(Morning Rain)

The time has finally come! One of the most anticipated singles of the month! Let’s talk about it!

So this is the brand new song by B1 The Architect that includes Sythe on the production and, most excitingly, you have the legendary Blu on the feature! This is banger-worthy in name alone! 

Let’s start with the production. I love the skeletal/muddy texture of this track. You have those swinging keys going from lower to higher pitch with light use of bass strings and a raw, barebone Boom Bap beat that comes together in a perfect storm of ambient, eerie, crisp, with a dark atmosphere all wrapped in one! 

This is the kind of beat you could play for hours and never get sick of it! Fantastic performance by Sythe!

Onto the rap verses. We have a dope opening verse by B1 who showcases his signature deep, raw vocal tones that give off a faint monotone vibe as he spits his thought-provoking bars with excellent precision on the beats. With him, the flow and wordplay is like clockwork. It’s always on point where it needs to be and he never misses a step.

His lyricism is deep and heavy, like he’s literally writing this on a dark and stormy day. Very bleak in nature.

On the opposite end, we have the legend himself Blu who honestly comes in sounding more dire and serious than I heard him in the past few years. When I think of Blu, I think of fun and infectious Jazz albums or celebratory music with big parties of names and features. 

But on this one, he’s talking about the struggle of death, saying how ‘My Home girl’s father died, My Home boy’s daughter died. When they express how it feels, the shit makes all of us cry.’

Like, damn. That’s such depressing yet real lyrics from him that I just haven’t heard in years! Sure, he’s fitting the sonic aesthetic to a tee and his lyricism definitely fits the mood of the song, but it just comes as quite the shock that the man who just recently released ‘40’, probably the happiest album I’ve ever heard, turned around and made one of the most harrowing verses I’ve heard this year. 

All in all, this is a fantastic piece of music. It’s gritty but self-reflecting at the same time. It’s got fantastic production and the lyrics really make you think, which is good to have every once in a while! Check it out!

https://open.spotify.com/track/6OjMzECo0UX5l7QzqikzXy?si=6tLXbrLlRv6Lofug1_obEA

(The Blue Carpet)

The most anticipated release of the past few years has finally come! It’s been two years since he last released a studio album, and now after a barrage of singles, he’s finally back with an LP that is sure to change the game up once again!

So, this is the latest studio album by Umbrella’s Own/Dirthouse’s underground powerhouse, Snotty. A man who has taken the game in a chokehold since the early 2020s and now is the apex predator of the culture.

Beside him on this record is rising producer sensation, Goodphella, who has been tight as thieves with Snotty in releasing these singles and is responsible for the production of the whole album! Together, they dropped a fresh ten tracks with the likes of: 

-Mvck Nyce 

-Pro Dillinger

-Kamron Bahani 

-Borirock

And this short list is absolutely PERFECT for what the affiliates should be. Four of the sharpest minds in the game right now who have been pushing more moves than 95% of the game combined. As they surround Snotty on this LP, we hear Snotty absolutely go off!

There aren’t any restrictions on Snotty on this one, just him and the microphone, and he’s spitting as hard as I’ve ever seen him.

He brings to the table his trademark lethally smooth flow and rhythm that makes him penetrate tracks more effectively than an assassin stealth killing a group without even making a sweat. This is what Snotty does on tracks! He comes in, murderous the track, then leaves. 

As we found out on the various single tracks he dropped, he’s opening Pandora’s box by reflecting on his personal and introspective side. This definitely doesn’t take away from his impact or power on the tracks; if anything, it reinforces just how deadly he can be, considering he can walk into any lane and still come out on top!

I gotta admit, the track ‘After Hours’ was my favourite. When I heard Pro shout ‘STEINER BROTHERS BACK’, man, that got to me! No one is better as a duo than these two! They are the original partners in crime, and they’ll ride or die till the end! 

Overall, Snotty has out-performed himself on this album. He’s dominating, filled with aura, and unmatched in street bars, witty one-liners, and wordplay so crisp that it sounds like he never even has to catch his breath. Pure artistry!

Goodphella. The man behind the masterclass of Snotty providing the beats.

What I love about his work across these tracks is his use of luscious and beautifully orchestrated loops and gorgeous samples where you can hear the individual strings and chords and harmonic notes that just ring through your heart and soul, spreading throughout your whole body!

A lot of these beats are simplistic in the context of just using a few instruments per song, but because of his immaculate techniques and the ability to amplify the music itself into its highest and purest form, he can take regular sounds and make them sound Dolby Atmos quality.

I also love how he utilises various samples and movie snippets to keep the LP sound engaging and prime time. My favourite being the classic Joe Pesci ‘Goodfellas’ bar scene ‘Thought I Told you to fuck ya mother?’ It’s one of my favourite movies, so to hear that always makes me happy!

But the fact that he can add in these scenes and still never cause the record to break or pause or have any awkward moments of obvious breaks or cuts in the music itself and keep it all seamless is absolutely incredible and further proof of his skill as a producer and why he’s someone who you shouldn’t underrate! 

What can I say? I knew this album would be absolutely cinematic, and it was. It’s gritty, muddy, classy, and theatrical all in one. We get to hear Snotty in his prime alongside one of the best producers in the game right now with a handful of his best friends and associates. What else could you want from a Snotty album? Long story short, it’s perfect.

https://open.spotify.com/album/6QmLevj9TpgKzAkocuB2HI?si=mTQcCqrXRuOTQTtGy0N5BQ

(Incredible)

Once again, time to cover a new artist! One who has been making waves in the underground and the socials, so it’s only right I jump on the bandwagon before it leaves the station. So let’s get to it!

So, this is the collaboration album between MC Don Sazòn and producer misterdillinger, and together they dropped seven tracks and fifteen minutes with the likes of: 

-Fastlife

-The OG Ninja

-Meph Luciano 

And with less than twenty minutes, these boys didn’t have time to fuck around, and they didn’t!  Starting with misterdillinger. I really love what he does in the short time he had; it felt like a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere with delicate and intimate instrumentation that moves through your body and soul with each breath-taking chord, string, and note utilised across this fifteen-minute score.

I also love the emphasis on the topic of ‘incredible,’ from dictionary definitions to samples from the cartoon superhero movie ‘The Incredibles,’ which I thought was dope. 

If I had to choose a favourite track, it would have to be ‘Maniac!’ It sounds like something off Legend of Zelda. Those gorgeous chords that sound like a combination of folk and ancient Chinese music, it’s delicate, swift, and absolutely beautiful in execution.

Now onto Don. This man found a way to navigate these atmospheric and harmonious melodies with his own brand of passionate rhythm and soul! He has an infectious level of confidence and enthusiasm that can be heard throughout his verses and bars, and his witty, clever puns add an extra level of depth to his lyricism!

He has a smooth flow and a sharp sense of word placement across the songs, which is hella important in making the tracks link and work so well!

Even when he’s rapping alongside his associates, he doesn’t falter or show any sign of inferiority or weakness. He holds his own and shows everyone why he’s the man right now and can rap alongside anyone in the game!

Overall, for fifteen minutes? This thing goes HARD. The chemistry between everyone involved and the overall feel of the record is something most artists couldn’t accomplish! Dope effort! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4VteedgNGJyGsePjzTXTTr?si=B40Elp_tSQGwAGuMy0JpiA

(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_