(Tae Beast Tape 1)

Okay, I’m travelling back in time for this one. To 2010 to be exact. Why? Well, the release of the ‘Tae Beast Tape 3’ was promoted on my social media accounts, and it got me curious, but I didn’t want to start at the latest, and so my journey to the start began. So, let’s talk about it!

As the album title suggests, this is a beat tape by Tae Beast. A man I can admit I’ve never heard of until today, and so I had no idea what to expect, which is kind of exciting to go into a project with no preconceptions. This has 19 tracks and a 49-minute length.

I’ll start by saying the intro track ‘Believe’ was surprising. As it had the album introduced by none other than Bill Cosby. I’m not sure if he was accused yet in 2010, but regardless, it was a voice I wasn’t expecting, and we start the album with that.

As the project goes on, we have a lot of different sounds and samples across the 19 songs, all with their own flavours, personalities, and auras. If I had to describe how this album felt to me, I would have to word it like this.

What would happen if Madlib and Conductor Williams had a love child? It would sound like this. A mixture of creative and artistic ideas combined with experimental, out-there, and unpredictable soundscapes and atmospheres that leave you in a state of thrilling confusion until the last seconds.

You’ve got tracks like ‘El Campo’ which present a straightforward yet infectious hip-hop loop over light vocal samples and piano keys. Then you have a beast of a track like ‘Gorilla Monson,’

Which literally sounds like Godzilla’s footsteps walking towards you, and it’s actually quite terrifying to think about. Nonetheless, a theatrical and cinematic adaptation of a beat.

There’s tracks like ‘Blue Ship’ which has a softer tone and exterior with a lighthearted instrument loop and 80’s-sounding aesthetic that makes me feel like I’m on a fancy cruise in the warm sun, forgetting all my worries!

There’s even Reggae flavoured songs such as ‘Jamaican Gold’ which highlights that Caribbean flare and vibe that makes you want to light one up, sit back and just enjoy the party atmosphere as your mind wonders throughout the night.

This album is chocked full of different and exciting songs and production. Your always left guessing as to what sound he’s going to go for next and the beats themselves are masterfully done and composed excellently. My first impressions are strong and I can’t wait to dive into tape 2!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3gduqb2pKPNCbk1u5kYBwI?si=ozDoufi-QuKNK_1hyksyaw

(Martyr’s Prayer III)

The long-awaited 2025 release of legendary producer 38 Spesh is finally here, and this time he’s with underground assassin ElCamino, and together they come back to stand on business, so let’s get to it!

So, this latest collaboration project is 10 tracks with a run time of 23 minutes, which, as of late, is pretty standard for underground projects, and as usual, short doesn’t mean lacking, especially when you have two of the dopest in the culture on the same project!

Let’s talk about 38. He’s released more projects than I can count, and every single one has been as dope as the next, and his standards have been immortalised in the culture. With this one, we hear his trademark raw, grimy beats and this time mixed in with some smooth and crisp instrumentation that reminds me of a cross between Westside Gunn and prime-era 50 Cent with the combination of grime and East Coast street boom Bap! 

You’ve got cuts like ‘Offend You’ with those infectious hood keys over those orchestral instrumentation in the background. Or on the song ‘Babygirl,’ which sounds like a modernised twist on 90’s RnB and New Jack Swing, one of the most polished and serene beats I’ve heard from 38 in a minute.

My point being, he’s on his shit to make a statement that no matter the consistency or year in the game, he’s the one to beat, and he ain’t giving up his crown any time soon!

El Camino. A man who has spent the past few years grinding, sharpening his skills until he became a monster that no one could take lightly, and on this album, he’s proving why! 

He’s got that lethal penmanship combined with his raw, bloodthirsty energy and lyricism that could match anyone in the game right now. He’s effortlessly blitzing through these songs one by one with his uncanny flow, ability, and distinct voice that puts him in that next-level tier from everyone else.

