even calling this a ‘beat’; it almost feels derogatory to place it in the same breath as anything else on the market. What Apollo does is creative living, breathing scores that are fit for the highest calibre movie directors and should be treated as such!

I was left speechless with this track; it’s gorgeous in every way possible. Once again, Apollo showcases his pure dominion of quality and excellence, remaining the standard to beat! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2cqT2px4asY455stUNn1zY?si=59GdH5GDQUqkZIAVivICYg

(Wipe One’s Eye)

Sometimes it truly is crazy to see the speed and progression that some artists will make in such a short period of time. This artist, for example, is one I didn’t know about until his collaboration project with Borirock, and now not only is he on my watchlist but in a position where I’m hyped and excited for his new release that just dropped.

After such an incredible performance on that last LP, it only stands to reason that he would surprise me once again, and with a new producer to rock with, he does exactly that— surprise! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new album by MC BeenOfficialLord and Producer Nes Heist, and together alongside the names of 

-Snotty

-Sauce Heist

-Ty Da Dale

-Eddie Kaine

-Reek Osama

They come equipped with a loaded 11 tracks and 24 minutes of content that is sure to jolt the culture and drive all artists involved into a new spark of passion as the bar is set higher once again!

Starting with the production! One thing I loved about it right off the bat was its homage paid to the 90s hardcore East Coast scene! What I noticed was Nes inheriting his innerDJ Premier/Havoc energy. 

I’m talking that real grimy, minimal, and in-your-face atmosphere that feels murderous with every drum, snare, and bass laid out! This is the kind of sound that you’d damn near break your neck bumping this record.

For me personally, I loved the traditional balance between trademark hip-hop and refreshing, original themes and concepts that paved the hard balance between paying homage and keeping the originality and creativity of a 2025 hip-hop record!

I have to say Nes pulls this off better than I’ve seen anyone doing it this year! Shoutout to him!

Now onto the MC side, we have Been. As I said above, he blew up onto the scene with his pairing with Bori and now taking centre stage, he brings forth all the charisma, aura, and energy from the last record but amplified it in spades on this one!

I’ve never heard him so tuned in and precise than I am on this one. He doesn’t miss a fucking beat. He’s rhyme after rhyme, an endless barrage of bars and a savage pen game that he makes look effortless!

My favourite example of this MC dominance is the track ‘Dancefloor’, where accompanied by Umbrella Solider, Snotty comes in like a pair of wordsmith tyrants marching through the instrumental, verbal swords blazing and decapitating all the haters in sight. It’s a tremendous event to hear! 

He spends the entirety of the duration of the 24 minutes showcasing his impressive skills and abilities without taking a single break. From that theatrical intro track to the final outro, he’s making sure he’s earning his position as the main character of the record! He may have shared the spotlight with Bori on the previous occasion, but he’s more than earned his due diligence to be the main act, and he impressed with every passing song!

I love the chemistry he has with the roster! Of course, with Snotty, but also tracks like ‘It’s Me Lord’ with the one and only Reek Osama, that proves he has not only the skill to run an album but match energy with the best of them!

After so much anticipation for this story, he absolutely hit the nail on the head! The production is spot on, and the verse even more so! This ain’t the record you wanna sleep on! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4Zh1Vhip3Z2ASehBgO0HRR?si=srZg-sXTRK6__fl7LKLF8Q

(LYIN ON GOD)

Is there no mountain this man can’t conquer? I’ve seen him tackle head on some of the industries greatest artists and come out on top (one way or the other) even when I didn’t think he could out rap certain individuals such as Earl Sweatshirt that didn’t stop him from putting on such a hard fought and successfully integrated his endless charisma and energy that he made his own versions a household name! Now he’s back tackling what is undoubtedly his toughest challenge yet! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new NARCO REMIX by MC extraordinaire Gustavo Louis and this time he’s tackling the track ‘Blood Libel, Who’s that lying on god’ By none other then the legendary lyricist powerhouse JAY ELECTRONICA! The man who is in a world all in his own known for his cinematic music and pen game so mythical that you have to encrypt the verses first before you can even fuck with them! With this mission ahead of him, I wonder how Gustavo would handle himself and it turns out he puts up one hell of a lyrical fight (one so good the GOD himself acknowledged on IG) which says everything you need to know!

