(The Steubenvillian)

As if I wasn’t a Penlordz stan already. But now they decided to drop a Godzilla-themed Hip Hop album? It’s as if they can see through my mind and deliver projects they know I’ll love the most. It’s insane, we gotta talk about it!

This is the brand-new LP by Penlordz member Audio Messiah! Accompanying him is the producer DJ Phurcat and the other members of the Penlordz Fam, Ross and Arsinel, as features!

Right off the fucking bat, I love that intro track, which sounds like a sea shanty track with that majestic choir-like vocal harmonies that transitions into that old-school Hip Hop vibe! 

As the album continues, we have tracks like ‘Bum Rush Bros,’ which I already reviewed and was one of my favourite singles of the year! Absolutely powerful Jazz/Surf Rock vibes! Incredible single.

Throughout the rest of the album, we have tracks like ‘1 Things 4 Sure, 2 Things 4 Certain,’ which has a more minimalistic/Skeletal Boom Bap feel to it with those low bass lines, cold piano keys, and traditional drum pattern! Definitely a more raw cut than the rest but a track that helps emphasise the vocal capabilities of the Penlordz!

‘Goodfellaz’ is one of the more soulful cuts on the album with that persistent vocal harmony, repetitive synth chords that subtly go off in the background, and those thick bass! Plus, the vocal introduction to the record was absolutely gorgeous!

The aspects I love most about the production on this record are the Godzilla Snippets! From the third track ‘Briefing Room Skit’ to the finale ‘Light Show,’ I got goosebumps listening to those interludes because I am a HUGE Godzilla head, and so this was right up my alley! I hope everyone feels the same way as me!

Onto the MC work, one thing I’ve noticed after studying and listening to Penlordz as long as I have is that although all three are absolutely phenomenal and dope, no questions asked, Audio Messiah has always demonstrated a special preacher-like trait whenever he raps, and it’s quite exceptional.

Especially in recent drops, whenever he raps, he’s always doing so with a message or warning, spiritual awakening, or advice on something. His words very rarely come without substance with them. 

I think back to that EP ‘The Right Foodz’ talking about the danger of not having the proper food pyramid! And what’s impressive to me is that talking to him outside of the music, he’s exactly the same in and out. 

A very thoughtful, intelligent man with incredible integrity, which in this day and age is not easy to find!

As far as his actual work goes, he’s second to none. Incredible rhyme structures, powerful vocal performances, skilful and important lyricism, and legendary pen game! His flow has always been on point, and his natural charisma, cadence, and aura are things you can’t buy or learn but something you’re born with!

He’s one of my favourite MC’s to listen to (along with Fam and Arsinel), who are prevalent on this record as well, keep pushing the envelope of what real hip-hop is supposed to be and sound like, and I’ll forever respect them for that!

If you ain’t ready to fuck with this album, then you’re the one missing out! This thing is incredible front to back and will definitely be in my replays for 2025!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6j8jMRR8vswJShJH7UsUxU?si=V-D3v0aiSuK3v85rOYuFUg

(Birth Of A Dynasty)

Man, can we mention the absolute run ‘Black Soprano Family’ has been on this year? It seems Benny and his roster are growing stronger by the month, and this album is further proof of that! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the brand-new album by rap phenomenon Streets Soprano! This album is entirely produced by Imminent Productions and features a fellow MC, Heckler, joining Streets across the entire nine tracks! As this album features 

– Weso Gee

– Fuego Base

– Bigga N!gga 

When we talk about the production style of this album, it’s clear to me what the aim was meant to be. That being the trademark polished and high-end variety of East Coast Style Street Rap that Jay-Z brought to the game and was later taken over by Benny The Butcher in the modern era.

Those grand instrumentations with the rich atmosphere mixed in with those grimmy, muddy boom-bap flavours to create the very blend that albums such as ‘Burden Of Proof’ were made from.

It’s in this production that I feel best suits these brief 21 minutes, a rather familiar short time frame for most of these BSF releases. This is the perfect choice because it not only captures that cold and calculating street rap that BSF is renowned for but also gives the most impact and depth for the smallest run time, which captures the minds of listeners the easiest due to the current society and attention spans.

