(In Plain Sight)

Man, I could be wrong, but I think this is the first solo BSF album I’m reviewing that’s not Flame Dot Malik! Which is pretty exciting to explore the label further and see the different talent they have, so today it’s this one. Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest record by rapper ‘Ricky Hyde’ and has a flurry of different producers to help bring the EP to life, such as: 

-Hass Almihdi

-Myles

-Faceless

-ISL

-Tony Choc

-Palmtreeghost

And it’s interesting compared to Flame Dot’s many projects, which features that heavy, grimy, in-your-face hardcore vibe; this one, in comparison, is smooth, soulful, with an impassioned aesthetic that makes this record the Yin to Flame Dot’s Yang in terms of sound and atmosphere.

From the opening track with those amazing choir vocal loops that set the tone for the whole EP. Even as the project goes further, you have tracks like ‘God’s Timing’ with those big keyboard keys and traditional Boom Bap influence, accompanied by those light vocal harmonies in the background.

Or even if we look at the ‘2Gether Interlude’ with that 70’s Funk instrumental loop that is accompanied by those beautiful vocals to make this track feel like something you’d seen in a classic 70’s drama film when the story is getting to the positive ending of the movie. 

This whole soundscape is so different than what I was expecting, as I’ve only really had one other artist to compare to, and I think it’s beyond dope that you can have such different styles on one label; I fuck with that heavy.

Now, onto Rick Hyde. The man can rap his ass off. He’s the real deal, just like his fellow artist Flames; he brings his own original artistry and creative ideas to the forefront to make this EP pop! Just like the production, he brings smooth flow and delivery; his cunning and sharp lines and bars are top-notch, and his penmanship is noticeable in its complexity and quality.

He does rap alongside the following names on this one: 

-SVMBV

-Benny The Butcher 

-Lo Pro

-GoToMar$

All fantastic rappers and artists in their own right (of course, Benny being the label head), and of course, delivers his trademark gritty verses. But even in the presence of such talented company and associates, Rick maintains his reputation as an MC and shows why he belongs to not only be part of BSF but as a threat to the industry as a whole.

Overall, a fantastic showing by Rick and all involved, and I can’t wait to hear what happens when you put this man on an album! Also, hopefully, when that day comes, we can get Flames On it as well!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1eSWOUSnkNSN1qsRcCuBUX?si=oBfVAhZVSdGR5z-RGxobDg

(Outerwear SZN 5)

What can I say about Bub Styles that hasn’t already been said? The dude is the definition of a beast. He’s one of those rare talents that comes out unhinged with every release, whether that be a single, EP, LP, or feature. 

Every generation gives birth to one; the last generation was Sticky Fingaz and DMX, and this generation is Bub and Pro. So it’s no surprise that with his second project of the year coming to the world, we all drop and listen. Because without any exaggeration, he is THAT GUY. 

So, new album. 12 tracks and 35 minutes of pure, beautifully crafted chaos. Across this album, we have contributing producers such as: 

-Fumes The Threat

-GRAPHWIZE

-Mandare

-Retrospec 

-Sebb Bash

-SP KILLA

-JR Swiftz

-Vinyl Villain

-Big Dogg

-Tremendiss

And this is easily the most stacked producer list of the year so far. So many powerhouse names, and they all bring their A games on this shit. Just like his earlier EP, this project feels gigantic and monstrous. It feels like the type of production you’d make for a Nephilim giant roaming around, shaking the world around them one step at a time, and that’s exactly what Bub is doing in the game; every step, word, action has ripples that can be felt throughout every inch of the game, and you’d be an idiot to try and ignore the sonic earthquakes.

If I had to describe the actual sound of this record, it would be juggernaut aura Boom Bap. This ain’t your everyday entry-level Boom but the type of atmosphere that makes your heart pulse and your emotions go haywire! This is the kind of instrumentals that can make you punch a brick wall and not even feel the pain. The type of shit that can make you chase the bus to work on some Muhammad Ali shit; I’m not even fucking around; these guys built a soundscape so heavy and unforgiving that I don’t think anyone would be able to top it this year, period. 