Across this track, we hear more then ever Gustavo push his natural charisma and energy to a 1000x to match the aura of the track. He comes in at 200 miles an hour with complex lyricism and precise flow to front!

This is a man whose know for his bold characteristics and ability to weave words and ideas unlike many others! whether he’s on his own beat or someone else’s, his blending skills to match the aura and vibe of the instrumentals he’s given is ridiculous and the speed in which he’s able to incorporate them into his own style is something that will soon be studied! 

Across this track he charges in with magma quality pen game, furious puns and phrases to keep you on your analytic toes for hours going through it all and with the vocabulary capabilities rivaling the greater he’s got the perfect recipe for a unforgettable remix that will even get the gods to come down and grant attention!

I can’t speak enough high praise for Gustavo attempting this shit. He’s an animal with these remix tracks, going after the best in the industry and trying his hand at the top and performing such extraordinary performances that I can’t help but tip my hat off to him! Nothing but love all around and once again another remix worth checking out!

https://gustavolouis.bandcamp.com/track/lying-on-god-narcomix

(The Omen)

NOW THIS IS MORE FUCKING LIKE IT! This is my kind of shit! Shade, my man, he doesn’t know how to take L’s if they tried! Neither does his MC accomplice on this track, and when they combine? Nah, it’s a wrap! This is the kind of single I wanted from September!

This is the BRAND NEW single by MC Xcel and Producer Shade Cobain. More 6th man excellence on display, and this track is beyond ridiculous! Let’s talk about why!

As the name suggests, this track has a haunting quality to it. You’ve got those deep, darkly choir vocals that are echoed for further dramatic effect, that give a cult vibe, then we have those methodical drums and those chilling piano keys that give the body goosebumps!

This is definitely a track I couldn’t play at night. I ain’t good with horror shit on the best of days, let alone at night, and this track is guaranteed to make you feel a certain type of way! 

It’s eerie, infectious, and masterfully crafted with movie samples spread throughout for a further effect! 

Ontop of this track, you couldn’t ask for a better MC than Xcel! This man has been on a run of his own this year, and this teaser track has further cemented his status as a powerhouse MC!

His chilling and cold-blooded performances make for the perfect chemistry over this beat! He sounds as ruthless as ever. He’s calculating, relentless, unforgiving, and downright murderous on this beat with

impeccable flow, sharp wordplay, and a pen game that he makes look so effortless that it’s frightening!

He delivers two of his best verses to date across this single and got me hyped for the future record!

Unless this is going to be like a Michael Jackson Thriller type situation where one track off the whole record is horror-themed and the rest is normal (which is fine either way), but regardless, this has got me hyped for the upcoming Xcel and made me feel a certain type of way I didn’t know I could!

So, lock your doors and bring your popcorn because you’ll be in for a SCARE!

https://xcel777.bandcamp.com/track/the-omen

(J’ouvert)

It’s been a minute since I last covered this legend! He and his team have developed a 2025 catalogue that makes most of the cats jealous with ridiculous singles, EP’s and albums! This time around, we see him team up with a familiar 6th man producer to create one of the most interesting singles I’ve heard to date by him! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by MC and Underground Legend The Bad Seed! He’s accompanied by Producer Shade Cobain, and together they drop a 2-minute single that’s sure to knock your block off!

Firstly, we gotta discuss that beat! This time around, we hear this rock mixed with funk-type instrumental filled with plucked guitars, heavy bass, and drums so thick and crisp you’ll feel your heartbeat pump out of your chest!

This beat is kind of hard to describe; it feels out of time, like a late 80s disco vibe, something you’d expect to hear playing over pimps and ballers doing white lines while discussing business! It’s truly a remarkably interesting beat and, of course, gives the main star the perfect platform to go OFF on!