In order to capture the hearts of the audience, BSF routinely make short and explosive EP’s/Albums full of grit, cinematic production, and ruthless instrumentals that both inspire and leave the listener mean-mugging the world from those cold beats! 

For 21 minutes, this is some of the dopest I’ve heard in a minute! Imagine Prime Hov meets Burdon Of Proof Benny, and this is the sound you should expect! Incredible!

Now, to talk about this duo. Some might say this album could be BSF’s ‘The Purple Tape’ effort. This is the first I remember being a duo effort on one of their tapes, and I loved it! From the synchronicity to the obvious chemistry they both shared.

The way they both executed their verses with relentless finesse, dropping off to the other to close the track off! There was confidence in one another and a shared mindset.

Both feature exquisite street poetry that is just as impressive as anyone in the game so far! Their flow was sharp and powerful, and their pen game a notch above the rest! I love how throughout the album you hear constant snippets of a woman saying ‘So, why don’t you trust anyone?’ It makes the record feel that much more ‘serious and raw’ in delivery.

As if both men weren’t solid enough, they were able to test their abilities against three of those strongest MC’s in the game today. All three lit the track on fire, and this duo not only matched the savage energy but maintained their own statures and strengths! Proving that if they can rap alongside these three, they can survive anywhere! 

All in all, a fantastic effort by Streets Soprano and Heckler! The production was immaculate, and the verses even more so! Make sure you don’t miss this one!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2oOuSDHfg3AZREiTxmLjXU?si=2FY17cgoSiiOHcxYCkOI_w

(CHURCH)

It’s been so fucking long since I last covered this producer. A man who has always blown me away, whether that be his work with Penlordz or his beat tapes. He’s always thinking outside the box, and that practice isn’t lost on this one! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration between MC FLUSHDRUG$, who is new to me! But his producer, Gold Matter, is someone who definitely isn’t! His last two remix tapes with Mac Miller and Joey Bada$$ were some of my favourite albums of this year, and so of course I was excited for this record. I can say it doesn’t disappoint!

How can we not start with production on this one, considering the powerhouse that’s involved with it? Gold Matter, the one who has created a bar to meet in this year alone, is back with, I’d say, some of his most melodic, harmonic, and soulful production to date! 

Honestly, after seeing that artwork for the album, I was expecting a throwback to the OFWGKTA days. It gave me the same vibes, but that wasn’t the case at all. If you could compare this record to anyone in that clique, I guess you could say Frank Ocean in that it’s definitely more ‘RnB/Soul/Funk/Lo-Fi’ instrumentation, and I love every second of it!

I love how a lot of the tracks are under a minute and capitalising on the peak attention spans and providing the most power and sonic explosion in the shortest amount of time to create maximum effect and impact! 

I also love how most of the tracks feature vocal harmonies on them. From choir style to soul extravaganzas to everything in between. Something about adding organic-sounding voice loops over a song makes it that much more lively and memorable to me, and so this album blew me away for an extra reason! 

Imagine Knxwledge mixed with Frank Ocean and then sprinkled with some J. Dilla, and that’s how this feels to me. Once again, Gold Matter is on top of his game and has provided one of the smoothest and colourful performances I’ve heard all year!

Now, onto the newcomer (for me) in ‘FLUSHDRUG$’, the man has one of the most unique vocal deliveries I’ve heard in the modern era. There seems to be no structure to his bars as it feels like he’s just going off what sounds best to him in his head at the time of recording!

A very freelance, natural/unpredictable style of performances that reminds me a bit of ODB or ironically the OFWGKTA boys in their real early days.

He’s definitely dope on the mic, I love how he can switch his energy from serious to lighthearted to loud or subtle in a flick of a switch. From one track to the next, you’ll never know which one you’ll be getting, and I love that level of diversity! 

His lyricism is chaotically beautiful, his pen game is witty and interesting, and his flow is at times abrupt and spontaneous, which is a blessing to hear since I love rappers who push the boundaries! 

I love how he takes this record on by himself with no features! Just him and the legendary producer and 14 tracks. This to me is the best thing someone could have on their music resume! Being able to carry a record solo! Features are fine, but when someone drowns their record in them, it (for the most part) can be a turn-off! So I’m glad he let his natural charisma and personality shine on this one!