Now, Bubs. The Giant in question that the beats were made for. His intensity is legendary at this point. It’s funny most people when they say ‘I’ll wait till I’m in the mood’ save that comment for a specific genre, like death metal or hardcore east coast shit or funky g funk etc. You’ll wait till you’re in the mood that will enjoy those specific sounds most. 

But in Bubs case, you have to mentally prepare yourself for the god of war entity that is Bubs. From the moment you start the record he’s already on 100. There’s no warm up or build up. He’s just there in your face, ready to fuck you up if you’re not prepared to face the walking chaos of his energy.

As usual his wordplay and flow is dangerous and loud. He’s always the loudest guy in the room and he ain’t apologising for shit! If he’s too loud it just means you ain’t loud enough. Only a select few could ever hope to collab with him and not get massacred and those names are as followed:

-Plaza718

-ARXV

-Pro Dillinger

-Mondo Slade

-Mav

Pro and Mondo are the two main collabs that not only survive him but vibe at the same level as Bubs! It always gives me chills to hear those 3 together and this time was no different! And the other names do a fantastic job at keeping the atmosphere alive and deadly!

While we got a teaser of his plans with his earlier EP on this, we get the clear picture and it’s one that I can’t see anyone else touching in 2025. Ridiculous production, menacing features and an always a killer performance by Bubs who remains the most ruthless entity in Hip Hop today! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/30CyIdcrrfYcSCYBF9xPUM?si=J_nlrqcyRnWIK1IMklKl7Q

(Mumblecore)

Man, what a combination of interesting single artwork, title, and artist name! This trifecta already had my attention, but the question is how does the song hold up? Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest track by artist Spaceman and features ABGOHARD and produced by K3MAL. All three of these names are new to me, so this would be my first time exploring everyone involved (which is pretty neat).

Starting off with the production, it has this drone/electronic feel to it. The kind of beat you’d expect to hear at a club or rave. One of those Blade soundtrack songs. Raw, crisp with that repetitive slight drum pattern to add extra intensity to the already menacing and cold instrumental! 

Across this track, you have Spaceman whose flow reminds me of a combination of OG Trill and East Coast 2000’s vibe. Fluent flow with strong and vicious lyricism. He has this ruthless and cold-blooded pen game to him that fuses perfectly with that droning beat as his emotionless cadence spits all over the track! Definitely a solid and dope rapper in his own right.

The feature on the track ‘ABGOHARD’ who shares a similar aura and vibe to Spaceman with his ruthless bars and verses, his lethal lyricism, and stacked flow. It’s as if they are two brothers sharing one mind and one spirit. 

I love how on this track everyone involved, whether it’s that infectious production or the main and feature rapper, they all share the same mindset and energy across the single. 

The rappers both providing sinister verses with killer flow and wordplay, and it all ties together to make for one hell of a listening experience!

So, if you’re after a new type of sound and atmosphere, then make sure you check this single out! You won’t be disappointed! 

https://youtu.be/kQlyWylcrVs?si=Ugtmkr85n6Cn0PYR

(JAGUAR ON PALISADE 3)

CRIMEAPPLE. The man who I chose as my runner-up artist of 2024, who had an incredible run with modern-day classics such as ‘This, Is Not That’ produced by Apollo Brown. In 2025, he released the dope ‘ESCAMA’ produced by Michael Angelo, and now he’s back with a 12-track project that’s produced by himself! Let’s talk about it!

Yes, this album is performed and produced by CRIMEAPPLE himself. He’s deciding to take the reins and put himself into newfound territory and be a one-man army on his own record, and I gotta say, he’s fucking dope doing it!

If I had to describe the sounds on this one, it would be psychedelic soul boom bap. There are so many moments of trippy synth chords playing like on the song ‘SABADO GIGANTE’, those chords alongside that tough, raw boom bap-flavoured hip hop beat!

