(HENERYSHIDDENHECKLER)

In sync with the brand-new ‘Bars Over BS’ drop, I figured it’s only appropriate that I drop a review for this one! Between a team that has more chemistry than most can hope to acquire in a lifetime coming together for one phenomenal record! Let’s go!

This is the 2021 drop by MC ‘THE HIDDEN CHARACTER’ while being produced by the iconic ‘THEMELLOS’, and together they drop a tight ten tracks that make you realise just how gifted these men are even five years ago. It sounds like they haven’t missed a beat! 

I want to start with the production side of things because on this occasion (and as any other they touch), the instrumentation breathes energy, it brings accumulated charisma, raw power, and a splashy atmosphere that combines the worlds of ‘minimal boom bap’ with a more colourful/vibrant rendition of ‘Coke wave’ to create a score that’s illustrious, dangerous, and ever so fucking hypnotic!

Even though this project is less than 23 minutes, it contains a country-size amount of constructive techniques, mastery of instrumentation, and an immersive approach that makes you feel like you’re high, hallucinating, hearing and seeing all kinds of colour and sounds! It’s truly surreal to dive into!

One other thing that blew me away (which definitely isn’t exclusive to just this one) is the fluency of the record. Nothing makes me happier when I’m listening to a record for review and hear the specific artist make sure each track has cohesiveness between the ones that came before and after! The type of structure that works best as a whole listening experience than picking out individual songs!

 Not to say the songs by themselves wouldn’t slap, but it’s more relevant and important to listen to the whole project as it was crafted for! 

You know you’ve got an iconic artist on your hands when you can introduce the non-underground music fans to him and they all find him dope as fuck! That’s my experience with the ‘THE HIDDEN CHARACTER’ as he possesses a style that no one else has! He’s the definition of a ‘one of one’ artist! 

What makes him so special is that he has somehow transformed the ‘splash/freelance’ style of rapping and evolved it into this rhythmic, dynamic and infectious technique and way with words that is literally exclusive to him. It’s as if every time he raps he has the ability to manipulate, contort, bend and twist the instrumentals to wrap around HIS BARS not the other way around!

The only other MC I knew of that could kind of do the same thing was MF DOOM but even then HIDDEN’s variety of it is a whole new creature we’ve never seen before.

His flow and rhythm are in a universe of its own! He’s always wavy and crisp, able to set up complex structures, witty lines, clever puns, gritty street poetry he’s literally equipped with every possible means to rap and he does it all exceptionally!

You don’t have to guess who you’re listening to when he’s on the mic, it’s instant. Because ain’t nobody doing what he’s doing! Not to mention that he’s out rapping everyone on the tracks at any given moment! The culture knows when he’s on the case we are going to get a theatre-level performance of pen game that we can’t get anywhere else!

Based on name-sake alone, this was bound to be amazing but I wasn’t fully prepared for just how good! Can’t believe this album came out 5 years ago now! An incredible record worth your support and purchase! Link below! 

https://thehiddencharacter.bandcamp.com/album/heneryshiddenheckler

(PRODUCT OF MY ENVIRONMENT/ACT IV)

I find it quite ironic that the first song on this project is called ‘Cold Truth’ because the COLD TRUTH is that this series is one of the most compelling we’ve had in years. KHEYZINE is not only putting the culture on (in all forms) with all different groups of MC’s that represent the underground but also in his variety in the production. He’s doing a service to everyone and that’s why I wanted to cover these because they are important! Everyone preaches ‘The Culture’ but how many try to push it? I can tell you one that is! And he’s back with his final ACT of the series! Let’s go!

This is the new and FINAL record of the 4 ACTs by beat-making revolutionary KHEYZINE! On this occasion, his group consists of 

-HERBEAN

-JOEY300

-SABIO DUB

-IDK YOUNG J

-CHOW

-KEM DUPRI

-CURBSTOMP

-GREYPHOX

-J SHINOBI

-LUCAI

-JORDEN

-SPIDAMAN ASJP

It’s also ironic that I went from ACT III of knowing the most names to ACT IV knowing only two! Also, the fact that we had MISKEEN on the previous and now we have Sabio! The infamous duo split up! 

