(No Faces)

We are so fucking back. An EP from what one of my credited ‘monster trio’ artists? Yes, please. With a discography full of refreshing takes and sounds and a one-of-a-kind personality, he rose to my list quickly as an artist to focus on, and I haven’t looked back.

Now coming in hot with a new EP, it’s time we discuss… 

NO FACES!

Brand new tape from MC Wst. Taylor with production from Wst himself and contains nine tracks and 24 minutes of content sure to make you flip!

If we start describing the production, it seems like Taylor was going for an overall ‘classic/orchestral’ feel to the project. Weirdly enough, this kind of reminds me of the same vibe as the album ‘Titanic Rising’ by singer Weyes Blood. He’s going for a grand, signature style of instrumentals that the listener can feel into their bodies and souls. This feels less like hip-hop beats and more like a cinematic score, and that’s why I love this man’s musical taste and mind!

He’s never one to rely on ‘normal’; he’s always pushing the boundaries and trying new stuff, whether that’s a record with more singing than rapping or abstract projects, hardcore hip-hop ones, or ones as elegant and vibrant as these!

These beats are absolute poetry in motion, from the more jazz-oriented cuts to the vocal-heavy harmonies that saturate the song with relaxing overtures and melodies so smooth it acts as a natural stress reliever. Although maintaining an overall concept for the music itself, each song is still its own sound and theme. 

It’s like if each composer in an orchestra was given free reign to create their own piece of music, and this is how it came out! 

It’s authentic, vibrant, it’s compelling in an artistic sense, and it’s really unlike any other production you’ll come across because it’s barely hip-hop music; it’s more hip-hop adjacent but executed in rap fashion.

My main man, WST. I still, to this day, don’t understand how he’s so fucking smooth when he raps. Across all his tapes I’ve reviewed, he’s continued to impress me with his introspective lyricism, his thought-provoking ideas and concepts, as well as his laid-back approach and performances that make him sound that much cooler on the beats.

None more evident than now when I’m convinced he’s rapping alongside a full set orchestra! He’s the coldest guy in the room (and that’s not on accident), he raps like he has a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute, never being one to get aggravated or bothered.

Although he can often hit personal topics (such as on the track – Trippin On Everything) where he discusses the issues of rent payments, not being able to see his kids, etc., but even in his most vivid moments, he still maintains his composure with his fluent flow and exquisite tone!

Although technically you could say this about anyone, but in an interesting way, I feel he always sounds his best when working solo. Don’t get it twisted when he’s accompanied by like-minded individuals; he destroys the verse! He can hold his own against anyone in the game, but there’s a certain level of studio intimacy and internal comfort he finds when he’s alone, like a specific void he can enter where his thoughts, feelings, and emotions are all amplified to peak music conditioning! 

Look, this EP is dope. I had no doubt in my mind about that. He’s the kind of guy to maintain the ART in ARTISTRY, and it makes me happy to see him still continuing to explore and experiment! Go give it a try now! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/23P4o8qQJBPH4pAXdMKX8Z?si=qPRnCU99TBumVja43D6Qxg

(Str8 Disrespect…Respectfully)

Man, what a STATEMENT to make for the start of 2026. This producer had the strongest run in 2025 and that’s no contest, 20 albums (if I’m not mistaken?) and all of them bangers! Working with all the biggest names, putting the culture in an unbreakable chock hold.

Now while barely taking time for a breather he’s back this time working with one of the strongest MC’s in the game right now. Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new album between MC Rufus Sims and Mega Producer (or as I’ve been told to describe him as the King maker) Machacha! Across this album it consists of 12 tracks, 40 minutes and the likes of 

-Knowledge The Pirate

-Jae Haze

-Ju Jilla

-Panamera P

-Waterr

-Vic Spencer

-IAMGAWD

-Chubs

-J Aims

-The Lil People

An absolutely star studded cast of members recruiting to take the album to fucking space. 

