tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141708024211366262024-03-27T15:16:53.517-07:00The crazy, misguided, and exciting world of Hip-HopThat Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-71903331799621196292024-03-18T10:22:00.000-07:002024-03-27T15:16:01.829-07:00Backwoodz Got Next: The Top Albums from Backwoodz Studioz<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFwwz78chyphenhyphenZJW9Rb_w2SXrKo7Yxu5jQG3yxLSEdzXTC_P8oMDZRGUVNGYcT-5apK_FLs3Vn-y-6TDBoH0zXh3rJB7QCr06N4Dc2Nhni9AylZbaeqz9qTlts__N1uCuJI5G9Q3txs0AlkLWI0t4_bdpi_eWZbFm4GJrCfzs6IdI2YzPS3E1wloqYJADn4/s900/backwoodz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFwwz78chyphenhyphenZJW9Rb_w2SXrKo7Yxu5jQG3yxLSEdzXTC_P8oMDZRGUVNGYcT-5apK_FLs3Vn-y-6TDBoH0zXh3rJB7QCr06N4Dc2Nhni9AylZbaeqz9qTlts__N1uCuJI5G9Q3txs0AlkLWI0t4_bdpi_eWZbFm4GJrCfzs6IdI2YzPS3E1wloqYJADn4/s320/backwoodz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>If you're familiar with billy woods, ELUCID, or Armand Hammer (these two as a duo), you're getting a taste of the label, Backwoodz Studioz. Founded in, as far back as, 2003, the label has been bubbling within the sub terrain sector slowly, but gradually throughout the past two decades. While those that have been up on ELUCID and woods for the better part of the past decade, there were a few artists that were with the label and some projects that, with the exception of the highly dedicated ones, few people heard a ton of noise about. In fact, it wasn't until 2012 when woods dropped, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, that more people started to take notice, as this became arguably the album that made people sit up and take more notice of woods and his damn near unmatched verbal and written talents. From there, he, ELUCID, those two together as Armand Hammer, and others have been low-key gaining momentum within the underground movement. As time would go along, more artists would get signed such as Fatboi Sharif, DefCee, producers Blockhead and Jeff Markey, and Shrapknel would start getting some shine under this very promising label and would amass critical acclaim much like woods and ELUCID. The label mostly hosts artists that are very abstract emcees and left-brained thinkers and writers, thus allowing the listener to go on lanes that aren't exactly the most conventional. However, the label has more than enough excellent to game-changing efforts to keep you intrigued upon their building success within abstract, experimental hip-hop. With that being said, let's get into the top twenty-five albums of the label, with honorable mentions (spoiler: woods & Armand Hammer take up about half this list, but it won't dilute any other project on the list).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9gCMYr-aEjpIrHlyGvCwSL5w7XPXprCKSGhOKMwMtXpZ61S80lF1-if-LApZ6RgCVirfpUDPWVdUbCVJHw5VWrus_XKjbs3N-2n8oEwZg3mE7zmyfhwGdgWsIAkSH2rr5mdpOybr9pweScc4CiHvTiJhhM3b7Eul_kQgbl8DEVOlovlvTBxjHYnfp4Q/s1000/saveyourself.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9gCMYr-aEjpIrHlyGvCwSL5w7XPXprCKSGhOKMwMtXpZ61S80lF1-if-LApZ6RgCVirfpUDPWVdUbCVJHw5VWrus_XKjbs3N-2n8oEwZg3mE7zmyfhwGdgWsIAkSH2rr5mdpOybr9pweScc4CiHvTiJhhM3b7Eul_kQgbl8DEVOlovlvTBxjHYnfp4Q/s320/saveyourself.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">25. ELUCID</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Save Yourself</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Messiah Muzik, Small Professor, Willie Green, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, Psychic Twin</p><p style="text-align: left;">As is the case with most of the Backwoodz roster, certain types of styles and delivery are an acquired taste and can get some getting used to, and that's if you're able to adapt. One such emcee is ELUCID. While Armand Hammer cohort, billy woods, style is almost like spoken word poetry, ELUCID has a more complex style that is a mixture of dense and guttural and doesn't necessarily rely on flowing or riding with any type of set beat or production. His cadence is methodical yet technical. However, he still makes it work and work well. One such example of his unorthodox style is shown on his album, <i>Save Yourself</i>. His 2016 debut marked a big shift in his bubbling core audience that was already familiar with the NYC emcee. His writing is among the best around with cuts like "Obama Incense" and "NY Blanks", while showing his knack for the thought provocation with other cuts like "Wake Up Dead Man", the woods assisted "Bleachwater", and the intriguing "Jealous God". The production here is dense yet layered, just like the theme of this album. Personal, captivating, and complex, <i>Save Yourself</i> is not an album you'll digest with a sitting or two. It'll take several spins with full concentration to realize how special this album and this artist truly is.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTO1pCEAKC1S5thhObkcj6YCST3mWq8cMP7BMlqtOJg6HVl09xHhT9RMylNGhyphenhyphene4A31Ox3sdVOhgMyLbVQs3jwXxHvddLqo3ndwNIE5dwr7x8snmvRifN1HT7M3uoNOhJJz7kqT4m4ks_1UAU5RmBuR-_lUWUYDoNVwq-EJ3GacD7WxHh8QvCOL4Y-Bw/s495/knownunknowns.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTO1pCEAKC1S5thhObkcj6YCST3mWq8cMP7BMlqtOJg6HVl09xHhT9RMylNGhyphenhyphene4A31Ox3sdVOhgMyLbVQs3jwXxHvddLqo3ndwNIE5dwr7x8snmvRifN1HT7M3uoNOhJJz7kqT4m4ks_1UAU5RmBuR-_lUWUYDoNVwq-EJ3GacD7WxHh8QvCOL4Y-Bw/s320/knownunknowns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">24. billy woods</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Known Unknowns</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Blockhead, Aesop Rock</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Homeboy Sandman, Aesop Rock, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The almighty billy woods is powerful. His pen game ranks among the most impressive of any artist, regardless of genre, in music today, and has been for over a couple decades now. This NYC native is miles and light years beyond his contemporaries with his overall themes of socio-political, culturally antagonizing warnings of the current civilization, and almost-Nostradamus levels of observance and foreshadowing. Through his spoken word style and carefully woven narratives, woods is meticulous in his approach to today's climate that goes beyond rap. One such example is his 2017 offering,<i> Known Unknowns</i>. Much like his 2015 offering, <i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i>, and especially his heavily lauded, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, <i>Known Unknowns</i> is heavy. For the most part, very heavy. Cuts like "Washington Redskins" display his knack for zeroing in on racial tropes and clichés while showing how they'll never not be too culturally vital to not examine. While other cuts like "Police Came to My Show", the ELUCID-featured "Nomento", and "Strawman" demonstrate how woods can use his complex reality to make the listener feel like they're on an emotional airplane that's going through constant turbulence, <i>Known Unknowns</i> is such a tremendous class in the chaotic world and fascinating imagery that woods provides to the listener effortlessly.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdbND6K52e5LkES-h7wg59hIq6DMFRUo35fu4uJMeDCudQny2PVShuXQGH5Jnl6tRfpdip01YKH1PScCJXivYEjrX0McaKB_5m5ZM9TATHNpUutB90SzRtk-B8l1_Z1FwHUu5K-Htxpg7RHdnT-pSuOjl4hvBKEaXMteMkcnHRr-RGk-gC_YqKm5Yjz4/s700/premrockcrowsfeet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdbND6K52e5LkES-h7wg59hIq6DMFRUo35fu4uJMeDCudQny2PVShuXQGH5Jnl6tRfpdip01YKH1PScCJXivYEjrX0McaKB_5m5ZM9TATHNpUutB90SzRtk-B8l1_Z1FwHUu5K-Htxpg7RHdnT-pSuOjl4hvBKEaXMteMkcnHRr-RGk-gC_YqKm5Yjz4/s320/premrockcrowsfeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">23. PremRock</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Load Bearing Crow's Feet</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Messiah Muzik, Evidence, Small Professor, Willie Green, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, ELUCID, AJ Suede, Curly Castro, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">NY's PremRock is an artist whose eccentric, yet striking style and delivery is suited for the left-brained imagery of Backwoodz Studios. While he has released previous stuff such as <i>Who Art in Nada</i>, <i>A Clean, Well-Lighted Place</i>, and <i>Mark's Wild Years</i>, his 2021 effort, <i>Load Bearing Crows Feet</i>, is more engaging and personal then his previous releases, and certainly a denser sounding project at that. the bartender by trade has quite the pen game and has the knack to draw you into his sparse and eccentric mind. He shows anxiety and caution on the bass-heavy "Apollo Kids Meal", while on the inflammatory "Joel Osteen", he uses the widely known megachurch pastor to highlight corruption, selfishness, and self-absorption in a society where that's the last thing we as a whole need to keep facing on a day-to-day basis. On the eerie, "If on A Winter's Night" featuring the haunting vocals of Backwoodz sibger, FIELDED, he does an excellent job describing the world around him and how it all plays into his cynicism of the society he's exposed to everyday with a sense of vulnerability as well. Abstract yet observant, PremRock presents quite a dope effort with<i> Load Bearing Crows Feet</i>, and is another album that one or two listens will not be enough for you to let the promise and substantial nature of the effort to sink in.