But anyway, back to the record. What I love about the sounds of this one is the combination of classical and jazz! It’s as if he’s narrowed down the elements he wants to portray and master. Like there are a lot of songs with heavy looping vocals over minimal layers! Such as songs like -Twist The Keef with those strung chords combined with those gospel-style organ chords! 

Or let’s look at the song -Final Fantasy, one of the more SUNSHINE tracks (featuring my main man Sabio Dub) and boy does he do justice to this one! This production has these groovy synth chords, light jazz horns, and some funky bass chords!

This has the perfect recipe for a banger that you can just relax and enjoy! 

One of the more underrated cuts I feel is -Ready Set Whoa this song feels thrilling, like an 80’s action movie villain soundtrack! You’ve got those heavily placed chord progressions that have a twisted and sharp feel to them!

There are some methodical drum patterns and a super light vocal harmony that give that little push of texture to the song! 

And to say J killed this song would be an understatement! He destroyed the instrumental!

That’s the thing with this album, there are so many minimally layered tracks that feel grand in scale due to the abilities of KHEYZINE! It feels like a film score of many different inspirations! Incredible!

I know I must have said this across all of the parts so far, but I’d have to say that the rapping on this one might be my favourite and most cohesive and compelling I’ve heard period! I don’t know what it is but it feels like there’s an unspoken bond between each MC to come together in an invisible space to create verses that somehow feel connected to one another (even though they most obviously are not)

Each verse hits like a big bang, explosive, unparalleled and powerful! Even the ones who aren’t that type of MC ‘like Sabio’ who has a more laid-back and chill style, even he made a dope and sharp verse, up there with the best I’ve heard of him!

It’s like each man owned their beats, said to themselves ‘I’m gonna try to drop my magnum opus on this specific instrumental’ and that’s the mindset they entered the studio with! 

From the most fluent of bars, to the most witty one-liners and puns to even the most compelling storytelling this record has it all! That’s not even mentioning the production! I highly recommend this one, I’ve enjoyed all ACT’s for different reasons but this one might be my favourite! Go check it out below! 

https://kheyzine.bandcamp.com/album/kheyzine-product-of-my-environment-act-iv

(PRODUCT OF MY ENVIRONMENT/ACT III)

We are back with the THIRD instalment of this series that the producer KHEYZINE put together as four separate projects that represent one dream! After the incredible efforts of the first two, I had no reason to believe this one was going to be anything but extraordinary, and I was right! 

This is ACT III of the brand-new KHEYZINE tapes, as he’s obviously the producer, and this new batch of MC’s are as follows:

-KOFI

-Fam Ross 

-Audio Messiah

-Austin Fox

-BLACKCHAI

-ÅGHETTOPHĮLOSØPHER

-MISKEEN HALEM

-OUTSIDE HOUSE

-NEMESIS

-YOUNG STADIX

-JINNAHCIDE

-HARON YOSEF

-SANTINO UNIQUE

This is probably the most familiar I am  with the MC roster so far! Which is exciting for me to hear some of my favourite rappers spitting on this project! 

Now, as far as the production goes. This one feels a lot more like ACT II than ACT I. I heard that same mellow, old-school, atmospheric sounds that only KHEY can attempt to pull off! Everything from the grand jazz instrumentation to the soulful and aura-filled classical music that teleports the listener into another world filled with complete peace, harmony, and beauty in sound.

I’d say this project has less of a fusion and more of a mastery of various forms and aspects that make for the perfect list of singles that showcase the artists in their best light! It’s as if KHEYZINE thought to himself, ‘How can I highlight these men the best?’ And his idea was to focus on 12 individual bangers that anyone can pick and choose and have a hell of a time! Like the best collaboration soundtrack you’ve ever heard in your life!

