(The Cost Of Gold)

Time to go back last year to one of the most anticipated and dopest collaborations of that year. Two of the biggest draws in the underground come together for one titanic explosion that hasn’t been replicated since! Let’s get to it!

This is the duo album between MC Codenine and powerhouse producer Boneweso, and together they released 14 tracks with the likes of:

-The Hidden Character

-NACKSWELL

-BIG AURA

-ESTEE NACK

-WRITEOUS RULER

-ERG ONE

And these names are the perfect roster for a record of this calibre. Anytime you bring Bone onto the production, you can expect the most grand, powerful, and cinematic twist on muddy boom bap that you’ve ever heard in your life. There are plenty of producers in the game right now who make the same genre of music, but none of them have the attention to detail or articulate presentation as Bone provides.

Every single instrument sound is amplified and mastered to such perfection that you can hear all the small pieces from the intricate strings to the subtle keys and notes. No matter how big or small, he’s created such clarity to his beats that it’s the sonic equivalent of a pure, see-through ocean. Crystal clear with absolutely no imperfections to speak of!

Every single Boneweso album I’ve heard, I’ve considered ‘Album Of The Year’, and that still stands with preset time ‘Infinite Wave’, and this record alongside ‘SYSTEMATICALLY WE WERE NEVER FREE’ would have been in the same category.

I’m telling you, no one does production as masterful as he does. If he’s on the record, it should be top priority to listen! 

Now, onto Codenine. The man who has captivated the culture with his iconic feature performances and underground underrated album discography. But now alongside Boneweso, he’s really showing his best side and rapping as strong as I’ve ever heard him.

He’s got his trademark smooth, carefree rhythm and flow where he manifests and manipulates the instrumentals to work around him to make all his words and bars hit extra hard!

He has that street wordplay with clever and witty puns, and an aura and vibe around him that forces the listeners to focus on everything!

He’s got an infectious studio presence with a strong passion and enthusiasm that makes all his words sharp and engaging track to track!

When he’s rapping alongside his fellow associates, he provides perfect chemistry and synchronicity that he’s shown throughout his career leading up to this point, and this record was no exception!

Overall, a fantastic record as expected. Flawless production by BoneWeso and impeccable performance by Codenine and company! 

https://codenineta.bandcamp.com/album/the-cost-of-gold

(G.R.N.D)

Damn, this has to be one of the smoothest records I’ve heard in years. I’m sure if I had my website last year, this would have made the cut! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the 2024 collaboration between MC Karrera and producer Lowpocus, and together they drop an 8-track, 20-minute score that I guarantee will leave you stress-free, relaxed, and vibing!

That production is just so fucking Lucius with the way the instrumentation sways back and forth so gracefully and effortlessly. This album contains tasteful synth chords with subtle beat notes and delicate keys that take over all the senses in the body and leave you with your mind at ease and your soul wondering!

Try to imagine the same vibes as Knxwledge and Anderson Paak on their ‘NxWorries’ tapes but with a more emphasis on the ‘Hip Hop’ side of things, but equally as riveting and extraordinary as a result!

I’ll be honest, while listening to this project, I had a hard time focusing on what to write because I was too invested and taken over by the gorgeous sounds and melodies of the record. For a journalist, this kind of album can be dangerous! But for a listener, this is the best kind of album you can ask for!

Now, as smooth as the production is, Karrera provides an equally satisfying study in the art of rap because he utilises these beats the best I’ve seen anyone do it!

His words glide over the tracks; he has this level of finesse and style that provides perfect chemistry to the production itself. He has natural charisma, enthusiasm, and love for the art; you can hear it in his voice and verses! 

His flow is as fluent as the ocean, and his lyricism is strong, witty, introspective, and solid across the beat!

He’s not alone on this record as he features a crew of heavy hitters such as:

-Estee Nack

-The Musalini

-Yo Gutta

-JRed The Doctor

Each man does a fucking phenomenal job at providing flavour, personality, and energy to the record that helps elevate it even more so to a higher level than it already was without it!

I highly recommend everyone check out this album from 2024. It has everything you could want from a record and then some! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0QVutCL5vSpwDcRQaniruS?si=cEg7TFo5SU-9TUvOmcOUjg

(New Surreal World Vol. 2)

Man, ain’t this a motherfucking trip? I could have comfortably promised anyone that I’d never hear this type of music again in my lifetime. It’s been over 15 years since I last heard a project like this, and well, looks like at least for this DJ, it’s decided to make a comeback! Let’s talk about it!

