(City Xf GAWD)

We’re taking a trip back to February of this year. This would have been my first month on my website, and although I didn’t get a chance to fuck with this when it originally came out, I’m glad to say I can make up for it now because this is a BANGER. Let’s talk about it!

This is a collaboration project between MC IAMGAWD and Producer ILL City, who together dropped eight tracks, 28 minutes of content with the likes of: 

-A.M. Early Morning

-Vic Spencer

-The Lil People

-Aakeem Eshu

-GRIFFEN

Now, we gotta talk production first because what this reminds me of is a fusion of trademark underground gritty boom Bap and mid-2000s era mainstream East Coast/South instrumentation! Maybe it’s just me, but I could hear influences from:

-Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz

-Benny the Butcher

-Jay-Z

-2 Chainz

And more! Very funky, groovy, and infectious beats that you could easily hear in clubs, radio stations, and cribs all around the world! It’s crisp, heavy on the bass, hypnotic drum pattern loops, theatrical vocal harmonies on repeat loop, and lush piano and guitar. 

All of this is to say that when it comes down to the beat, ILL wanted to master the spirit of fun, hard-hitting, and memorable tracks that contain plenty of replay value and stay in the hearts and minds of the listener for months or years after it’s first play-through!

My favourite track instrumentally would have to be ‘Devil in His Eyes’ due to those eerie and haunting keys that play on a repetitive motion with those minimalistic drum patterns that just make you want to thumb your head until you break your neck! It’s my kind of beat, and the whole production value is just banging!

Now, onto IAMGAWD. The man who, even though he hasn’t released more solo projects this year, has lent his gift to many features across the board and kept proving why he’s one of the most valued MC’s of this generation!

Across these eight tracks, he demonstrates his masterclass of intricate wordplay, smooth and satisfying flow with his impressive vocabulary and dominant pen game that can rival any others he happens to be in contact with (feature or otherwise).

He always has a presence of a leader, and today is no exception. He’s versatile, depending on the track, demonstrating various linguistic textures track to track and always showcasing his lethal lyricism and ridiculousness, one-liners and puns that only he can pull off!

He doesn’t skip a beat this whole album, even when he’s rapping alongside legends like Vic Spencer; he never misses, always perfect word/bar/verse placement, and always stays on point and strong, whatever the song or situation he’s in!

If this had been discovered back in February, it probably would have been on my best album of the first quarter list, but I’m making up for it today and making sure it gets the cover it deserves!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1XUkSkKoLnFb3Eor0ZDBRP?si=qT7GhwQcT56C_GcwwkJSqg

(Pledge Fealty)

This is another MC that has gone under the radar compared to others but that has killed it this year! Considering the man he chose for the production, then this one is guaranteed to be on the ‘Album Of The Year’ consideration for 2025. Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration project between MC powerhouse Waterr and lethal producer Passport Rav, and together they dropped 11 tracks with 30 minutes of content with the likes of 

-Reefa Rei

-Rufus Sims

-Blood Azul

-Ty Farris

I love the fact there are limited features on this project because it means Waterr himself is responsible for carrying the record and proving to everyone why he’s considered by many as one of the top MC’s in the game right now! 

Since he started in this shit, he’s only evolved and managed to elevate and sharpen his skills until he became the legend he is now, and on this album, he’s showcasing his very best skills and abilities for everyone to see!

He sounds smoother than ever, his flow truly running like water in a river! His sharp mind is evident with his outstanding vocabulary and pen game that no one wants to mess with! He’s so slick with the words that it doesn’t even feel like verses but thoughts sliding off his head into the tracks as effortlessly as thinking out loud! Never sounds forced, manufactured, or corporate, just Waterr and his superior wordplay and pen game!

With every new release, I become more impressed by his professional and artistic cadence, his wisdom, and natural enthusiasm on the tracks! His confidence within himself and his love for the game and his respect for the artistry, real MC techniques, and releasing proper quality bars that can be remembered for years to come! 

Of course, this album wouldn’t be what it is without his right-hand man, Passport Rav, who has decided to pull out what I would consider his most atmospheric and ambitious instrumentals of the year so far! 