There are light examples of modern-day heavy hip-hop tracks throughout the angelic vibes, such as -Supreme Skeen VIP, which I shouldn’t be surprised considering the man MISKEEN is on the case! Whenever he’s seen, you can expect that hardcore sounds follow (and this is definitely no exception).

I’d definitely say this is more ‘single-focused’ record of the lot so far, but all that means to me is that it makes for more representation for the MC’s involved, and they probably have more recognition for it!

Speaking of, once again, I was impressed with the names on here. There was obviously a bunch of different styles, characteristics, and flows to deal with! Some I fucked with more than others, but I wouldn’t say any disappointed me to the extent where it was noticeable!

If we’re talking specifically about the artists I was familiar with, they all destroyed their parts! I forgot how hardcore-sounding Audio and Fam sound these days! The combination of intellectually complex and gritty!

As I mentioned already, MISKEEM and his overbearing/raw style! Even when he’s teaming up with Sabio, he always makes sure to Lil Jon that shit! (Just take the song into a hardcore direction), and that’s what makes him so unique! 

You know someone I didn’t actually know till now—Outside House— he blew me away with his song! He sounded like Gift Of Gab from Blackalicious! He was doing tongue twisters, crazy complex word set-ups that I found hard to keep up with! He was insane!

Young STADIX, a name I actually listened to in a while, but again I forgot how brutal he can be! His style is so animated and aggressive that it’s impossible not to fuck with him! His verse sounded less like rap and more like his psychotic tendencies and thoughts coming to life! It was dope! 

A strong showing by the MC’s and another strong performance by the legendary himself, KHEYZINE. With this many artists on each project, you’d think it would become too messy and awkward, but somehow he brings it all together in perfect succession, and that’s something to be impressed with! Link below! 

https://kheyzine.bandcamp.com/album/kheyzine-product-of-my-environment-act-iii

(Russian Red Rooms)

You know, whenever this man makes a record, it’s felt. Not everyone can say that! He’s made a name for himself with his trademark intensity and harsh vocals to have his songs be recognisable immediately. Now he’s alongside one of the most underrated producers in the game as they come forward with a five-track EP that is sure to blow you away! Let’s go!

This is the brand-new EP by MC Here$ Johnny and Producer Sketch Turner, and together they drop

– Introduction to Death

– Bad Flex

– Sacrifice with a Steel Poker

– Basement Torture 

– Death Target

And if we start with the production side of things, we have Sketch showcasing his mastery behind the beats as he combines the duality of gritty boom-bap and atmospheric soundscapes to create a unique fusion that not many can pull off to the extent he did!

This album sounds like a murder taken place in the ‘Doctor Who’ universe. Filled with strange anomalies, otherworldly beings, and sci-fi elements that all have something to say on this album.

Every instrument was gruesomely extracted, sharpened, and applied to this record with incredible technique. From the wailing chord progressions to the heavy bass and the hypnotic drums, even some murderous violin strings make their appearance in this EP; it’s the definition of ‘controlled chaos’ as he combines the elements of two completely different worlds and makes it work in the most savage way!

It’s hard for me to choose a favourite track because even for Here$ Johnny, this thing is DARK! From the sounds of torture/threats of torture and violence starting each track off to the actual violent lyricism, it’s all so overwhelming to listen to! Johnny has unlocked his Satanic side as he decides to unload EVERYTHING onto these beats, leaving nothing to the imagination, nothing but the utmost hardcore wordplay that will undoubtedly give you nightmares the night you finish this record!

Not gonna lie, it is refreshing to see someone maintain a solid theme throughout a record; most just add one or two related songs on whatever the concept is and then have normal tracks otherwise.

This is DEFINITELY not another case of this; this is gruesome from start to finish, and that’s because of how sinister Johnny is with his pen game! I knew it was going to be verbally heavy-handed and intense, but I wasn’t expecting anything like this! Truly diabolical lyrics that you’d have to experience yourself in order to understand!