So this is a MASSIVE compilation project hosted by DJ VASXXX and Lsdvas and features the likes of: 

-Bonxbpf

-Db808

-Kat3bi

-Saiyah 

-Harry Porter

-Captaincrunchbeats 

-Al Chapo

-Nate08

-Rafiq

-RayBeats

-Mfoss 

-Jahdiddat

-Wyavino

-Cutspace

– LSDvas

-Subjxt5

-Elipropperr

-Mikeyfleece

-Ztonethebeat

-Noevdv

And that’s just the producers! We also have: 

-Sickboyrari

-Matt OX

-Big Yaya 

-Dee Aura

-Slimesito

-QualiCapone

-Mikey Flame

-Fresh The Prophet 

-Shootah Koop

-Lucki

-Mir EBK

-Jay Critch

-Yeti

-Bonxbpf

-Leano

-K3

-Vipskylark

-Papo2004

-Marion Dubois

-Montana Rugga Mackavelli

-Juggrxch Bammo

-Ziglo

-Semi S7evin

-Young Jordan

-Thelonious Lincoln

Yes, I told you this project was huge! And boy, talk about a nostalgic trip! This kind of music was popping off when I was fresh out of high school graduation. This is classic MySpace/Trap/Souljia Boy era type vibes, and regardless of whether it’s my thing now or not, it’s fucking a wild vibe that can honestly say sounds like no other.

We are taking extremely brash and noise-filled tracks with the volume saturated and turned up to 500%, the instrumentation distorted and reverb to high heavens, and the beats so experimental and avant-garde in nature that it’s literally a subgenre that you can’t just get into fresh; you have to work your way up to the chaotic atmosphere being presented because, as open as I am and as someone who prides myself on searching for the most ‘out of the box’ and ‘original’ music out there, I had to take a few listens to get through it, not because it’s bad but because it’s chaotic! 

It would be the sonic equivalent of a regular civilian walking into a zoo with no training and expecting a safe outcome. Sure, you could get lucky and nothing will happen, but it’s safer to have that experience prior. If you haven’t or weren’t conscious of that era of music, you’re going to get a rude awakening trying to do it for the first time with this!

That goes for the artists in question as well. The MC’s don’t have a rhyme or reason to their bars; it just sounds like a lyrical free-for-all to match the anarchy that is this production. Also, because the actual music itself is so loud and brash, it can be hard to differentiate between who’s who, but regardless, each person here is just going all out, doing whatever they want, and hey, it’s certainly a vibe.

If you’re a veteran with this soundscape, then I’m sure you’ll have fun and vibe with this adrenaline shot of a record. If you’re a beginner, we’ll have fun and try your best to keep your wits about you because it’s a ride I promise you haven’t and probably won’t be on before or after! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6gW06azVfhHJt8jYbANmqH?si=72UERz9-QW2tAuKneAhvOw

(Conversations In The Mirror)

Artist MAC YAMES comes out with an audio statement in the form of an EP. With this six-track project, he stands firm on who he is as a man and an artist, and alongside his producers, he takes his most intrusive/personal thoughts to page to track. Let’s go!

MAC YAMES brought with him: 

-Diemond D

-SHADOWMAN

-In The Red Corner

And what is clear right off the bat is the jazz influence across this short 13-minute record. Mixed in with some soul elements, you have one of the most smooth and harmonious pieces of music that has come out this year. Everything from the acoustic guitar strings to those delicate jazz piano keys to the methodically paced beat structure and skeletal hip-hop beats, and you have a recipe for a tranquil and satisfying feel and sound that you could lay back and leave your stress and worries at the door!

Also, another point to the boys is the fluency of the record! There’s no pause or point of break between the tracks, and that might seem like a given or a small detail, but you won’t believe how many rappers (mainstream or underground) don’t follow this simple yet effective technique. The fewer breaks in a record, the more immersive it becomes, and I can safely say they nailed this basic yet extremely crucial part to the EP!

Now, the man himself, who is tasked with providing substance to this brilliant production palette, and I have to say he does well! I’d describe his style almost like turning on a lawn mower! He has an interesting fluctuation from fast-paced to slow. He’ll start off speedballing, then come back on the back end or slower and more methodical or concentrated, which was really sick! Kind of a free form to his flow and something I dug a lot!

As far as the lyricism aspect goes, as mentioned above, it sounded like he was baring his thoughts on pen. They didn’t exactly sound like pre-planned bars more than they did him just thinking out loud in the studio, and I always have a soft spot for rappers who can pull off this style because it just sounds more authentic to me!!