We have 30 minutes of surreal, angelic and mystical beats that range from minimalistic and skeletal to cinematic and theatrical and everything in between! 

For example, we have cuts like ‘Legend’ which is on the more bare cuts of the album. With that looping drum pattern and those horns that go hand in hand to create a raw but powerful introduction to the record!

But then we have tracks like ‘In Search Of Glory’ that features a range of sounds from harmonic strings, those classical inspired grooves and folk inspired strings and beats that makes me feel like I’m in a fever dream travelling to a period of old before the grand invention of technology’

If I had to roughly describe this album’s production I’d have to say it’s a seesaw effect of various styles and influences that are all in one shape or form aesthetically raw, divine and beautifully crafted. You never know what to expect from one track to the next but that it will be spiritually enhancing, graceful and unlike anything else put out in the game today!

These two together is the perfect match up in the rap game. Both compliment the other and both have talent beyond their years so it’s only natural this album came out amazing! 

Shoutout to the features for killing the album as well!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4hrziI95WzWzmJXvWzOgBe?si=1432i7wvTv-Ha9Q5-Y4GSQ

(APT 3D)

As blessed as I often consider myself for the journey I’m on, doing this review shit and the growth I’ve experienced and people I’ve met! But what a surprise to be able to say I can review this man’s latest album after a 20-year hiatus! Talk about God’s Plan! Let’s talk about it!

This is the unexpected yet new drop by Roc Nation’s General Memphis Bleek! Rightfully named ‘Jay-Z’s Protege’ and as this album proved, ain’t no one ready to resurrect the era of ‘Prime HOV’ more than Memphis is! 

Across this album, we have 11 songs and 31 minutes of content that features the likes of 

-Cool & Dre

-Jon Rise

-Tish Hyman

-Smoke DZA

-Benny The Butcher

-Kruziano

-RJAE

Right off the fucking bat, this album sounds like it was ripped right from the early 2000s, and I love it! Not in the sense of nostalgia-biting or unoriginal music but in that OG mainstream quality that we’ve definitely lost! Back when mainstream rappers could still deliver modern-day classics that meant something! Before it was overtaken by the mumble rap and nonsensical artists of today!

From the first track, we hear that production that you’d happily bump in your cars, clubs, warehouses, and headphones! This energy, this overwhelming sense of pride, passion, and excitement is so long lost in the big scenes that it literally drew a tear from my eye in awe of the sheer explosive and incredible performance (and that was just to open the track off!)

From there and across the other 10 tracks, Memphis doesn’t miss a single beat! From the banging East Coast loyal production to the no-nonsense and focused bars by Memphis, who after 20 years still hasn’t dropped the ball! 

In this one, he’s putting his thoughts and emotions on paper! His reputation for Roc Nation and his pent-up frustrations and anger with the game and its inhabitants since he left! It’s all just a whirlwind of dedication, devotion, and sentiment towards the Hip Hop Game and his mission to bring back the standards the mainstream industry had before he left! The same standards Jay-Z built since the late 90s, and in this one album, he did more than 99% of the artists in it!

One track that absolutely blew me away was ‘3 Kings’ because that’s when something happened that I never thought would be on my bingo card: Memphis Bleek X Smoke DZA X Benny The Butcher! 

The fact is, when these three go off, it’s an instant classic! It also brings back the prime aggression of Benny from the early Griselda mixtape days, and to hear that level of intensity paired with Memphis was beyond amazing and a track I’m going to play over and over again!

The closing track ‘Word To Hov’ was also a heartfelt outro to this phenomenal return album! Explaining his absence, his mentality, and ending the track with a boss snippet of Hov and his thoughts.

I listened to this album twice in a row immediately. Didn’t even give myself a second of anything else; immediately pushed the restart button. This is a modern-day time capsule into what we used to expect and consider the ‘normal’ in mainstream as far as the quality standards were concerned. Back when you could buy a physical album and guarantee freshness back before the game was saturated with mindless nonsense back when REAL HIP HOP was celebrated.