But at the same time, there are songs like ‘Still’, which has an incredible 80’s Soul montage-themed flavour with those funky keyboard keys over that smooth and skeletal beat. 

The point being, on this one, not only is he trying something new for himself, but he’s also experimenting with different sounds and samples to utilise! Which, considering he is producing himself, I would have expected a more gritty, grimy soundscape to work with, but the fact he’s chosen to go outside his comfort zone and surprise the listeners makes me respect his choices that much more!

Now, this is the part that is familiar to everyone in the underground. Which is his rapping. Something he has improved on and sharpened better than 90% of the cats out there with his incredible discography and many feature verses over the years. On this project, he’s just as hungry as ever, making sure he delivers across his own beats; he can’t be sounding awkward or lacklustre, and believe you me, he doesn’t!

His flow is savage, his wordplay is cunning, witty, and punctures through those beats like a knife through butter. He’s always had penmanship considering his bilingual skills and how easily and effortlessly he can switch between the two languages, and provide dope bars in both will always be a thing to hear!

Across this project, there are no features, just him and him alone. So he’s taken the front and centre for 32 minutes, and he doesn’t disappoint!

The Verdict? Another great showing by Crime. He once again hit the nail on the head, and proving for his 100th time, it feels like why he’s one of the best going and will be till he retires! Solid effort! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3t9mRvZxZ4FKrfWPf1FAJG?si=mDyoXQ3HR5yHe4YSd4tRrA

(Abracadabra)

It’s an exciting day for the culture and a special one for me. Why? Because one of my favourite underground artists is back with not only a new album but a continuation of his record ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ from 2024 and as a sequel of sorts, this album also mentions the topic of racism and in this case, life under the rule of new president Donald Trump.

Across this new 13-track project, we have various producers such as

-Nomrewrds

– Wulverine

-Diem Flood

-LUNAR

-Grant4ord

-HUES

-Charad3

-Clayhead

-Messiah Musik

And with these producers on board, all with different and unique styles and techniques to contribute, this album ends up being a sonic masterclass in artistry and a deep/divine atmosphere that only Dot.Com could bring to life. 

What you get with this album is a combination of passion, conviction, sadness, and despair. Just like with the prequel album, Dot is showing the world as he sees it, not how he wants it to be. There’s no sugarcoating or radio-friendly mindless bullshit but in-your-face, somber production that focuses on the seriousness of the times in the US from the perspective of an African American, and you better believe it’s down-to-earth and clear-cut, his message even more so, and the producers in question understand the assignment precisely and help create a soundscape that matches the feelings, fears, and emotions going through Dot, and when you’re listening to the album, it feels less like one and more of an expression of concern and uncertainty. 

As far as Dot.Com goes regarding how he delivers his messages, he’s as profound as he’s ever been. His delivery is on point, his verses are strong, his conviction and cadence is as airtight as I’ve heard in years. He has a sermon to share to the world, and no amount of detours, money, or threats could ever change his mind. He’s a man on a mission, and you can hear it in his deep, raw, and crisp voice as he spits these intellectual and personal thoughts and his truths on the tracks.

Across all the projects I’ve heard of him, his penmanship has always been top tier as he’s never just putting verses or bars together for the fuck of it; he’s always doing so with a message in his heart and soul to share to the mic, and that’s why I love his music. An artist with a directive is always more appealing to me as a listener/reviewer than one without.

Also, I love the continued concept regarding the magical term ‘Abracadabra.’ If I had to take a guess, what it all means, I would consider it symbolic for how the presidency is pulling a ‘magic trick’ over the whole country, blinding them or distracting them while they pull some shady shit.

I have no confirmation if that’s actually what it is, but that’s my guess.

Overall, another FANTASTIC drop by one of the strongest artists out. Amazing producers and talented guest artists!

Shoutout to the features:

-LUNAR

-Nu From Unheard Ent 

-Earn Dinero

Mixed by -Time Piece Tracks

Artwork by -Dani7

https://dotcomintell.bandcamp.com/album/abracadabra

(Donation link)

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

(Compel)

It’s always an exciting day when my main man Crotona P drops heat! He’s had an incredible run already this year, and with a new EP dropping soon, we have this juicy teaser single, and so let’s talk about it!