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tnjAd3dfHOLsTptV81PsLz75hCXp0hsYXZJKaGEorgMiDQzgfYKz7sUyH5KwPos8MRk-RrgPsqw9WYICSAptghTvcGjkQewh2rh7HVMMmpu_mfcolXqVCMFSW6xWgF6k6rda9cqxQVGwfrRoDpV1mG5DuLmbovg-cUubMMhUsGravAc7qeRR17JR25M/s500/backwoodztargetpractice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tnjAd3dfHOLsTptV81PsLz75hCXp0hsYXZJKaGEorgMiDQzgfYKz7sUyH5KwPos8MRk-RrgPsqw9WYICSAptghTvcGjkQewh2rh7HVMMmpu_mfcolXqVCMFSW6xWgF6k6rda9cqxQVGwfrRoDpV1mG5DuLmbovg-cUubMMhUsGravAc7qeRR17JR25M/s320/backwoodztargetpractice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">22. Backwoodz Studioz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Target Practice</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: K-Salaam, Hasaan Chop, Bond, NASA, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">The first big compilation of the label arrived in '07. While there was no PremRock or ELUCID or Sharpknel, there were Hi-Coup, Keith Masters, The Reavers, and Invizibl Men. All of these artists, along with woods, presented a promising effort with <i>Target Practice</i>. Filled with sounds that the likes of Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock, or even the late, great MF DOOM would rhyme over, each of the twenty-one cuts resemble a certain type of underground NYC flavor that can also be quite the acquired taste. Talent is abounded here on cuts like the hitting "Jimmy Swaggar", "Love & War", "Armor Truck Rap", and the woods' sliced "October" are standouts that show that even in 2007, there was something here with this roster of talent that it took a certain niche to connect with. At a time where artists like Kanye and Jay were in commercial spotlight and trap music was becoming the go-to sound, the underground was still delivering with some of its best moments. This Backwoodz project of <i>Target Practice</i> was one such case.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGwuJNRwl95X9TuSCjbY56C1AS9WunqENcQubSfWhD6OOJelWUONPoPih8wfjmAg39L_DCw_2WNOMy4aiuZz_ruTbCxQFaE7DsbeojMAkENJaqurOgNz852iIHb1SVQwCGUt6uTa9oAGyqMUf1QEJBJLoJ76DRZyjeC3lYwNAb6PHBvs8hB4YXJYIFkc/s450/Armand_Rome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGwuJNRwl95X9TuSCjbY56C1AS9WunqENcQubSfWhD6OOJelWUONPoPih8wfjmAg39L_DCw_2WNOMy4aiuZz_ruTbCxQFaE7DsbeojMAkENJaqurOgNz852iIHb1SVQwCGUt6uTa9oAGyqMUf1QEJBJLoJ76DRZyjeC3lYwNAb6PHBvs8hB4YXJYIFkc/s320/Armand_Rome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">21. Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Rome</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, JPEGMAFIA, Kenny Segal, August Fanon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mach-Hommy, Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessey, Curly Castro</p><p style="text-align: left;">The first of a few Armand Hammer efforts on this list is quite a treat. Following up their previous efforts of <i>Race Music</i> and 2014's <i>Furtive Movements</i> wouldn't be the easiest thing in the world to do, but not only did they do so, but they surpassed that effort as well with <i>Rome</i>. What billy woods and ELUCID did here was tremendous. Not only did they go even further down the iceberg of challenging the modern-day sound of what rap is "Supposed" to sound like, both lyrically and sound-wise, but they bring chaos in a world where society pressures conformity and socio-political agendas are becoming more and more zombie-like. They go for the jugular on cuts like "Stole", "Dead Money", and "It Was Written", in which they make paranoid imagery and grim oversights the normal way of life. The brooding Quelle Chris-assisted "Microdose" and the thematically heavy "Barbarians" also exhibit their approach to leave burned imagery of harsh cultural realities within this era that they're not afraid to tackle in their own unique ways. Once you've hit the hypnotic closing cut, "Overseas", you've been on an uneasy ride on <i>Rome</i>, but leave it to Armand Hammer to steer the ship within the rough seas of today's underground. While occasionally funny in certain lines and bars, Armand Hammer, to quote the late, great Prodigy, might crack a smile, but ain't a damn funny. If <i>Furtive Movements</i> was like their version of Cannibal Ox's gutter and frostbitten classic, <i>The Cold Vein</i>, and <i>Race Music</i> was their oft-put version of <i>Funcrusher Plus</i>, <i>Rome</i> could likely have some comparisons to the likes of Jedi Mind Tricks' <i>Visions Of Ghandi</i>, in that there's a spiraling decent into an unnerving sense of dread for the world and although the need for more peace and stable ideals are welcomed, they're not around nor is there any for hope for things to change. Armand Hammer made sure, with this effort, to let us know once again, this game is chess, not checkers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZjSZ2OzF0IdULxHDoLrWXUnho9ZgR9Dyr7D6CAGNzE-7rRb2yj6rXzlqgp5Jrl29Yk9tEMIdNAzwV3kpAiS63oWpX3A9sMCi8hqasNYUFXYa-IGtbNjfCEMWaMGW3zrxVZ56UTBJWclm6yzfIp2bXv5JL890zFqwrDfILZiutJ_HZn__NUV2F88E1_s/s700/defcee-trapdoor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZjSZ2OzF0IdULxHDoLrWXUnho9ZgR9Dyr7D6CAGNzE-7rRb2yj6rXzlqgp5Jrl29Yk9tEMIdNAzwV3kpAiS63oWpX3A9sMCi8hqasNYUFXYa-IGtbNjfCEMWaMGW3zrxVZ56UTBJWclm6yzfIp2bXv5JL890zFqwrDfILZiutJ_HZn__NUV2F88E1_s/s320/defcee-trapdoor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">20. DefCee & Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Trapdoor</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Armand Hammer, PremRock, Curly Castro, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Chicago emcee, DefCee linked up with primary in-house producer, Messiah Muzik, to bring forth <i>Trapdoor</i>, and man did their chemistry shine here. DefCee is not a rookie emcee. He had dropped previous efforts, but in many ways, this was like a new level for the underground emcee. Over some of MM's most grim, layered, and atmospheric production, DefCee holds back nothing with impactful delivery and enough attitude to make you feel everything he's spitting. Mixing unsettling imagery with a penchant for creating vivid pictures of a society gone mad and distorted, DefCee and MM presented an album that shows they can put together something excellent. Standouts include the simply excellent "Snares" (which Mach-Hommy and Tha God Fahim would later use for Hommy's cut Money Magnets from his <i>Balens Cho</i> album of 2021), "The Institute of Living", and "Time Off", which all exemplify MM's talents to being among the most underrated producers out here. They would repeat this greatness in 2023 with the criminally slept-on <i>The Golem of Brooklyn OST</i>, but <i>Trapdoor</i> was their initial taste of very dope chemistry between these two great artists of their respective crafts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY5lQM92i0dLhLYELboUp3ZjJycVHSFl9DqzmmRUf1fSB2T4-pSv4gKkZgOkpGjV5UGdTdQ-ZIV5JNgV7GXB7SaBzE-Q9w7UWqH28DnETHAgNdTsYQJtFc7q3n4A8P-LPc82W4RmxxOpH2tkJWtCXBahaPbslBVotAEkx-pb0b3_uiMNW8oSe6ux_mQM/s3500/decay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="3500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY5lQM92i0dLhLYELboUp3ZjJycVHSFl9DqzmmRUf1fSB2T4-pSv4gKkZgOkpGjV5UGdTdQ-ZIV5JNgV7GXB7SaBzE-Q9w7UWqH28DnETHAgNdTsYQJtFc7q3n4A8P-LPc82W4RmxxOpH2tkJWtCXBahaPbslBVotAEkx-pb0b3_uiMNW8oSe6ux_mQM/s320/decay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">19. Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Decay</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Steel Tipped Dove</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">New Jersey representative, Fatboi Sharif, is another emcee that has a style all his own. Mixing bits of horrorcore similar to the likes of Esham to the uniquely vivid similar to the likes of Tech N9ne, Sharif has linked up with producers for previous projects such as his effort with Roper Williams, <i>Ghandi Loves Children</i>. He came through in 2023 with <i>Decay</i>, which is done entirely with another residential in-house producer, Steel Tipped Dove for a cleverly harrowing experience. With his own different style of rhyme cadence and delivery, Sharif sends us all on a ride through the dark, atmospheric, and outright haunting with cuts like "Ash Wednesday", "Designer Drugs" and "Brandon Lee". While artists like NATAS and even Brotha Lynch Hung go straight to the throat with unrelenting macabre imagery, Sharif leans more towards the nuance and obtuse in a few cuts, but others like "Scarhead", "Kingdom", and the very brooding "Farewell Outfit" are damn near Hitchcock-level fascinating in terms of the suspenseful yet dark evocation of his lyrics. Sharif & STD brought forth an album with <i>Decay</i> that is as chilling as it is intriguing and experimental. Sharif is someone to keep your eyes on throughout this decade like everyone else within the Backwoodz camp.