If for nothing else, then to appreciate the times of old and respect that he was able to drop one of the hottest 30 minutes of the year! There’s absolutely no let-up on this album, and I’m more than honoured I was able to cover it! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5egzAo6AQ5vriaRGu7Q0UY?si=gIFfjQ6CQcGqNBM8RT0GnQ

(The Color Of Chocolate Vol. 2)

I’m ashamed to admit that I only started fully engaging in this woman’s career as of this year, but the fact remains, she’s had an incredible 2025 and she has so many signs of stopping! So let’s talk about it!

This is the latest album by legendary MC Che Noir. The woman that has put the whole division on lock for years now! On this record, she drops eight tracks with 24 minutes and features the likes of

-Elzhi

-7xvethegenius

-Son Little

And production by 

-Che Noir

-C For

-Drew Dave

-Evidence 

Now, when we’re talking about the production. This one gave me a real, surreal, old-school East Coast vibe with a hint of minimalism. It seems the instrumentation is methodical, drawn out, elegant, and intricate all in one.

Take the track ‘Who’s The Greatest?’ With those subtle bass strings, those hypnotic drum patterns, those (what sound like manipulated vocal harmonies) or synth chords looping in the forefront of the beat. When all this comes together, it makes for a skeletal and heavy-themed track that hits on all cylinders!

Then there’s the track ‘Where You Go’ which has a lot more of a mellow, soulful vibe with that beautiful vocal loop that spreads across the track! Which features another case of minimalistic instrumentation with those extremely subtle bass lines and those synth chords in the background and very light piano work to give this track the smallest resonance of a ‘beat’ while letting the voice and the lyricism do all of the work!

Across these 24 minutes, we hear Che and company at their most stripped down and vulnerable. I’d like to think the ones who do ‘too much’ in their production are the ones who are bullshitting the most. Those who can utilise and manage with the least? Usually come out with the best results! That’s definitely the case for this one!

As far as the MC work goes, this is the part that should be a no brainer to listeners. She’s been at the forefront of MC abilities for both men and woman for years now. That outdated concept of ‘In the woman’s division she’s solid but would she in the men’s?’ Is long gone. 

The fact is, she would destroy anyone in the game regardless. She has one of the strongest lyrical skills and story telling abilities more than anyone else in the game right now.

Her no nonsense approach to her bars, her in your face, ruthless and relentless verses leave everyone in awe. As is proof that she needed the likes of legendary Elzhi to accompany her to match her power and influence. 

With every story she tells, it automatically feels like I’m transported to the sight and moment discussed. She has a way of telling them in such depth and detail that it’s like your listening to a book that’s so vivid and real that you can feel the emotions, the intensity of the moment and experience the act for yourself.

Once again, on this track she doesn’t hold anything back. She’s focused on showcasing her dominating MC skills and nothing else. Her immaculate flow, her legendary vocal performances and untouched vocabulary and rhythm. When she’s on that album grind, everyone knows to watch out because she’s taking over!

If it was ever a question (a stupid question) whether she was the one of the best of this shit then this one will prove all the haters wrong. The production is tough, the verses tougher and the fact that Che is back on her bully shit should get everyone worried!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0Q3l20nxzOrMP3cKHTt4ZK?si=z5XWBDosSSCw-v1VZSIHfQ

(Northern Nights)

Even though this man makes more records than I could ever hope to keep up with, I was told this was one I had to check out, and since I’ve had many high points with this artist, I’m sure there was a reason for this recommendation, and so here we are! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest EP by prolific producer Jazzy Lion Man, and this time he’s collaborating with MC Concept, and together they drop six tracks, 11 minutes, and feature the likes of 

-Lucai

-GOMMi

Now, once again, this is the production style I love to hear from Jazzy. Unless he’s making a grand wrestling album such as ‘Jazzy Fatu,’ which was naturally more aggressive in nature, but otherwise, I need that heavy jazz influence, and that’s exactly what we get here! 

We get those lavish long notes, those subtle drum patterns, and haunting piano keys that all come together to create this dark and mysterious interpretation of jazz-infused hip-hop that I can’t get enough of. Think an evil ‘Tribe Called Quest,’ and that’s what you can expect sonically.