When discussing the production, it feels almost like a HEX to assume anything but brilliance from this man. He’s beyond proven himself as one of the greatest to ever do it and this is nothing more then an extension of what he’s already shown he can do 10x fold

Across these 40 minutes we see him activating his more lively sounds to match the ever colorful charisma of Rufus!

Take tracks like -Wannabees where we have this dancehall inspired groove track with that harmonic vocal harmony, those funky flute samples, plucked guitar strings and groovy as fuck bass lines! It all comes together to create a rhythm that’s too irresistible to ignore! 

Or there’s the track -Left Titty which showcases the more soulful and slow jam inspired instrumental! This one has those heavy handed bass strings, super light keys that glisten in the background!

This track also has some more flute samples and skeletal drum patterns that combine together to create a fusion between Soul X Boom Bap in a connection that is undeniably cold! 

Not to mention the beasts of Chubs & Jae accompanying the song to bring fire to this chilly slow jam!

We can even look at the cut -Crash Out Dummies which has an interestingly piano heavy structure where the song’s interlude has these beautifully executed piano keys, some sharp violin strings and some thudding drums that makes for one of the more hypnotic tracks on the album. This has a mixture of classical and muddy atmosphere that I couldn’t get enough of! 

When we take a look into the rapping side of things, in almost the same vain. To question Rufus should be criminal as he’s been killing it in his lane for a while now and taking over the culture itself!

Across this tape, it’s obvious he ain’t taking for granted who he’s on production with as he’s delivering quite possibly his best performances yet (which is saying alot) as we hear him with more passion, conviction and aura then 99% of the MC’s in the game!

He’s a one of one with a pen of gold. Every breathe he takes on this record feels like bricks ontop of the track. He has such pressure and expert take on street poetry where he combines his vivid imagery with brash lines and advance vocabulary to create a new level of lyricism that only he can pull off!

Not just in the verses either, even when he’s on the chorus’s he comes with superb writing and harmonious lines and repetitive bars that have a hypnotic effective! He’s legit though of everything song to song!

On top of his extraordinary pen game and wordplay he has the ability to create excellent chemistry with the best MC’s in the game right now. Any one of these features has the potential to wash the competition, so to hear Rufus not only hold his own but raise the stakes and bring the overall experience to a new high is something truly exceptional!

My favourite feature verses arguably had to be from Waterr and Chubs! Those two can never do wrong! 

What a 2026 debut for Machacha! Recruiting the powerhouse Rufus to re apply his chokehold and we just have to see if he plans to keep it on the whole year or give someone else breathing room and a chance to take the spot! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2RFekc4xxqQNqQ2vICiG1G?si=YZ7t8bOZQlyFRYovIqOFjQ

(Welcome To The Show)

Welcome to the show indeed. I have yet another opportunity to discover two new artists and add them to my ever-growing list. A couple of names that, upon a bit of investigation, have been making waves in their own rights, and with that in mind, it’s time to dive in and see how they fare together! Let’s go!

This is the 26th of December 2025 release by MC Seth Narley and producer Halal Seeds, and together they drop a solid nine tracks, 15 minutes, with no features, just the pair and each other! 

So, I want to peep with the MC side of things. I’ll start off by saying this: Seth impressed me with his gritty charisma and performances. He seems to be incorporating the blueprint of the old school, trademark structure of ‘putting bars over the beat in an orderly fashion’, nothing over the top, no experimental or freelance type shit, just down, direct, and heavy-handed bars.

It’s a style I see less and less frequently across the board as the new generation wants to make a name for themselves in their own fashion (which is fine), but I also love when I get artists like these who are committed to keeping the ways of the classic era alive and well.

Not only does he possess that no-nonsense rapping style, but his lyricism is quite incredible and vivid. He can paint an immersive picture in the space of six bars and make you feel what he’s feeling or seeing.