If you ain’t checking this cat out, you’re definitely losing out! Behind that magnificent production, this album can’t be beaten! CHECK OUT NOW! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1naqyzrsi8qBBD5yTqvgub?si=JqjIvb9RT1mGuDPPsDAqnQ

(RXD $VMMXR)

Man, what a year this man has had so far! From his instant classic in January to his most recent project not that long ago, this man is on a quest to make the best possible discography before the end of the year, and to be honest, he hasn’t missed yet! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest EP by MC K. Burns and Producer Crabskull, and together they released five new tracks featuring the likes of 

– Teller Bank$

– Conspiracy 

Starting with the production here, I feel this is more on the ‘mellow’ side than we’ve seen him so far. Even more so than his ‘A Stoners Life’ and definitely a deep contrast to his January record ‘War Dogs’, which is still one of the darkest and muddiest records you’ll hear in 2025.

But regardless, Crabskull provides a generally atmospheric, surreal, and hypnotic experience with fusions of Hip Hop, Lo-Fi, Jazz, Soft Rock, and Ambient. 

This is the kind of instrumentals that makes your brain wonder and your body relax as you get ready to experience a dope hip hop record that will keep you tunnel-visioned in until the very final track. Only 13 minutes; they knew they didn’t have any time for filler or bullshit, and so there is not!

Mellow doesn’t mean less than. When producers or artists find their perfect ‘rhythm’ and sound, then it can become engaging, addictive, and most importantly, memorable. I feel this EP, although only five tracks, has enough substance, rich instrumentation, and high-quality production to keep everyone coming back for more!

What’s there left to say about K. That hasn’t already been said? I can say this: he’s definitely one of the most wavy MC’s in the game right now. He drips swagger, and he can make any noise that comes out of his mouth, whether that be bars or adlibs, sound entertaining!

As usual, he’s delivering his bars in the most paced and methodical manner possible. He’s never in any rush and he’s in no need to be. He’s the man in this game right now building a legacy for himself that most will only dream of, and in that reality, there’s no room for him to be chasing after anyone! 

His lyricism is top tier, his flow is fluent as usual, and his cadence is ruthless, relentless, and his pen game is sharp and cutthroat!

He’s the kind of MC that is more than capable of working solo to make a project and is also equally as capable of making a record pop with a healthy roster of guests!

On this one, he brings only two MC’s but they are some of the best in the game! To me, this feels like a flex, a message to the haters saying ‘If I can rap alongside these two cats, who can’t I fuck with?’ And those two tracks absolutely slap!

Once again, another SOLID record by K. Burns to add to his collection. He’s proving to have one of the best runs in the game right now, and who’s going to stop him?

https://teamfamegvng.bandcamp.com/album/k-burns-rxd-svmmxr-ep

(WXLFGOATZ)

Man, it feels like years since I last covered this man, but fuck me, has he come back with a vengeance! I remember enjoying his last album,

but this one feels like a whole different monster! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest album by MC MONEY MOGLY and Producer TEV95, and it features the likes of 

-PRO THE ARTIST

-ORION

-DJ EXES

-SHOTTIE 

-SALAZAR EL TABAQUERO

-ANDRE DeSAINT

-ASUN EASTWOOD

-NOEMOTION GOLDMASK

-JOEY DaSILVA

Now, let’s talk about that production because although there’s so much going on, it’s all grand, masterfully done, and so fucking hype! Listening to this album gave me as much energy as an energy drink! I felt sonic caffeine run through my veins, and it was a surreal experience!

You wouldn’t expect it from the opening notes of the first track that sounds like an orchestra is behind in the studio doing live music with MONEY, but as the song continues and it gets into that heavy-handed Hip Hop album with its various inspirations, you understand what kind of record you’re getting into!

For example, you have tracks like ‘TREO’ which is easily my favourite song ‘production-wise.’ Why? It’s because of that chorus or repeating loop of that (Spanish?) vocal harmony that has this fast-paced energy to it, kind of reminds me of an old Disney cartoon vibe with how chaotic and unpredictable but fast-paced it was! Every time that part came out, I’d smile because not only was it fun but unique in execution!