The production is very surreal, methodical, and atmospheric. It’s the kind of album you’ll put on while going for a walk through a forest while letting your mind wander. The instrumentation runs through your body and takes over. Although only 11 minutes, the overall grandeur is evident and executed masterfully!!

As far as the MC goes, Concept does more than just think of a blueprint. He literally thinks words into existence with his sharp tongue, his expert wit, and impressive vocabulary across these tracks! 

He has a fascinating flow with a fun, enthusiastic studio cadence with precise wordplay and lethal bars and verses that complement the strength and intensity of the beats! 

Although most tracks are short, he doesn’t accept any fillers in his bars; he doesn’t let up from start to finish, momentum from start to finish providing the dangerous and explosive rhythm of the EP that helps it pop!

He also has fantastic chemistry with the other two involved. One that stood out to me was the opening track ‘Henny Shots’, in which he raps alongside Lucai, and together they drop fire back to back and provide one of the greatest opening songs I’ve heard all year!

Overall, for the length of this album, it does everything and more! The production is elite, the verses are solid, and the vibe in general is dope! Definitely deserved a check out!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0UzezHfkp3kkMluLSF4idc?si=nnou1G97QaueHmGYB_r0kA

(Barrel Reserve)

Man, what a fascinating idea for an album. From the Artwork to the title to the opening intro track, this is truly unlike any album I’ve heard in 2025. So let’s get into it!

This is the latest collaboration project between MC Kingdom Kome and Producer Ruen and together they drop 14 songs, just over 41 minutes and featuring the likes of

-Supreme Cerebral

-Ajax Lo 

-Camarah Walleed

-Soarse Spoken

-DJ Exes

-Recongnize Ali 

-Che Uno

And right off the bat, we gotta address that production by Ruen. Granted this is a person I’ve never heard of till now but the way he converts his ideas and concepts into sounds is ridiculously impressive. Because not only does he maintain a level of surrealism, ambiance and Minimalistic grandeur that makes ever song feel mythical in proportion. 

For example you have that previously mentioned intro track that is merely an explanation of how wine is made and yet with those synth chords and hypnotic drum pattern and cuts you have a simple explanation sample turned grand. 

Or the song ‘Work To Do’ with those powerful horns and yet another loop of drums combined with an ever so subtle usage of piano keys it makes this track feel lavish, angelic and damn near outer worldly! 

Although, this album is 40 minutes in length it feels half of that. Because of the glorious instrumentation that just sweeps away your mind and puts your body in a state of concentration and relaxation that your letting your mind wonder as you listen to the harmonious music created by the one and only Ruen.

Although, not working solo the other half of this albums equation is Kingdom Kome. A man who has been on a fair share of projects over the year, the most recent to come to mind is the latest Crotona P and Killa Bong EP they dropped a bit back and the killer feature he presented then! 

He’s one of the most critically praised MC’s of the modern underground era and for good reason! What makes him so special is his balance of all the necessary qualities of a Rapper! Whether your talking about his no bullshit, in your face delivery or his intense yet smooth flow! 

Or your talking his Top Tier pen game and lyricism combined with his advanced and insightful vocabulary and street poetry and he’s truly one of the few that has it all. He also has the substantial talent of being able to tell a story in such pure depth, detail and depiction that when he tells a story you feel like your their watching on the first person! 

Along side his natural gifts, he’s along side some of the best in the game period. Showcasing not only his ability to stand toe to toe with the powerhouses of the underground but also providing untouchable chemistry and ruthless energy between the tracks with his allies on!

Overall, an absolutely unique performance and experience between the two men and company involved! It’s creative, conceptual and hard hitting all in one and I hope this isn’t the last time we see these guys together!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4d53O2xgO7LCX1e9kfg3OD?si=WNOmoBaxRhKdQKsGs_NVmA

(BRUISER BRODY 2)

This album, for me personally, has been one of the most anticipated of the year. After discovering the first one earlier in the year, it became one of my most replayed records, period. So when I got wind of a sequel as a Hip Hop AND Wrestling fan, this was a no-brainer to me; I had to get it!