It’s his choice of words and when to drop them. I can tell throughout the album he’s using more descriptive words in places others would use normal shelf words.

It’s almost like he’s a self-aware thesaurus. Not to a ridiculous Aesop Rock level where every word has to be looked up to be understood, but I can tell he’s purposely trying to increase the value and verbal punch of his sentences and bars to give them that extra depth, and I love it. It’s like word replacements here and there scattered throughout the songs, but it’s enough for me to notice.

He’s a MC paying homage to the golden age with his steady flow and rhythm while proving something to himself with his knowledge of the English language. A truly astonishing combination of traits.

When we start talking about Halal, on the other hand, we see that he provides the incredible sonic structures and executions to create the vast and powerful atmosphere that Seth goes off on! Across these 15 minutes, he doesn’t waste any time at all to create a soundscape so strong that it draws in the listeners and doesn’t let go until the last second!

Just as Seth decides to pay homage to the MC’s of old, so too do I feel Halal is doing his best to inherit the spirit and authenticity of the producers such as

– Dr. Dre

-DJ Premier 

-Havoc

-RZA

You name it, he’s respecting them and modelling his dope, raw, and at times fantastical beats after the greats that invented the blueprint for today. You can hear it in the mastery of the instrumentation, in the way he utilises every single layer to utter perfection. His techniques, the fact that it sounds like a grand score you’d hear in a feature film! 

He’s able to take beats with minimal layers and emphasis on each sound until it comes out golden. I was listening to this record blown away at what he was able to accomplish (especially for just 15 minutes worth of content). He milked each beat for everything it was worth, and it sounds absolutely cinematic! 

I ask all my supporters and readers to give these guys a chance! If you do, I guarantee they will be on your watch list from now on! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/7JmT2cAxtCWKXwVh5c0wHL?si=2Kn0YmsdSmulWAkdBpco8A

(The Last Call EP)

You know, often times when you hear ‘compilation’ you can get mixed reactions. Some worry that it might be one of those unnecessary song hauls onto the fan base that don’t contain the same quality or standard that normal studio releases have.

Others tend to be sceptical as to their nature or expectations compared to other types of drops. But for me it’s all about the artist in question! I’ve heard some absolute dog shit compilations, others have been some of my favourite releases from the artist in question.

One thing is for sure though, this is a man who is nothing if not ‘thorough’ and has the awareness and knowledge not to make these said mistakes, so in saying all this let’s get into it

THE LAST CALL 

This is the compilation album by MC J.O

It consists of 9 tracks with a variety of producers such as

-Korza

-VVS Tears

-Old Souly

-BoneWeso

-Kenny Prosper

-Renaissance Tone

And when we start talking about the MC work, this is the most vibrant I’ve heard him period. He’s always had the magic touch of his smooth, unpredictable and powerful vocal performances but it honestly feels like he’s turned a new leaf on this one as each track feels more compelling than the last.

When you have an MC who sounds spectacular on his worst day, what do you think would happen when you compile all his BEST picks? You’re bound to get nothing less than perfection.

I found myself completely absorbed by his lyricism, the way he can hypnotise you with his manipulation of the English language, the way he can mix and match his vocabulary to go in different spots, wrap around the beat, be sharp enough to cut the beat off whatever he wants he makes it happen with his thoughts alone!

He reminds me of MF DOOM in that way, the way he can structure the wordplay in such a way that the words feel alive, as if he’s playing a game of lyrics Tetris putting his bars and verses in unique positions that sound absolutely velvety in execution!

And not only that, as I’ve said in previous reviews, it’s the way he manifests his performance! He’s not ‘rapping’, he’s preaching and presenting the culture with an experience unlike any other, and it shows on this one! I had no idea his handpicked best work would be this solid! It truly is a gift to the fans!

Speaking of the production side of things, it’s just as compelling as the vocals. Every person on this list is an A+ produced in their own right, and so it’s only natural that these nine tracks hit as hard as they do!