Rapping alongside the likes of Benny The Butcher, he maintains his status as his and anyone’s equal no matter who you put in front of him. No matter if the production is raw or smooth, he can rock with any sound, and he proves it on this one!

Overall, this ain’t the record to sleep on. It hits on every aspect, and 38 proves once again he doesn’t know the meaning of taking a loss, and I doubt he ever will! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6haklDQ3CU11vrhaVx3UOh?si=ObyDcV9MSeercuQ4J7WeUQ

(Dior Da Vinci)

The day has finally arrived! The drop of one of the most anticipated releases of the year! Now that it’s dropped. Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest by Reek Osama and producer Work Scorsese. Two giants in the underground whose individual catalogues have made more waves than most, so to come together on such a dynamic project as this is a game changer to say the least! 

With 9 tracks and features from 

-Eto and -WhoIsBravy, they come to shake the game up once again, and let me tell you, this one goes HARD.

Let’s start with the production. From the very first track, you can hear just how theatrical and cinematic the sounds are. This feels like a movie, and it only gets more intense as the album goes on. 

Whether you’re talking about the track ‘Pat Holmes’ with those eerie chords loops over that skeletal beat structure. Or the track ‘10k’ with those booming strings and lavish beats that sound like an 80’s montage from your favourite thriller!

The point being, Work does an excellent job navigating the sonic waters between the cold-blooded and raw atmosphere and the larger-than-life/picturesque landscape and doing so in the most masterful way possible!

Onto Reek. The man whose savage, deep voice and ruthless wordplay has made waves across the culture for years. Now he’s back with an ever bigger voice, more monstrous aura, flow, and penmanship. 

The way he nails the energy over those vivid beats is incredible. He’s become one with the production and executes a killer performance that only he could pull off! 

When it comes to ‘living up to the hype’, Reek and Work did this in spades. The production is amazing, the rapping is top tier, and the features are ruthless and well performed! Definitely an album of the year contender!

https://open.spotify.com/album/7z5mIReHijfJUnFMfOhxB0?si=suPbhpTHRwK-UpQg1hFCww

(Are You In There)

Well, this is a first for me. The first remix album I’ve been able to cover, but when I read the premise for the EP, you know I had to check it out: Mac Miller X Japanese Samples? Yes, please!

So, 6 remix tracks: 

-One Life

-And Let Go

-Be In This Moment

-Corny As Nebraska 

-Universal Energy

-Are You In There

And of course, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. The vocal performances are, of course, brilliant; it’s Mac Miller. One of the greatest MC’s of the modern day, and so yes, across the 6, he doesn’t miss; it’s always a sentimental moment to hear him rap again, and his energy, passion, aura— they just don’t match anyone else I’ve heard. So yes, if you’re a Mac Miller fan, then of course, these verses are elite as you should come to expect.

What the real question here is ‘how is the production’? And honestly, I dig these remixes. Gold Matter himself always provides masterclasses in how to perfectly execute some of the best production you could hear, and for this, I hear a combination of, as stated, Japanese style influences, and the rest are more a mix of Lo-Fi and Classic Soul! Similar to some of the sounds you’d hear on ‘Divine Feminine’ with those smooth, crisp, and ambient arrangements. 

I think no track matches this energy better than ‘Corny as Nebraska,’ but across the board, each track has its own beautifully orchestrated scores utilising those gorgeous keys, vocal loop samples, and modernised hip-hop production to create another perfect Mac Miller posthumous release.

For a 12-minute EP, this thing warms my heart and rests my mind at the same time. To be able to hear Mac again and in such a respectful and loving manner of these masterful production remixes makes me happy to know that he left such an impact on the culture that legends from all over come to pay their respects by doing projects as extraordinary as this. Please check this one out!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6hdO71IIebLF7yCJ1fz0sS?si=YQQB9fCvRcGUTn9A_avRkA

(Martyr)

It was a few years back that I was blessed to interview the lead singer ‘Samuel’ about the band, and it was then that I developed my interest in the band and since then I’ve had them on my radar, and today I get to cover their new release, and let me tell you, you now, this is not the album to miss!