But besides all the brutality, Here$ don’t miss! His lyrics are vivid (no more than on this), his flow is tight and fluent, and his energy and ruthless charisma are at an all-time high with this project! Never heard him sound better!

From Here’s Johnny indulging his ‘Horrorcore’ side to even Sketch showing a more lethal side than I’ve ever heard him. These two have a one-of-a-kind chemistry that no one is matching right now! It’s bloody, deranged, and yet perfectly in sync and mesmerising! Make sure you don’t miss out and support the artist below! 

https://heresjohnny850.bandcamp.com/album/russian-red-rooms

(THE RIDDLER)

Oh man, I don’t know why, but when I first covered his album with ‘Blue Hill’, I was like, ‘Nice, can’t wait to hear from him for a while.’ I didn’t expect him to be on such a ridiculous run like he is now! It’s got me so happy and hyped because he’s one of the most unique producers out right now, and alongside this underground legend, this has ‘BANGER’ written all over it! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by MC ANKHLEJOHN and producer WHOA1.0, and together they drop this solid 2 minutes and 45 seconds that is eligible to get you bopping your head, mean-mugging the world, everything, and more! This shit is the TRUTH!

Starting with the production side of things, we have WHOA1.0 back on his muddy boom-bap shit! We have this unforgivable beat that is sure to slap you in the face if you ain’t ready to handle it! You’ve got those haunting chord progressions that sound like vocal harmonies in a dark choir style! Super eerie.

Accompanying this, we have some hypnotic drum patterns and sickening bass that’s as heavy as I’ve heard it! 

This ain’t an instrumental for the weak; it’s dirty, raw, and absolutely mesmerising! I was at work writing this review, and I automatically started mean-mugging my lunch room while bopping my head! It was absolutely insane.

Speaking of absolutely insane, we have ANKHLE JOHN, who has been an icon in the culture for years now, and he’s back to show these new cats just who the fuck he is and why he’s so notorious! Across this single, we have him on tough, freelance style that is as unpredictable as it’s ever been and as sharp too!

He ain’t worried about keeping track with the beat; his words and punchlines will go wherever they want, and he lays down witty puns and one-liners like explosive clockwork on the beat! 

He doesn’t waste a single second of this almost 3-minute beat. He’s out for blood; he uses his verbal dominance to lay his bars, let his insane charisma leak onto the track, and his skilled pen game speaks for itself!

He’s the kind of guy that doesn’t need a feature to keep interest. He’s more than enough aura and talent to hold it down, and this track proves it!

I really hope this is a teaser for an upcoming album because I’m sure that will be nothing short of iconic! Make sure you go listen to it down below and support both artists! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2OFI5Fjm9f0vuG5FGYCYRV?si=UmK_i1GTTPaAcJzHEi206A

(Malaki Mello)

Fucking hell, Jackpot Records are on another plane of sonic existence than the rest. Their last four free albums ALONE could beat 90% of cats’ discographies going! They are making music that will last a lifetime, and the run continues with this one, so let’s talk about it!

This latest FREE album (courtesy of Jackpot Records) is by the MC Swaello (one half of the iconic twin pair THEMELLOS) and with production from the likes of

-BONEWESO

-RELENTLESS

-THEMELLOS

-REVENXNT

And MC’s such as

-Estee Nack

-SWIZZY

-BUB STYLES

-HYROGLYPHX

And right off the bat, I gotta mention this. The amount of pure swag and aura of the artists of 23Incredible is unmatched. Every artist on the roster exhibits charisma that is fields above anyone else in the game. It’s the first thing that hits you whenever you listen to these artists’ music, and it’s a feeling and a vibe that you end up craving once you’re not listening to their music! 

Anyway, with that admission out of the way, this ten-track album is an absolute masterpiece of sounds and performances. Firstly, I love the constant concept running through of the Bible and Malaki; the way the snippets ran through the album was intriguing as fuck! 

