(Cry Baby)

It’s a disappointing reality to me that I never covered a record by him, but I’m definitely making up for it now, and with the producer he has alongside him on this one, I was forced to support and listen to what I could guarantee was a modern-day masterpiece, and guess what? I was right!

This is the brand-new album by Umbrella Collective’s own ‘Big Trip’, which is an exciting announcement in and of itself, but to find out it was entirely produced by Mallori Knox! That’s the real cherry on top, and it’s what made me feel for this before it came out! 

9 tracks with only two fellow Umbrella features

-Pro Dillinger

-Daniel Son

And boy, let me tell you, Mallori doesn’t fuck around on this one! With her reputation for ‘grand’ and ‘cinematic’ sounds preceding her with records such as ‘Nobody Bleeds Like Flair’ or ‘90 Flair For The Gold’, she has incorporated the same ‘theatrical’ and surreal atmosphere across this one!

From the very opening track, you can hear that classical influence with those moody Blues/Jazz notes that quickly transform into a 90’s flavoured Hip Hop beat with those gorgeous notes on loop with loose light keys in the background. 

As the album progresses, the album only gets more ‘grandiose’ and masterful in execution with organic and natural-sounding instrumentation and masterful melodies, chord progressions, and beautifully crafted aesthetics that make you feel like you’re listening to a personal biography in real time converted into audio form.

Although her full album discography is short, she has brought to life the very definition of ‘Less Is More’ because in the few albums she’s recorded, she has encapsulated the very essence of ‘art’ and sonic imagery unlike anyone else has in the genre so far. 

She’s the producer I’d want to hire if I was a director looking for a music producer for the film score. Long story short, if her name is on the production credits, I invest. Simple as that.

Now, onto Big Trip. A man who fully embraces the essence of ‘Umbrella Collective’ with his big boss energy, his methodical and in-your-face rhythm and wordplay to drop fire on all the studio sessions! 

He’s always had the swagger and undeniable aura in his music. The type of guy you know gets the whole room to shut up and listen whenever he speaks!

Across this album, he truly represents his passion, grind and takeover of the industry. You can hear it in his relentless and ruthless shots at the haters and his loyalty to the Umbrella. There are so many lines in here that make me happy because you can tell it comes from a real place.

Such as the line on the song ‘Eat One’ where he says ‘Ask the Homies if you don’t know, you book diamond you book me, or we don’t go’ and then there are just the subtle shoutouts to Snotty, Substance810 and of course the features of Pro and Daniel Son.

Across this album, his pen game, flow and lyricism are top tier. He ain’t here to rap for anyone but himself! Repppin’ the Umbrella but showcasing why he’s one you should never sleep on! Why he’s a premier rapper in this game right now!!

I love his aggression across this album. He’s always had an edge about him in his vocal performances but on this one he sounds especially mean, focused and fed up with everyone’s bullshit! This mentality across that immaculate production of Mallori and you’ve got a strong contender for ‘Album Of The Year’

What’s left to be said? Everything was on point on this one. This was everything I could have hoped for and much more! If you’re a real Hip Hop fan then this will be a no-brainer! 

https://bigtrip2.bandcamp.com/album/cry-baby-2

(Z900 Radio)

Looks like we have the producer Zilly in the house! This is a Bronx beatmaker who has been making waves as of late, and with this new release, it’s not hard to see why. Let’s get into it!

This latest album is nine tracks long, with the format being Zilly’s instrumentals rapped over by various artists! In this case, the names feature: 

-Earn Dinero

-Blaq Chidori 

-Patty Honcho

-Vic Spencer

-BrainOrchestra

-JohnnyStorm

-Anthony Kannon 

-Knowitall

-Joe Marte

All heavy hitters in my book, all capable names with the abilities, rhythm, and lyricism to drop verse of the year on any given day (and they do), but what makes these bars pop is the production! Because Zilly has made it his mission to create an atmosphere so intricate and smooth that it takes your mind into a whole different dimension while listening to it!

If I had to try to paraphrase the sounds of this album, it would be ‘Jazz Infused Ambience.’ You’ve got those beautifully executed vocal harmony loops, those grand horns mixed in with these absolutely gorgeous piano notes and smooth, subtle drum patterns that just glide through the tracks, causing a ripple effect of sensual flow of tempo, mellow vibes with a soothing atmosphere that just drives all the stress away!