The song right after that, ‘MOPEDS,’ features a more methodical vibe with those classical notes and cold piano keys combined with that skeletal drum pattern!

This song sounds like a classic painting come to life! It’s very haunting yet beautifully crafted at the same time!

Across this album, you’re going to get some tracks that have a more ‘polished’ and ‘mainstream’ feel and others that maintain his trademark ‘gritty’ and ‘muddy’ boom-bap experience, but that’s the beauty of this record! There’s so much for everyone that I know everyone in one form or another will be satisfied!

MONEY himself is back harder than ever. Deciding to come with a powerhouse roster, he’s showcasing why he’s one of the best out right now! He has that monotone, cold, and ruthless rap style with his street poetry lyricism, vicious pen game, and incredible use of flow and wordplay!

Every track he spits on feels like an in-depth story or situation come to life that makes you feel like you’re wearing a VR watching his events happen right in front of your eyes! He has a strong cadence and the type of energy that when he speaks, everyone listens!

I love the chemistry he comes packed with across those legendary names! He proves he can dominate a track solo but also proves when accompanied by his contemporaries that he’s more than capable of standing his own and doing verses just as good if not better!

If you loved his other album he dropped earlier in the year, then you will LOVE this one. It’s him on his prime shit, only stronger! Stronger production and better MC work; he’s proving why he’s THAT GUY, and you can’t ignore it! 

https://moneymogly.bandcamp.com/album/wxlfgoatz

(Pure Form 2)

A brand new duo to cover, one that I’ve seen gaining traction all over the socials, and although this is a record that dropped last month, I had a feeling it would be fire, and after listening to it, it seems my premonition was right! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the latest collaboration effort between MC’s MISKEEN HALEEM & Sabio Dub, and together they bring you 12 tracks and 34 minutes of content that is sure to have you banging! The production features are as follows:

-Mark Stirner

-Sabio Dub

-FVNTVNV

-Raticus

And with just one rap feature by -Unorthodocks, this one is grounded, concentrated, and more focused on being an album that is quality without worrying about having too many names attached to it!

I can’t lie, the production across this album is the definition of beautiful! From the very first track, you can hear how theatrical, blissful, atmospheric, and surreal these sounds are. These sound like 70’s/80’s soundtrack scores made for cinema but converted to album form. I LOVE that Jazz/Soft Rock-inspired production that makes up most of these tracks because that too inspires me that movie era (Lethal Weapon), and it gives me goosebumps!

With every new track that played, the more the hairs on my arm stood up! I ain’t one to lie on my reviews, but as someone who is a Jazz/Hip Hop fusion stan, this one made my day! It all feels like it’s a continuation! No breaks in the sonic motion, just track after track of the same flowing, gorgeous production that makes your body relaxed and your mind wonder!

This album sounds like the sonic equivalent of ‘Happiness’; it’s the purest form of it I’ve heard in a minute. Essentially, you could call this ‘stoner music,’ which is the same difference. This is the kind of album you listen to when it’s a bright, nice day out, you’re walking through a local woodland, blunt in one hand, walking the dog, and just vibing!

I love these, fun and explorative type albums, and honestly, we need more of them in the culture. Everything is so serious now and grim. Which is fine; I love those albums as well, but every now and then, it’s refreshing to get a record as carefree and artistic as this one is! I can’t speak highly enough of the production! Absolutely incredible!

Now onto the magnificent duo! I say that because these two have a level of chemistry that most wish they had! It’s incredible! You’ve got two different styles combined with the right amount of energy, enthusiasm, charisma, and passion for the game!

Both men had a smooth and powerful flow, both featured an impressive vocabulary and lyricism, and wordplay to match! Each track had a handful of clever and witty one-liners or puns that made you appreciate their pen game, and they had such a slick approach to the mic that, combined with that lush production, I was smiling ear to ear listening to this one!

I love how, besides that one feature mentioned above, it’s just them! They are proving that they don’t need a bucket load of features to make this album pop; they are MORE than enough, and they definitely prove that! 

They have an uncanny synchronicity and groove to match! To say it was a blast to listen to their back-and-forths would be a huge understatement! And something I wish everyone could experience!