Trying to play a game of DEVIL’S ADVOCATE and pick a favourite beat would be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, so instead, I’ll choose three that I want to highlight!

Starting with -Higher, this song was soulful excellence at its strongest. First, you have those angelic vocal harmonies looping around the beat, as well as a separate vocal layer that works its way in a more forefront position on the track!

Accompanying all that, we have those thick bass lines, those funky drum beats, those plucked strings that are as elegant as they are sharp! This is one of those beats that just put you at ease immediately! Everything runs smoothly.

The next song has to be -Lazarus, this song done by one of my favourite producers, period -BoneWeso, and as usual, he doesn’t miss on this track either!

We have these mellow jazz horns that loop and wrap themselves around this beat alongside some more layered chord progressions that’s a tad bit more present and forward. We have some methodically paced drum beats as this whole song being one of the more skeletal on the whole project but one that I find deeply moving.

I also love how there’s a tiny window of silence before the instrumentation kicks off again, giving the illusion of finishing before the instruments come back to life! I thought that was a nice touch as well!

And then we have -When I Want To, and I loved this song because it was one of the more left-field songs on the record. This has a strong mainstream trap feel to it that I found incredible! On some prime Migos shit, I was bopping my head to this one the entire duration of the song! You’ve got those subtle key loops as well as those heavy/in-your-face bass lines and infectious beat progression that I legit couldn’t stop grooving to! I caught myself surrounded by people just moving by body without a care in the world!

At the end of the day, compilation or not, THIS IS A DOPE AS FUCK ALBUM. It’s got the variety to satisfy any hip-hop head, and the performances are killer! Give it a listen now!

https://jo2024.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-call-ep

(Like Minds)

I don’t think you can ask for a better start to the year than this producer had. Kicking things off with a critically acclaimed sequel and without any time lapsing, he’s back to keep up the grind this time with an MC I may have been unfamiliar with until now but one that didn’t take long to impress me, and with that said, let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new album between MC LOZEE and Producer Mike Martinez, and together they drop a solid nine tracks with 25 minutes of content that the culture wishes they could follow up on!

If we start with the production side of things, we get to discuss Martinez. A man who has made a house name for himself by creating dope beats just like these! One of the most consistent out there, and he’s back to showcase just why he’s earned every second of that acclaim! 

We have so many magnificent moments of modern-day boom-bap elevated! Such as tracks like 

– Blank State that has one of the most hypnotic loops you’ll hear in a minute. You’ve got various layers such as those long chord progressions combined with those plucked strings and groovy drum beats that all come together to create a head-banging instrumental that you’ll find yourself unable to prevent mean-mugging and bopping your neck too! Feels like a homage to the golden 90’s East Coast shit! Absolutely hectic!

Hell, can we talk about the track right after? – PLANET & MARS as we see Martinez incorporate those sticky guitar strings alongside these sharp chords that come in and out every few seconds!

There’s also some progressions with piano keys in two different shades and tones to create that extra layer of texture!

Also, can’t forget those bass lines and drums that provide a kind of skeleton to the whole affair! 

Or let’s talk about the track – THE DIFFERENCE which has a more mellow and harmonious tone to it with those flute-sounding samples on a loop accompanied by some more lively strings that subtly go off in the background! Also, some extremely subtle drum notes in the back of the song! 

Although one of the more bare offerings on the album, those flute sounds give an atmosphere that makes all the difference! (There’s also some light vocal snippets added in towards the end of the song) that you really have to pay attention to, to catch!

If we’re talking about the MC work. As I said, he was unknown to me at first, but after hearing this album, he’s officially on my must-listen checklist. Why? First of all, he has a certain gritty charisma that’s soaked in passion and conviction that makes you hang on every single word he spits! He has a level of confidence in his performance that makes you feel his authenticity and organic love for the game that he wears on his sleeve!