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYudmkwyP01NAS7tTbHnV5XuYFVEaZeQpBL0OzH5kZO1kA941P-a6qtPJJB3zSimxzBwU-NqUbE_EZtoXPAufgIv61J5s8fTVb8ZXhlu1RP5S1_9AFFOuJsJ83XdZPzHPBRFi3fYWGNWzKnAWQqfoAQLF3Nx3fgC0vFdXh5O224RuZKGo0fHny74yB1e0/s1200/steeltippeddove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYudmkwyP01NAS7tTbHnV5XuYFVEaZeQpBL0OzH5kZO1kA941P-a6qtPJJB3zSimxzBwU-NqUbE_EZtoXPAufgIv61J5s8fTVb8ZXhlu1RP5S1_9AFFOuJsJ83XdZPzHPBRFi3fYWGNWzKnAWQqfoAQLF3Nx3fgC0vFdXh5O224RuZKGo0fHny74yB1e0/s320/steeltippeddove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">18. Steel Tipped Dove</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Call Me When You're Outside</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, ELUCID, Fatboi Sharif, SKECH185, Pink Siifu, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Frequent Backwoodz production collaborator, Steel Tipped Dove, contributed to albums by DefCee and PremRock among others. The NYC based producer decided to pull the trigger on delivering his own project entitled <i>Call Me When You're Outside</i>. This is an eight-track project, and each track shows off his varying taste in sounds. From the gritty and atmospheric on the SHIRT-featured "Pirouette" to the electronica sounds from "Warner Wolf" and the layered samplings of "Buddy Ryan", STD has production that fits the type of atypical presence Backwoodz is all about. There's no one particular box to put Backwoodz in, and STD is an example of this. With woods on half the project, his influence is felt distinctively on this effort, with the likes of ELUCID, SKECH185, and The Koreatown Oddity showing up with impressive performances as well. With <i>Call Me When You're Outside</i>, STD takes us in more with him being in the spotlight for his sense of sound and the results are definitely worth listening to.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2x_USI62jMT3R48Sn3HinzzVY5GSK6c8MI9qrmIzk72WUomv67-Bmcs54of3mFiN7ydboKg2ZbWe7ZEh4Q4roj2qQvwel-E3bxiV4hDZeJ8B_7hfNwXsojucA3iTVktEkuK3NcuYgGgRscwmhiZhre2pyksMwm79KaMzpd6GUpFKcmXb-0zJVn62dNc/s800/Shrines_Armand%20Hammer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2x_USI62jMT3R48Sn3HinzzVY5GSK6c8MI9qrmIzk72WUomv67-Bmcs54of3mFiN7ydboKg2ZbWe7ZEh4Q4roj2qQvwel-E3bxiV4hDZeJ8B_7hfNwXsojucA3iTVktEkuK3NcuYgGgRscwmhiZhre2pyksMwm79KaMzpd6GUpFKcmXb-0zJVn62dNc/s320/Shrines_Armand%20Hammer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">17. Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Shrines</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, Earl Sweatshirt, Nicholas Craven, August Fanon, Navy Blue, Kenny Segal, Child Actor, Steel Tipped Dove, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Right when the world just got turned upside down with the pandemic in 2020, Armand Hammer dropped a crazy effort with <i>Shrines</i>, which is the follow-up to their exemplary 2018 effort, <i>Paraffin</i>. Mixed between the sublime and the dirty and grungy,<i> Shrines</i> has woods and ELUCID examining the consciousness of an uncivilized civilization, where it's both humorous and threatening. On cuts like the alarming "Flavor Flav", the conflicting "Leopards", and "Pommelhorse", the duo makes their cryptic, yet intelligently strategized, lyrical offerings thought-provoking, while conjuring images of constant ambiguity. The cautionary "War Stories" and "Parables" show how they can come at you straightforward with grim truths and they can also come at you with vivid displays of a grim climate without having to spell it out for you and for you to dissect yourself. A bit more complex than <i>Paraffin</i>, yet more subtly urgent than say <i>Race Music</i>, <i>Shrines</i> is one album from them that will not be easily digested yet may be among their most clear examples of their dichotomy of the state of our society.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHSBK62UvtC3rjtsBsRC3UL1YIIgrtNFggOOpO5QxfBr59M2JeWQs5oGBcHSG7SmmwnzO3ltdGi4D9ADlYfxBFyiDDM9HC0Hs-UPIUFz0OP9OuzmwydXd9NNbkLqYyR0I52bN3Ya35fsbnJ3CHLZo-qkJy1pXvepn5_VC1vXi36bTZF1ywIj5h-wG0lc/s1000/superchronflightbros.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHSBK62UvtC3rjtsBsRC3UL1YIIgrtNFggOOpO5QxfBr59M2JeWQs5oGBcHSG7SmmwnzO3ltdGi4D9ADlYfxBFyiDDM9HC0Hs-UPIUFz0OP9OuzmwydXd9NNbkLqYyR0I52bN3Ya35fsbnJ3CHLZo-qkJy1pXvepn5_VC1vXi36bTZF1ywIj5h-wG0lc/s320/superchronflightbros.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">16. Super Chron Flight Bros.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Emergency Powers: The World Tour</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Bond, MF DOOM, NASA, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the early years of Backwoodz, woods was paired with fellow emcee, Privilege, to become the Super Chron Flight Bros, a stoner duo that, even their highness, manage to eloquently spit out chaos in the midst of humor and dichotomy. With their album, <i>Emergency Powers: The World Tour</i>, picture a more observant and slightly paranoid Meth & Red over more haunting, gloomy, and dense production that appears more abstract than strategic. With cuts like the moody "Slaughterhouse", the Cannibal Ox-assisted "Adamantium", and the excellent, story-laced "First Blood", these two guys have you fascinated with how tune they are without being overly preachy with their commentary. In a sense, it appears these two are getting stoned to deal with the disorganized nature of the world around them, while trying to find cynical humor to get them through. Cuts such as "Rent Control" and the incredible opener "Drought" that takes you into such thematic classics like "Peruvian Cocaine", "Stray Bullet", and "Drink Away the Pain" show their clever use of imagery and imaginative tact with context behind them. The rest of this album is mixed between jarring and cautionary, with <i>Emergency Powers: The World Tour</i> being just right for those that believe you can't be highly informed and socially cognitive while stoned at the same time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhHQftI8R7po-_0FiQqZs3GzGCU_1Xp8rGvvB0f69nUHe8j05Dxr6-8GgU-j89jvyXltbMJgqBtf3TxFz1PZILY-rkuSP9Ag_ooiy_qhNEbmn8jkEeQMtF-DSQVmlW6sSghPX9SsSfFXvKqVti7rT9cdULWTNpoDFjBdVKSmlGBa6-NodS26F74EHhtk/s3000/Akai%20Solo-%20Spirit%20Roaming%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhHQftI8R7po-_0FiQqZs3GzGCU_1Xp8rGvvB0f69nUHe8j05Dxr6-8GgU-j89jvyXltbMJgqBtf3TxFz1PZILY-rkuSP9Ag_ooiy_qhNEbmn8jkEeQMtF-DSQVmlW6sSghPX9SsSfFXvKqVti7rT9cdULWTNpoDFjBdVKSmlGBa6-NodS26F74EHhtk/s320/Akai%20Solo-%20Spirit%20Roaming%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">15. AKAI SOLO</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Spirit Roaming</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, Preservation, AniMoss, Ahwlee, August Fanon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: left;">Another NYC underground dweller that deserves plenty of shine within the Backwoodz camp is AKAI SOLO. Almost as polished and gifted of a writer as head honcho woods and cohort ELUCID, SOLO came forth in 2022 with <i>Spirit Roaming</i>, a collection of cuts that examine this young emcee guiding through life making the best he can with consequences of bad choices and misguided direction. Over some of the best jazzy-yet-atmospheric production you'll find at that time, SOLO often times is trying to survive, which tends to be the one-word theme of this album: survival. Just trying to get from one day or minute to the next day or minute. Carefully written cuts like "Demonslayer" and "Red Butterfly" are having him painting pictures of his complexity and his ambiguity while somehow managing to spit jewels throughout the cuts. Meanwhile, he reveals more of his inner most thoughts and feelings on more reflective cuts like "Driftman" and the elegant- sounding collab with Armand Hammer, "The Upper Room" that shows him in a more of a mode of survival in the essence of him having nothing else left to lose. AKAI is a great lyricist and a great writer, and with <i>Spirit Roaming</i>, his need for spiritual absolution and the desire for some sort of remission within him has offered us a glimpse into his constant battles that deep down so many of us desire as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18NqRDBn0AG50D10YgSNRTZRCtpC8_nU7HHuGFW2BrCwsJCsbdwbMOtS8fQnIJTmd8xmCot0tCuxN5GztJ_a1ebm2F0YlWTkTWd5hHJpwY7XnTJFNiUXwewy5rmJcD89rd_tTDKksJKLrM_zvgMwSQKIc6sSyepMUn70ksXW8QVjx8iDOUT0doZT8pWo/s800/paraffin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18NqRDBn0AG50D10YgSNRTZRCtpC8_nU7HHuGFW2BrCwsJCsbdwbMOtS8fQnIJTmd8xmCot0tCuxN5GztJ_a1ebm2F0YlWTkTWd5hHJpwY7XnTJFNiUXwewy5rmJcD89rd_tTDKksJKLrM_zvgMwSQKIc6sSyepMUn70ksXW8QVjx8iDOUT0doZT8pWo/s320/paraffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">14. Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Paraffin</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: ELUCID, Messiah Muzik, August Fanon, Kenny Segal, Small professor, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: SKECH185</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we highlighted Armand Hammer's 2017 offering, the very solid <i>Rome</i>. The themes within that album helped to shape the majority of subsequent albums from the pair. One such example of this was their follow-up to <i>Rome</i> in the form of 2018's, <i>Paraffin</i>. Even more weighty than <i>Rome</i>,<i> Paraffin</i> is denser and more socially pertinent. Although they still include brief glimpses of sideline humor and sarcastic cynicism, their brutal and harsh truths of today's socio-economic, socio-political, and cultural awareness is measured even closer than before over some very dense, stripped away, and occasionally surreal and esoteric production. Cuts like "No Days Off", "ECOMOG", and "Bob Barker" are so meticulously written for the sake of the sparse illustration and climatic stances that they take the listener on the type of roller coasters that give you that feeling that the ride could shut down at any moment and you have a feeling that it'll happen when the ride has you near the clouds and unable to do a damn thing about it. The anxiety levels are uncharted, and Armand Hammer purposely take you there on occasion with their imagery of the state of the union. They continue these types of narratives and soliloquies on other cuts like "Rehearse with Ornette" the chilling "Fuhrman Tapes", and "Hunter", as the latter is especially as jarring as any ARMHAM cut within their discography. Armand Hammer's fourth offering, <i>Paraffin</i>, is an especially brooding one. Most of their discography range from apocalyptic to paranoid to cautionary, but this one is as brutally aware and cataclysmic as anything Backwoodz as a label has ever produced. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQev9xkr9oGGM50db5RH3hF9KYS27i72I_blPgRRrDz1geeWmDFGEkId330o8QjTKLm1vR-RM7n1R0yRDgJk6KT0edaZlu6n0_pBPs2zN90qJLzvLhQtXAxTOKFOCe_sa2dKRj_k2qGxA-TkJzyRFFYDOoV4UEtxfQ2djMYUbliBVkRYJNd7UFJVHwZwg/s800/terrormanagement.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQev9xkr9oGGM50db5RH3hF9KYS27i72I_blPgRRrDz1geeWmDFGEkId330o8QjTKLm1vR-RM7n1R0yRDgJk6KT0edaZlu6n0_pBPs2zN90qJLzvLhQtXAxTOKFOCe_sa2dKRj_k2qGxA-TkJzyRFFYDOoV4UEtxfQ2djMYUbliBVkRYJNd7UFJVHwZwg/s320/terrormanagement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">13. billy woods</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Terror Management</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, Blockhead, ELUCID, Preservation, Small Professor, Child Actor, Steel Tipped Dove, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mach-Hommy, Pink Siifu, AKAI SOLO, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The ugly and distorted side of reality is often times the part of life we tend to avoid due to immediate trigger reactions of certain things we hate confronting. With billy woods, not only does he aggressively confront the ugly and nasty side of reality but is unapologetic of his paranoia and his sense of PTSD on 2019's<i> Terror Management</i>. This album picks up where his prior offering, the enigmatic yet bleak collab with Kenny Segal <i>Hiding Place</i>, left off. While you may occasional quick witted, ye occasionally misplaced, charm from woods, this is an album nearly null and void of those types of quirks, much like <i>Hiding Place</i>. Instead, he treads more into more a dark cynicism, nothing to laugh at but somehow, he may find this as his way of dealing with the paranoid thoughts in his head. His atmospheric imagery on "Shepard's Tone" and the dread undertones on "Blood Thinners" are exemplary, yet he gets even more personal on the honest "Great Fires" that explores separation and regret. While the production is not as murky and layered as <i>Hiding Place</i>, <i>Terror Management</i> is more along the lines of jazzy and a little more melodic, resembling more <i>Race Music</i> more than <i>Hiding Place</i> or even <i>Rome.</i> Often stylistically his albums tend to be compared to Earl Sweatshirt. If that's the case, if <i>Hiding Place</i> is <i>I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside</i>, then this is more so <i>Doris</i>, filled with dread, but glimpses of sarcastic light, even if few and far between. What woods delivered with <i>Terror Management</i> is an almost as grim sequel to <i>Hiding Place</i>, but woods' talent for the written word and his visual imagery is damn near scholarly.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUut_0w9ouoCAtasAztKQZLGYshdz1z8KzNO1Mc5BHVAsdl3ggNuvKNi63-5WF39xiXugbdriS3AodOjht0WizfoMRvFj-zh77QbWqtU8X4jXmh1-75HDuP5znetRfIisYqGH8JkbrqK8F_jIRyGg8fliMk1Zp-lOeKIcHoPoHOFy6bf3DOQ4hJJRL0/s3000/billy-woods-Church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUut_0w9ouoCAtasAztKQZLGYshdz1z8KzNO1Mc5BHVAsdl3ggNuvKNi63-5WF39xiXugbdriS3AodOjht0WizfoMRvFj-zh77QbWqtU8X4jXmh1-75HDuP5znetRfIisYqGH8JkbrqK8F_jIRyGg8fliMk1Zp-lOeKIcHoPoHOFy6bf3DOQ4hJJRL0/s320/billy-woods-Church.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">12. billy woods & Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Church</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, AKAI SOLO, Fielded</p><p style="text-align: left;">The enigmatic billy woods nailed two solo albums in 2022, both of which painted woods in utter dichotomy. His earlier album was the Preservation-crafted, <i>Aethiopes</i>, in which it was ethereal and cataclysmic in nature. Later in the year, he delivered <i>Church</i>, a slightly more accessible and not as heavy effort with frequent production collaborator, Messiah Muzik. Don't get it twisted. This is NOT a sunshine, happy, Kirk Franklin/Mary Mary-type inspirational album. This is woods showing the pessimism of the current state of society in a more open and less dense approach. In fact, this is more about vulnerability in the midst of a grim outlook within his world. While he tends to let us inside his mental capacity in terms of his pessimistic view of life in and of itself, he dives into his own personal diary letting us dissect his pages filled with more honest and open passages. While the likes of "Paraquat" explores his vulnerability in almost ambiguous detail (especially with the song cutting into halves, with the latter half being more disruptive and brooding), conjuring up imagery that's more self-preserving than heartfelt and raw, tracks like "Artichoke" are more abstract in its texture and explorative in how to come to a self-understanding about how his thoughts tend to get him disheveled. Other cuts like the sparse "Fever Grass" and the ELUCID-assisted "Fuchsia & Green" help center woods' knack for imaginative lyricism shape shift for vivid double entendres. This type of penmanship and the imagery within it is fascinating and only the most superb talents are able to knock out. Meanwhile, "Pollo Rico" is a look at his own mortality in such an engaging manner you can't help but repeat this cut multiple times just to see if you missed a gem or two. What woods and Messiah Muzik put together with <i>Church</i> is a testament to how psychedelic and left-brained these two have been all these years, yet still continue to explore their tremendous chemistry sonically and, in woods' case, conceptually. While not a lightweight album in terms of style and texture, <i>Church</i> is more inviting into his open wounds than <i>Aethiopes</i>, but that's just fine. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlFVPeF_RA7SDBiN6FvbSbIKymmmmj1-tAl6hehOvIcyyUA_clv054Z4F0UixWREjcepTi09Vsp7SSuDR3DVbBNbHyOO8LfmxYSR6epchdEyzMlDUeRZF8TOl1gev6xpUNlmJTntzeEtIJlHhfxARSjTqmMp9mPo_d5IX8O6-z77jmIIvoqdIXYUMYj0/s1200/skech185swimback.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlFVPeF_RA7SDBiN6FvbSbIKymmmmj1-tAl6hehOvIcyyUA_clv054Z4F0UixWREjcepTi09Vsp7SSuDR3DVbBNbHyOO8LfmxYSR6epchdEyzMlDUeRZF8TOl1gev6xpUNlmJTntzeEtIJlHhfxARSjTqmMp9mPo_d5IX8O6-z77jmIIvoqdIXYUMYj0/s320/skech185swimback.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">11. SKECH185 & Jeff Markey</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>He Left Nothing for The Swim Back</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Jeff Markey</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, PremRock, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Chicago native, SKECH185 is not a rookie to this hip-hop game. This underground emcee first made his debut with <i>Gunship Diplomacy</i> with producer Automated Tape Decks. His style is very frantic and occasionally jumbled. Mixing intensity with focus animation, SKECH185 is quite a fit with Backwoodz with his abstract stylings. In 2023, he collaborated with Backwoodz producer, Jeff Markey, to deliver <i>He Left Nothing for The Swimback</i>, a chaotic and eclectic array of socially conscious cuts coming off with aggression and abrasiveness. SKECH185 arrives with his extinction agenda from the opening cut, which so happens to be the title track. Nothing cute, nothing fun. It's all cautionary yet very in-your-face and is almost relentless in his delivery with production very reminiscent of El-P and his lo-fi industrial-like production. The mood of "The River" is brooding, starting from an understated gloomy vibe to an increased level of organized chaos and vigor. With elements of grunge and industrial mixed with brooding and desolate, Markey gives SKECH the perfect sound for his own plight into decay. Markey created this soundscape for SKECH that is totally hand-in-glove. His production mixes atmospheric and dreamscape-like to the industrial and hard-hitting. All of which SKECH glides (or rips into) over excellently. Cuts like "Western Automatic Music Pts 1 & 2" (the latter has billy woods and Collosoul Structure assisting) and "Badly Drawn Hero" are equally frantic and high energy, as SKECH is clearly playing no games with the listener. With delivery that brings up images of Onyx or a far angrier Xzibit, SKECH185 & Jeff Markey have designed quite the impressive outing with <i>He Left Nothing for The Swimback</i>, and one would suggest more of these offerings from this duo needs to happen more often.