As for the production, this is as wavy and fluent as you’ll ever hear. With the list of producers on hand, it can’t be anything but PHENOMENAL! I’m talking about that atmosphere that you can bop your head to and make your imagination run wild! 

All the way from that opening track by BONE with that looping chipmunk-sounding vocal harmony combined with those methodical drums, thick bass, and light piano keys that wrap this whole together (alongside those infectious adlibs that increase the energy and intensity 10x fold)

To the very last track, one again produced by BONE, as we hear a more melodic offering that has mainly freelance piano keys and some light/subtle bass lines! I love how stripped back and bare this track is. It’s the confidence of the legend, such as BONE, to use only a few layers to take over the outro and leave the album on a high note! Absolutely incredible. 

Another track I fucked with heavily was the second track, which was produced by RELENTLESS, and on this track, we hear what sounds like a looping flute sample, hypnotic drums, and some sharp jazz notes that all come together in this gritty representation of boom bap meets splash. I found myself returning to this track more than any else!

This has to be one of the most tight-knit lines of production I’ve heard in a minute, and this shit was given FREE? If this was $60, I’d understand! Holy shit, can’t believe the culture got this for nothing, talk about a flex!

Speaking of FLEX, we have Swaello, who I’ve already become a fan of since 2025 and then again with his straight-to-customer EP dropped in January. He and his brother are one of a kind artists, and on this occasion, he proves yet again why he’s one of the best in the business! 

As I spoke about in the intro, he possesses an incredible aura! Charisma and drip just fall off him in gallons. From his adlibs to his flow, he has such a mesmerising ability to captivate and capture the audience that we are hanging off every word right until the project ends! 

He’s like a verbal AK-47; he’s precise, explosive, and powerful! Although he has one of the smoothest and unpredictable flows in the game, his moves are raw and rough around the edges that will decapitate any hater that dares to run up!

His verses feel less like bars and more like an Oscar-worthy performance. With all that emotion, appeal, and magnetism, he makes him the MVP on any given project, but when it’s his own? It’s game over.

The fact he brought in such deadly MC’s to test his abilities with proves what kind of artist he is, he ain’t hiding in the background waiting for opportunities to fall in his lap! He’s out here giving us FREE ALBUMS while inviting the greatest MC’s in the present day to lock in with him! That’s classic shit and not only does he pull it off but the chemistry he’s spent years cultivating comes through in spades!

Another Jackpot exclusive to add to my rotation. At this rate they will go down as one of the strongest discographies period. And Swaello just proved for himself why he’s worth every eye dollar that comes his way!

(PRODUCT OF MY ENVIRONMENT/ACT II)

As we begin to uncover the second act of this deeply rich series of albums, we need to recognise and reflect on how important and immersive the first one was! The level of care and respect he showed to not only the artists but the production as well, and in this light, I had nothing but high expectations that this would be similar in execution!

The brand-new and second act of a four-part series that includes production by KHEYZINE and features by literally the who’s who of the underground! This time around, we have names such as

-NOWARE FAST

-WILLIE MAYS BLAZE

-YUKA

-HERE’S JOHNNY

-ALIKHO IGAMA

-MANTIS THE MIASMA

-WULXRDSHAKIM

-MAC MONTANA 

-PRIEST CLAY

-DREEGO

-MONZY THE TERRIBLE

-ICEBURG SNUB

Already right off the bat (if we are looking from the intro song), it’s vastly different than how we started things on the last one! If you remember, the first one had a heavy metal instrumental with a sporadic rapper! On this one, we start things off with an ambient/lo-fi/sci-fi jazz-type instrumental featuring a rapper that’s a lot more methodical and weary of the beats!

Maybe there’s a reason for this switch-up in the intro? Maybe the heavier intro for ACT I represented something significant for Khey, while ACT II’s interlude represents something more substantial and meaningful? Or maybe it’s just random placement; either way, it’s an interesting change-up!

