(The Sho Gun 2)

Lo Gun, the Sho Gun. He’s back with a brand-new sequel that is set to shake the game up and be considered one of the best releases of the year, no doubt!

This new project is 12 songs deep with a range of different Sonic Samurai on deck, such as: 

Producers

-Hanzo Bladez

-DJ Goblin

-Vinyl Villain

-Lo Gun

-The Roses

-Reese Tanaka 

-Grubby Pawz

-Clypto

Rappers

-K’Nen

-King Author

-Estee Nack

-G Fam Black

-Hanzo Bladez

These Warriors come together, weapons drawn. Sights set and intentions clear. The forsaken ones? Wack music, industry plants, and anyone who doesn’t respect the culture. These 12 Sho Gun have sharpened their techniques, stained their weapons with blood, sweat, and tears, and their souls immovable as the rising sun.

When talking about the sonic structure of the record, just as merciless as the Japanese were in WWII, so too is this album as ruthless, cunning, and cruel in sound. The instrumentals serve as ravishing War Cries to the culture, and it’s an anthem no one can ignore. The massacre of the weak and talentless will not be televised, but the screams will be deafening.

These producers have come from far and wide to accomplish this grave mission of the extermination of watered-down Hip Hop plaguing the masses, and their sonic katanas don’t miss. 

As deadly as the lore of the 8 producers are. The world wasn’t ready for the 5 Deadly MC’s lead by the legendary ‘Lo Gun’ himself, whose swords were thought to be as swift as liquid. With every Bar, Verse, Pun, Word uttered towards the pretentious Judas’s of the rap world, they were utterly helpless against their power and lyrical splendour.

This small group of Sho Gun cut through all deceivers as effortlessly as child’s play, and their bloodshed was never quenched.

 If you pride yourself as a true and honorable follower of the culture. Be still as these audible samurai have no quarrel with the innocent and steadfast. Your peace will be left intact.

But for those who continue to preach false gods and spread the words of poison and wrongful idols, then beware, beware of the enteral conquest of THE SHOGUN.

 (Donation link)

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(Seppuku)

Is it just me, or is there a flood of ‘Samurai’-themed albums in 2025? I swear I’ve seen tons of them. Do I dare complain? Definitely not! A theme that can never get old and always seems to maintain quality when associated, and this album is no exception! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration project between producer White Shadow and rapper Son Of Saturn, and together they release 7 songs with 25 minutes.

The features include only ‘Silkroad Gunmen’, and this thing has a trademark yet solid Boom Bap structure featuring raw and crisp instrumentals and a unique spiritual atmosphere with dope cut and scratching work and various foreign instruments that, when added to the songs, give them a ‘larger than life’ cinematic value to them.

Although there are only 7 songs, White Shadow does a masterful job making the whole project feel like a full hour with the vast amount of technique, variety, and detail in each individual song. Although, as I said, it is classic Boom Bap in skeleton, he adds so many keys, chords, and melodies that each track feels almost angelic in nature due to the incredible work and uncanny energy that radiates off the songs themselves.

I absolutely love the mindset behind this album: lay the foundation (Boom Bap), build upon it, and play god with the infinite possibilities of sound matches, vibes, and soundscapes to choose from, and the choices that were kept are some of the best and most compelling production I’ve heard all year, and I mean that!

For all the talk of the immaculate production, the man that’s accompanied alongside the beats was Son Of Saturn, and his skill level is just as masterful in his own right. The way he manipulates and manifests his words is beyond belief.

His verses, wordplay, lyricism, and flow are unmatched across this project. When you have the sounds as good as these, you need a man/woman who could not only match but outdo the production, and I couldn’t think of anyone else better qualified for the job.

I was left in a trance listening to this album, just stunned at how smooth and synchronised this duo was. It’s as if they spoke in telepathy, and they could reach each other’s thoughts and knew exactly what the other needed! I wouldn’t be surprised if this was all done in one take per song because of how effortless this all sounds!

