(Red)

Who’s ready for the latest album by ‘Matricide’? I know I am and have been for a while! But it’s finally dropped 7 crushing tracks with over 30 minutes of run time, so let’s talk about it!

So, this is a band I’ve had contact with a while back, and as someone who has been aware of their music for some time, I had an idea of what I might expect going into this, but even so, this thing kicked my ass as I’m sure it will yours because in all elements, whether you’re talking about the 

-Heaviness

-Instrumentation

-Tempo

-Technique 

All of it goes to an 11/10 on this one! From the vicious vocal performances that slide into infectious clean notes from time to time on certain tracks. Or whether you’re talking about the malicious drum patterns and how you can hear each time the drumstick hits the drums as it echoes through your ears and into your soul as you, the listener, try to understand what’s happening!

Or if you’re talking about those guitars! Someone better call Master Splinter because I think we’ve found Shredder! He’s taking form in these boys’ guitars, absolutely wrecking shop combined with the technically and skill of professionals, and you have some of the toughest guitar strings you’ll ever hear all year!

As far as a favourite track goes for me, it would have to be ‘Obey’ due to its cinematic opening chords that bring a level of ‘theatrical’ to the album and more specifically the track, but that soon evolves into this thudding, methodical Metal madness of intricate guitar work and killer drums with, of course, absolutely gruesome vocal work! Of course, the whole album is great, but this is the song that really stood out to me!

Overall, 7 Monster tracks that could rival any Metal release that comes out this year, guaranteed! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/13DmmoQkhw0n3uX5J4YujF?si=A-8njDh1QXKPOXslXsQHmA

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(On My Block)

Once again, Snotty is back in full force and with his usual partner in crime, GoodPhella, on the beat, and you’ve got a recipe for another banger. Let’s get to it!

This time around, Good comes with a mellow, piano-key-heavy instrumental over some glossy, ambient sounds in the background. This is probably the most skeletal and stripped-back beat I’ve heard from GoodPhella and especially one I’ve heard Snotty rap on! 

On this one, we hear Snotty more calm, composed, and collected than ever. This feels more like an introspective ‘speaking out loud’ moment for him. Compared to normal bars from pen to mic, this feels more like 3 a.m. thoughts come to life in recording. 

His flow is a bit slower than normal, his tone more serious, and his lyricism feels heavier and more reminiscent than usual. I feel like on the upcoming album, this will be the Eminem ‘The Way I Am’ portion of the record. Just bearing his soul and feelings at the current time, and although it isn’t as raw or grimey or as hard-hitting as we’ve seen, he can be, I do like that he feels free to explore more options for himself and try new things in the studio!

So, in conclusion. Definitely a dope track as per usual by this collaboration but more reflective than anything, and who knows, maybe we will hear more of this side from him coming or maybe this was a once-off track, but regardless of the outcome, Snotty remains as one of the strongest lyricists in the game, and GoodPhella, one of the strongest producers out! Together, they can’t miss!

https://youtu.be/IhYVTU2K6i4?si=uHqqk9H6UqESVuA4

(Donation Link)

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(Dr Eams)

Sometimes, it can get very easy to lose oneself in the tidal wave of Hip Hop. Every artist aiming to make the same sound, the same variation of their favourite artists or what’s trending in society at the time, but it takes a real artist to step outside of the water and make something original, different, and personal. And on that note, allow me to introduce you to Casket D. (Dr Eams)

This is the latest offering from the rapper with 12 tracks and 33 minutes in length. 

This thing is heavy in lyricism. The first words on the first official track are ‘Shit, I just buried my grandmother,’ which, as someone who lost my last one in 2017 and still hasn’t gotten over it, that line got to me.

Across this project, it seems he’s regularly talking to this ‘Dr Eams,’ a psychologist, I’d assume, and Casket talks to himself about his personal feelings and experiences.

Across this project, he definitely bares his soul on the record and leaves nothing to the imagination. Of course, there are moments where we see him talk about his ego and bragging rapper side, but for the majority, we are just hearing a man who’s in pain and suffering. 

His skills as an MC are evident with his flow on point, his penmanship at an author level, and his wordplay shines from track to track.

The production side of things is definitely unique as it provides a slow, eerie, and somber atmosphere to match the equally intense and often tragic verses. If the readers need a quick example to picture what I’m talking about, it’s similar in aesthetic to that Jay-Z song ‘4:44’ off the same album.

With that haunting female vocal loop that’s exactly the same style of production you can expect on this one with its various levels of intimate and crushing sounds that is sure to make you remember about your own personal tragedies as it has for Casket.

Overall, although this can be a tough listen in some areas, the conceptually of it all, the skills on the mic, the production, it all makes for a unique listening experience that I know I’ll be remembering for years to come!