7 tracks with a runtime of 23 minutes, and as usual, this band brings some of the most fresh, exciting, and vibrant metal in the game right now, and I love it!

Whether you’re talking about the lush and atmospheric instrumentation and production of those smooth guitars and melodically done drums, it all comes together track to track to make for a dreamlike experience that reminds me of bands like: 

-Sleeping With Sirens

-Black Veil Brides

-Memphis Mayfire, etc. 

A solid mix of heavier and lighter elements in the songs makes for a nice mesh of sounds and vibes to make this 7-track album something all kinds of Rock/Metal fans can enjoy! Something for everyone!

Now, onto the man himself, Samuel. Not to discredit the rest of the band’s performance because they do an incredible job at establishing the mood and vibe, but the vocals on Samuel are always mind-blowing to me. I can count on one hand bands in today’s era that have the same angelic/awe-inspiring vocals that he does, with every note sung, every chord hit, I feel goosebumps at his range, soothing delivery, and powerful performance!

Every song on this record hits on that next level due to the synchronicity of both singer and band, and this is a band I can honestly listen to for hours and never get sick of!

Whether you’re talking about that theatrical instrumentation or those vocals that could rival anyone in the game right now. This project is a must-listen to all, not only ‘Softspoken’ fans but metal fans in general!

https://open.spotify.com/album/7E3VtHkaCp5Yqqg29Tcb5K?si=_A9nqpduTxuzLOBsWYvtXQ

(Physical Hell/Mental Heaven)

Three MC’s Fam Ross, Arsinel, and Audio Messiah AKA (PEN LORDZ)

Two men who have released a collection of records in the recent past that I’ve not only praised but bought on Bandcamp! 

-Fam Ross X Kheyzine (Slaughter Tape)

-Arsinel X Kheyzine (Steel Dreaming)

And Audio Messiah, the man I’ve heard on many projects I fuck with heavily!  Are together alongside Goldmatterr to give you one of the most tranquil Hip Hop releases of the year! Let’s go!

This is an 11-track project with 27 minutes in length. As stated above, this project has some of the most smooth and intricate production I’ve heard in 2025.

From the opening track, you can hear those beautiful soul vocal samples crossed with that slow jam, soft strings, and gorgeously orchestrated instrumentation to create an aura that would cure any feelings of stress, depression, and pain.

Goldmatterr and shares a vision for this production and is almost a sixth sense at this point! I find it absolutely unreal track to track.

Nothing is worse than having a producer on an album and it doesn’t sync with the rapper’s style and vision.

That has to be one of my biggest music pet peeves, but thankfully, that’s not an issue on this record! He does such a phenomenal job, and I swear the few listens I did for this review destroyed a decade of stress and anxiety built up for real!

Now, the infamous PEN LORDZ!

These three underground titans come together and deliver dope, crisp, and addictive verses over these luscious beats. They all bring their own individual personalities to the songs and help maintain the energy of the other per verse.

The penmanship, lyricism, and flow are flawless over this, and they understood the assignment of what to bring for these immaculate productions and acted accordingly.

Considering they are one of the most infamous underground rap groups in the game right now, to hear them on a collaboration project of this magnitude makes me happier than ever as a fan, and I really hope we can hear more of these boys with this type of angelic production going forward!

This is a must-listen! Go check out now with the link below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/65Uy3bE3V15ltZNJoxGjGv?si=2GQpk65DSPatCF_R8vmCTA

(Black Man!)

This has been an anticipated release for me, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to finally cover it! The latest album by rapper Teller Bank$ (that’s banks with a capital $) and underground sensation Wino Willy, who has produced some of my favourite projects in recent years, are coming together, so let’s get about it!