Definitely an album worthy of checking out! From the production to the dope MC work! Make sure you don’t miss out on this modern-day masterpiece! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/372lJYZHoTu4rArAooJlQK?si=rff5vt-YRFuKNthpL1MvPw

(Be Supreme Coming)

I never thought I’d say this, but after countless reviews and drops by this man and his collective, I think this might be his best project yet! Let’s talk about why!

This is the latest collection of tracks dropped by Penlordz member Fam Ross! From what I can gather, this is a collection of vaulted tracks that he deduced to release in this first volume that features the likes of 

-Kheyzine 

-Gold Matter

-Bossy

-Mgerm

-Da Grand Hova on the production and the likes of 

-Audio Messiah

-Bossy

-Benny Serrano 

Now, starting with the production factor across this record. I’m surprised to say it might be one of his most consistent yet! (I say that with a touch of shock as this was a vault drop), but we have something beautiful throwbacks of 

-Jazz

-Lo Fi-Ambient

-Old School Hip Hop

-Soul

-Funk

And these genres and vibes are perfect on their own, but when you combine them with the levels of finesse and creativity that these guys did on this record, it makes it even more satisfying and fantastical!

It’s the scene of gritty yet grand designs on these instrumentals. How you have some tracks like ‘Hand Play’ which features a trademark boom bap sound with that distorted synth and thick drum patterns!

But what stands out to me about it is the fact they let the beat ride for a good 30-40 seconds at the end, which (for me) creates incredible atmosphere and ambience within the track!

Then you have tracks like ‘BBL Facelifts’ which has a more surreal, methodical, and ambient listening experience with those cold piano keys, subtle drum pattern, and engaging vocal choir-style loop on this instrumental track!

There’s even the song ‘DIE HARD’ which features a song that has another distorted jazz feel that features those droning chords across a skeletal drum track! 

But I love how this song has a lot of lyrical references to the Bruce Willis classic ‘DIE HARD’

There’s a lot of variety across this production. With something for everyone and all of it done to perfection!

As far as Fam Ross goes, I feel he’s on his king shit across this one. Anyone who has followed the Penlordz career so far would know the trio are known for their wise and knowledgeable approach to lyricism, whether they try to inspire and motivate the masses with whatever message they choose on the projects.

But on this one? Fam Ross is using this opportunity to just spit fire, showcase his lyrical prowess, and stunt on the game. I remember there was an album this year he followed the same formula, and I mean when you are as talented and dope as he is, then it makes sense you’ll want to boast sometimes!

As usual, his flow is impeccable. His pen game is, of course, phenomenal, and his rhythm and vocabulary are always at a 10! Never heard him lacking in that department (or any other for that matter).

Of course, what would a PenLordz album be without one of the two others coming to join the fire! This time it’s Audio Messiah, and as expected, he’s just as flawless, magnificent, and ruthless on the back! 

On this one, Fam is flexing. He’s spitting fire bars, conceptual one-liners, clever puns, and general verses filled with sharp lyricism and incredible energy! It’s like with each new track he spits on, he becomes even more versatile and in tune! More precise and focused on delivering the better verse than he did before! 

He’s a MC Machine that never stops, and if his consistency has taught us anything, it’s that the man is never capable of taking an L on the mic; he’s truly one of the best I’ve seen do it in the modern era! 

Once again, another Pen Lordz record that can’t be ignored! Check it out today!

https://open.spotify.com/album/7pYMm81cSWNnCtKs9Q87aB?si=NyZoAt1VRG6JPWzg2ezquQ

(GUSTAVO SIKOA)

At this point in my life, as talented as this producer is, I’m just going to be on the lookout for all his wrestling-related albums, the most! First, we got Jazzy Fatu, and now another Bloodline album? Yes, please! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration project between MC Gustavo Louis and Producer Jazzy Lion Man, who together dropped 11 tracks with a total of 24 minutes. With -16 Pad Assassin on production for the final track and -Angelo Jensen featuring on ‘DIFFERENT FLOW’. 

Man, I can’t lie; anytime artists incorporate wrestling into their music, no matter the genre, I gotta tune in! Especially when that someone already made an incredible wrestling album prior and has a streak unbroken! 

Interestingly, Gustavo did feature on that Jazzy Fatu album on one track, but this one, he’s running the show! Here to steal the spotlight from Roman and take it for himself with a new rendition of the Bloodline!