Production by Bailey Daniel! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3ac5UpXZj6cHc9mcCOZY4F?si=mK2N9fFeRSGRgF7nt8fiTQ

(Donation link below)

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(Carry Out On Shaw)

The one thing I noticed while listening to this record was how rare it is to get hip hop featuring neo soul/R&B vocals for samples anymore. Back in the day, it was on every artist’s album, but now you barely hear it! But that aside, let’s get into it!

This is the 2024 release by rapper Shaw Calhoune featuring 12 songs with a 29-minute run time.

Now, it’s clear from the beginning track that this album runs like a street thriller movie with cinematic back-and-forth conversations, arguments between characters, even what sounds like a phone call between two people. This album features, in between the songs themselves, a storied narrative that tells a bigger story if you listen closely and provides the listener with a conceptual experience you definitely don’t get these days in the hip-hop scene.

As far as the production goes, you get a mix of various influences such as:

-Soul

-East Coast Hip Hop

– R&B

– Funk, and more. This album feels like one of those stand-out records from the late 90s or 2000s in quality. Honestly, the one album that came to my head was Snoop Dogg’s (R&G) album in how it’s rich in sounds, samples, and atmosphere. 

I love (as stated at the start) many of the sung choruses because they just represent a lost time when that was the norm. Case in point, Snoop Dogg (R&G) with songs like ‘Sign’ or ‘Perfect,’ and now with this one, we get to hear inspiration and reminisce to a time that once was, and I fucking love it. 

Something that also impressed me was the level of depth and detail in the lyricism of Shaw. He rhymes like a man with 30-40 years of experience in the game. His wordplay is precise, his flow is exceptional, and his penmanship is next level. Across each track, you can hear his confidence and passionate energy. He knows he’s the man, and he’s here to let you all know it!

If I had to pick a personal favourite track of mine off this album, it would have to be ‘Hazard To The City’. I love how he utilises that glossy/smooth production, and that chorus towards the end of the song is so heartwarming it’s something you could listen to for hours and never get sick of!

Across this project, he does rhyme alongside names such as:

-DJ Skruff

-JST PRAH

– Pink I

-Barry Marz

-Goldie The Natural

-Ty Law

-Cynical Minded

-Sandy Me’Chelle

And not only does he maintain his own on these tracks but also helps synchronise alongside them and make for compelling feature tracks that don’t take away from the album as a whole but rather elevate it to a new level thanks to them!

Overall, a very well-written, well-produced album with quality features and concepts alike. 

Shoutout to the production credits!

-Chillon Daviz

-Third Eye

-Magnus Andretti

-Brooks Xy

-Ajk

-Ahj Adam’s

-no pulp

-Benji Socrates

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZOI3kThFRwdNx0LpsW46m?si=c2pDGIJjTV6oJ_5bn128KA

(Donation link)

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(WAGYU BRISKET)

I’ll be honest with you all. I would have loved this album regardless due to the album title. Wagyu brisket sounds absolutely delicious, and so for manipulating my fat ass appetite, this shit I just know is gonna bang! Let’s get to it!

So, this latest Illpo record features the duo of ‘Jermaine Brown X Damon Blanchard,’ who come together alongside producer ‘Kev Kaous.’ Together with 10 dope tracks running 29 minutes.

The production on this project by Kev has this level of serenity meets introspective beats sprinkled with a dash of Art Rap and Lo Fi, and you get this masterfully crafted project.

Each track has its own use of sample and loop track that stands out from the other 9. 

What I love about this album is that it still sounds raw and non-polished to the point of losing all its appeal and characteristics but instead keeps its authentic aura, which comes rough around the edges, and it’s those edges that bring out the most flavour in albums!

My favourite beat on this one has to be ‘Cheers’ due to that intro voice sample which sounds like a ‘Beatles’ a cappella, but I could be wrong. Either way, that’s a fantastic way to start a song! 

The duo of Illpo is well documented at this point. They’ve been doing it for years, and to maintain such a bond and chemistry on an album can’t be easy, and they pull it off perfectly.

They both have exquisite flow, pen work is next level, and their studio cadence has them sound like preachers. When they speak, we all listen, and the level of presence combined with this beautifully crafted production and you get a match made in heaven.

My favourite track from a rapping standpoint has to be ‘Brisket Talk.’ I love their energy on that track paired with those Spanish guitars and thudding base tones, and they both bring that lethal dose of lyricism and penmanship. Plus a very unique chorus! 

Overall, a fantastic trio effort. Not a bad song in sight, and every beat absolutely slapped! Definitely a standout for 2025!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3A9buZriBcsun2GasL6iVm?si=3gGb5_JjTbqlu8Gx-ovP_A

(Donation link)

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(OTHERWISE A BLUR)

It’s always a solid day when I get to listen to and experience a new August Fanon project, and this time around his rapper of choice is Blackchai, a man who I haven’t had the opportunity to try out until now, so why wait? Let’s get into it!