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy47HRsmHMkvHsURFtK9eUYQK89JllSWBJ3YJxoKnmlAt_XBf6zbHW296_C0YXzAOYOPiv8-EoDCLytltqCu_I9A8ILOn28ecf-IChtSkLbWxhKE-u8reMVPqzkjAAdFdvZgUx8o4ACe6wP2u5UWV_ujsWw0UmWJ7Ii1FozF9Lj57feZgu0bqRE3icUg/s700/woods-nothing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy47HRsmHMkvHsURFtK9eUYQK89JllSWBJ3YJxoKnmlAt_XBf6zbHW296_C0YXzAOYOPiv8-EoDCLytltqCu_I9A8ILOn28ecf-IChtSkLbWxhKE-u8reMVPqzkjAAdFdvZgUx8o4ACe6wP2u5UWV_ujsWw0UmWJ7Ii1FozF9Lj57feZgu0bqRE3icUg/s320/woods-nothing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">10. billy woods</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, Aesop Rock, Blockhead, Steel Tipped Dove, Willie Green, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Curly Castro, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">As the first quarter of 2015 rolled in, this time was significant for one huge reason: Kendrick Lamar dropped one of the most landmark albums in hip-hop history with <i>To Pimp a Butterfly</i>. Just a couple weeks later, another highly acclaimed album dropped in billy woods' <i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i>. Following up on his previous ambitious effort, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, he goes as deep, if not deeper, with this release. With a clever and systematic approach to his writing for this album, he goes back to what propelled his prior work to such acclaimed levels. He doesn't have a bright outlook for his current society here. These aren't necessarily long tracks, despite the twenty-four tracks on the project. He says what needs to be said and that's it. What he says in the little amount of time makes profound impacts and statements. Filled with his usual barrage of socio-political commentary in slick yet calculated fashion with cuts like "Warmachines", "Sleep", and "Flatlands". While his writing is borderline extraordinary, his imagery is not at all. In fact, it's grim and hopeless. Other cuts such as the eerie "Dark Woods" and the almost claustrophobic vibes of "Lambs" make this such an interesting yet uneasy listen. Considered one of his best written works, woods doesn't need to hold your attention too long like in other projects. He cuts straight to the point in short fashion and goes right on to the next part of his collection of unkind poetry within <i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-9InCCT_tzphTEdm_B9YeCtaN_s3hWuIv4sfkNkvyaOUYWe0QNEZMsG03VCdmntOI6MGJm9M-szA10C9wemfv0lcpUzuUEqhWF75kDZPRDtTruVqbCxrhsjDYgrsWsLEcmzyVdxOTOzEDYBoHanUQ46Hns87RIExEu99WOQAaBFt15mxc_4PNtPfj_k/s600/shrapknel-metallung.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-9InCCT_tzphTEdm_B9YeCtaN_s3hWuIv4sfkNkvyaOUYWe0QNEZMsG03VCdmntOI6MGJm9M-szA10C9wemfv0lcpUzuUEqhWF75kDZPRDtTruVqbCxrhsjDYgrsWsLEcmzyVdxOTOzEDYBoHanUQ46Hns87RIExEu99WOQAaBFt15mxc_4PNtPfj_k/s320/shrapknel-metallung.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">9. ShrapKnel</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Metal Lung</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Steel Tipped Dove, Child Actor, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Within the underground's tightly packed circle of high-quality efforts these past couple of decades, the holy grail of abstract masterworks is <i>Madvillainy</i>, while others such as <i>Waterworld</i>, <i>Deltron 3030</i>, <i>The Listening</i>, and <i>The Iron Vein</i> have all been cemented as monuments due to their unique sounds and left-brained approach to changing the conventional rules of hip-hop. As time has progressed, more and more people are willing to be less and less adventurous, and if they are, it tends not to resonate. Enter ShrapKnel. The duo consisting of previously mentioned emcees, Curly Castro and PremRock, are a special duo. Their chemistry is very reminiscent of a strangely workable mesh of EPMD and Outkast, yet highly abstract. Their debut self-titled effort was a glimpse of their adventurous union. However, it was their follow up in 2022, <i>Metal Lung</i>, that would ultimately show the subterranean market how much of a noisemaker they would be collectively. Combining elements of psychedelic, jazzy, boom-bap, and avant-garde, the musical soundscapes (primarily handled by Steel Tipped Dove) fit the organized confusion that is ShrapKnel, especially on cuts like "Night of The Living Analog", the head-nodding "Lazy Dog", the jazzy, yet brooding, "A Tribe Called Stressed" and the downright excellent "Gravity Falls". Not necessarily an Armand Hammer piece filled with brutal imagery of a desolate human consciousness in tongue-in-cheek manner, ShrapKnel knows they don't need to be. Cuts such as "Metal Sum Kids" and "Ghost Kitchen", although occasionally eerie, are not heady enough to put you in full-blown paranoia but does heighten the sense of urgency of a world gone mad in vivid fashion. There's enough balance within <i>Metal Lung</i> to make some of the most jaded underground heads have enough to put some respect on their name. With <i>Metal Lung</i>, the complexity is its charm, and their dichotomy is their identity. This is their next level.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAguPqbFKyfqKGLlnEOorewpL9jjB7F8xA5n0xRzF2vgAtwjKqwtMc0UKkmxcjuGMBzVC09M42U6fI-DfUgYME2aWN8GjGkQpRN-86G6E6yAGGp3IAQ-K3W9IyU5blf_jF0j71R9Z-NZ3e1Pr-kUn2CRRjrZwbOUC4DOQRU5uwJOndzs-2B07XbcYNk1M/s3000/Elucid-I-Told-Bessie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAguPqbFKyfqKGLlnEOorewpL9jjB7F8xA5n0xRzF2vgAtwjKqwtMc0UKkmxcjuGMBzVC09M42U6fI-DfUgYME2aWN8GjGkQpRN-86G6E6yAGGp3IAQ-K3W9IyU5blf_jF0j71R9Z-NZ3e1Pr-kUn2CRRjrZwbOUC4DOQRU5uwJOndzs-2B07XbcYNk1M/s320/Elucid-I-Told-Bessie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">8. ELUCID</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I Told Bessie</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Child Actor, The Alchemist, Messiah Muzik, August Fanon, Sebb, Kenny Segal, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, Pink Siifu, Quelle Chris</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we highlighted ELUCID's breakout album, <i>Save Yourself,</i> and its honest look at the NYC native's complex life. He steps up his knack for abstract, left of center hip-hop with even more compounded contrast on the sentimentally titled, <i>I Told Bessie</i> (which is an homage to his deceased grandmother). Although not as bleak as anything he and woods do together as Armand Hammer, this is very much a free-for-all in terms of picture painting through his pen. He comes through in minimalistic obscurity on cuts like "Smile Lines", "Bunny Chow", and the intriguing "Old Magic". His ARMHAM rhyme partner assists him on half the effort too, and really beings that ARMHAM visceral poise on cuts such as "Jumanji", "Sardonyx" (which also features frequent collaborators Qulle Chris and Pink Siifu), and "Mangosteen". Do not expect traditional, orthodoxic sounds on this release either, as this may be arguably less accessible than Save Yourself, if that's even possible. While beatsmiths such as frequent associates Messiah Muzik, August Fanon, and Kenny Segal show up in excellent form, others such as the ever-extraordinary Alchemist and the typically dumb dope Sebb Bash show up to the conjectured event that is this album. While the direction is one of closeness and theoretical philosophies interwoven with stylings that will likely be impossible to comprehend in just one or two sittings. With <i>I Told Bessie</i>, ELUCID once again, much like the likes of woods, R.A.P. Ferrera or Busdriver, is an acquired taste on his own, but if you're willing to take this journey with him, you'll realize this non-compliance with uniformity is what ELUCID aims for, and highly succeeds. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdO5sMXDzvI5XYEP-YGmVYSgtsg-8zj2s24GI0uHGsKfvKoEn1uqoV3XVzdNpc5HCANWHShX9U-oO-1OgOBxQxPffe5TPi9-wWs9EsH4X02ZyoCy8IE3zEwGFTQLwriz927fTeqqa7R5JOXF2FocufTi6TYVCSEmxgS23Qefn_uFsd8RSGxr0Mho8GFE/s700/woods-history.