(Face/Off 2)

Let me tell you off the bat this is an idea I pitched to either Philth or Q Rap one of the boys about an album where they rap off against each other in a beat tape version of a thriller film! Turns out that was already a thing just with a different guy! 

So, this highly anticipated collaboration sequel project featuring both Philth Spector X Killer Kane has 13 tracks (12 features and 1 bonus). 

Upon listening to this project it feels as closely as a ‘Beat Tape Battle’ as I could have expected! Every track has high energy featuring both artists of course I’m not that versed in beat tapes or their signature techniques to know who is who on each part but they both don’t just look similar they sound it too! (In the best way possible)

There’s a variety of influences on this project such as

-Ambient

-Lo Fi

-Soul

-Classical

-Funk

-Hip Hop

And when combined by true professionals like these two are you get magic. Although done by two different artists the music itself is fluent and wave like. Flowing through each track seamlessly with barely any disruptions or moments to break the rhythm. It sounds like 1 long song broken up into 13 parts It’s truly a work of art in pulling off such a feat.

I love how the energetic and tempo can alternate between one track and another, on one you can have a faster paced guitar heavy track like ‘Two Face’ and on another like the song ‘Spaced’ you can have a loop heavy, audio equivalent of sunshine rays on a breezy Sunday stroll with those relaxing synth keys.

Each track has its own personality and character to it which ultimately makes every track stand out!

These two are definitely masters in their own field. Both pulled off a masterclass in beat tape artistry and both are now on my watch list permanently! (Well Philth already was but now Killer Kane definitely is too!)

https://philthspectorxphilly.bandcamp.com/album/face-off-2

(Donation link)

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(The ESP Tape)

I’ll tell you now, if Hip Hop had bingo cards, then this would definitely not be on it. After his 2024 drop with Crotona P, we haven’t heard from Mike until now, and boy, what a way to start the new year! Let’s talk about it!

So, this album features the rapping of Mike Titan and production by Zcience Division. Featuring 7 tracks and a handful of features such as:

-Crotona P

-Tali Rodriguez

-Generalbackpain

-Feral Serge

And right off the bat, this production and themes are some of the most interesting I’ve heard all year. On the surface, this album is about ‘The Mystery Of Telepathic, Telekinetic, and Psychic Powers.’

And Mike x Zcience do a fantastic job at portraying this narrative with eerie/creepy instrumentation, thrilling conversation samples, and voice notes.

The frequent mentions of Scientific Methods and conversations about aliens and the supernatural give this record that ‘mystic’ feel to it that I haven’t really heard this year besides the new Clipping. Record 

This album’s structure has a fluent switch-up between clips and interludes and the actual rapping itself. Instead of having one aspect of the record overwhelm and take over the other, I feel each piece is done at the exact right amount to keep listeners on the edge of their seats and at the same time enjoy the dope lyricism and features included in the rap song portions! 

Speaking of dope lyricism, we have Mike Titan, who, I’ll be real with, his 2024 release ‘This Is The Place,’ record amongst the other drops didn’t blow me away, but I knew with time he would definitely drop something that would be right up my alley, and this album is the definition of that!

The way he drops his methodical wordplay and smooth flow and conceptual penmanship are excellent to hear!

Nothing worse than listening to a record with a big, powerful theme, and then once you get to the actual verses, they have nothing to do with the concept of the album! That shit pisses me off, but you don’t have to worry about that for this one because Mike keeps everything theme-related while dropping dope bars. 

The various features, including 6th Man’s own Crotona P, also drop fire on this one. Each feature upgrades the songs they are on and helps maintain the strength of the record as a whole!

Overall, I’m surprised and in the best way possible. This record is where it’s at! Shoutout to Zcience for the production! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6FkExHfuEa3MeHDvpwDeFd?si=DbGmdOhHSD-KotHp1PWP4w

(Donation Link)

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(Acquired Taste)

I know, I’m going back a year with this project, but sometimes dope projects just come to my attention, and I’m compelled to write on it! So let’s get into it!

This 8-track project is a collaborative effort between rapper ‘Breeze Mantana’ and producer ‘Trox’, and on this project, they feature

-100GrandRoyce

-Maze Overlay

-Marcus Strokes 

This project, although short, provides a rather unique and rich sonic experience to the listeners.  The production sounds polished, uptown, and grand in execution. The kind of beats you’d expect to hear coming out of a Lamborghini or a famous who’s who party. I love how Trox was able to utilise specific Hip Hop beats and turn them to gold. Combining various instruments, samples, and inspirations to not only make the listener feel boujie but provide a variety pack of sounds to enjoy.