This is an 8-track project with 22 minutes in length. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in aura, personality, and charisma! The energy in this under half an hour could outweigh a lot of the releases this year!

Starting with that production by Wino. On this one, he’s decided to pull off what I can only describe as a raw, gritty fever dream sound! Very experimental and cold! I’m talking a lot of distorted chords playing over funky beats and various instruments to provide the listener with a colourful sonic experience from track to track! No two songs are the same in the effort to create an unpredictable atmosphere paired with masterful and crisp production, and you get without a doubt one of the most interesting listenings I’ve had all year! 

Now, Teller. What can be said about his form that hasn’t already been said? He’s gained a reputation as one of the most unique and versatile players in the underground right now. His voice stands out, his high intensity in his bars is second to none, and his lyrical abilities are sought out by everyone in the game, always asking him for features across already many projects this year alone.

He’s a one-of-a-kind rapper who fathered his own style, and across these wild beats, he fits perfectly at home and goes hard on top of them! This project only has one feature in ‘Ghais Guevara,’ who does well matching the energy across this project and leaves the rest of the 7 songs for Teller to explode on his own, and he does that with the utmost ease and comfortability! 

Teller Bank$ and Wino Willy. A match made in chaos and one I can’t unsee now. I really hope these two can make more in the future because they suit each other perfectly!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3hh7Mq2akW0covigLD7qOL?si=BToMaQ7GSnKHr5cVw0k7kg

(What Do Sounds Smell Like?)

I’ll be honest, this is the first time I’ve been pre-hyped for an album based on the album cover alone. That artwork just attached to me, and I had to hear what this album could be all about. Now I have, so let’s talk about it!

This is the latest album by Primo Jab, produced by Uncle Fester, featuring 10 new tracks! And features by the likes of: 

-M.A.V

-Miskeen Haleem

-Ice Lord

– Conspiracy

– Beck

After listening to this album in full, the first word that came to my mind was ‘wow.’ This record was absolutely amazing. This album sounded like a combination of Nas’s ‘It Was Written’ and Styles-P’s ‘A Gangster And A Gentleman,’ and I couldn’t mean anything more!

The production is reminiscent of the classic late 90’s and 2000’s era. Back when Hip Hop sounded crisp, grand, theatrical, and overall masterful in execution. From the first song, you can hear those cuts and traditional Hip Hop instrumentals that only get better as the album goes on.

This album sounds equal parts beautifully smooth and ghetto raw. Just like how back in the day an album by your favourite artist could balance the sounds of different tastes, in this one, Uncle Fester has given us a Masterclass in how to modernise that level of quality and produce a record that successfully shows different aesthetics and vibes in one. I can’t praise Uncle enough on this one!

As much as I praise Uncle, Primo Jab is a problem in his own lane. The way he can so effortlessly navigate the waters of those instrumentals and provide compelling, interesting, and complex wordplay, as well as witty lyricism and top-notch penmanship.

He has this unique, vibrant personality that just makes his bars glow unlike any other. Sounds like a man who has the passion of his first day, someone who keeps an eager attitude on his sleeve and brings that infectious energy into the studio and albums with him!

The features on this album do a fantastic job at making this album shine that much more! Great choices for co-hosting  the tracks and bringing the fresh verses!

Going into this, I had a sixth sense that it would be something special but I didn’t expect this. From the cuts to the instrumentals to the features to the verses by Primo everything about it was not only worth the wait but went above and beyond! This could easily be ‘Album Of The Year Contender’

https://open.spotify.com/album/6q4yPYwkifWo9Zdx1URLyt?si=vCfhmnpUSvWqxTdtCbf3nw

(The Final Call)

After Ransom’s strong start to 2025 with ‘Cabrini Green’, he’s back again this time with household name Dave East, and together they make this album ‘The Final Call’, so let’s talk about it!