The Bad Seed, one of the few cats left that’s the same person in and out of the studio. One who ain’t ever afraid to share their opinions, right or wrong, and a man who will stand on business every day of the week!

Across this beat, he lets out his ruthlessly aggressive verses, showcasing once again (as he always does) why he’s one of the strongest in the game!

I love how he starts his first verse: ‘First of all, I gave birth to y’all/I crawled so you brothers can walk.’ That’s exactly it! The amount of time he’s spent in this game is beyond 90% of these cats, and yet he’s still here, giving constant masterclasses in how to deliver the perfect verse, the right energy, how to formulate your pen game, and what an experienced player in this game does with his swagger!

Something a lot of people don’t talk about is his raw charisma and confidence that he brings with him on every track! He knew he was THAT GUY since day one and he’s proven that claim with close to (if not already) 30 years of experience as he continues to get better with age! 

I also love how close the track off ‘you should be either fucking your wife or working’ fantastic mentality to have and very true statement!

As expected, this track is another BANGER from the legendary MC and the notorious one behind the beats! Together they haven’t made a wack song yet and they don’t start here!

https://thebadseed6.bandcamp.com/track/jouvert

(INNER CITY BLUES 2) IN MEMORY OF FREDDIE GRAY

YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS! It’s a new review by that solid duo. The one that has been making waves across the underground and making an impact unlike many others! After reading already a handful of their projects, I feel the rush of adrenaline surge through me as I cover a new project I haven’t heard yet, like caffeine straight to the veins! With that in mind, LET’S GET TO IT!

 So, this is the 1st of August drop by dynamic titans MC ZELL and Producer Dev Rodgers dropping another nine tracks with just under 20 minutes of content, and this one is a stark contrast to the one I did previously!

While the other one was the dark and depraved older brother of Boom Bap, this one feels like the soulful, angelic, and innocent sister who brings the harmony and love into every song! Let me explain!

So, this whole project is beautifully crafted, melodic soul, and ambient vibes with those luscious chords, slow, methodical piano keys, lavish vocal harmonies, and drums so soothing you’ll feel like you’re listening to a Norah Jones record! Absolutely gorgeous. 

This makes me realise (as I often forget) that Dev can literally do any style he puts his mind to. He has no ceiling to reach; he just does whatever suits him on any given project, and that’s what makes him a rare cat!

These beats feel like later discography Mac Miller in all its divinity and beauty, the kind of production you could fall asleep to in a peaceful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed! (Something I had to often remind myself not to do for review’s sake) but nonetheless an absolutely engaging and fantastic experience from the man with no weakness in his field!

Now on to ZELL. I have to say he really surprised me this time around, after hearing the track ‘TESTIMONY’ where he (in his trademark bold tone) talks about the contrast towards people digging in bins for food and people complaining about minimum wage and putting shit into perspective!

I’ve never heard such an aware and deeply personal song from him before. For all intents and purposes, I’ve heard he’s a man with a golden heart, but this is the first time I’m hearing it in a song!

When it comes to the rest of the record, he brings his famous eccentric and powerful vocals combined with his sharp pen game and dominating flow that can be felt from five blocks away! 

Especially across these beats, his aggressive charisma and cadence provide a refreshing touch! Kind of like getting into a cold pool on a scorching hot day! Or eating something hot on a freezing day! 

That instant hit of relief or comfort in having the extreme opposite is how this album feels! It’s infectious in every kind of way!

Once again, they haven’t missed ONCE. Nothing but strong vocals and strong production to make this, I think, 5-0 now? I lost count, but not a L in sight!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5aG1POLvmATS8yQ1qy6h6Y?si=7eZW25fRSwOHwD8Gv0xNMw

(Success II Society)

Talk about an EXCITING DAY! It’s been easily a few months since I last covered this man on an older record nonetheless, and now I get the opportunity to review a brand new album by one of the strongest lyricists in the underground! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new album by MC Jamal Gasol and features the producers of 

-Vanderslice

-Cedar Law$

-The StandOuts

-Sonny Carson

-P.A. Dre

-AKOUSTICFUNKBOT

-Baritone Brown

-Kool Majors

And MC’s

-Kelzkillher

-Toney Boi

And fuck, I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this! This shit is INCREDIBLE! I have to start with the production because at first I was worried when I saw such a long list of names (I’ve always gravitated more towards single producer/single artist formula), but in this case, this wide range of beat makers makes for a compelling and sound wheel of influences that never leaves a boring moment!