The way Zilly is able to incorporate all these different sounds into a hip-hop context and blend them all to such artistry and sonic texture that it just feels like a divinely crafted score of the highest quality is just amazing. 

Although only nine tracks, the energy and theatrical execution are something that most can’t capture in a full-length project, but he’s only done it in less than half of that! Respect to him!

Speaking of respect, we gotta mention the artists above because, as I said, they are all heavy hitters and all in their own unique ways.

Whether that be Vic’s in-your-face, unapologetic, ruthless lyrical bombshell of a verse! With his sharp, witty, and street poetry! 

Or even Knowitall with his knowledgeable, crisp, well structured and detailed analysis raps. The way he can walk into a studio and force everyone to listen to him like a preacher in a church! 

We can even mention the main man Johnny Storm! How he presents his slick, smooth and cool vocal performance that is equal parts lethal and intricate! He’s the kind of MC you find to rap on your most soulful beats to give you that ultimate ‘aura’ that only he can give!

The point being, this album features MC’s of all different personalities, styles and characteristics and all absolutely kill it! You couldn’t ask for a better roster than this and paired with this original and classic production you literally can’t go wrong!

All in all, a dope showcase of one of the dopest producer meets the roster of greatness! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1Cf6WzbAQcm4WfJ1VUm0s6?si=SFUBValcRJaHglOXFZvPxQ

(The Usual Suspects)

They say in life there are only three guarantees: 

‘Life, Death, and Taxes’ but I’ll be damned if you out here throwing shade on the fourth guarantee! NAM MOTHERFUCKING NITTY MAKING ONE OF THE DOPEST ALBUM YOU’VE EVER HEARD! 

Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration album by Nam Nitty and company, including: 

-PillzBury

-Rah Sun

-Enzo Globe, while featuring the likes of: 

-Bub Rock

-Splash631

-Da 808 Babiez 

-Ty Clout

The thing is, in the first 48, they pack that 50-clip. After having a conversation with Death, they decided to get money with a ski mask, big bag, duck tape, and rope, thinking they were Lex Luger! They are pretty much saying ‘Your Turn’ because they know ‘Love Will Get You Killed.’

When it comes to a Nam Nitty-produced record, the one thing you can depend on is that he’ll turn up the intensity 100x, dials higher than the current landscape is doing! In this case, utilising the influence of NWA and doing his best to replicate and implicate the savage aggression and authenticity of those six brothers from Compton, and after a few listens, I can confidently say he does just that!

This album has a strong combination of a hardcore East Coast and groovy West Coast G-Funk shit that sounds like a celebratory homage to the golden era of rap and using various samples and snippets to revive that organic and natural vibe and aura from that time period!

Listening to this album sounds like a refreshing change of pace to anything else going right now! It’s not only a love letter to the old school but also a force of aggression, infectious energy, and passion for the game that you just don’t hear much anymore!

Nam could produce anything, and it would sound relentless and powerful, but the fact he’s deciding to pay his respects to one of the most legendary periods of our art makes it that much more compelling! Nothing but respect to the real muthaphuckkin G’s 

Speaking of. We have the group accompanied by Nam, who understood the assignment perfectly on what type of atmosphere and enthusiasm to bring to the table regarding this production, and it’s absolutely fire!

We have the main crew showcasing their tough, rough, and rugged performances, slashing through the instrumentals! Using their iconic flows, sharpened lyrics, and devastating cadence to take over the game and have the competition running away screaming ‘Gangsta Gangsta’. If it ain’t ruff, it ain’t the usual suspects, and they don’t gotta be told to express themselves as they demand quiet on the sets, and of course, it goes without saying, 

Parental Discretion is Advised!

We’re talking perfect chemistry, amazing back-and-forths! Unique characteristics and various flows and sounds attributed to the album! You can hear it’s four different MC’s not just four of the same manufactured ass rappers spitting the same boring flow! Once these four go off, they don’t stop till the competition and beat is dead!