This new collaboration project has 11 new tracks with 32 minutes. The features include: 

-98Spreem

-Noah

-YONNAS

-S!lence

And across this project, even though I don’t think it was possible, we unlocked a NEW production style by August. This time around, he’s accessed a classical 1900’s Beethoven feel to it with these beyond-theatrics cuts like on songs ‘SPARKING! ZERO’ and ‘CHANBARA STYLE’, which features different versions of it, but both feature cinematic, noir-style elements and instrumentations. 

The latter sounds like a 1930’s Spy Thriller soundtrack with its long and mysterious notes played with those low bass notes in the background, and the first example sounds exactly like a score from the early 1900’s cut right from an orchestral performance from our great Father’s Day! 

That’s just two examples of this versatile and powerful production by August, the legend. If those two descriptions don’t entice you to check out this masterpiece, then you ain’t in the right place because trust me, this one has production I can guarantee you haven’t heard anywhere else!

Now, onto the newcomer for me, Blackchai. I wasn’t sure what I was going to expect going into this, but I can honestly say he blew me away! He has one of the strongest lyricisms I’ve seen lately. He reminds me of JID in his fluency, his impressive flow, and wordplay, how on some tracks he can go for two minutes straight and not stop! He’s really an MC to be worried about, and across this album featuring the godly score by Fanon, he’s given the rarest of soundscapes to go off on, and he definitely doesn’t take it for granted.

Take the track ‘WU TANG WOOLA BLUNTS’, which has another orchestral/classical vibe to it, and then across this cinematic scene we have this man Blackchai going non-stop for a straight one minute forty! He’s a beast, and his breath control is second to none!

This could very well be my favourite August collaboration album yet. The production is original and thrilling, the verses are explosive and immaculately done, and together they make a project that will surely stand out in the modern day! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2s1LZz92XlVEbxGPD2gL8o?si=T5KCoUx7RHaSTmqIGb9Myg

(Donation Link)

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(Sacrificed A lot To Get Here 2)

This shit right here is that shit! This is that sound I wanted to hear, that unique and banging sound that will blow everyone else away! Let’s fucking go!

So, this is the latest project by rapper ‘Keen Streetz’ who gives us 9 tracks with a 24-minute run time and he’s out here to show everyone how it’s done! When talking about the production, we have various names helping out to make this grand sound come to life and that’s exactly what was achieved – ‘grand’ because from the opening track, you can hear how he’s decided to elevate and evolve inspirations we hear on the daily but he just does it that much bigger: 

-Boom Bap

– R&B

-Grime

-Soul

We’ve all heard these elements used in Hip Hop, but the difference being is that Keen and his crew make every single song richer, crisper, and overall more lavish and bombastic in nature. It’s like the older brother of all these sounds came back to teach the younger brother how it’s done! I love everything about this production; it’s the definition of ‘next level’.

Speaking of Keen. He really is about that MC life. His lyricism is vicious and lethal across infectious beats! You can hear his cold-blooded nature on these songs, his dominating vocals and cadence across the tracks, and his top-notch penmanship. 

He raps alongside some hard hitters on this one such as:

-Benny The Butcher

-Taylor Ricard

-Millyz 

-Dave East

And even in the presence of certain legends, he holds his own and more. He remains ruthless and cutthroat across those tracks and proves he’s just as worthy to be alongside them and anyone else! He’s really like that.

The Verdict: This guy is the real deal. If this record is a sign of things to come, then we can expect great things!

Shoutout to the producers:

-ARAAB MUZIK

-SONARO 

-MR AUTHENTIC

-LAVISH

-MAJESTY TWIX BEATS

-GABE LUCAS

-BUCK ROLL

-WILLY PROPANE

-MONEY MARK

-BIGGZ

https://open.spotify.com/album/5mHT0OOr23gfanMuNnQ5hn?si=uLlpBIImRSqJiwhAIBHkUw

(Donation link)

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(IMMACULATE REFLECTIONS)

It’s no secret that Vic Monroe is one of my favourite rappers and my choice for the most underrated artist in the game right now. He’s released nothing but banger after banger, and I decided to go back through his discography and cover this one, so let’s talk about it!

This is the 2023 release featuring 13 songs with a 30-minute run time. Starting with the production (this time done by Vic himself), I love how high-profile, rich, and larger than life this all feels. This feels like he invented a new division of Boom Bap that, although lacking the hard-hitting, in-your-face qualities it normally features, he’s replaced those traits with a smooth, jazz-inspired, and introspective atmosphere featuring aspects of Ambient, Lo-Fi, Soul, and vibrant loops and samples that make you feel like you’re in a sonic fever dream that sounds like the audio equivalent of walking through a forest on the most beautiful day with the sun beaming!