So, this is the latest and sequel album from MC Powerhouse Chubs! The man who started off the year as strong as one could with his album ‘40 Cal Capone’, and since then, fans have been patiently waiting for his next project drop, and for it to be a sequel to his critically acclaimed ‘Bruiser Brody LP’ is just icing on the cake!

He brings back the same producer from the first, ‘Fumes The Threat’, and across this 15-track project, they bring with them:

-GORTEX 

-DIABOLIC

-WATER

-BABY LEE

-BUB STYLES

-FAST LIFE

-JALEN FRAZIER

When I tell you this album is a heavy hitter, I mean it. If the first one didn’t already do the job, this project literally feels like the spirit reincarnation of Bruiser Brody. In the production, you can hear those personality traits converted into sonic form. The chaotic energy, the violent intentions, and unpredictable nature of the record all of it make you feel the presence of the legendary Bruiser.

For those who aren’t familiar with Bruiser Brody, go watch his Dark Side Of The Ring episode or watch matches/interviews of him on YouTube, and then return to this album and tell me Fumes doesn’t catch his aura exactly! 

Whether it’s those muddy, boom bap influences or those harrowing, swinging chords or chilling piano keys, thudding drums, or eerie synth notes, this album is filled with so many dark and twisted elements that turn the concepts of the first album into a more deranged and dangerous masterpiece. 

While the first one felt like a critical homage to the man and his legacy. This one feels more like an embodiment of the man and his soul (Troubles and All) and created a raw and emotionally filled Hip Hop experience utilising the man’s unfiltered authenticity and relentless passion for life!

If there was any doubt that Chubs had gone stale, this record helped clear all the doubts! Whether it be a concept album or otherwise, he’s one of those MC’s that brings his highest energy and power to a track regardless of the situation! 

He returns with his trademark shotgun flow that erupts all over the beats and leaves lyrical shell casings all over the ground. He unleashes his juggernaut voice that rattles the production, which combined with his smooth and poisonous wordplay and flow makes for verses so deadly it’s impossible to look away or turn off!

Even rapping alongside these MC titans, he more than holds his own and proves why he’s not only a worthy contemporary of the legends but is one of the slickest and sharpest minds and voices in the game!

Once again, Chubs and Fumes absolutely kill the record! It’s masterfully crafted and beautifully orchestrated to once again honour one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers of all time! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2dRelmWrGyHQDxbDaRVpKI?si=8ngOCEVvTkmQtOC3uhROzw

(Tha Blunted Geeb)

I’ll tell you who hasn’t done enough yet. It’s this man! After covering a few of his releases so far I had no reason to doubt this new one! With a producer I’ve never heard of till now I have high expectations for this one and I can comfortably say they were met and more! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the latest collaboration record between MC twogeebs and Producer Blunted Sloth and together they drop a 7 track album featuring the likes of 

-THE REBEL SKY

-GOMMi J

And across this just under 20 minutes record we see a fun and sample heavy Hip Hop experience that is filled with light loops, sharp instrumentation and dope execution of both the beats and bars! 

This album consists of samples such as the John Cena ‘Drug Dealer’ scene. Or the infamous ‘Wrestling Is Fake David Schultz Slaps reporter’ moment or even some action thriller snippet on track ‘Cold Nights, Low Nights’ which sounds like a Batman scene! 

I love how each beat has in its fun and unique sample! It doesn’t necessarily have to relate to the verses at hand but it does bring flavour and color to this project! Gives me a good laugh or nostalgia trip depending on what it is!

The beats themselves are mostly skeletal and minimal in appearance and style with a lot of hypnotic drum patterns, cold vocal loops and one or two given instrument patterns whether that be piano keys, synth chords, violin strings etc.

I feel for what this album is going for (aesthetically) this is the best instrumentation choices to go with. Not every album has to be overly grand and cinematic in execution if it doesn’t need it and I respect Sloth for understanding that and going with a sonic pallet that is infinitely more fitting and satisfying to the listener!