Once again, KHEYZINE utilises his production to his utmost legendary quality, giving us a masterclass in how to create a compelling record that is equal parts grand, powerful, and vivid. It’s as if the music speaks through you, takes over your body, and gives you sonic goosebumps that you’ll want to revisit time and time again!

I love what he did with the instrumentals on this one; it feels a lot more ‘classical’ and ‘larger than life’ in the way the sounds feel! 

As if I was listening to KHEYZINE live sample a 1950’s event with live jazz/ballroom music and then infused it with hip hop, it’s truly a magnificent experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out tomorrow and said there was an actual band behind him and he was just pulling off a Miles Davis and just working on the spot with the band in front of him (a call back to when Miles apparently free-formed the soundtrack to that French movie). 

But regardless, these beats are rich, vibrant, in-depth, and ever so glorious. If there’s anything KHEYZINE can be accused of, it’s being meticulous, and he shows that in spades across this new batch of tracks for ACT II!

Now onto the rapping. Once again, this is full of names I’ve heard and others I haven’t. But just like the other ACT, this one doesn’t disappoint in the performance section. 

Although I will say this, just like there was a drastic change in our this and ACT I started, I’ll say instead of having the production feel like an extension of the MC’s this time around it just sounded like the collection of rappers were given dope beats to rap hot verses off! 

So not exactly hand-crafted for them but more confidence in the roster to pull off bangers and in a way that makes the verses feel more authentic and special when you know they can go off on whatever Khey could throw to them!

Because these spitters absolutely MURDER the beats! I didn’t find any I disliked, they all left me thoroughly impressed and wanting more!

From that smooth opening to the performances from members like -Here’s Johnny whose organic aggression and rawness on the beats come back in spades as he drops personal and gritty bars that hit you right in the feels! Always a personal favourite of mine!

The MC -MANTIS THE MIASMA was someone I’ve never heard until now, but he left an impression on me as well! He had a certain confidence and charisma in his style that I held on to! Dope lyricism as well!

Actually speaking of the MC -YUKA another one I haven’t heard before impressed me with his combination of both free lance ‘splash’ style and somehow keeps it on the beat. He’s quite the anomaly with his performance and that made him stand out that much more! I loved the beat he was on as well, felt like an animated James Bond type track, super dope!

The other one that truly stood out to me was the outro track MC -ICEBURG SNUB a man I actually do fuck with heavy and have history with! 

This man brought his trademark charismatic and fluent style that is both sharp and elegant. I love his performance style, the way he can flip words and manipulate the beats to suit him best! That combined with his natural aura and I feel he was a sick choice to close the record off with!

Overall, another stunning ACT to absorb. The fact KHEYZINE just casually dropped 4 incredible albums in this format is testimony to his skills and worth as a producer and composer. I have no doubt the the next 2 will be equally incredible! Stay tuned and support with this link below! 

https://kheyzine.bandcamp.com/album/kheyzine-product-of-my-environment-act-ii

(Flea Collars)

Already when the first words were spoken on this song, it had me laughing. This MC will never cease to amaze me in his particular way of thinking and witty bars! Combine that with one of the dopest producers locked in and a legendary feature? Nah, this shit is ridiculous! Let’s talk in!

This is the brand-new single by MC Big Dese, producer Mike Martinez, and feature artist The Bad Seed! I’ve already had the experience of hearing Dese and Mike together on their album from last year, ‘No Respect 2’, and it seems they’ve only gotten stronger since then!

When we discuss the production of this track, we are greeted with the combination of exquisite violin strings in two different tones! Some thudding drum beats and some bass that is sure to knock you in the face! That’s the beauty of Mike; he’s able to take a handful of layers that don’t have too much complexity and let the instrumentation speak for themselves due to his mastery and technique! 

He doesn’t need a million-dollar studio or a thousand layers to gauge the attention of the audience with just three or four elements; he can create a banger that will be remembered throughout the whole year!

As we get into the MC side of things, we approach Big Dese, who at the very start of the song goes, ‘This shit is hard, Mike…Pause’ and with that line, he’s already showcasing the type of energy he brings to the table and why I personally find him one of the most entertaining lyricists out!

