(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

(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