Overall, a beyond brilliant addition to the year and one that will stay on my mind for the year to come! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1cuZaWVvHNf5bC2W60jWWn?si=25zND2IUQ6yYm-Bv3kRLIA

(Donation link)

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(March Madness)

As we come towards the end of March. It seems only fitting that we end the month with a BANG, and who makes a bigger bang in the industry than my main man Nam Nitty? The man who deserved an ‘X rating’ on all these records and the man who time after time with his uncensored energy and passion pulls off a sonic adrenaline boost that stays in your body until the next release comes around! So let’s get into it!

This new release is 6 tracks long, featuring the likes of: 

-Da 808 Babiez

-Voice Watkins

-Splash631

-Pilzbury

-Enzo Globe

-Moxx Bond

-Rah Sun

Across this project, the production feels more club-oriented and vibe-focused compared to the last few projects. While the aggression was higher on his NYE’s project, this one feels crisper, fresher, and more interested in creating bangers you would play in your car with the window down, good bass, and vibing hard on a clear, sunny day with a fat blunt in the passenger seat.

Regardless of the sounds or inspirations he chooses to utilise across each album, as explained in the intro, he always brings with him a Lil Jon-level aura and infectious cadence that forces the listener to move their body and neck, whether they want to or not!

When I first listened to this album, it was midnight my time, in my room with the missus sleeping, and even then I couldn’t help but do a little Pimp walk around my room back and forth to let out some energy because that’s the kind of power Nam’s albums have on the listener. 

The rapping performance, as expected, is ruthless, relentless, and pulsing. The only names I can compare it to are DMX or Sticky Fingaz. You know the vibe when you play one of their albums, and every song is just 100/10 intensity. Well, this is how Nam and all his features feel! That Pro Dillinger-level in-your-face vocal performances, it’s at that point now where I feel it would be awkward if Nam ever recruited anyone who wasn’t as ‘max level’ as he is! Wouldn’t suit a Nam Nitty album to hear calm and collected!

Overall, another dope instalment to Nam Nitty’s ever-growing discography! If you’re after an album that is high energy, club shit with the intensity of all your favourite OG’s, then look no further than this! 

(Did You Enjoy Your Time Here?)

One half of the underground duo ‘ShrapKnel’ featuring Curly Castro and a man who has spent more than his fair share of years building his name up as one of the best MC’s working today. This time Premrock is back with a brand new 16-track feature album that is set as not only another creative and original adventure but a reminder to all who might choose to overlook him. He’s the one to look for this year!

Across this project, you have many names featuring such as producers: 

-Sebb Bash

-Blockhead

-YUNGMORPHEUS

-Child Actor

-Controller 7

-ELUCID

-Small Professor

-Jeff Markey

-Fines Double

-Willie Green

With this star-studded cast, there’s no way Prem could lose. This project sounds smooth and stunning in its tranquil soundscapes and serene atmosphere. With various elements such as:

-Ambient

-Lo-Fi

-Art Rap

– Synth, and it’s always underground/Indie rappers of this caliber that know how to make such special and unique projects that you just don’t get much anymore. I’m trying my best to make a correct and accurate description of their ‘magic,’ but the best I could come up with is that these levels of artists (Backwoodz Studioz) are mostly the Studio Ghibli of the Hip Hop world. Every score is incredibly breathtaking and memorable and unique to them. It’s a quality these guys have had for more than a decade, and no matter how much time passes, they continue to create records that live through the listener for further decades to come.

When on the mic, Prem is accompanied by the likes of: 

-Pink Siifu

-Billy Woods

-Cavalier

-Nappy Nina

-Illogic

-AJ Suede

-Mary Esther Carter

-Curly Castro

And once again, another giant-level cast, and a lesser man would see this list and be terrified to try to match up against this level of talent. But not Prem. He himself is an underground legend, and he’s spent his whole life building and working on his wordplay, penmanship, and studio cadence. This album is nothing more than an expression of how far he’s come and evolved over the years, and I can tell you firsthand he’s not only delivered masterfully on this project but also outdid himself in every aspect.