The other four absolutely do their part and maintain the crisp and dominant energy in the room and help elevate the tracks from a 10 to a 1000x, and that ain’t no lie! These verses are like a line of 8ball, and the MC’s are the Dopeman!

Straight Outta The Underground, and these names have just dropped one of the coldest manifestations in Hip Hop today! You don’t want to miss this one!

DAMN THAT SHIT WAS DOPE 

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theusualsuspects2/el-plaga?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid

(Mom & Dad)

When a legend of this calibre drops, the world is sure to stop and listen. 

This man has spent decades on the top of the ‘lyricist’ list, whether that be under the ‘Army Of Pharaoh’ banner or solo albums, he’s remained the king of the mountain for so long, we as a culture just expect classics from him, regardless of the situation or context, and with this latest album, he does the impossible for the 9th time, so let’s talk about it!

This is the 9th solo release by legendary MC ‘Apathy’, a man who doesn’t need explanation at this point. If you haven’t heard of him, then you ain’t a fan of the underground; it’s as simple as that. With a career lasting just shy of two decades, he’s re defined what it means to be an MC in the game and has made all the new generation model their flows and delivery after his blueprints, and now that he’s back on his own, he’s come with an interesting semi-conceptual album regarding ‘Ronald and Nancy Reagan’ and talking about how they raised him in a theatrical yet beautifully crafted introspective record that blows away all expectations!

This album features 12 tracks, all produced by Apathy except for tracks ‘3, 4, and 11’ done by 

-Playa Haze

-Little Vic

With Tone Spliff on the cuts! While featuring the likes of

-Suave-Ski

-Little Vic

-Slaine

-Ryu

Now, as far as the production goes. This has to be one of the most delicate, ambitious, and atmospheric Hip Hop albums I’ve heard this year. The elements of 

-Jazz

-Old School Hip Hop

-Classical

-Soul

-Ambient 

-Funk

It consists of the most pure, organic, and natural instrumentation I’ve heard in the game right now, with how smooth, soothing, and breath-taking each track is and how well each instrument is tuned, executed, and flourishes under this masterful production.

It feels like the listener is taking a 42-minute mental massage while letting the fluent and heavy content and detailed music speak through your body and soul as you experience a score rare to find in the Hip Hop Scene (Underground or Mainstream).

I love the various use of sound effects to further develop immersion. From the opening track rain sounds that open and end the track, or the second track train horn as it drives past the area.

Probably my favourite usage of this (plus my favourite track) would be ‘Mom & Dad’ as we hear the snippets of the Regans themselves which elevates the heartfelt and detailed personal story told by Apathy on that track. Plus how he keeps going back to ‘I was raised Ronald and Nancy, even though neither one was my family’ it all just felt surreal and damn near cinematic with every use of that chorus.

This feels less like an album and more a live performance of Apathy’s mind, heart and soul. This album really blew me away sonically because whenever I think of him I’m always thinking raw, rough and rugged sounds and production to slap you in the face with! But to hear him approach an album with such finesse and emotion is a side I personally haven’t heard from him before and yet as expected it’s a lame he has no problem riding in and still was able to make a strong contender for ‘Album Of The Year’ absolutely incredible!

As far as the MC side goes, this part should be obvious to anyone who is familiar with his work. He came into this game as one of the strongest on the mic and he still holds that credibility! Once again he brings fourth his trademark in depth lyricisms with his meticulous flow and delivery! He’s never missed a beat before and he doesn’t start now!

As mentioned above, his pen game is elevated even more then before due to the ‘conceptual’ nature of the record and sharing with the audience his personal stories and experiences that tie in with the ‘Regans’ and as such his pen game has evolved and made every track a mini story with more substance and detail then most MC’s have in their whole albums!

Although I was unfamiliar with them up and until now I love the features he chose for this record as they help embrace and maintain the energy and emotionally driven style on the record. They all paired well with Apathy and they all demonstrated fantastic chemistry and none came across awkward or otherwise bad or negative in any way! They kept it fluent with dope verses which complimented Apathy’s style!