Across this tape, he doesn’t waste any time; it’s like he wants to demonstrate his talent and skills and use this album as his stepping stone to greater things (and I mean to use Martinez’s beats to do so is the smartest thing I can think of).

Regardless, he’s throwing his heart into his pen and using the blood to craft an extraordinary pen game that is ruthless and technical all in one!

He’s able to be fluent enough to create phenomenal chemistry with Mike and let his verses and lyricism be the catalyst that sparks the production itself into a new atmosphere!

I love how he made sure no one else is with him on this album. (I’m sure he would have had dope energy with others as well), but it makes that much more of a statement when an artist provides he can rock a record by himself, no help! That’s a true testament to a MC, and he passed with flying colours! 

You must be tripping if you ain’t gonna check this one out! It’s got substance for days, beats for weeks, and lyricism for a lifetime! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6uo1MRluzeUOhxD3ZEHD6y?si=dalzX3KbTYuM0vnHJdd3jQ

(THE PISCEAN CONSPIRACY)

Well, before I went into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as this producer is always on some new vibes. You could listen to five different albums of his and never come across the same sound twice, and after finishing this EP, I still am left shocked! Definitely one of his more ambitious efforts! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new EP album by MC Frank Gambit and producer Lo Katana. Together, they drop five tracks with the likes of -warwillkill, and I gotta tell you (to reinforce what I said above) that this is definitely the most out there I’ve heard his instrumentals!

Each track has its own distinct/manipulated vocal sample loops that sound old school in nature, but the executions and vocal pitches definitely give off an eerie atmosphere. They give you goosebumps listening to them! It feels like I’m at a Roman Colosseum, listening to some ladies sing at some special arena event! 

It ain’t bad, but it’s just so different and left field that I can’t help but have it burn into my head!

The one exception to this rule is the song -PLANE CRASH, that has no vocal loop but instead has an almost Caribbean feel to the production. I found it super relaxing (at least compared to the other four), but regardless, besides that, the rest has that intensely manifested vocals.

I’m gonna wonder where the fuck Lo found these samples! Truly magnificent in their individualism! Of course, there are minimal layered instruments such as plucked guitar strings and drums, some keys here and there, but the vocal snippets are so heavy-handed that they take over the majority of the beat, leaving them to be the main vocal point of each track!

Being tasked with rapping over these gargantuan beats is Frank! A man I haven’t heard until this one, and one I was left impressed with considering how well he meshed with said instrumentals! I liked his energy on the tracks as well, not only because of what he was able to rap over but his natural charisma, his animated flow, and his sharp wordplay all took my notice!

Also, considering this is only 10 minutes long, he was smart not to waste a single second. The way I see it is from  a listener’s perspective, this man was able to rap over five of these most challenging beats you’ll hear, in a mere 10-minute span and leave a lasting impression. That ain’t easy to do, but he did, and that’s why he stood out to me so much.

You can tell he has the passion for this shit; his conviction is obvious and woven into every word he spits across these tracks. He’s trying to make a statement, and I can’t think of a louder one than accomplishing what he was able to across these five songs!

So, if you’re looking to push yourselves and try something completely left field, give this one a spin. I can’t guarantee you’ll love it, but you sure as hell won’t mistake it for anything else, that’s for damn sure! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1G4Zfoieeijo3FMFLcdAax?si=xDJty9vwTqeizRAMDzqwHQ

(Cappuccino)

If 2026 was a bingo card, this would never have been on my list. These two on a project together? It makes so much sense now that it’s here, but a duo I never would have thought of myself. With that in mind, let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new collaboration album by MC BlueHillBill and Producer WHOA1.0, the latter I first discovered when he produced that one Bori Rock album ‘ZING-DAYA’, and since then he’s been on my radar, and of course, anyone who has been following my reviews knows how much I appreciate BlueHill! These two make a record with ten tracks, no features, and 25 minutes of absolute SMOKE!