Whether it’s alongside Castro. Whether it’s a main soldier for Backwoodz or featured on someone else’s project, Prem is that guy, and he can create classics out of anything, and today he’s proven once again just that!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2N3lILdDAMjdhLaHWEybpV?si=IrTcugxHT8GHDqktIqHuVg

(Donation Link)

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(Corner Disciple)

I was wondering when I’d hear Rim again. After his blow-up album Eddie Kaine earlier this year, I was waiting to see where he would go next, and it turns out the answer to that was this! So let’s talk about it!

So this latest collaboration project features Rim and producer Vanderslice, and together they bring 10 fresh tracks featuring the likes of: 

-Planet Asia

-Maffew Ragazino 

-Illa Ghee

-Aye Wun

-Spit Gemz

-Lord Sko

-Rockness Monsta

I’ll start with the production because this is an interesting experience. From the opening track, you’d think this was going to be a mellow, reggaeton vibe album, but right after that is done, it progresses into a trademark, cold-blooded boom bap score with masterful artistry and deviant soundscapes.

Although this is a boom bap album, there are a lot of different instrumentation choices, such as on the track ‘Him Did It’, which features these heavy organ keys over these breezy synth chords to make for a track that’s larger than life in nature.

Or if you look at the track ‘Daily Crimes’, with features what we all think of when we think of ‘Boom Bap’: those bass-heavy thumps and chilling chords in the background.

My point being, although there are trademark sounds, there’s also a lot of variables in instrumental choices and production that makes this one stand out and will make for a memorable experience!

Rim this time (for the most part) standing alone, having to carry the project, and he does that effectively and effortlessly! He has some of the smoothest flow I’ve heard all year; his energetic performances and wordplay really make the instrumentals pop!

No matter which track he’s on alone or with a guest, he always maintains his dominant presence and solid verses and penmanship. Of course, along the side, the likes of Eddie are dope, but he’s equally as capable when alone! 

Overall, another dope offering by Rim, and with the help of Vanderslice, he makes his second great album of 2025!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3IpQ78uL6y1BqCl2ucY2wv?si=Uc6wooX5QH2VP_4ytk3SUQ

(Donation Link)

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(THE SAUCE// Don’t Come Near Me)

Man, I can’t believe I can sit here and say that this is my, I think, 5th or 6th beat tape I’ve reviewed this year alone! Crazy to think where my website has taken me, and on top of all that, for it to feature one of my favourite producers going SB11 featuring dimslim, and you got yourself an exciting sonic treat!

So, the set up for this record: Across this 18-track sequel album, the first 10 tracks are done by dimslim, and the last 8 by SB11 (on the first album, they went in reverse), so it’s clear to tell who is doing what on each track. This album features two verses: the first by ‘U.G.L.Y Boy Modelling’ and the second by ‘Sowdy’, one on each section.

So, my analysis of the first side (So Dimslim’s side): I’d describe it as the smooth, R&B, and soul-heavy side of the record. The kind of instrumentation you’d hear at a club or at an old-time disco. Those types of rhythms that make you feel a certain way, enjoying the weekend with your hair down, having a good time— those kinds of beats! 

I could definitely see myself walking my dog on a clear, sunny day to this part; it’s nostalgic, groovy, and just all around infectious!

The second part (A.K.A SB11’s Side) to me is the introspective, reflective, and more creative side of the tape. Not to downplay it and say it doesn’t have any qualities of the first half, but I just feel it’s more complex and focused on experimentation and diving into different areas and inspirations instead of sticking to a single idea or theme. 

To me, this side of the tape is for the fans of ‘unique and different’ compared to ‘groovy and fun’. 

As far as beat tapes go, this is definitely one of the more memorable ones of the year! I can respect the fact that it truly is split into two different styles; sometimes you hear a collaboration beat tape, and unless you were told by the producers themselves, you’ll never know which side is which.

But here it’s clear and distinctive, and I can respect that! 

Go check this one out for sure! Two different vibes, both equally excellent! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3eSHJ0V3wTQpKC5DCaxc6b?si=uRH5AkBVTMmwziypMR02rQ

(Donation link)

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(Seeds Of Babylon)

To call her a staple in not only the female division but all of hip hop at this point would be a grave understatement. Her contributions to the culture, her critically acclaimed discography, and her quality have made her a staple in ‘Greatest Of All Time’ conversations, and now she’s back to once again add to her ever-growing lore.