He’s the definition of witty! Every word he says sounds condescending and sarcastic. The type of guy whose sole purpose in life is just to roast you! It’s an adaptation of ‘Bully rap’ who is perfected by the guest on the track! It’s more bars that sting and make you feel the verbal punch!

It’s one thing to hear a rapper say ‘I’m going to fuck you up, you’re broke’ that’s been said a million times, but when a rapper says 

‘You’re really soft, like my dick after a cold plunge’ or ‘Them girls around you act wholesome, the same girls around me think being a hoe’s fun’

His way with words is absolutely spectacular, it’s like being roasted by the villain of Lazy Town, Robbie Rotten, but an R-rated version. He’s brash, slick on the mic, and one of the coldest and most unique writers in the game, and he leaves an impression on me every time. (pause)

As far as the guest MC goes, he barely needs any introduction. The motherfucking Bad Seed ain’t called that because he’s a Mormon on the track; he’s the baddest and most truthful of the bunch, and he doesn’t give a fuck about you or your feelings. He’s gonna spit his facts, and he’s never sounded more alive doing so!

It’s as if Mike’s production has given him a new life and new energy! Because he sounds sharp, brutal, on top of his game, and more ready to kick your head off than he ever has!

He has incredible chemistry with Dese; their own brand of harsh bars come together fantastically, and it makes for a memorable performance that I hope we don’t hear the last of!

So, are you as hyped as me for this new track? If you aren’t, all I have to say is ‘why not!’ These three scream the culture, and they are the ones to be looking out for! Click the link below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3HsbarZvdtOxnIPscrTMCp?si=JY_2fEXcTji5gSrIS4gVGQ

(I Got Samples 3)

Man, this is another one of those albums that have already gained heavy traction from the underground. Sometimes something will drop and shake everything up. This is one of those times as well as being the official trilogy tape in the series. So with that in mind, let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new album by MC Rigs and Producer Chup, and together they drop a solid 17 tracks with almost an hour of content with the likes of 

-Mooch

-Rob Gates

-Estee Nack

-Benny The Butcher

And with this fatal four-way of names to take care of the guest verses, we have a recipe that is sure not to lose! 

If we’re talking about the production side of things, I immediately fell in love with the sounds because of their incredible rough, raw, and brash sounds. This thing reminds me of a 90’s homage record that takes the best parts of the old school and combines it with the best of the modern-day underground.

I can hear the masterful techniques done by Chup. You have to understand that he’s working with a 57-minute album! This ain’t the 90’s or 2000’s anymore; it’s harder now more than ever to create a longer album without losing the attention span of the audience (especially without a certain concept to fall on), so in that respect, I was impressed with the way he was able to craft a collection of bangers that not only work as singles but come through as an overall score that is filled with replay value!

This album doesn’t feature any crazy sounds or overly experimental instrumentals, and that’s just fine. Not every new album has to do that to stand out; sometimes you just need a dope beat maker like him to perfect his trademark sound, and that will attract the listeners!

This album is heavy, unforgiving, and absolutely bop-worthy. You’ll be mean-mugging your local area for the next 57 minutes until the tape ends! 

Speaking of mean mugging, we gotta discuss Rigs because this man is the definition of ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rappers’. He’s one of the ones holding it down for the culture, maintaining his solid, down-to-earth style that he’s been improving, sharpening, and growing over the years, and now he’s at that point where he’s one of the most consistent rappers in the game who takes what haters would call ‘simplistic’ style to be his greatest advantage as he perfects elements most rappers couldn’t even fathom.

For example, his lyricism. He’s crafted it in such a way that’s vivid, sharp, and with weight attached to it. He makes sure he uses his more methodical flow to really emphasise as much power from the words as possible with his pronouncements, his enunciations, and his immaculate rhythm.