Right off the bat, I was surprised by the production style of WOAH this time around. When comparing it to ZING-DAYA, that one was a lot more fast-paced, high-energy type of beats, but this one feels a lot more dark, in the trenches, and surreal in execution! 

This whole project reads like a risky walk through the most dangerous streets at midnight. It sounds heavy, gritty, unsettling, and unpredictable. This is an unprecedented approach to the underground hip-hop genre with what sounds like boom bap mixed with haunting ambient elements that create a sickly fusion that is equal parts immersive and intense!

There’s a consistent feeling of dread and caution on the air across these songs, the kind of music that could act as a sonic VR for walking through a pitch-black forest at night. Not knowing what’s coming next, what’s around or in front of you, just hoping for the light of safety to keep you sane. I can tell you now when I read WOAH was on the production, I couldn’t have expected this! This is absolutely insane.

It just proves how masterful and talented he is. To be able to create such a depth-heavy score that you can feel throughout your whole body, gripping your soul and mind right until the very last second when the tape finally ends. 

If you’re the type of listener looking for something different, something to challenge and push your interest and spark for the underground scene, then this is definitely the project for you!

Speaking of pushing your interest, how can you not appreciate Bluehill? This man has been at the forefront of the game for years now, whether he’s under this alias or not, he remains the same dope MC that has worked with the very best in the industry and came out on top! On this occasion, it’s just more of the same!

Across these 25 minutes, we hear his hypnotic and mesmerising performances back in full swing. His unrivalled fluency, the way that he can manipulate the English language to his will and wrap them around the beat, his unique adlibs, and his trademark high-pitch octaves are all back stronger and better than ever!

I hear a little bit of a methodical pace in his bars on this one; he sounds like he’s taking his time to deliver the verses, make sure each of his words has perfect pronouncements, and has maximum impact when dropped! 

He raps like Hip Hop’s Dr. Seuss. He can string together a list of similar-sounding words together unlike anyone ever could. He’s a lyrical wiz doing magic tricks on the instrumentals with his fantastical pen game and gritty approach to the wordplay!

He’s street poetry meets animated projection. Combine the two, and you have The Mask if he was a rapper (which is an absolutely terrifying thought), but he’s the closest we have to that concept! 

Nothing he ever says is boring or plain. He’s always carrying infinite charisma and aura with every breath he takes on the mic, and he manifests that aura into his songs to create music that is the definition of ‘timeless’.

I’d say this is definitely a strong start for Blue and WOAH in 2026. A collaboration I didn’t know couldn’t exist but now one I don’t want to end. Make sure you go support the pair and listen now!

https://open.spotify.com/album/02IeMVVxaflrAjVungnkel?si=CH24I4lMTriFrpApM3K03w

(CALIFORNIA IS BANNING GLOCKS, I HAVE TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT)

Man, has this guy been on a roll or what? From last year to now, he’s been on a huge roll, getting the most social media hype I’ve ever seen for any of his upcoming drops. It seems that if his name is listed on something, then it’s sure to be successful, and none more the case with this new tape! With a wide range of producers, this one will definitely go down as one for the record books! Let’s tape in!

This is the brand album by MC 067 Red, with producers ranging from

-BONE WESO

-RED HANDS

-EMOTE

-WUNTWO

-G-96X

And features from 

-???

-ActionFigure973

And man, this album feels as large as the list of names is! From the opening track to the end, there’s a cinematic score that’s been created on this record that can’t be ignored. 

The one thing I’ve noticed from any 067 albums is the level of detail and fluency he has that can tie any amount of tracks to each other in perfect harmony to create such a brilliant soundtrack (as is the case here).

How can I ignore that intro track which starts off with a snippet of a tv report from California talking about the ban on ‘glocks’ coming in the next year, and from there, we get into that beat from the legendary BONE WESO! And boy does he go OFF!

On this beat, we have this trademark jazz-heavy instrumental with those delicate piano keys, two layers of jazz horns, one having a more subtle background loop, the other having a more forefront placement with a free-lance feel to it, as well as some light drums attached! 