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdO5sMXDzvI5XYEP-YGmVYSgtsg-8zj2s24GI0uHGsKfvKoEn1uqoV3XVzdNpc5HCANWHShX9U-oO-1OgOBxQxPffe5TPi9-wWs9EsH4X02ZyoCy8IE3zEwGFTQLwriz927fTeqqa7R5JOXF2FocufTi6TYVCSEmxgS23Qefn_uFsd8RSGxr0Mho8GFE/s320/woods-history.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">7. billy woods</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>History Will Absolve Me</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Uncommon Nasa, Willie Green, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Roc Marciano, Vordul Mega, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">In what was an overall very good year for hip-hop in 2012, among the very best albums you likely didn't even check for at that time was billy's third solo outing, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>. The title came from a quote from the late and notorious Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, however the cover of the album is an image of late Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, who was also a socialist and nationalist much like Castro. His political views resembled his ideology of being a Marxist, and within the context of <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, you see hints of that passionate and driven insight into his views of socio-economic decline, cultural classicism, and a very jaded view on the socio-political climate of that time, which hasn't much improved in this current climate. Tracks like the conflicted emcee gem, "Crocodile Tears", the conceptually-rich ode to the frustrations of fatherhood, "Bill Cosby", and "Pompeii" all chronicle different stories of cultural destruction and the desperations to heal within the mix. The sounds of this album are also heavy, as most of the album is lo-fi, obscurely sampled, and stripped away of any particular flash. Thus, the results have woods being his intense and poignant best. Other powerful tracks like the visually intense, "Pompeli", "The Man Who Would Be King", and "Friedman's Bureau" are as educational as they are jarring and disturbing with his depiction of systemic racism, mental captivity, and a corrupt system that keeps patterns of self-destruction prevalent. This is not an easy listen. While there are moments of introspection and picking up mirrors and putting down magnifying lenses, woods accomplishes his goal of reminding the listener how grungy and distorted human civilization has become, and the necessity of freedom from the very things that keeps us socially disabled. It can be argued that <i>History Will Absolve Me</i> may be billy woods' most verbally and lyrically most alarming album, and based upon other incredible releases that came out that year such as <i>good kid, M.A.A.D. City</i>, <i>R.A.P. Music</i>, <i>Cancer 4 Cure</i>, <i>Life Is Good</i>, and <i>Reloaded</i>, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i> may arguably be that year's most important.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU89vLW_1iUpX7AFBuKTvajDpoSYq6Eng3E87B1YGKtd0rQhDsdNNcUEGn5KqztM9SatZ2StedN5t6bbzN93K6cMtzxtrFYerC99rwmxJulf-1eEUlj9OOKDEmhoym9DBmGfPsjkCVOZJ-mHZj_YiTnkOa4eD22yPPYBcO2YbYjfVCAh10n8bsSZTVGg/s600/blockhead-theaux.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU89vLW_1iUpX7AFBuKTvajDpoSYq6Eng3E87B1YGKtd0rQhDsdNNcUEGn5KqztM9SatZ2StedN5t6bbzN93K6cMtzxtrFYerC99rwmxJulf-1eEUlj9OOKDEmhoym9DBmGfPsjkCVOZJ-mHZj_YiTnkOa4eD22yPPYBcO2YbYjfVCAh10n8bsSZTVGg/s320/blockhead-theaux.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">6. Blockhead</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Aux</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: billy woods, ELUCID, Armand Hammer, Aesop Rock, Bruiser Wolf, Danny Brown, Quelle Chris, Pink Siifu, AKAI SOLO, DefCee, ShrapKnel, Navy Blue, Open Mike Eagle, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Frequent production collaborator, Blockhead, has been a respected fixture within the underground for over two decades. Assisting the likes of Aesop Rock, Murs, Open Mike Eagle, and Vordul Mega, the NYC producer's sounds almost make it appear as if he and fellow riveting producer, El-P both were sitting under the same type of tree in terms of their penchant for lo-fi, stripped away, grungy production. Far from the conventional sounds of other bigger named producers such as Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, the late J Dilla, and Pharrell, Blockhead's style is definitely custom made for the unconventional and the underground. Primarily known for putting out at least one album every other year, whether instrumental or a compilation, Blockhead dropped his Backwoodz debut in 2023,<i> The Aux</i>, and the results are fantastic. This has been regarded as a compilation of several of the underground's who's who, with appearances from the likes of Quelle Chris, Open Mike Eagle, Breeze Brewin, longtime collaborator Aesop Rock, and of course the Backwoodz crew. Most of the album has pretty unconventional production that he's known for, but at times he sprinkles in effective and appropriate samples that help enhance some of the tracks he puts together. Cuts like "Ponzu Sauce", "Lighthouse" and "Pink lemonade" are all fitting of the appearances by the likes of Ugly Frank, Breezly, and Aesop. He ventures into his boom-bap bag on cuts like the aforementioned "Lighthouse" but will also go atmospheric and gritty with "Ponzu Sauce" and "Gargamel". He also manages to assemble an Avengers of sorts on "That's Wat I Call a Posse Cut" which features Danny brown, the ever-entertaining Bruiser Wolf, billy woods, and respected underground vet, Despot. With a style that can mesh Griselda with El-P and Aesop Rock himself, Blockhead excels with <i>The Aux</i>, and puts his style of production on a higher stage than ever before. Easily one of the best compilation albums to ever emerge from Backwoodz with <i>The Aux</i>, Blockhead will soon be as sought after as his more mainstream contemporaries with outputs like this.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMoiltpFlAPLZhkgx6jEqUMQtmzJtUajWiY0ysDUu4dBwLEBtZ_CsCVxKit-t8f6cb-5dIshZFB0qL8oP-1tvYdyipajyewvhSiKhNkrQ_crRtSHjcnkkMtX_jkNejEcwUfbZQvbhDm5322Co_CKCbyko3wBKX2Jvz_gnhMoK6OgY_4GYyhGpJuCEXU/s1280/billy-woods-Kenny-Segal-Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNMoiltpFlAPLZhkgx6jEqUMQtmzJtUajWiY0ysDUu4dBwLEBtZ_CsCVxKit-t8f6cb-5dIshZFB0qL8oP-1tvYdyipajyewvhSiKhNkrQ_crRtSHjcnkkMtX_jkNejEcwUfbZQvbhDm5322Co_CKCbyko3wBKX2Jvz_gnhMoK6OgY_4GYyhGpJuCEXU/s320/billy-woods-Kenny-Segal-Maps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">5. billy woods & Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Maps</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Quelle Chris, ShrapKnel, Aesop Rock, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The pandemic could easily be considered the worst prolonged single event in modern global history. Lockdowns, businesses having to permanently close, injections, and economic failures all defined 2020 and 2021. Getting back to a "normal" life afterwards was going to be a slow, enduring process, and that's if there would ever be a "normal" ever again. Realizing this as much as anyone was billy woods. His last solo effort, <i>Terror Management</i>, was an extended version of the previous harrowing and grim, <i>Hiding Place</i>. In 2023, woods returned with <i>Maps</i>, a conceptual album that parallels his travels and touring post-pandemic to his "travels" to unfamiliar and at times uncomfortable spaces within his life and his inner most self. Reuniting with Segal for this effort, Segal doesn't provide woods with quite as much murky and grungy soundscapes like he did with <i>Hiding Place</i>. However, his soundscapes still do manage to hold woods to a standard of delivering his best over occasionally brooding and layered production. Meanwhile, the ever observant and intuitive woods examines these uncomfortable places and spaces on cuts like "NYC Tapwater", "Rapper Weed", and the ELUCID- assisted "As the Crow Flies". While still appearing to be quite anxious and disheveled, he finds time to be slightly light-hearted in nature on cuts like "Houdini", the Danny Brown-assisted "Year Zero", and the opener, "Kenwood Speakers". Arguably his most accessible effort to date, woods is still the ever-cautionary poet that doesn't trust the world he dwells in and has reason to be by all means. However, by including more humorous bars than before, maybe he's becoming a little more jaded to where he can become self-depreciating, and it becomes his mask to hide his anxiety and fears. Mixing his sense of dread with a sense of tongue-in-cheek barbs, <i>Maps</i> is a new career highlight for the one of the game's most prolific and fascinating emcees of his generation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k5JTv0wiZXtTnPgFXDZ_d5v3A7I85zd6r-S46WPqRQJRn1lAPlBE0_cLRY_SXLHMwL624FchdGQ3jKI3pNOSTENgaTwMgFe60-ajkX9wcAcnLSDz6qN8mrcPrny71yrq2KwRpih5qD8iSV5_fWOGJK2cJr0RM5hJPO8RDdl3Z80KxuJffaEE_fMR0GQ/s450/AETHIOPES_COVER_1200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0k5JTv0wiZXtTnPgFXDZ_d5v3A7I85zd6r-S46WPqRQJRn1lAPlBE0_cLRY_SXLHMwL624FchdGQ3jKI3pNOSTENgaTwMgFe60-ajkX9wcAcnLSDz6qN8mrcPrny71yrq2KwRpih5qD8iSV5_fWOGJK2cJr0RM5hJPO8RDdl3Z80KxuJffaEE_fMR0GQ/s320/AETHIOPES_COVER_1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">4. billy