Overall, a fantastic showing by both all men involved. It’s beautifully orchestrated with smooth and effective delivery to suit! Would highly recommend! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3BHN7VkWeIuFHsq5WurLJy?si=5p9FLRWrSU6z5otHFVsEog

(LORD OF THE ZINGZ)

Right off the bat, can we all agree this is the best artwork and album title of the year? Before I even heard the music, I knew I would love it based on these two factors alone! Let’s talk about it!

This is the highly anticipated latest album by FEED THE FAMILY’s own Borirock, who earlier this year released what many are calling ‘Album Of The Year’ with ‘Infinite Wave’, produced by BoneWeso, and now he’s back to capture lightning in a bottle with his brand new album featuring Vinyl Villain on the beats and with ten tracks and the likes of: 

-Mondo Slade

-KILL THE ARTIST

-BLUEHILLBILL

This record was destined for greatness and it achieved that in spades!

From the opening track (which I think has sounds of Golem) in the intro, you can feel the ginormous nature and grand atmosphere that this record is trying to establish.

In contrast to ‘Infinite Wave’, which was more smooth and soulful with its instrumentation, in this one it feels more muddy and powerful. Almost like they were literally trying to capture the essence and tension of the ‘Lord Of The Rings’ universe and incorporate it throughout a hip hop record.

Everything from the eerie/theatrical piano keys to the sharp strings and massive horns! Every element of this album feels giant. I think Vinyl Villain has done an excellent job in recreating the pressure and force of the trilogy as best as he can into the album.

You can feel the immense power and almost out-worldly energy that this record unleashes, almost as if the songs have a life and soul of their own that are constantly being amplified and pushed throughout the LP! Unreal mastery by Vinyl!

Borirock, of course, sounds amazing on this album; he’s released constantly banger after banger for the last few years now. He’s not one to release a  mediocre performance, and he didn’t start now!

Across this record, he unleashes his natural charisma in spades! His reserves of unlimited energy and his unrivalled ability and enthusiasm go harder than ever across this album! His trademark high-pitched tones are in full effect as he spits his notorious street raps filled with witty one-liners, fun puns, and ghetto shit that makes him such an endearing figure in the culture today!

His ability to manipulate the beats to his own will and craft these unique and original verses that sound like no one else in the game right now! He’s the father of his own style!

Of course, when it comes to the regular names he’s worked with in the past, he’s got perfect chemistry and bonds with the names mentioned. They craft dope verses between each other that pair fantastically with that cinematic masterpiece of production! 

Overall, this was well worth the wait and the appropriate sequel of a release from ‘Infinite Wave’. It’s larger than life, grand, and all around a banger of a record!

https://borirock.bandcamp.com/album/lord-of-the-zings

(NO REST FOR THE WICKED)

You know, as someone who has done literally 365 reviews this year alone, I often question myself ‘what separates the underground from the mainstream?’ And I’m sure you could ask 100 people and get 100 different answers, but for me, the main thing I’ve observed is ‘aura’. The independent and underground naturally have a special vibe about them because they can’t afford not to. They don’t have corporates that will throw money at them and surround them by ‘yes men’, while the underground have to maintain their 9-5s, then find the time to make music afterwards. In that respect, we have an album by two of the most aura farming cats I’ve heard all year! Let’s go!

So, this is the May collaboration release by MC Tabz SOS and Producer DJ Blkluos, and with 8 tracks, 2 skits, and 20 minutes of content, these cats don’t have the luxury of fucking around on this record, and they don’t! This shit is as raw and flashy as can be!

Let’s start with the production. The way DJ Blkluos  utilises and amplifies these beats and turns them into something grand and powerful is something to witness!

From the very opening track, we hear those deep horns played over that brief speech sample, which then transformed into this crisp OG Drill beat mixed with these distorted strings that come in and out soft and louder on a loop. This is the perfect way to start an album. It’s brash, loud, gritty, and at the same time polished, mastered, and refined to the highest standards!

As the album continues, it only gets sharper with tracks like ‘NO REST’, which features these swaying back and forth strings/notes that quickly evolve into this skeletal beat that has this bass so powerful that it will knock your earlobes off if you ain’t careful! 

Each track on this record is banging with gorgeous production and larger-than-life instrumentation that makes you feel like you’re listening to a mainstream-quality record but in the underground! It’s truly magnificent!