Secondly. He’s out here making sure his wordplay and timing are as good as you’ll ever hear it. Learning from the classic era where that shit mattered, he’s flawless on the production, his delivery punches hard, and syncs with the overall beat as a whole.

He has incredible one-liners, street poetry, and a sense of maturity about his position in life and what he’s been through to get to this point and the lessons he learnt along the way! You can hear it in his voice, whether it’s the warnings of danger or the introspective reflection of better days. He’s got a lesson for every occasion, and he’s going to use his profound knowledge and experience to convey that! 

Let’s not forget the DOPE features he has on call because when he wants to get brash, he can rock with the best of them (and he does on here), going toe-to-toe with arguably the best going right now. He proves he ain’t one to sleep on and is smart enough to choose features who actually enhance the listening experience. Not just names for the sake of it!

Look, man, this project is incredible. It has everything going for it, from the production to the rapping to the features. Trust me, give this a listen, and you won’t be disappointed! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3IlmGu01MiKDOwRBN5gH94?si=6QXlJdatRqKzbYJuU3g34g

(DEATH VALLEY)

Man, this man is on a roll. After an extensive 2025, he’s the kind of artist I’ve been recommending to everyone I can! An extension of originality, grind, and passion all rolled into one simple name that only has two letters and yet has enough talent to be remembered for years! With a brand new EP and a dope producer on hand, this one is nothing but remarkable!

This is the brand new EP by MC AU (always so satisfying to write those four letters together) and Producer KING OSEAUN, and together they drop a set of five tracks and an intro which has the singular feature of -ANT KELLY & DJ Krooked, a known pair in this stage of the game! 

I’m starting to notice a pattern with AU, always expect the unexpected. Because he’s the type of guy who consistently will switch up on a whim and flip the game on its head. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it till I’m dead, this man is an artist first, rapper second.

I mean, anyone who has really studied his discography like I have will see the level of variety and stylistic shifts in his singles, EP’s and albums, and this one is no different! 

Across these six tapes, we get an even more diverse take on sounds such as: 

– Lo-Fi

– Alternative RnB

– Soul

– Hip Hop

– Jazz and more. This album actually feels to me like one of the more obscure ‘Odd Future’ drops in the late 2000s early 2010s with those synth-style chord progressions, sporadic drum patterns, and light keys! There’s also a lot of melodic half-singing, half-rapping running through the EP (which is done by KING) which I definitely wasn’t expecting!

This EP definitely has one of the more atmospheric feels than I remember in a minute. It feels relaxing and smooth (not in the conventional sense) but in a more dreamy and wavy aspect! This is up my lane for sure, and I don’t have many friends who like this style, but it’s fucking amazing to me!

The kind of music you can take a walk and let your mind wonder too! (This might be an odd thing to throw into a review), but I can’t help but be honest when writing these things. 

Nothing can be more therapeutic for your brain than finding albums or EP’s that you can use to turn your thinking brain off and just wander around, letting your imagination run wild, and this is the perfect example of this!

It’s been a while since I’ve heard AU so fluent and lavish! This production does a number on elevating every aspect that he already showed strong signs of in all his albums, but it’s all just increased and shining brighter than ever on this one.

With only six tracks to make his statement, he didn’t waste a single second! On this occasion, he’s hit flow state with his more introspective chords combined with his mellow execution of bars and rhyme schemes that feel 4th dimensional in the way it’s layered (maybe due to the production style) combined with the performance, but either way, it’s a fucking Stella combination that I couldn’t get enough of! 

It feels like a strong, cohesive experience rather than six individual songs. You can tell he was in a different mindset from the opening song, and that same unique vibe runs through the EP like wind gliding through blades of grass. It’s rich, his verbal presence is strong yet calm, and the energy is undeniably rich!

Also, shoutout to ANT and DJ for their respective contributions as they helped kill this shit! 

If you ain’t tuning into this one, then I don’t know what to tell you! This is another one for the record books! Go buy and support the artists now! 

https://au205.bandcamp.com/album/death-valley