Now back to twogeebs. He has a rare talent where he can work with and have solid chemistry with any producer he works with! Even though many might be diverse with producers but that doesn’t mean they work, but a rare handful do and he’s one of them! In the past I’ve reviewed his albums with 

-SPGBamm

-bopphrases

And now with his third producer for my ears and as expected he kills just as strong! I love how he can execute various personality traits depending on the song and what themes and lyrics the tracks ask for! 

For a song that’s more light hearted and fun in nature he’ll have his energy more on the chill side, relaxed flow, maybe be more creative/experimental with his flow, try new things in the more soothing environment!

But on tracks that have heavier and more serious subject matter, personal or otherwise he tightens up, becomes proper, precise, no nonsense and delivery becomes sharp, ruthless and powerful on the tracks!

I wouldn’t say any track is really the same in the way he sounds or his cadence due to his ability to divulge various ideas and concepts through his voice and studio performances! 

Overall, a fantastic little project that is exactly what it’s suppose to be. Nothing insanely cinematic or conceptual but instead a fun listening experience that brings out the best of both men! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6uaoVqJjaUlSjc6driGMVd?si=XA2_J0a_S0q9Ivb37-9rmQ

(Pen Game 2)

When you take a step back and really observe the level of quality and consistency this man is producing over the years, it’s actually scary. For a man to personify the ‘pure essence’ of Hip Hop in its most organic form is truly special. This man has dropped two of the best albums of the year, and this latest is no exception! Let’s get to it!

So, this is the latest collaboration sequel by MC Legend, Napoleon Da Legend, with his regular producer in crime, Clypto, and together they release a 37-minute sequel to their iconic ‘Pen Game’ album featuring the likes of:

-D-Styles

-Terror Van Poo

-Bernadette Prince

-Vega7 The Ronin

-IAMGAWD

-REKS

-Blaze 5th

And as I said above, no matter who he’s working with, every Napoleon drop has this ‘pure’ atmosphere about it that no one can compare to. Across this one, every beat and instrumental feels like it’s paying homage to the 90s like a love letter to the classic era. 

Every drum pattern, bass line, horn, and vocal sample is utilised in the utmost respect and masterful quality that you can find in this rap game. 

I love how this album contains a handful of old-school scratches, DJ Cuts. It might be a small part, but it’s an aspect of Hip Hop I miss the most that you don’t see much anymore. It just adds so much flavour to the tracks! Like the song ‘Legendary Biopic’, where the song is introduced using those scratches and progresses throughout the track!

A standout track for me is ‘Shoguns’ because not only is that soulful and absolutely gorgeous instrumental banging! But this is the track that features the legends ‘Vega7 The Ronin’ and ‘IAMGAWD’. This is such a dangerous trio to have on one track, and each man brings their absolute best game to the track, making this one of the hardest songs in 2025, no doubt!

Clypto definitely raised his game on this album. His techniques, his mastery of the production, and how he was able to craft both original sounds and pay respect to the times of old is an accomplishment that deserves all the praise in the world!

Now, onto the legend himself. Napoleon, the man who doesn’t know what it feels like to drop a wack verse. He’s been a problem in the industry since day one, and he’s still out here rapping everyone!

Across these 14 tracks, he provides somehow an even stronger version of himself than the last few projects. It feels like with every new album, he’s evolving and never staying dormant or content with how he is from one project to the next! 

His lyricism is stronger, his vocabulary has increased tenfold. His flow is smoother, and his delivery and structure are some of the best I’ve heard in years, period. 

I respect that whenever he does have features on his records, he makes sure to inherit the best in the game to sharpen his own skills and prove why he’s the very best of the best! (Perfect example with that track with Vega7)

Every time he drops a bar, he sounds less like an MC and more like a wise preacher. He’s always sounded like someone who is out here trying to preach and enlighten the audience with his intellectual vocabulary and organic approach to his delivery and pen game! 

I’ve said this before, but he’s without a doubt this generation’s guru. A man you can’t fuck with but also a man whose intentions seem to be to educate and inspire rather than talk that ‘tough guy/street’ shit like everyone else!