This album does feature two skits. I’ll be honest, and I ain’t censored about my feelings on skits. I hate them; I think they are just album filler, never found the hype of them, but I can say it does feel like he’s utilising his ‘early-mid 2000s’ era with that first skit. The classic ring the radio station and the back and forth normally in traffic. I did find it funny though, how it’s called ‘Stay Dangerous Help Line’, but he roasts the guy for calling the girl a bitch! I’ll admit that made me laugh, but yeah, if you’re a fan of skits, you’ll love them; if not, they don’t affect the replay value of the album! 

Now, onto the MC side of things because we have the main man Tabz SOS, who I’ll admit is a newcomer to me, and his performance on this record made me a believer and then some!

What I found really interesting about this guy is his combination of raw, deep-toned monotone aura combined with his enthusiasm, swagger-filled, passionate raps! It’s as if he’s able to embrace the best qualities of an introvert and extravert and combine them to make this perfect being who can utilise both!

I can hear his tough, ruthless, and lethal lyricism side, and then on the same breath, I can hear his introspective, smooth, and charismatic side on the forefront! I can tell you right now someone who can access both perspectives of this character and personality in the booth is not normal, and it’s something I fear people might overlook when listening to his music!

Across this album, there are features such as ‘93G, BIG R’Z, LA.

And this trio of names do help elevate the 20 minutes into something more special and original! Their features do add substance to the record, and sometimes three names can do 8-10x more than a whole roster of features on one album!

Overall, a fantastic showing of both production and performance and is a classic example of ‘quality over quantity’. Check it out now!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6298Cg8eycBxHGBOaCFDji?si=IzOlgynTTnyYf5CjYYmy3A

(Stay With Me)

Well, I definitely wasn’t expecting this kind of sound. I’ve been dealing with so much grimy, muddy boom bap sounds that I forgot about subgenres like these! Let’s get into it!

So, this is the December 2024 release by singer and artist Trxgger_T and runs for two minutes and forty-four seconds.

Right off the bat, you can hear that melodic alternative RnB vibe fused with elements of hip hop. It’s like a combination of classic Drake/The Weekend shit. ‘Crew Love’ type vibes. You’ve got a smooth layout utilising the ambient/Lo Fi atmosphere with those synth chords that are synced into that trademark trap flavour hip hop beat for an overall mainstream type sound.

It’s the kind of stuff you’d expect to hear on the radio and in clubs! Groovy and funky! 

As far as the guy’s vocal performances, it’s definitely a singer-songwriter indie vibe I’m getting. It’s like he’s freelancing with his own range and octaves and not concerned about the traditional placement of notes or singing parts; he just does it when he wants and where! This kind of unconventional free-form singing you can find on older Weeknd tapes or even Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’, how it’s raw and unpredictable the first listen around, but as you listen more, your ears adjust and the out-of-the-box method becomes clearer.

Working with the beat, he has a definitely unique aura and style to the track that is exclusive to him! 

Yeah, dope single by the man Trxgger_T! 

https://youtu.be/VMGdrxLztA4?si=q63GrE5JJXhQvuU_

(Outside)

It’s been longer than a minute since I covered these two! All the way in February and with the push they made with their album, I had them on my radar and now after several months, they release a fresh single off their upcoming album, so let’s talk about it!

So, this song features the usual duo producer 80Rock and MC Borden. This track is 2 minutes and 42 seconds and showcases a more somber and melodic performance this time around.

That instrumental is a combination of a skeletal hip-hop beat with light synth chords and glistening keyboard notes that when all combined sound like one of the most Lucius and original cuts we’ve heard yet.

I love how mellowed out and stripped back this track is, nothing fancy involved, just a few key instrumentation choices and a down-to-earth beat come together with perfect chemistry.

Now, Borden. The other half of this dynamic duo lays down his verses with expert precision and full aura. His trademark low register tone makes all his bars feel like cinder blocks in weight and as sharp as steel.

On this track, it feels like he’s bearing his most heavy and recent thoughts on his mind and spitting them without any censorship. This feels less like written verses and thinking out loud thoughts.

Talking about life as he sees it, the experiences he’s gone through, and his judgment on the people around him. He does all this with exceptional lyricism, smooth flow, and engaging wordplay that keeps all the listeners on the edge of their seats!