Overall, a fantastic record! Definitely a stand out for this year. Whether you want to talk that gorgeous production or that interesting and personalised concept! Either way this is one for the record books! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6F9DG493h2dGfe7CpaJ5ZS?si=9wRgz2PYTe6dWUeoS5YAag

(Half Of Da Medallion)

Man, this is pretty fucking cool! Going from all the Hank releases featuring Outti to the other way around! I’m excited to hear what an album focused on his own drive and focus would sound like, and I wasn’t disappointed!

So, this is the latest album by MC Outti. It’s seven tracks and 12 minutes, featuring, of course, the main man Hank Dope on the guest bars and 

-DJ Jersey

-FNO POP

on the production!

As I should have seen coming, this album is the brilliant combination of theatrical and gritty. (As is usually the case with Hank.) 

So for those who aren’t aware, I’m talking grand vocal harmony loops, classical instrumentation paired with muddy boom-bap feels! Similar to early days Griselda (or more specifically old school WSG), how he used to use the most beautiful instrumentation only to manipulate the beat with some of the most devastating and gritty beat patterns you’ve ever heard.

This album does the same thing; you’ll have the luxury of listening to gorgeous samples and instruments while cracking your neck over huge, rough, and rugged patterns and production! 

If I had to list a favourite sounding track, it would have to be ‘Game Of Thrones.’ It has this infectious trap wave skeletal energy with those almost ‘chant’ like back-up vocals going over the track, and of course, Hank’s verse to help bring the track full circle!

As far as the MC’s goes. Obviously it’s between the main dynamic duo Outti and Hank. They have established themselves as a pair worth paying attention to with their frequent collaborations and grimy style mixed with street poetry and lethal wordplay!

Both men showcase sharp penmanship, smack-your-face flow with enthusiasm and passion to match! They’re always striving to be the hardest ones around when dropping, and considering they only drop records that are less than 20 minutes on the norm, they have less room for error and more of a reason to show just how powerful they can be when in the studio, and they haven’t failed yet!

Frequent as they come, with the skills to match! Outti proved when it comes to his solo shit that he can match with the best of them! With his brother by his side, they aren’t far away from taking over the game! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0PJKxo31TPeOdAS27Oz2yi?si=VJknZJ0_Rx6x1hkzGSPKUQ

(Pieces Of Us)

Man, nothing makes me happier than hearing a dope trio. Honestly, when you think of it, how many dope trios do you know in modern times? All I can think of is Griselda! But even then, once you add Daringer, that makes four. 

So, whenever I hear three people come together for the passion of the art, it gets me excited for the listen, and for this one, I was beyond proud, satisfied, and blown away by what I had offered to me!

So, this is the 4th of April release by the trio of 

-D-Sol

-More

-Demetri

And together, they release this 8-track album that’s just under 15 minutes long but delivers more than most hour-long releases! 

Talking about the sound of this record, ironically, this trio reminds me of the other famous trio ‘CunningLynguists’ in the way the beats and production operate, its theatrical and cinematic qualities, and the way the instrumentation and vocal harmonies absorb the listener in pure immersion! These guys nail that to a tee!

With every track, you have those spacey, hypnotic, and atmospheric vibes and instruments from 

-Synth Chords

-Drum Patterns 

-Plucked guitar strings 

-Jazz Horns

-Delicate keys 

And all these choices are executed in such grand fashion that it feels like you’re being teleported to an 80’s thriller show with those nostalgic memories and sounds flooding the brain and forcing the audience to take a trip and expand the mind as these beautifully crafted and intricately placed beats are placed! 

I think what makes this album stand out is those gorgeous vocal samples. Of course, this isn’t a new element; most artists use this technique in music, but the way they do it is just next level! The vocal performances are powerful, enlightening, and heartfelt! With every line, I got goosebumps, and my body felt lighter as my mind felt like it was astral projecting into another realm. 

Between Redemption and No Tlme I can’t describe which of these is my favourite song because each utilise a different vocal sample loop and all of them make me feel a certain way and each hit hard for their own reason.

This is truly next level production, these are the kind of men and woman you can’t afford to ignore. Someone who can turn 14 minutes into an audible gold mine are ones who have that ‘IT’ factor and honesty these kinds of albums I could listen to all day every day! Believe you me this will be on my repeat for weeks!

Now onto the dynamic MC Duo. Firstly I gotta respect a man who called himself ‘More’ it’s so basic yet so badass to just go with a name like that so respect.