For example, that opening track ‘Respectfully’ has this incredibly chilling boom bap sound by Vanderslice. With those methodically paced keys, surreal drums, and heavy bass thick enough to knock your socks off!

This beat screams East Coast Hardcore vibes, and I love it! 

Also, love how Jamal adds the word ‘Respectfully’ every few bars! It’s a nice addition to the track!

But to my surprise, as soon as the next song played ‘Life Is A Gamble’ by Cedar Law$, we hear one of the most beautifully crafted soul-sampled tracks I’ve EVER heard in the game!

We have those funky horns in the forefront, alongside those plucked strings and smooth drum beats that melt your mind and body at the same time! 

There’s also some relaxing what sounds like sharp violin in the background, helping the track reach its climax! To say this instrumental is infectious would be a massive understatement! 

Also, another track I fuck with heavily is ‘Little Money’ by Producer AKOUSTICFUNKBOT’ because similar to the second track, it has a heavy, funk/soul vibe to it that I fell in love with! With those dreamy long keys, plucked strings, short notes synth chords, as well as an absolutely gorgeous vocal harmony to make this track angelic as fuck! 

All this to say that, even though multiple heads in the kitchen can sometimes cause chaos, today they found that sweet spot of arrangements and harmony that is rarely found in a situation like this! Nothing but respect to everyone involved!

Now onto Jamal. As I said, he’s one of the most underrated MC’s in the culture right now as he’s a man who makes sure all his verses feel larger than life and grand in execution. It’s less like he’s spitting ‘bars’ more than he is spitting sermons that activate the brain and soul!

On this project, he’s got powerful words and eccentric charisma! His flow is equal parts sharp and melodic in his own style. It’s like his pen game is quick slashes to the throat too quick for anyone to notice before it’s too late.

Nothing explosive or heavy, just slick and deadly force from the pen of a master! I love how vivid he can make his imagery when he wants to or how down to earth and no nonsense he can execute it in the same breath depending on his mood!

The main thing to take away from his style is that he’s always calm, composed, and in his element on the production! Never one to feel awkward or uncomfortable, never hearing him screw up or make a track that doesn’t feel completely flawless because he’s a MC who’s always going to take control and make the music he wants!

I found myself immersed in this project from the very end! No filler tracks, just banger after banger, and I hope more people can hear this incredible chemistry between producers and rappers! Check this out now! Shoutout to all the features involved! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2bBLex3fT6RBsA7VQpF4Cc?si=j8izNnTHQH2jggn_zfKo5A

(Strive For More)

After the amount of singles I’ve heard so far, it only confirms one thing. This record in its entirety is going to absolutely BLOW UP THE CULTURE, in a way I’m not sure many albums will! 

I’ve heard nothing but praise and quality work from these two and this latest single only re-confirms the level of mastery on display here, so without any more discussion, let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new single by the combined efforts of MC Agallah The Don & Producer Blaq Medici who, as mentioned above, have been teasing a record that is ridiculously banging in all areas and this single might just be the cherry on top!

Firstly, we gotta discuss that production! Once again we see Blaq diving into his more surreal and methodically paced atmospheric sounds that make your soul dance with internal goosebumps!

The track starts off with those delicate piano keys that transform into a jazz-infused 80’s vibe track that has funky bass and rock and roll-style drums! 

What really blows this track up for me is how they incorporate these gorgeous freelance jazz horns that take over the song as the MVP element! As if the track wasn’t already banging without it, but this jazz solo tips it over the edge and forces the mind and ears to experience ultimate euphoria! 