Very dope promotional single and one I’m happy to cover! The production was unique and smooth, and the lyricism even more so! Definitely check this one out! 

https://open.spotify.com/track/16RxFtIRxHK143cmhI4diR?si=Q8YkjZWQTjWZAo6xji2JPA

(THE GOOD PARTS)

The day has finally arrived! The 6th Man King Pin has returned to wreck shop on the culture for the second time this year, and he ain’t leaving none of you hating motherfucking alive to talk about it! Let’s go!

 So, this is the latest EP release by 6th Man’s own The Bad Seed, featuring S.Tewe on production! With seven fresh tracks to sink your teeth into!

Right off the bat, we’re talking production. Now, I already covered a handful of these singles when they dropped, but after listening to the whole project, it’s clear that Seed’s intentions are to bring back that unfiltered, raw, 90’s-2000’s Hip Hop back! The era he started in and the era most have tried to replicate but few have gotten right.

We’re talking that old-fashioned, no-nonsense, no-gimmick hip hop beats with the crisp and banging bass, the slick and smooth instrumentals, and the aura of a titan up in this bitch!

So many cats these days are so overstimulated and desensitised to the ways of the past that they think if a record doesn’t have 1000 samples at once or the most twisted distortions or the most fucked-up lyrics that it ain’t eye-catching anymore. It makes me sad to see that the new gen can’t even fuck with the 90’s sound no more because it’s ’boring’ or ‘simple’, but man, this is even more reason why THIS album is a must-listen!

It’s a study into the golden era (one that Seed actually participated in), and producer S.Tewe has the mastery and the technique to revive that sound in its truest form and bring it to the masses, and if you ain’t fucking with this one, then can you really say you fuck with REAL hip hop?

Now, what I’m about to say next will only cause controversy if you AIN’T a real hip hop fan like that! If you are, then this should be a no-brainer. But let’s be real, The Bad Seed is the purest form of NY represent since Jay-Z! He’s the closest thing we have to prime-era Hov, and he’s putting in the work!

The game doesn’t have anyone as brutally honest, as raw, someone who truly lives that ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude like he does! This man, from his studio songs to his posts and comments on social media, is the same cat! There’s no ‘MC SEED’ and ‘ PUBLIC SEED’, they’re the same person! So that’s why whenever I listen to his verses, I can relate and I can be proud to review his shit because he’s that guy for real!

His punchlines are ruthless, his wordplay is honest and heartfelt. He told the whole world that he has late bills— nah, really late! How he can’t afford to go on vacation or to accept getting food stamps! This man is THE REAL OG. 

The real one, tells it how he is. He knows, what’s the point of putting your trip to Dubai on Afterpay and bragging when you don’t have it like that? He tells it like he sees it, and that’s why he’s a hip hop national treasure.

Once again, no features needed! Just him rocking shit solo, 7 tracks to show you the new generation what real rap sounds like and to remind the slacking old gen to step up!

If you ain’t fucking with this one, then you ain’t a real one. It’s as simple as that— 6th man forever!

https://thebadseed6.bandcamp.com/album/the-good-parts

(A Beacon In The Dark)

Another collaboration between Len-Dor and DJ Kawon, and between the two of them, they have seven more tracks featuring the likes of: 

-Rob G

-Pro Logic

-Cassette

-Unscathed 

And this project definitely feels more loose and rough around the edges than the other two. I’d describe this one as Len-Dor and Kawon just wanting to have fun, not worried about being overly polished or mastered or anything like that— just a raw, dope, and bar-driven tape that is for the people (hence the various features included).

To me, the sounds are experimental, boom bap, ambient, grand, and in some elements, lo-fi in those methodically paced instrumentation such as on ‘Pass Life’, and then there are more traditionally tough cuts such as ‘Arms 2 Short 2 Box With God’. 

So there are a variety of inspirations on this one, and all are executives well and by no means amateur just because it ain’t polished (at least to me), but in the spirit of how most mixtapes and EP’s prioritises lyricism over mix and mastering, and so in that respect, it’s dope!

As expected, the verses are dope! In a record that focuses on such, they knew that it has to be on point for the length and style of the tape, and they nailed it!

Of course, Len-Dor coming in with this trademark original introspective cadence and flow, and his fluent flow and sharp tongue on the mic, but of course, he ain’t alone, and the chemistry he forms with these names is as lethal and natural as can be! Harmonious in nature, all the MC’s on this record hit different due to their balanced and dynamic back-and-forths and their united energy, passion, and enthusiasm!

Another dope offering by the man and company. Short, rough around the edges yet solid and smooth in the areas that matter! Respect! 

https://len-dor.bandcamp.com/album/a-beacon-in-the-dark-ep