This is the latest collaboration album between Che Noir and producer Superior. This project features 10 tracks with 22 minutes of run time and features the likes of 

-Jynx716

-ICECOLDBISHOP

Starting with the production, this thing feels cinematic in every sense of the word. From that opening majestic intro, this thing feels theatrical, like a movie orchestra converted into audio-only form. 

It’s even hard to describe the specific genres and inspirations for the production because it just sounds too ‘out of this world’ to try describing. It feels like Superior unlocked the secrets of the ancient world and their way of soundscapes and brought them back to the present day to create this ‘messiah’-like atmosphere in the instrumentals, technique, and vibe of the record. I am seriously impressed with how this was handled, and it suits perfectly for someone like Noir to leave her mark on! 

Speaking of the woman of the hour, as per usual, Che has unwavering and genuine integrity and honesty with her verses as she’s always had. She’s always been unafraid to talk about the most controversial, honest, or pressing matters on her mind with no censor, and this record is no different.

She’s using her rare gift as an MC and her amazing lyricism to speak her mind and push even further her own talented and skilled abilities to even greater levels (which I didn’t think was possible), but she found a way.

Also, I loved the interlude that Superior added where the legendary MC/Poet KA had the speech about Hip Hop being an art form and went into great detail comparing the two and sharing his gripes about certain artists and their techniques and styles. It just gave the record an extra level of depth that I didn’t think could happen with the way the production was hitting on, but it’s a track that will stick with you and really make you think!

Overall, another fantastic display by both these artists! Che and Superior. I couldn’t ask for a better duo, and when you add the two dope features, this is as perfect as a project as you can ask for!  

https://open.spotify.com/album/0qlXElEznuupZKty13xSUl?si=HynGIjI4QSaSHtUEsR7tHQ

(Donation Link)

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(The Ghost Orchid)

I’m calling it right now, this is ‘Album Of The Year’ as things stand. Before going into this project and seeing the names involved, I knew it was going to be good, but I was definitely not expecting this holy shit.

So, this is the latest project by previous collaborators Vega7 The Ronin and Machacha. The last time we heard Vega was on his project with Ferris Blusa ‘Both Hands Wash The Face’ in 2024, and Machacha was last seen on March 14th of this year on the latest Waterr project ‘ALMIGHTY II’.

These two are back with 12 tracks and a variety of features such as: 

-Trepac

-Nikolaj Grandjean 

-DJ Grazzhoppa

-Andrè Desaint 

-Shottie

-Jamil Honesty 

-Paddy Duke

-Book$

Now Machacha has already shown off his mastery with about 4 albums already this year, and with each new project, he’s evolving faster and faster. For this one, unlike his more slowed-down and tranquil type beats on this other Vega project ‘The Lead Lined Wall’, on this one, you can definitely hear a more cinematic and theatrical influence in atmosphere, aura, and vibe.

Whether it be tracks infused with guitar notes like on ‘Hokage Mountain’ or his more raw boom Bap flavoured track ‘Quoth The Raven’ or even the track ‘K.R.E.A.M’ which features these ominous and grim keys played in succession over this skeletal instrumental in the background.

The point is, on this one, Machacha is showcasing once again his incredible diversity and range in producing different sounds and themes to cultivate the best possible soundscape for Vega7 and fellow associates!

Now, onto Vega7. As someone who has listened to his 2024 project and gone through his past discography, I can say with certainty that he chose VIOLENCE on this album, and my god does he go OFF on this project! I have not heard him so vicious, ruthless, and determined on an album before. After listening to his album with Ferris Blusa, I couldn’t think he had another gear to unlock, but believe me, my jaw dropped (and hasn’t come back up) since hearing this album and finding out he does.

Every single track he outdoes himself with his ridiculous flow, genius wordplay, and god-level penmanship that most in this game could only dream of having.