Secondly, re using my ‘CunningLynguists’ example they both share the same enthusiasm as that legendary trio! Both showcase their in depth lyricism, wordplay, vocabulary and ability to tell stories in the short amount time they have on tracks with vivid imagery and top tier vocal performances to match.

I love their chemistry, love their back and fourths and the energy they provide and for the excellent production they have definitely matches the vibe and aura of the record!

Overall, fantastic job by everyone involved! Can’t recommend this album enough!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5fwoobHjh5LDoi3iq4hBBa?si=l84DajdBR9u4HKc3VLYKdw

(CARVEL)

Is it possible for this man to take an L? It’s been what? A decade at this point? And this man not only hasn’t taken an L but has evolved with every release and has literally left the competition in the dust! Once again, he’s back to flex on the industry and prove why he really is ‘The Greatest MC going’. Let’s talk about it.

This is the latest single by legendary MC Estee Nack, who, including his ‘Coldest Combo Ever’ album and the handful of albums under the ‘23IncredibleIndustries’, has released most of my ‘Album Of The Year’ picks with one on the way! 

And today he’s accompanied by also legendary producer V Don! Both men have influenced and shifted the culture in their own respective lanes, and together they are guaranteed to murder a track, and that’s exactly what happens!

So, starting with the production, we have V Don deliver this eerie and haunting instrumental that sounds like a rap song you’d hear at a circus at midnight! You’ve got those chilling piano keys combined with that skeletal drum pattern and the use of that female vocal loop that glides in and out of the track, adding to the powerful rhythm of the song!

This song is the perfect beat that can stretch to last four minutes and not feel ‘boring’ or ‘overstayed’ like so many of the instrumentals do these days! But as usual, V Don executes the production perfectly and with high theatrical elements!

Who better to rock a beat like this than Estee? He is the perfect MC. Solid discography, solid verses, and a career that will be talked about for centuries. When he’s rapping along this track, he’s bringing his signature wavy energy, boss-level vocals, and adlibs. 

What’s interesting to me is this is the first song I’ve heard of him in a while that actually sounded structured in execution and not his usual ‘free form’ rapping. To me, this is a sign by Estee saying ‘see, I can do what you do, but you can’t do what I do.’

Regardless of the style, it hits hard, complex street poetry with absolute precision and lethal power!

I will say based on the intro, this song has got me curious about what Doja Cat actually said to get him to react that way, but regardless, from his smooth chorus layout to the enthusiastic and energetic wordplay and vocal performances, he once again showcases just why the culture calls him ‘THE GOAT’.

This is the track you don’t want to miss! Trust me! 

https://open.spotify.com/track/66ltqWHkFClQ7FBiXTg2eo?si=kKMEpMB3SoqqYbxu71CQEw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2hAarA552jItdsM3je7F1s

(A Sight To Cee and A Joy to Hear)

Talk about an anticipated release! This is one of those ‘count the days’ type drops, and the album I was literally checking updates for on the daily, and now it’s finally here! The collaboration of the decade! So let’s talk about it!

This is the full-length release official collaboration between two of my favourite collectives. The MC giants ‘Penlordz’ and 6th Man’s own super producer ‘Shade Cobain’, and together they drop a solid nine-song tracklist with the likes of 

-Sha Abbar BeOnedrful

-Audio Messiah

And your very own ‘Serpent Tongue’ is on the final track of the album! Yes, I am incredibly humbled and hyped!

So, let’s talk production. I honestly couldn’t think of a more fitting producer for the legendary Penlordz than Shade. After hearing the few singles they dropped together, it was obvious that Shade knows how to draw out the perfect level of surreal atmosphere and immersive soundscape that is more than your average listening experience but a progression that runs throughout your whole body and soul.

Shade, across these nine tracks, brings to the table immersive, intricate, and unique cinematic sounds that shift the balance of the current structure of Hip Hop. 

He utilises everything from jungle samples, extraordinary vocal harmonies, larger-than-life organ notes, thumping drum patterns, plucked strings, sharp notes, and intricate melodies and theatrical instrumentation that has you feeling like you’re listening to a lifetime of knowledge within a half an hour. It’s truly remarkable.