This song is produced by Killabong and mixed and mastered by Dan Akill, and I gotta tell you, this beat is monstrous! The whole beat with its long chords and light drum patterns feels larger than life; it feels stadium heavy. The type of instrumental you’d hear at the Super Bowl before they introduce the artist of the year. This is the kind of music you hear for celebration montages and dope hip-hop cyphers.

I love the energy, aura, and big-time atmosphere that this beat brings to the table. This beat screams success, and I couldn’t think of a better artist to be on this than my man Crotona.

Crotona understood the assignment of this beat and goes OFF! If it wasn’t clear before, it’s 20/20 now. He’s the man to beat; he’s the 6th man vigilante that’s taking bodies and hushing those so-called ‘Best’ and silencing the fake. 

He’s the one out here, proving through EP’s, albums, and features why he’s not the one to fuck with and why when he’s on a grand beat like this, it ain’t for show; it’s because he is THAT GUY, and his trademark strong conviction, lethal lyricism, and dope wordplay are back in full force, and if this is just the single, I can’t imagine what the EP is gonna bring to the table!

Do I even need to point it out? This is a track EVERYONE needs to hear twice over. If you’re reading this but ain’t here to support Crotona or Killabong? Then get the fuck out because it’s 6th man or nothing! 

https://crotonap.bandcamp.com/track/crotona-p-x-killabong-compel-prod-by-killabong-explicit

(What Was Found In The Fire)

Another exciting new artist discovery for me. No matter how many people I cover and find out about, there’s always more around the corner, and so we have this! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration album between rapper Slumber Logic and producer klwn cat, and together they drop some of the dopest 7 tracks you’ll hear all year! 

Starting with the production side of things, this thing feels like a jazz fever dream. Every track has a different style and manifestation of jazz. Whether it’s classic slow form or distorted or even  reverb-heavy to give off a truly eerie vibe, regardless, I love the various utilisation of the genre and how it’s combined with the art rap/traditional hip hop-sounding productions.

I love how smooth and vibrant the atmosphere is on this record! Cat does a fantastic job in creating a certain sonic state that makes your imagination go wild and the kind of record you can just sit back and relax and just enjoy the artsy, mastery of technique, and the compelling/colourful experience that is ‘What Was Found In The Fire’. 

On the flip side of things, we have Slumber. The man tasks with providing verses dope enough to match those masterful instrumentals, and he does just that.

What I love about his rapping style is how natural and honest it feels. The way he rhymes feels more like him having a conversation with himself in the studio or speaking his mind rather than spitting actual made-up verses. Across the tracks, he sounds fluent, clear, and composed in his cadence and energy.

If you had told me he just walked into the booth spontaneously, sat down, lit a cigarette, and just started talking on the vocal recordings, I would believe you. It’s as if his very thoughts rhyme, and that kind of easygoing, off-the-top sounding style fits perfectly with this kind of production. You needed someone of this caliber, not someone trying to force a bar or verse to make work or trying to act tough or egocentric in nature but someone like Slum! 

Plus, I refuse to believe someone who was planning his raps would think of something as genius as ‘Duck-Billed Platypus,’ that sounds like a purely artistic off-the-top idea, and I love it.

Overall, a fantastic and stand-out record of the year! You couldn’t ask for a better collaboration than these two, and let’s hope for more in the future!

https://slumberlogic.bandcamp.com/album/what-was-found-in-the-fire

(Donation link)

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

(Biz)

Man, sometimes you see a collab born and you just think to yourself ‘fuck why didn’t I think of that?’ This is that instance. Two of some of the dopest artists in the underground right now coming together for a killer single! So let’s talk about it!

So, this track features rapper Tali Rodriguez and producer Flu. Tali’s most recent work I’m aware of was his magnificent album alongside Jfliz on ‘B2TP’ record which I already reviewed. Then you have Flu the man who is climbing his way to the top of the producer list in this latest quarter so these two workhorses coming together can’t possibly be anything but a win!