To hear Vega7 on a normal day is crazy enough, but to hear him on a studio warpath is something no one could replicate and should fear anyone in the underground ever making the mistake of overlooking him!

Overall, as much as this phrase is used quite loosely these days, I definitely mean it when I say this blew me away! Everything from the production to the features to the performance by Vega7— it’s all absolutely perfect! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/7pmuOuUlAuG1pJODt1zqRO?si=7hF-4VQASuKSCF_B8v0MsQ

(Donation link)

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(ALL LOVE UNTIL IT’S NOT)

If a day comes by where I’m not excited to cover a Circa97 project, then that will be the day I retire as a journalist. But as long as I have my wits with me, let’s talk about the new project!

This is the latest collaboration project by legendary producer Circa97 and dope upcoming underground sensation Jalen Frazier, and together they come with 7 new tracks with 21 minutes of music!

Across this project, the features are only DJ Heavy and Reek Osama, both giants in the rap shit and both bring tons to the aura of the record! Circa on this project brings his trademark ice-cold, raw, and crisp production, featuring gritty tunes and infectious loops. 

At this point in his career, I feel he’s mastered the formula of ‘Underground Raw Boom Bap’ and just keeps evolving with every project he releases. 

I love his use of distorted soul loop samples, the way he slows them down, distorts the voice, and adds them to a skeletal Boom beat, making the track that much more satisfying, and there are quite a few tracks on here that feature that style, and I love it.

Also, I love the fact that Circa made sure that 99% of this album that Jalen worked solo on to prove to the world his abilities as an MC, and once again, that technique paid off perfectly.

Now, speaking of the man of the hour, Jalen Frazier, the man I only discovered as of this album but one I can safely say has impressed me to the point of guaranteeing keeping him on my watch list for future releases regardless of who he works with!

He has a certain aggression to his tone, a sense of danger, lethal wordplay, infectious flow, and precision with his penmanship. 

I feel it was the best move having him not only prove himself solo across the album but on the one track he does have to stand alongside someone, it’s the underground titan himself, ‘Reek Osama,’ definitely a man who will out-rap you into the ground if you’re not prepared to stand your own on the mic, but once again, Jalen surprised me by keeping his own and rapping just as well as Osama and making for a dope duo track!

All in all, Circa97 with another AOTY contender for 2025, and Jalen makes a well-deserved impact in the game!

https://open.spotify.com/album/7kxKc2sb8Ubxv0nxGOT61w?si=RTPFeeKvT3WKo2f8Pyia2Q

(Donation link)

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(TO SPITE THE FACE)

What an exciting day, a brand-new SOO DO KOO project! This man is a real threat; he has the capacity to write, perform, and produce all his own music, and I could count on my one hand those that can do the same.

So, this new project is 12 tracks long. Now, right off the bat, from the first song, you can hear his masterful instrumentation and production. I can’t believe he’s only 27. He’s 4 years younger than me, and he’s producing fire like this.

From the previous 2 projects I’ve heard of his, I’ve learnt one thing: he’s a creative genius. Everything he does comes with a level of controlled chaos, originality, and precision. 

Also, regardless of the sound, inspiration, or genre used for the various beats, he has the ability to make everything sound ‘theatrical’ and ‘cinematic,’ which I find absolutely amazing.

Sure, some tracks across albums can come across that way, but to have every track sound that way is unreal; his level of fluency, masterful technique, and attention to detail makes this project just like his other two I heard him produce— a must-listen for all Hip Hop Heads.

Now, onto his rapping. Of course, since he made the beats, he’d create instrumentals he felt most comfortable with, and you can hear it. He’s relaxed, smooth, crisp, and confident with his bars. He has impeccable flow that feels naturally gliding across the production; his wordplay is intelligent and introspective, and his penmanship is severely underrated across the underground landscape.

Sometimes the best presents are the ones you didn’t know you were getting, and this one was a gift and a half! Soo Do Koo shows us once again why he’s not only one of the most underrated artists out but why he’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Shoutout to Lee Faulkner for the drums on Celebrity death match

https://soodokoo.bandcamp.com/album/to-spite-the-face

(Donation link below)

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