Also, I love the use of intros, outros, and interludes. It gives this project that extra ‘theatrical’ atmosphere to the record. There’s even an interlude about the luxury and price of caviar. If that doesn’t scream ‘rich’, then nothing will.

Onto Breeze, after listening to this album, I came to appreciate his ability to navigate such soundscapes in a smooth, crisp, and elegant fashion, where his vocal performances blended with the production rather than sticking out like a sore thumb over the top of the beats.

He has velvety flow, witty wordplay, and smart penmanship. His lyricism ties into the theme of the record and adds that layer of depth to the overall project.

It isn’t every day where someone can match the likes of Maze Overlay on a track, but Breeze proves his worth as an MC by standing toe to toe with the legend himself and across the whole album showing why he should be the one to keep an eye out for.

Overall, a short and sweet record. Brilliant chemistry and fantastic features! Win/Win/Win as far as I’m concerned! 

Shoutout to -360bags for the artwork! 

https://breezemantana.bandcamp.com/album/acquired-taste

(Donation link)

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(MegaFoul)

Sometimes, I like to travel back in time and discover how certain artists sounded with their first releases, see how they’ve evolved since, and how far they’ve come. Today I have the opportunity to go back to the first EP by Umbrella Collective’s Kingpin Pro Dillinger and his project with producer Megaladon.

This was released in 2020 with 5 tracks and a total of 15 minutes in length. I’ll start with this: surprisingly, Pro doesn’t sound much different than he does now, quite scary when you think about it. He’s been this intense of an MC since day one and hasn’t changed since. On this EP, he has his trademark gritty, raw, and cold-blooded delivery, and his vicious flow and cadence are as tough as they’ve always been. I feel the one slight thing different is his verses are a bit faster delivered than usual. As he’s progressed, he’s slowed down his pace on the mic, which makes him sound more cerebral and sinister. 

But honestly, besides that, he sounds identical to how he is now, as the WWE likes to say: ‘Then, Now, and forever.’ Pro Dillinger will be the hardest.

Now, Megaladon is someone I’m new to. The one thing you can tell is that although these beats are heavy boom bap excellence, they’re a few tones lighter than what Pro would nowadays associate with. Of course, back then, this would have been a period of experimentation and trying different sounds, and so we get this, but it’s far from bad in any sense of the word! This production still goes hard as fuck and delivers those crisp, polished, and ruthless instrumentals stiff enough to knock your head off!

There is one smooth cut on the album: the track ‘Listen’ ft Jazzy Joyce. This is the only lighter, jazz-influenced side of the EP. It feels unique to hear Pro on something so mellow, but he makes it work, and Jazzy always delivers a fantastic verse!

Overall, for a debut EP (if the internet was correct), then this is phenomenal. The world got to experience the legend of Pro Dillinger for the first time, and the culture hasn’t been the same since. Megaladon also proved himself well and, hopefully, since then has gone on to become a must-have name because he was incredibly dope!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6e4eeJqw0a9F15Gd6wNsK7?si=SxNPG7l4Tlq4iKSkaRefuw

(Donation Link)

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(The Sho Gun 2)

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

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

Producers

-Hanzo Bladez

-DJ Goblin

-Vinyl Villain

-Lo Gun

-The Roses

-Reese Tanaka 

-Grubby Pawz

-Clypto

Rappers

-K’Nen

-King Author

-Estee Nack

-G Fam Black

-Hanzo Bladez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 (Donation link)

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(Seppuku)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Donation link)

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(March Madness)

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

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

-Da 808 Babiez

-Voice Watkins

-Splash631

-Pilzbury

-Enzo Globe

-Moxx Bond

-Rah Sun

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

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

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

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

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

(Did You Enjoy Your Time Here?)

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

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

-Sebb Bash

-Blockhead

-YUNGMORPHEUS

-Child Actor

-Controller 7

-ELUCID

-Small Professor

-Jeff Markey

-Fines Double

-Willie Green

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

-Ambient

-Lo-Fi

-Art Rap

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

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

-Pink Siifu

-Billy Woods

-Cavalier

-Nappy Nina

-Illogic

-AJ Suede

-Mary Esther Carter

-Curly Castro

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

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

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

(Donation Link)

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

(Corner Disciple)

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

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

-Planet Asia

-Maffew Ragazino 

-Illa Ghee

-Aye Wun

-Spit Gemz

-Lord Sko

-Rockness Monsta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Donation Link)

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(THE SAUCE// Don’t Come Near Me)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Donation link)

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