I can already tell that compared to JAZZY FATU instrumentally, this album is a lot more experimental, chaotic, and freelance. FATU felt more structured, raw, and tough sonically to suit the person in concept. Although this time around, we see Jazzy utilise his more unpredictable and Lo-Fi Rap side with a new surprise at every corner.

Take the track ‘SAMOAN SPIKE’ for example! That song features a roughly added voice loop of some guy repeating the phrase ‘Hmm, come here baby,’ which sounds straight ripped from a film or series and added into the song itself. 

Or the song ‘GOLDEN ARM,’ which features these sharp guitar notes across these daunting bass strings and what sounds like a consistent shaking sound, which I can’t exactly identify! But this is what I mean by the fact these beats (at least to my ear) don’t really have a rhyme or reason but more a sonic statement of ‘Let’s just have fun and see what it sticks,’ which I fuck with!

Maybe, he just wanted to represent two different sonic styles across two different wrestling-themed albums! Either way, I fuck with this instrumentals just as heavy as JAZZY and all it shows me is the diversity and depth of him as a producer!

Now, who else could you ask to collab on such a project than GUSTAVO himself! He’s being equally as prolific as Jazzy and has represented his artistry and passion across the culture, and today is no different!

Lyrically, I hear a combination of wrestling puns, one-liners, and references, and also tongue-in-cheek humorous takes and concepts that are just downright outrageous and hilarious!

For example, ‘SAMOAN SPIKE’ how he goes ‘thumb in her ass, Samoan spike’ that had me laughing for three minutes straight when I first heard that! 

Or even on the song ‘DIRTY DOM’ using the common projection of Dominik and the woman he gets into GUSTAVO’s personal life issues, which I’m sure are also tongue-in-cheek in description! 

That’s another aspect of this album that’s different. JAZZY FATU was definitely more serious in tone than this one! But again, that doesn’t take away from this one at all; even including that more fun and outrageous comedy of him on the MIC, it doesn’t take away from his talents as an MC!

He’s still brought his iconic flow, his ridiculous way with words, his unlimited vocabulary, and sharp pen game, making him a force to be reckoned with regardless of his context, serious or otherwise!

He’s definitely one of the most charismatic and enigmatic players in the underground, with every new release carrying this level of creative energy that most don’t have! And that’s no different across this project; he’s focused, lively, passionate, and engaging in all corners of this album, and it makes it explode more than the Samoan spike! (The solo one)

If there are any two figures you can count on to release a dope, original, and refreshingly fun record, it’s these guys! Sure, I can imagine some hip-hop ‘purists’ may not enjoy this style, but fuck ‘ em, this is for those who have an open mind!

And just like Jey USO, just because you think your top shit doesn’t mean you actually mean anything when it matters, so to all the open-minded ones, check this shit out! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1ep3E0yDT4qPYq5z56sRK4?si=F4E8y8XERZeiPbmSN4lCkw

(Blaq Cinema)

You ever hear something so smooth that it just takes away life itself and forces all your attention and energy into that one hit? That’s how Thing One feels! I didn’t know what to expect going in, but as soon as I pressed play, any thoughts, stress, or tasks I had prior to listening all vanished, and I became entranced with this song right in front of me. My fucking god, it is smooth.

This is the latest single between legend Agallah The Don and producer Blaq Medici. Together, they drop 3 minutes and 37 seconds of some of the best music I’ve heard all year! Trust!

Talking about that production, we have this lovely blend of Soul, Jazz, and Ambient sounds that just take your breath away.

Those luscious chords that are prevalent throughout the whole track are laid in the forefront as we get those subtle yet delicious Bass strings just doing their thing in the background right below your ear.

We have those light drums just going off, doing their thing at the back of the other instrumentation, just proving structure and order to the track.

This track also provides a gorgeous vocal snippet that is ever so slight yet helps elevate the parts it’s on from a 10 to a 10,000 whenever those parts arise! Truly angelic!

I also love how this track, towards the end of the track, the outro leans into its more Jazz-affiliated sound palettes as we hear information and descriptions of the ‘Japanese Yakuza,’ which I felt was a really nice and interesting touch (alongside that beautiful Jazz instrumentation) to finish the song off!