I can’t believe I can even say this considering what he’s dropped so far, but this might be his best yet. The production is energetic and smooth, and his trademark rhythm and lyricism is one of a kind, and once again, he’s painted a bigger picture across this album!

https://open.spotify.com/album/48x5mK1uCpnko3mTK82yW0?si=0OKJtD5aTnSW5FnVw_solQ

(Slaveboats With Seatbelts)

I live by a pretty simple rule: if it’s produced by Bronze Nazareth, I fuck with it. This is the occasion here. I didn’t, however, expect to go on this roller coaster journey that this record took me on, emotionally and lyrically, but that’s the fun of discovering new artists. You’ll never know what you’ll get! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration project between MC 4ize and Producer Bronze Nazareth. Together, they dropped 14 tracks running a total of 40 minutes and featuring the likes of: 

-J.Reu

-Tommy Nova

-El Da Sensei

-Number 2

-Khujo Goodie

-A.O.S

-Killah Priest

Now, right off the bat. Let’s talk about the MC first. Because he had me engaged from the very first track to the end. The way he rapped legit reminded me of prime ‘Black On Both Sides’ Mos Def. 

How smooth he was, his precision on the beats, his god-level lyricism, intricate and interesting wordplay, and untouchable pen game were one of the most entertaining listens of the whole year. 

What made his verses so fucking fascinating was the subject matter! It’s as if this album was tailor-made for me and all my favourite topics!

-History

-Conspiracy Theories 

-Serial/True Crimes

-Weed

-Social Politics 

He literally had a song for everyone I study in my free time. Whether that be the history of Mansa Musa, or conspiracies such as ‘Pyramids In The Grand Canyon’ or ‘The Mandela Effect’ or even ‘Tartaria’ 

Serial crimes such as ‘Human Trafficking’ are a topic he has plenty of verses on. This man is a fountain of knowledge, wisdom, and insight unlike any other lyricist going right now! I also absolutely loved the outro (which sounds like an edited clip of JRE’ talking about debunking the legitimacy of Africans being brought to the US by Slave ships).

It’s not just the subject matter (which kept me glued from the intro onward) but also, as stated above, the way he was talking! His enthusiasm and unlimited energy! His passionate and sturdy conviction when talking about his subjects and his flawless execution of his words, verses, and bars. He really is the whole package! 

I never knew of him until this album, but I guarantee he’s now on my radar for life!

Of course, this album wouldn’t be what it is without Bronze. The legend himself, who has already created what many claim ‘Album Of The Year’ with ‘Things I Seen’ alongside Termanology, and now he’s back even greater and more focused on providing production to this lyrical adventure ride!

As usual for a Bronze, you can hear the mastery and cinematic approach to the instrumentation and aesthetic. Everything from those grand horns, those infectious drum patterns, songs with choir-style vocal harmonies, plucked strings, subtle jazz notes, and even harmonic keys in certain songs that give the song that extra ‘IT’ factor.

This whole album sounds like it was recorded by a live band that performs in the studio right next to 4ize, and gives Bronze the advantage of recording some of the most atmospheric, lively, and uniquely crafted instrumentation I’ve heard yet! My favourite example of this (lyrically and sonically) would have to be the track 

‘Lie To You’ because I love those distorted jazz influences, combined with that skeletal drum beat and that spiritual chant-sounding vocal samples that loop on that chant. 

It’s so mesmerising and hypnotic that it’s hard to focus on this track to even write about it but then to have 4ize spit those in depth bars about Germany WWII and Operation Paperclip that brings the focus back to life! 

This and the other 13 tracks on on this album are masterfully crafted, crisp, beautiful and distinct! I can’t imagine any other producer making this album glow the way Bronze could and did!

Overall, not only another fantastic showing but Bronze but a bombshell of a performance by 4ize so good that he’s left on my map permanently! This album is definitely a can’t miss for everyone involved!

Shoutout to all the features that contributed to the album! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2OMdLooMXimZLjrSylKUEK?si=2UvgII6bR1KloTSZ6NKSpQ