VIC himself has always been one of the stronger lyricists in the game! I’ve always loved his thought-provoking rhyme, his clear and cut approach to his flow and bars, and how he’s not focused on sounding like anyone else in the game but himself. He’s true to himself, and that’s the main thing I’ve noticed across all his projects.

His penmanship is unique and flooded in charisma and strong cadence that has him always being the strongest standout in the room.

No matter who he’s working with or if he’s doing everything himself, he’s the man to beat. He’s been one of the most consistent rappers in the game, and his thought-provoking form of hip hop is a trend I wish would catch on, but in the meantime, we have the man himself keeping that alive for the underground! 

Shoutout to the features:

-SLIK JACK

https://open.spotify.com/album/6Luny6Q6p5h4oz5cNztRBh?si=szz6feXaSgi3X7MBGawopQ

(Donation link)

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(Coulrophobia)

Coulrophobia: The fear of clowns. Something I feel I definitely have myself, but in this hip-hop context, the definition is a dope album by one of the underground’s strongest players. So let’s talk about it!

This album came out in Jan of this year with 14 songs and a 40-minute run time. The producers include:

-Wino Willy

-Wavy Wallace

-Su$hi Punk

-Tone Beatz 

-JSON

-ASLTW Break

And I must say listening to this, I had the most unique experience. Because the production and instrumentals are in their own lane with its smooth, slowed-down, and hypnotic aspects. This album sounds like how music sounds when you’re high and everything is passive and, dare I say, sluggish, but in this context, the lethargic pace works to Cheeko’s advantage because he utilises these mellow beats to create a serene soundscape to drop some of the best verses and bars we’ve heard all year!

Speaking of, Cheeko, when he goes off, he GOES OFF. Every bar he spits captivates the listener with his confident energy, his intricate lyricism, and his superior penmanship.

You can hear the years of experience paying off on this one; he sounds calm and collected, in control, and ready to spit his lethal force into this album to blow away the competition.

I love that, depending on the track, he will slow it up and give us a methodical performance or switch it back into a faster pace, and I love that he has that level of diversity on the tracks; he can form himself in however he seems fit for the best-sounding track, and I absolutely love it!

Across this project, he’s also rapping alongside: 

-ROCXNOIR

-Tate228

-Stag O Lee

-RU$H

-All Hail Y.T

-Dhani

-Jay Nice

And even across these formidable names in the game, he stands his own and proves himself an equal and remains headstrong on his own album, and I give him all the respect in the world for that!

Overall, this is a fantastic edition into 2025! Love the concepts, sounds, features, and performance by Cheeko himself! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5hRDq877iOnL8kR6mYpIKC?si=DisQKfLiScGxtK1LhxDkpw

(Donation link)

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(Soulful Journey)

This EP needs no more explanation than the project title itself. This truly is a ‘Soulful Journey’ more then I’ve heard in recent years, so let’s talk about it!

This is the 2024 EP by rapper FlyG and he’s accompanied by various production  this release is 24 of the most smooth and intimate minutes you’ll hear in Hip Hop period, this is shit ain’t about hits or tough ghetto tracks nah this one is for the soul and anyone who says they don’t feel this one in their hearts is a damn liar because this shit is nothing but beautiful.

From the opening track you can hear the melodies, harmonies, soulful influences and angelic atmosphere. This album has the smoothness of a Marvin Gaye or Luther Vandross in its essence. The kind of music you’d listen to while laying with your special someone, looking into their eyes passionately as you pour your heart out to them, and they to you and you both come to that moment where you go from a couple to soul mates.

If that sounds heavy, well this is the sonic equivalent of that! Every instrumental, loop sample, instruments played it all comes together in the most organic way possible to create a sound I can’t imagine anyone replicating!

FlyG himself navigates the blooming production with great precision, energy and charisma of smooth vocals and rich flow and penmanship. His verses kind of remind me of how Mac Miller rapped over those gorgeous beats on his ‘The Divine Feminine’ album and in the same breath Fly makes sure he doesn’t sound too Lo Fi quiet or low but also not too over powering or loud to create an awkward contrast between production and vocals but he’s masterful with the way he’s walking through the soundscapes and does it with great ease!

Overall, this is a fantastic EP! The production is some of the best I’ve ever heard and FlyG eliminates any doubt of his worth as a rapper and his skills! Hopefully we get more of this in the future 

https://open.spotify.com/album/5bpTZsWFSPrdRU3V8A8adg?si=LcrlbsNMT2i8kT9BAUcu9w

(Donation link)

https://www.paypal.me/Corbz94?locale.x=en_AU