It’s a common phrase used nowadays for anyone and everyone, but in this case, it rings true. Shade really does ‘bring the music to life’ on this one. This feels like a Buddhist monk who has been meditating for 100 years, becoming the perfect enlightened being, has come down after a century of prayer to share his divine wisdom and presence with the world in sonic form!

For the level of immersion and clarity that’s soaked in this album, all I can say to Shade is thank you. This is unlike any other production I’ve heard all year, and to be able to say I’m part of this level of depth and artistry? Is truly an honour.

You know, with production this flawless, you can only have the very best on this album, and that’s exactly who Shade had. Penlordz are some of the greatest in the game right now, period. Regardless of whether it’s one or all three, they all define the upper echelon of the culture, and across this record, with mostly two of them, they not only maintain their respective quality but push themselves to new heights using this production as a medium to a higher tier even for them!

We are talking about stronger vocabulary, wiser bars. Sharper instincts, and pen game. Infinite flow and creativity in their verses. You’d think after dropping consistently since the end of last year that they’d run out of topics to focus on, but they somehow manage to not only re invent but highlight new themes, issues, perspectives, and concepts in each album dropped. 

If Shade is the gospel, then Penlordz are the prophets! They are the ones preaching the important scriptures of the gospel blueprint and spreading the ever-so-important message to resurrect the truth in Hip Hop and provide the younger generation with the clear path to ‘discipline, dignity, self-worth, and consistency!’ 

I can’t talk higher about this album if I tried. Not just because I was blessed to help close the album off but because honestly, it really is that good! The production is perfect, and the verses even more so! 

You cannot afford to miss out on this one! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1p9wn8PdfWZwE7eRwKUBKd?si=KmQKOfshTU2NLecYqpWJog

(VICTORY)

A new album after 26 years. That alone is a statement. When you’re talking about the pioneers of the Hip Hop Game, the ones who helped craft it into the industry it is today, then you’d be ignorant to leave this man off your list. The man who brought conceptual storytelling to the forefront of the rap scene and has since become the most sampled artist in history! It’s the Ruler himself using his well-deserved tenor in Hip Hop to come back with a project that showcases the very essence that made him a household name to begin with! Let’s talk about it.

So, this is the latest project by legendary MC Story Teller Slick Rick. The man who broke the mould with ‘The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick’ and since has become a staple in the minds and hearts of everyone with his iconic voice, look, and sound. 

Across this album, he comes back with 15 tracks running at a brisk 27 minutes. Featuring the likes of 

-Giggs

-Nas

And most surprisingly, Ibris Elba on the production! 

Now, let me start off by saying out of all the legendary MC drops outside of LL Cool J’s album, this is the first I feel is properly in tune with the modern-day culture of Hip Hop! 27 minutes length opposed to a bloated over an hour. Not to say it would be a flop if it was, but too many old-timers stick to the outdated ‘hour+’ formula with records without any real rhyme or reason for them and making them seem ‘out of touch’ with today’s environment, but not Slick! That’s the first positive sign for this album!

The second is the production! As mentioned, his is by Ibris Elba, the man who is a renowned DJ already, but it still doesn’t make it any more exciting and shocking to see him produce a Slick Rick album, and I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s Slick’s best work sonically, but I do appreciate that he chose a variety of different cuts and inspirations from

-Electronic

-Reggae

-Old School Hip Hop

-New School Hip Hop

-Funk

-RnB 

And as he’s always done, he’s pulling out maximum charisma and flavour out of the tracks and making them his own. 

I can already tell there’s gonna be a lot of people complain and bitch about these instrumentals because they aren’t ’what they use to be’ or ‘too odd and out there’ and to those who do end up thinking that I want you to remember that even from his very first album he’s been pushing the boundaries and innovating new sounds and ideas that no one else has ever done until him. 

So while I maintain it’s not my favourite of all his discography I feel it’s a fun, vibrant and refreshing take from a man who has nothin left to prove in this game and is just making an album for the fun of it and I love it!

As far as the MC work goes he hasn’t lost a step. That’s the magic of Slick, no matter what era whether it’s the 80’s/90’s/2000’s/2010’s/2020’s he’s always ahead of the game and his signature English sway and smooth wordplay and flow has remained untouched. 