10 tracks with a 37-minute run time. This project has a handful of features such as:

-Jay Electronica

-Method Man

-22Gz

-Abby Jasmine

-Jadin Alexander 

Obviously, a world-class list of names, and on the production equally so with the likes of: 

-Vdonsoundz

-MadeInTyo

-Bernard B.W

-The Real Prophecy

-Flashy Sunrise

All these high-class names bring with them their trademark larger-than-life, high-class production style, and it sounds better and more lively than ever.

From the opening track ‘AUDUBON BALLROOM’, with that melodic and somber soul feel, we hear the direction the album is trying to convey, and I absolutely love it!

The fusion of the various sounds and inspirations is masterly done on this, then I’ve heard in a minute! We have so many different styles such as:

-Soul

-RnB

-Hip Hop

-Ambient

-New Jack Swing influence, and the fact that each track is crafted so colourfully and vibrantly makes me so happy to hear. Each track sounds cinema-quality and fits the bars so well, you can tell each producer on deck didn’t take their roles lightly for this album and made sure to give the very best of themselves, and I respect them heavily for that!

Now, when you have two powerhouses on the track such as Ransom and Dave East, you would expect nothing less than the best, and that’s exactly what they give of themselves! Putting to the side for now the A+ list guest list accompanying them, this duo has some of the best chemistry you could ask for. 

The bar switching is smooth, the aura is strong with both, and they both provide strong lyricism and penmanship on the tracks. Not only that, they stand toe to toe with some of the hardest rappers out, such as Method Man and Jay Electronica.

Overall, it’s no surprise that this album turned out as dope as this is. The production is soothing and flawless, and the rapping is top-notch and up there with some of the best out! Fantastic duo and fantastic album! Don’t miss out!

https://open.spotify.com/album/727O17Cvp3DDONyTshbrG6?si=TJZkrp6bTei1HaKkF6iwxg

(CADILLAC MEL)

Once again, I have the opportunity to cover a new artist! I swear this year alone I’ve discovered more  rappers and producers than I have in my whole life. The deeper I discover the underground, the more names pop up, and I’m all for it!

So, this is the latest album by ‘Wise Digga’ with 17 tracks and 51 minutes in total. A longer album than most I’ve seen in 2025, but it’s about quality, and if they have that, doesn’t matter how long the project might be!

The producers on this record are as follows:

-Cedes 

-Benji Yang

-1080 Dale

-Prod Regi

-Prod Dior

So, when I first started the album and heard that opening track ‘QUEEN & SLIM’, I was expecting a Drake: Take Care vibe! (Yes, he has at least one classic) but the more the album continues, ironically, it started to sound like the soulful cuts on albums like Kendrick’s: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City! The combination of various sounds makes for a smooth, crisp, and more mainstream-sounding record with elements of:

-Stadium RnB

-Soul

-Hip Hop

-Trap

-Piano Keys, etc.

There’s certain cuts that are more slower and melodic and others that are gritty and cutthroat, and some that are flashy and vibrant for the club! There’s a sound and atmosphere for anyone and everyone, that’s what this album has going for it!

Now, Wise himself brings a variety of styles and techniques that definitely separates him from others in the game right now, due simply because he doesn’t sound like your traditional ‘underground’ rapper, with him utilising more melodics and, as mentioned above, that trap-flavoured sound that I feel would appeal to the mainstream audience! Which ain’t a bad thing at all, I love a lot of the mainstream, but you definitely don’t hear this style down in the underground.

He comes with him features such as:

-Bunchy Cartier

-ismokeBeatz

-TREDO GAWD

-Sure Shot

-Dunbar

And they all help keep the energy and vibe of the album alive and mesh well with Wise! 

In conclusion, this is definitely a unique take on many different aspects of the modern rap landscape, and I can see many reasons why this could be on someone’s favourite list or have replay value! Check it out for yourself and see if it’s the type for you!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3qzl38C2Stjj4BogYomGDV?si=YMh-P_v1Qvm-RhmsxIeDPA