I can’t tell you how many times I replayed this track in nervous excitement waiting for that jazz part to come back! Made my hairs stand up every time it returned, the track itself is masterfully done but that one part just hits me harder than most!

Now onto the MC work. We have Agallah once again proving why he’s the Don. He doesn’t rap verses, he speaks success into existence! Once again he showcases his powerful vocal style, his ruthless charisma and earthquake-level flow that shakes with every breath taken! 

What’s scary is, not only does he have this dominating personality, but he’s also an exceptional MC who can paint the most vivid imagery that’s equal parts tough and beautifully written! He has a wide vocabulary and a great sense of timing, precise bars, and a pen game so strong it feels like the audio equivalent of the yakuza coming for your head!

I can’t stress enough the chemistry between these two. This could be the finest example of a pair so smooth and with perfect synchronicity that it puts all other pairings to shame! They share one mind, one musical soul, and together they will most probably release ‘AOTY’. 

Check in to this single TODAY! And feel the excitement!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4K1hmdI6RsOhJQLhWjGnTr?si=bM1wGzxTRPGQdb_xiHEOWA

(VICTORY SIGAR)

You know, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of going through a dope artist’s discography and finding older gems that you may never have come across otherwise! This is one of those occasions. After dropping one of the dopest albums of last year and talking to this man regularly on socials I’ve developed a friendship with the man behind the role of ‘MC’ and now I get the chance to see what he brought to the table in the year prior to his ‘Kensei’ drop and so with that in mind let’s get into it!

This is the 2023 album by MC Weapon E.S.P and Producer Mr Rose! A man who I haven’t covered in a minute but once whose reputation definitely precedes him! A man with a production style unlike any other associating himself with the frequent acts of 

-Estee Nack and Al Divino he’s become part of the culture one way or the other and now we get to hear how he handles a Weapon’s album (spoiler alert) he KILLS IT!

From the very first track I could hear Mr Rose’s trademark combination of Gritty Splash Boom Bap and manipulated Jazz notes to create a sensational atmosphere that only HE could pull of!

I’m talking distorted plucked strings, thudding drum patterns, intricate keys and unpredictable chord progressions that never follow the usual rhythms to give the listener that sense of ‘unpredictability’ and ‘excitement’

He’s able to take some of the most beautiful inspirations and turn them muddy and infectious at the same time. By taking a small handful of elements per song and turning them distorted, experimental and noise inspired he creates an original sound that no one can has been able to replicate!

If I had to choose a favourite track off this album it would have to be track 6 ‘SMOKEEXCELLENCE’ I love this track because it has a heavy Jazz feel with those horns being the centre of the song accompanied by heavy bass and slick drums! It’s so minimalistic and yet so groovy st the same time!

I’ll never get tired of hearing Rose on production because he creates refreshing instrumentals that never follow anyone else’s lane but his own! The definition of an ARTIST.

On to the MC. Of course as I expected Weapon upped his game on this record and it shows! As good and conceptual as he came across in his Kensei record on this one he just sounds straight savage, no nonsense, raw bars to match the ever muddy instrumentals by Rose!

This version of Weapon has to be one of my favourites! As much as I love when he’s on his story telling vibes, his ruthless demeanour over boom Bap makes his stand out as a juggernaut in the underground scene!

He doesn’t stop for a second across this project, bars after bars, clever puns, wordplay and phrases, slick flow impressive vocabulary and a swagger to match! 

When he’s in this mode I can’t imagine anyone that could stop him! He’s on his grind and he’s moving 100 miles an hour!

On this track, he is accompanied by long time collaborator and brother -GHOSTOFTHEMACHINE and their chemistry is well known and so of course they absolutely kill it! he also has a fantastic working with this kind of production!

Overall, this was a fantastic throwback album that I wish I had discovered sooner! It’s fresh, raw and masterfully crafted by all parties involved! 

https://weaponesp.bandcamp.com/album/victory-sigar-by-weapon-e-s-p-mr-rose