I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the record! 

Then we have the track -HIDDEN AGENDA, which has this smooth feel with those lively key progressions, those plucked bass strings, more beautifully orchestrated horns, and some light vocal harmonies that sound angelic as fuck! This is one of those tracks that you can listen to for hours and never get sick of!

I can’t ignore the fact that this has two modern-day legends on the track with ??? And Action Figure absolutely KILLED THEIR VERSES! 

Even the track -HAVE YOU EVER HAD DINNER WITH A PANTHER- this track is the definition of ATMOSPHERIC! It has that dominating male vocal harmony that feels soulful as all fuck. Next to this loop, you have some light bass, and that’s really it! This is 90% acceptable but done so tastefully that it doesn’t have to matter or stand out at all! Absolutely unreal track!

Once again, noticing that 067 can utilise the most brilliant production and bring them to life unlike anyone else in the business. He doesn’t create songs; he creates experiences.

Speaking of the man, just as he can amplify the production, he does so on his own wordplay to create verbal magic. The way he can utilise the English language and create literal street poetry from it is actually mind-blowing to me, as an obvious enthusiast of literature and its execution. He stands out to me because he can bring to life verses and bars with his freelance combined with definitive passion and conviction to create a new breed of performance that no one is tapped into yet!

You can even see it by the way he names his albums or the song titles. The way he promotes his music and the way he does his socials, he’s on a different wavelength that very few can match or replicate.

He never sounds like a rapper as much as he does an author with the ability to speak literal life into his words and make them manifest on top of the beat to create a pen game that sounds like a man preaching his thoughts and feelings into existence!

The fact he doesn’t have a set flow but appears and disappears whenever he wants, the fact he’s able to turn all those producers into a fluent and cohesive team rather than an awkward scattered mess.

The way he can hold his own against two of the best in the industry and make it look easy is ridiculous!

Everything he does is literally the definition of NEXT LEVEL, and he’s setting the bar for what underground hip hop can and SHOULD aspire to reach.

Make sure you go support them below because by doing so, you are letting yourself experience that ‘next level’. 

https://067red.bandcamp.com/album/california-is-banning-glocks-i-have-to-figure-something-out

(Stones)

Sometimes the signs of a special collaboration aren’t rooted in million-dollar contracts or fancy deals but two dope individuals who just click. This is what we have here, two men who read the other’s mind on what they want from a track and they execute it in a raw fashion! Let’s tap in!

This is the brand-new single by MC’s Isaiah Irahkiev and M-Dot while being produced by M-Dot himself, and across this almost three-minute track we have nothing short of flames!

If we start talking about the rhymes first, these two men sound hungry and ready for competition. You can hear that brotherly competition and the need to outdo the other in the best verse and that internal battle between the two which always makes for the best songs! 

Both men come through with their own brand and individual styles that separate them from the pack!

Whether you’re talking about the high-energy, in-your-face and charismatic cadence of M-Dot or that more cartoonish/colourful/animated yet savage presence of Isaiah, both men utilise their own takes to a masterful level and give the culture a masterclass in how to rock a single and the chemistry it takes to pull that off! 

Savage rhymes, gritty verbal schemes, strong pen game and an aura so heavy they’ll live rent-free in your brain whether you want them to or not!

When talking about the beat, we have a strong soulful presence mixed with that overwhelming underground hip-hop creating a fusion that’s equal parts relentless and harmonious! You’ve got those soulful/choir-style vocal loops that run through the track that are accompanied by some plucked bass strings, bare drums and some various Adlibs throughout the song that give it that extra layer of energy that helps wrap the instrumental up into its glorious peak!

This is definitely the type of track you’d listen to and bop your head to and mean-mug the world just because it goes so hard! The type of beat that will kick your chest in if you ain’t careful! 