I honestly believe he was born with the ability to perfectly glide through a beat because even on his worst song he was never faulted because of his own work! He was flawless then he remains so now!

The one track I love is ‘I Did That’ essentially a skit with Slick reminding everyone the impact and generational influence he caused. I’d say most Hip Hop Heads haven’t forgotten but for the new generation they need to know why he’s such a renown figure and to hear him give himself his flowers was an epic moment!

Also, his track ‘Documents’ with Nas was also dope! Two of the greatest lyricists from any generation coming together for a dope, vocabulary session that is a present for the old heads! 

I also love how he continues to find a way to bring his animated story telling aspects throughout the album! Like the song ‘Landlords’ the first person I’ve ever heard make a pro landlord song which I found dope! Also throughout most of the tracks either at the start or end he includes his trademark quips of voice acting as different people to tell some kind of narrative is classic Slick!

Look, this ain’t gonna get no critical acclaim and probably won’t be considered anyone’s favourite Slick album BUT for someone who is mostly retired and someone who has already put his time into the game and earned his spot in the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ conversation this isn’t an album he needs to prove anything with it’s just a legend with the same passion for the art as he has in the 80’s coming back to show the world how to make a fun, catchy and vibrant record! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5S7fMBF2TiKtLPKgVVAARB?si=bZDZQjKrRX6TM7xn0QfUxg

(So Help Me Gawd)

I can guarantee you this, when it comes to ‘perfect’ collaboration efforts, you won’t find a combination as better as these two! Arguably the two best in their respective roles that have been making waves for the past five years and more, and now they’ve decided to squash the competition by joining forces and showcasing one of the best albums of the year!

This is the latest album between notorious MC Ferris Blusa and powerhouse producer Wino Willy, and together they release nine tracks featuring 

-Aubren Jay

-Swab on the cuts

As things stand right now, Wino has been on a roll I barely see anyone else replicating. The real sign of success is not with loud words or an obnoxious level of forced promotion but more when you see an artist/producer quietly appear on everyone’s favourites and taking over the culture one project at a time.

In the span of a month, I’ve seen him on

Backwoodz Studios 

Reek Osama 

Ferris Blusa

Al Divino

Four pillars of the underground, and he’s associated with all of them. THIS is how you showcase your status, and he’s the one in demand right now!

Across these nine tracks, he’s dived deep into his more grimy, muddy, and gritty sound palette to help create a record that would complement Ferris and his intense delivery the best, and he hits it out of the park!

I’m talking some of the most heinous, destructive, and dangerous boom Bap variants you’ve ever heard. Those droning distorted jazz notes, those skeletal drum patterns, and harrowing keys— this thing isn’t for the weak! He ain’t making this for the radio or for the mainstream ears, nah.

He’s got his ear into the streets and locked into creating the audio representation of a void, a black hole of hip hop, and it’s a magical experience to feel!

 Wino has always been a problem like that. He ain’t a one-trick pony; if they want dark, he goes darker! But in the same breath, if an angel itself wanted to hear heaven on a track, they’d ask Wino! His adaptive abilities are beyond impressive, and across this album, he’s showing the culture what happens when he unleashes his dark side!

Talking about the dark side, we have Ferris. The man who has consistently been making grim and heavy music for the game for years. His trademark deep vocal tones, monotone delivery, and cold expressions have made him an unprecedented threat in the industry, and this album is no exception!

Across this filthy production, he’s going off in prime form! His notorious one-liners, his pacing, and lyrical set-ups are always dope! He brings anticipation to the audience, as the energy can be felt when he’s trying to set up a bar, and it’s amazing to witness!

He’s always the type to murder tracks methodically. He’s perfected his technique, and he ain’t in no rush for anybody! He’s the MC that people wait for to get an opportunity to be in his presence! Every bar, word, and breath is delivered exactly how he wants it, with his surreal aura and mythical atmosphere that seems to follow him over each and every album he drops!

Once again, these two can’t miss (and that’s on their own); imagine what happens when worlds combine? Well, find out now!

https://ferrisblusa.bandcamp.com/album/so-help-me-gawd