Starting with that beat, I love the minimal/skeletal feel it has. The beat is simple, raw and eerie with those slow piano keys over a traditional Hip Hop beat to make for a methodically smooth sound. I’ve noticed lately that Flu has been gravitating towards beats like these and he makes them better than anyone! 

This kind of beat is perfect for someone like Tali to go off on! Tali’s trademark energetic voice and flow triumph high over this dark and moody beat and his sharp lyricism and rhythmic wordplay bounce off each sound and is fluent as a river!

Overall, a very dope single. I’m kicking myself I’ve never thought of a collaboration between them till now but now all I want is more! Absolutely worth checking out! 

https://youtu.be/w14NEG5sWdY?si=-3TWy1Hb0KZ_59iK

(Donation link)

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

(Live By The Sword)

Today I get the pleasure of  reviewing the latest single by rapper Prevmarco, who is accompanied by producer Deecha Beats.

Starting off with a kick as old as 80’s Samurai dub dialogue that sounds like something you’d hear on GZA’s ‘Liquid Swords’ album. Plus that badass artwork, what I’m assuming is Samurai Jack, it all adds to the overall aura of the record.

After that intro, we get these harmonic notes going in a loop over this banging boom Bap beat. The combination of raw and soothing is a unique mix which sounds like America X Japan in atmospheric energy, and I absolutely dig it! 

As far as the verses go, both Prev and feature artist Jabba Tha Kut unleash lyrical fury over this track! Neither of them pulls any punches and brings dope lyricism, harsh wordplay, and devastating penmanship and artistry in their words. They both have a cold monotone delivery when they deliver their cold messages, and it goes perfectly with that ridiculously infectious beat!

Overall, a fantastic track to start the year off with and can’t wait to see where all members in the song go from here! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4SYeiSbYsnk6XsqcahH3IG?si=l5n68aX9TyWbAjCxqf1v9g

(Donation link)

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

(Woolies)

I don’t want to make too much of an early prediction here, but I feel this could be our producer of the second quarter. Considering what I heard is coming later as well, not even including this, I feel we have our champ. But let’s let time decide that! 

So, this is the brand-new album drop by producer Flu, who I first discovered when he produced the album ‘Jamal Takes Manhattan’ featuring Jamal Gasol, but today he has a list of names to help bring this album to life! Such as:

-Spoda

-Shottie

-Bernz

-SmooVth

-Mav 

-All Hail Y.T

-SUBSTANCE810

-Dead Hippie

-CRIMEAPPLE

With this A-list team, you know it’s impossible to miss, and Flu makes sure to make a record worthy of the names involved.

What I love about the production side of things is how crisp, skeletal, and clean each beat sounds. There’s a hint of ‘psychedelic’ to the instrumentals that make each track sound infectious and mind-blowing all in one. I’d say most tracks on here have a slower, more methodically focused pace to them. Instead of trying to be too flashy or overly technical, he’s just making sure to use his mastery to make big and powerful sonic statements for each individual song.

Depending on the feature, the track will sound different to match the different vibe and personality of the MC. That’s one of the things I love most about this album; he’s not just throwing the same sound on the wall; he’s taking time to adjust and craft the perfect sound for the perfect rhymes. This is why Flu is one of the best going!

As I mentioned above, anyone in the game would be beyond impressed with this lineup. Of course, there is no such thing as a bad verse in this world of underground legends. It actually seems they all carry that same ‘methodical’ vibe as the production is. It feels they all have brought their killer, lethal prowess to the table and help maintain that brutal atmosphere to the album, and that feels like a sign of mutual respect to Flu and the efforts he’s putting into the record! 

Overall, fantastic record all around. It’s vibrant, memorable, and dope for everyone involved. Definitely a must-listen!

https://open.spotify.com/album/3TQBW5tP25bPB61B5AtNxS?si=HyDLtx0UR86FMZmxaSasyw

(Donation link)

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