If you have to listen to any single this month, make sure it’s this one! Dope chemistry and an even doper beat! Check in below! 

https://youtu.be/zz2NRaMpZzU?si=I-Qp6sv-JFcRFuUY

(Mr & Mrs Walker)

Oh man, is the word ready for this EP? Nah, they ain’t! Whose idea was it to put this trio together? This is the definition of overkill! But one thing I’m gonna have a field day listening to and covering because when they get together, sonic destruction is sure to follow! Let’s fucking go!

This is the brand-new EP by MC’s Aiida & Spoda and production from the one and only Doza The Drum Dealer, and together they drop a solid seven tracks that are sure to blow the audience away! (With a team like that, how can it not?)

I feel we gotta start with the production! Because if I’ve praised Doza for his MC skills, then he’s only going to be stronger on his production credits! Because the fact is, whether it’s on the mic or on the instrumentals, THE DRUM DEALER CAN’T MISS!

Across these seven tracks, we hear Doza on a list of various vibes. For example, 

Track -WDYWFM, where we hear those grand, orchestral chord progressions to start the song off before it evolves into those plucked bass strings, those violin strings, methodical drum patterns, and in the middle and later half of the song, we have this vocal harmony that loops across the instrumental and provides a nice extra texture to make it even more cinematic!

This whole track feels like a performance by a whole band of orchestras! 

Or the track -We Go Back, which once again we see those classical notes open the track off with those heavy-handed chords and horns that work in harmony to create the badass interlude that unpacks into this rhythmic boom-bap track that has those high-strung strings, alternative layered horns, and some funky drums that have a hypnotic nature to it!

I love any track Doza makes has a magical feel to it, as if the instrumental takes over the mind of the listener and traps them until the song is over!

I also love how on this track, he adds about 20 seconds of just the beat to ride it off into the next track. It adds a nice touch to the overall track!

If we look at that explosive finale track – Hittamove (which is approximately named) because that’s exactly what I feel like doing when I was listening to this track! 

It has this extremely groovy instrumental with those plucked bass strings, those maraca sounds, light vocal harmonies in the background and it all comes together for this dance tune that is absolutely a genius idea to put on the finale! 

I can’t even lie, I was sitting in my lunch break room, headphones on, grooving my body (regardless of who saw me or not), it’s too fucking funky!

Now, when we start talking about the chemistry of these two MC’s, we are talking about two of the heavyweights in the culture. Two people who have built an impressive reputation in their own way, so to see them together is a gift and anyone who doesn’t think so, ain’t about the culture.

Across these seven tracks, we hear the pair showcase what real teamwork looks like! 

With them passing the mic back and forth with their own huge charisma and skills, giving us a refreshing contrast of abilities and performances to give the listener a different verse experience between the two!

One started, the other maintains and continues the vibe and fire the first started! There’s never a weak or awkward moment, it was just two consistent MC’s with their lethal wordplay and extensive flow and vocabulary laying the beat down!

I love how they didn’t add any features to ruin the synchronicity between the two! When you have two modern legends like them, you wouldn’t want to ruin it with anyone else. With every new track, it had me getting excited seeing how they were going to work the beat, what kind of pen game they would bring, how intense their studio cadence would be, and everything in between! It had me hyped just like I used to be a teen listening to my favourite artists drop a new drop! 

This is the difference when you hear MC’S compared to rappers. Anyone can rhyme a sentence, it ain’t special. But when you have an experienced and respected MC like these two are? The words and the bars just HIT DIFFERENT! They come with more weight and energy! There’s a different vibe when the real ones step into the room, then you combine that with a monster like DOZA? It’s a fucking wrap.

If you ain’t supporting the crew by buying this, then are you really supporting? I get it, the economy is tough, but it’s $10! That’s less than a meal you’d order at your favourite food places! So why not support the ones who consistently provide you with dope music and keep the underground alive! 

https://dozathedrumdealer.bandcamp.com/album/mr-mrs-walker