To complement and elevate a production of this nature isn’t easy at all, so it can’t just be any random MC to fill these shoes, and thankfully, we have one of the dopest in the underground coming in to show everyone how it’s done!

This whole track, Agallah the Don showcases his incredible rhythm, his impressive vocabulary, and his attention to detail with his sharp and precise pen game and also his miraculous flow that has his words gliding across this fantastic beat effortlessly!

He also has incredible story telling abilities, cleverly weaving the lore of Blaxplotiation cinema into the song!

In the two verses he had he spit more gold, used more intricate and defining concepts and lyrical techniques then most do in full albums. He was not only definitive but intriguing as well in the way he textured his words and brought his situations to life!

This is definitely a track you can’t afford to sleep on! Go check it out now!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4IWu494dWRhHha4V9h8ypy?si=FRQFwdt-SaabtoyfCyZNpQ

(The Past The Present And The Future)

Well, this is certainly not a collaboration effort I expected to see in 2025. With all the surprises and dope drops we have had already, to have something of this magnitude drop is a game changer and already has the world buzzing! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest full-length album by MC’s Recognize Ali and Tragedy Khadafi, who are notorious in their own right but together are the definition of ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and together they are joined by

– El Maryacho

– K Sluggah

– Hobgoblin

– Twelvebit

– DJ Tray

– Swab

– Vago

– Dredi Beats on the production and

– Vinnie Paz

– Trife Diesel

– Ransom

– Flash of NBS

– Lukey Cage on the features!

And my god, is this a candidate for ‘AOTY’ or what! To say I was blown away would be an understatement from the ferocious and masterful crafting of the various producers to the sharp and absolutely devastating mic work by not only the duo but the other powerhouse features; this whole thing just comes together unlike any other I’ve heard this year!

From that opening track ‘Will Be Free’ and that beautiful production with that haunting female vocal snippet across that minimal beat that creates an immersive atmosphere that very few tracks can replicate! 

They made sure the intro track went HARD and they refused to let up across the entire album!

The rest of the album featured production styles such as 

– Boom Bap

– Middle Eastern Rock Vibes (Track 2)

– Soft Rock

– Ambient/Synth

– Soul/Choir

– Classical

– Jazz

And the way each different beat is handled is some of the best technical work I’ve seen all year. Each song is marvellous in its own way with its own unique spirit and soul that is individual to its own! 

You get a wide range of different sounds and aesthetics across this record. Although each track maintains its ’muddy, raw, and grimey’ exterior, the actual inspirations will change depending on the track.

Some tracks are softer and more subtle in nature while others are as in your face and unapologetic as they come! There’s a nice balance between Rugged and Theatrical, Intricate and Cold Blooded and I feel in putting emphasis on such diversity only enhances this albums quality and replay value!

This album is 13 tracks, 40 minutes long but feels half of that! A good album always feels shorter then what it really is and with the surreal production and the even greater lyrical performances this thing will fly by you before you can realise what hit you!

A strong reason for its effectiveness to the listener as mentioned above is the MC’s. More specifically the Duo at work. Both men are monsters in their own right and so there can be no doubt into anyone’s mind that when this force unites all hell will break loose!

You have the quick witted and savvy street poetry of Ali that leaves favourite impressions on anything he’s featured on with his slick flow and impressive pen game! Pairing with a man who sounds like a nuclear weapon going off and the violence it would wreck on a country. His voice is raw and his verses more so. 

Tragedy stays true to his name sake and devastates any song he’s on and leaves it a flaming pile of rubble with only his verses left standing.

Together these two have a chemistry unlike no other, they have perfect/savage synchronicity with the skills to match. Each man understands what the other is thinking and acts accordingly. 

They have hired the very best of the best to accompany them and these features kill just as effectively. Whether you’re talking the living legend Vinnie Paz or The Lyrical assassin in Ransom each man holds their own, takes no names and leaves a lasting impression.

To say this album impressed me would be the understatement of the century! It’s bold, original, tough and unforgettable. You won’t find an album like this all year! Trust me! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/340NanjgTziY78nnD7DWku?si=fXK3c22hQwmq-13RhO8Uvg