woods & Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Aethiopes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Boldy James, Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessey, Breeze Brewin, El-P, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The year of 2022 was simply fantastic in terms of quality hip-hop. Of course, a year can't go by without billy woods shaking the table with his brand of abstract and unconventional hip-hop. The NYC native delivered a couple of excellent efforts that continue to expound upon the greatness that is woods. Historically, woods has a grim and dark look outside his window within his society. Prior efforts such as the ambitious, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, and the DENSE, <i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i>, are underground staples that challenge our sonic status quo. With the first of his two solo offerings of 2022, <i>Aethiopes</i>, he collabs with acclaimed underground producer, Preservation, to bring woods spitting over some of the melancholy and atmospheric production he's ever rhymed over. Preservation has been known for working with the likes of Quelle Chris, Ka, and Mach-Hommy, and his work here on <i>Aethiopes</i> is as top notched as we've ever heard from this producer. With any woods effort, there are several different layers for his extremely sharp imagery through his exceptional lyricism. He delves more into his storytelling bag throughout most of this album. All of which evoke fear, doom, and apocalyptic themes. With tracks like the engaging and fascinating, "Christine" to the simply chilling, yet gorgeous sounding "Relentless", woods is a master painter, whose strokes tend to go off course on purpose to keep the listener engrossed. Other tremendous cuts like the opener, "Asylum", the disturbing "Wharves" and the sonically unnerving Boldy James-assisted "Sauvage" are complex in texture, yet fits into the methodical nature woods dwells in. When he's not very brilliantly expressing his pessimistic and jolting expectations, he's tapping into his battle rap-like bag, going in on cuts like the posse cut "NYNEX" and the just dope collab with Breeze Brewin of The Juggernauts and the mighty El-P "Heavy Water". Folks, with all the people woods has worked with throughout time, this effort with Preservation, is one of the biggest sonic and thematic highlights of his career. Clearly, <i>Aethiopes</i> is a very heady album filled with as much density as we've ever heard from him (and that's saying a mouthful from him), but also serves as one of his most exemplary albums to date.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEr4lnkQCdKJdyoO8cC-KBKyjf5PYZHH6TT0ZSWoZFetPGPY1R-vbGh4B0gvDl4UqITUFq_DpNcxF6HZE77rAS5o-rhv1gf1MYvagb4lMSkYuQf0g0cO46Ct8tcHN455EhSZRtD_YYpRAeDWYZeDIstBTrcjal56hUliqqtnSsKhldqI8_jSSux-qcqU/s700/hiding%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEr4lnkQCdKJdyoO8cC-KBKyjf5PYZHH6TT0ZSWoZFetPGPY1R-vbGh4B0gvDl4UqITUFq_DpNcxF6HZE77rAS5o-rhv1gf1MYvagb4lMSkYuQf0g0cO46Ct8tcHN455EhSZRtD_YYpRAeDWYZeDIstBTrcjal56hUliqqtnSsKhldqI8_jSSux-qcqU/s320/hiding%20place.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">3. billy woods & Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hiding Place</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We now get to the underbelly of society. The part of life where everything has caused you so much mental harm, paranoia and PTSD has become a part of your well-being and your identity. Residential Backwoodz in-house producer, Kenny Segal, got up with woods to bring forth <i>Hiding Place</i>, an album that is dark by nature, but also filled with haunting imagery from the perspective of real-life socio-economic plagues, conspiracy theories, occasional Biblical prophecies, and the fears of an uncivilized world getting even more uncivilized. Much like albums such as Slayer's <i>Seasons in The Abyss</i>, Metallica's <i>Kill 'Em All</i>, Radiohead's <i>Kid A</i>, and Black Sabbath's<i> Paranoia</i>, this album is an album that centers in on fear, mortality, and bleak outlooks, even if the scarcity of sarcastic humor about his existence in the world. Just the album cover alone is enough to give you a hint as to the type of murky waters the listener will likely tread in, as it depicts an image of the type of run-down, dilapidated house one would expect to see in a supernatural horror movie. There's an ice-cold feeling that runs down your arm and spine with his imagery on cuts like "Steak Knives", "Crawlspace", and "Spider Hole". With their moody and dense production from Segal, cuts such as these show more of his emphasis on the things that get him concerned about his future and the future of society at large, especially within his community and culture. He collabs with partner-in-rhyme ELUCID on the aforementioned "Crawlspace", and they bring their knack of eloquently expressing their razor-sharp views of the plight of humanity, from the obtuse to the blunt. Other standouts like "bigfakelaugh" and "Bedtime" are just as chilling and straightforward as basically everything else on this project. the production is for the most part minimalized, and the samples are obscured so that woods' powerful stylings are front and centered. Cryptic, yet honest, <i>Hiding Place</i> is quite the jarring listen. However, don't let this deter you from carefully examining this album as one of woods' most disturbing yet outstanding pieces of solo work and is a championship belt of Backwoodz releases.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz7E7UcEcsfMwAhavfM40pcagAvWggD8NeyIdB6y8oIGUiHPvanRopJydVLf4TKNJqjk4R6nBPG0JSWh_XRE46FXd6S3fpIIm8GRivzJH_Xo0LpkiamotkEtRLqYaP1wymROk_pudVvdUyZI3lI9cLO39Rj-s9dSrD_tjmVNl_C4pDIUbpiEdf9p2kPk/s700/diabeticteststrips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIz7E7UcEcsfMwAhavfM40pcagAvWggD8NeyIdB6y8oIGUiHPvanRopJydVLf4TKNJqjk4R6nBPG0JSWh_XRE46FXd6S3fpIIm8GRivzJH_Xo0LpkiamotkEtRLqYaP1wymROk_pudVvdUyZI3lI9cLO39Rj-s9dSrD_tjmVNl_C4pDIUbpiEdf9p2kPk/s320/diabeticteststrips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">2. Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We Buy Diabetic Test Strips</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik, JPEGMAFIA, Preservation, El-P, Sebb, Kenny Segal, August Fanon, DJ Haram, Child Actor, Steel Tipped Dove, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fresh off their individually acclaimed albums of <i>Aethiopes</i>, <i>Terror Management</i>, and <i>I Told Bessie</i> respectively, woods and ELUCID reunite for the first time since 2021's unbelievable, <i>HARAM</i>, for the odd-titled, <i>We Buy Diabetic Test Strips</i>. While not officially released on Backwoodz, Armand Hammer is still Backwoodz, and this album is as classic Backwoodz as it gets. Not since <i>Shrines</i> has ARMHAM been this ambitious with an effort. The very definition of abstract and unconventional, <i>WBDTS</i> is true organized mania. With production from the likes of frequent collaborators such as Messiah Muzik, Kenny Segal, and Steel Tipped Dove, as well as the likes of El-P, Preservation, and JPEGMAFIA, the sounds range from heavy, industrial, dense and electro to lush, layered, and atmospheric. ELUCID and woods effectively shine on standouts like the El-P crafted, "The Gods Must Be Crazy", "I Keep a Mirror in My Pocket", and the dumb dope "Switchboard". Never ones to escape their knack for divulging despair, cultural distortion, and an unsettling look at a dwindling society, they deliver hard on cuts like "Total Recall", "Woke Up & Asked Siri How I'm Gonna Die", and the Peggy-assisted, "The Key Is Under the Mat". With previous albums such as <i>Race Music</i>, <i>Shrines</i>, and <i>Paraffin</i>, ARMHAM was being way heavier and being way darker and more brutal, <i>WBDTS</i> is more accepting of this world and society that we're in, no longer complaining to alarm and provide caution, but more so having a "fuck it, this is how it is" approach, accepting the failures of the world knowing there's nothing that will change. Experimental and genre-pushing, Armand Hammer continue to ruffle feathers and keep you deliberately uncomfortable, and <i>WBDTS</i> is quite possibly the best example of this.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyYc_oOmSHDLGHCMDsuLnS8B3zMebXDUw0No6Bd6m8ifpaKWpY7GTkvu5KqlSaxCkAQ3oEg4irzWDOL7Bq9b7tj2iRaCDpHhqLtRLVJg9jsSM0AYUtwuLcjbAZVt2qomhXASv5zp5Osm3Q81rc8OgUff1tgv8bG6aqTwKe8u1nfB5c0Jy0KI7h-Cedt0/s600/haram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyYc_oOmSHDLGHCMDsuLnS8B3zMebXDUw0No6Bd6m8ifpaKWpY7GTkvu5KqlSaxCkAQ3oEg4irzWDOL7Bq9b7tj2iRaCDpHhqLtRLVJg9jsSM0AYUtwuLcjbAZVt2qomhXASv5zp5Osm3Q81rc8OgUff1tgv8bG6aqTwKe8u1nfB5c0Jy0KI7h-Cedt0/s320/haram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">1. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>HARAM</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Earl Sweatshirt, Quelle Chris, Curly Castro, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">When it was announced that the legendary Uncle Al himself, The Alchemist, would be crafting Armand Hammer's next album, the underground was fiending hard over how that type of collaboration would sound. It's no secret Al is among the most consistent and non-miss producers of the past two decades, easily earning his place among other legendary beatsmiths such as Dr. Dre, Premier, RZA, Pete Rock, Dilla, and mentor Muggs. His previous efforts with the likes of the late Prodigy, Conway, Benny, Durag Dynasty, and Curren$y all rank among his most critical efforts. Meanwhile, ELUCID and billy woods are quickly becoming what Run The Jewels were in the 2010s, with them being perhaps the most fearless and unwavering duo in all of hip-hop. Previous efforts such as <i>Paraffin</i>, <i>Shrines</i>, and <i>Race Music</i> are all highly touted and respected within the underground. While <i>Rome</i> wasn't quite on the same standard as the aforementioned, it's still considered a heavy piece of abstract music. In 2021, these artists came together to deliver <i>HARAM</i>, and immediately was met with visual controversy. the cover graphically depicted two severed pigs' heads, drawing fire from the likes of PETA. Unsettling covers aside, this album was a match made in gloom, as Uncle Al provided absolutely the most opportunistic backdrop for ARMHAM's brand of chaotic, bleak, and jarring hip-hop (it's only right as the word 'haram' is Islamic for 'forbidden'). Al's brand of hazy and layered production that's as atmospheric as a winter's night in New York blends beautifully with woods and ELUCID on cuts like the eerie "God's Feet", "Pepper Tree", and the highly brooding "Stonefruit". Al goes left a little bit with a fairly easy going, almost reggae-esque vibe on the boards with the Earl Sweatshirt-assisted "Falling Out the Sky" but goes right back in his psychedelic bag with "Robert Moses". With all the projects Armand Hammer have presented, <i>HARAM</i> has to be considered their magnum opus, as there has never been a more perfect marriage of sounds meets written aura between the three artists. Don't let the fact that this is easily their most accessible album, this is far from conventional and falls right in line with their brand of dismal narratives. Alchemist is quite known for creating custom made bangers that resemble the aura and vibe of the artist he worked with, and with the highly complex and dreary nature of their narratives, Armand Hammer, along with Alchemist, created not only their best work, but, with <i>HARAM</i>, the best album to ever come from Backwoodz.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">ShrapKnel- <i>ShrapKnel</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods- <i>Dour Candy</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Moor Mother- <i>Brass</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Super Chron Flight Brothers- <i>Indonesia</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Super Chron Fligjht Brothers- <i>Cape Verde</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curly Castro- <i>Little Robert Hutton</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Duncecap- <i>Pay or Dispute</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Googie & Henry Cannons- <i>Hijinx</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- <i>Race Music</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- <i>Furtive Movements</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- <i>WHT LBL</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- <i>BLK LBL</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vordul Mega<i>- Yung World</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">To get better acquainted with the label and its acts, here are some of what you can expect while peeping Backwoodz:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & kenny Segal- "<a href="https://youtu.be/83F4JpVu61k?si=5YwvpmP6H-Uxh7rt">Spongebob</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Kenny Segal- "<a href="https://youtu.be/RD83gVjUwTw?si=iejcqHJDEe9n0dq0">Bigfakelaugh</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer feat. JPEGMAFIA- "<a href="https://youtu.be/IZvVWygOOwU?si=gUelfS5nhtMCNvoi">Woke Up & Asked Siri How I'm Gonna Die</a>" (production: JPEGMAFIA)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer feat. R.A.P. Ferreira- "<a href="https://youtu.be/l0LiY4lruhk?si=ns_-VBpMdlSNLujD">Dead Cars</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Blockhead feat. DefCee, ShrapKnel- "<a href="https://youtu.be/TWfr3ht6VSE?si=gXr1g2Gm0G9yLXtO">Gargamel</a>" (production: artist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Kenny Segal feat. ShrapKnel- "<a href="https://youtu.be/NF63pXAp5mw?si=FZ9fPnDLTB9fUSQ4">Babylon By Bus</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods- "<a href="https://youtu.be/-i1CAM2UufM?si=GQIeAcGgZdqHeK06">Myth</a>" (production: Preservation)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer feat. El-P- "<a href="https://youtu.be/xEse84Nd944?si=kiul8bVnodRMvE0P">The Gods Must Be Crazy</a>" (production: El-P)</p><p style="text-align: left;">SKECH185 & Jeff Markey- "<a href="https://youtu.be/zigiCyFoWXQ?si=n0E3FFCAeOOO46I1">Eastside Summer</a>" (production: Jeff Markey)</p><p style="text-align: left;">SKECH185 & Jeff Markey- "<a href="https://youtu.be/RGCWIiIDk40?si=o4hv9k6VukZVDthB">He Left Nothing For The Swim Back</a>" (production: Jeff Markey)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- "<a href="https://youtu.be/iLcJrYZSraM?si=UqNPpEPFcoYQ184g">It Was Written</a>" (production: August Fanon)</p><p style="text-align: left;">ShrapKnel feat. billy woods- "<a href="https://youtu.be/sQpIzy2brS4?si=XEvXyF97Lg6IYuDd">Mescalito</a>" (production: Steel Tipped Dove)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Kenny Segal- "<a href="https://youtu.be/cin4VYxwjNc?si=Opji64sipywKkEnE">Bad Dreams Are Only Dreams</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- "<a href="https://youtu.be/hhY0JEMsH6A?si=dD-BAJv28ygXF7Rc">Flavor Flav</a>" (production: Steel Tipped Dove)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove- "<a href="https://youtu.be/6TZrRimuiRo?si=5ZAuouOTs_xSXYW2">Designer Drugs</a>" (production: Steel Tipped Dove)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove- "<a href="https://youtu.be/cziaKvpiKuY?si=pw5kg6lSd1IHMWiw">Boogie Monster</a>" (production: Steel Tipped Dove)</p><p style="text-align: left;">ShrapKnel- "<a href="https://youtu.be/sNzmSuHwnKI?si=Ll-o9h5olMjYIPNc">Dumile High</a>" (production: Willie Green)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer & The Alchemist- "<a href="https://youtu.be/6XQU0UmXJtg?si=YAlFsxEhFOWWzqlo">Peppertree</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Blockhead feat. Casual, Breeze Brewin- "<a href="https://youtu.be/0cBqjU8GyW0?si=OL-Br7NgKSJ-Jmd6">Hater Porn</a>" (production: artist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Perservation- "<a href="https://youtu.be/nuMctWJxGWE?si=VDOB5xHh_1gGg6ws">Remorseless</a>" (production: Preservation)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Messiah Muzik- "<a href="https://youtu.be/0ye77OIjCYA?si=kWFZEAoRg4v5BMya">Artichoke</a>" (production: Messiah Muzik)</p><p style="text-align: left;">ELUCID feat. billy woods- "<a href="https://youtu.be/g3Q0srOEifM?si=0eLuGFCGYRV390OX">Nostrand</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">AKAI SOLO- "<a href="https://youtu.be/i_hcpbLWr48?si=zy-pstqKApED8fTj">Demonslayer</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods- "<a href="https://youtu.be/QmXcZ99juZ0?si=XcjBGyXR6Ie41P3g">Warmachines</a>" (production: Messiah Muzik)</p><p style="text-align: left;">PremRock- "<a href="https://youtu.be/S_Gvlwsbpog?si=8L6u0stWMBBa-J5h">Apollo Kids Meal</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">ShrapKnel- "<a href="https://youtu.be/lC2i61LGcWo?si=_Fph0ct4s7-JK7wq">Night Of The Living Analouge</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- "<a href="https://youtu.be/59S60LWYqS8?si=mXObMuNWZuF5uqwP">Fuhrman Tapes</a>" (production: Messiah Muzik & Willie Green)</p><p style="text-align: left;">ELUCID- "<a href="https://youtu.be/bxvx8vIa3_o?si=b5Buc2-iGkLp3Vdr">Blame The Devil</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">Steel Tipped Dove feat. Shirt- "<a href="https://youtu.be/bG4j2tTJPJU?si=gxWaV5Vpq6PtpLMt">Pirouette</a>" (production: artist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Armand Hammer- "<a href="https://youtu.be/K-SwE0ugbCU?si=9FGUP1w7DILm3ZNC">Black Ark</a>" (production: Jeff Markey)</p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods & Moor Mother feat. Navy Blue- "<a href="https://youtu.be/WBtBeaTfBs8?si=XHhOdp6FtecP9MPV">Portrait</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">DeffCee & Messiah Muzik feat. Curly Castro- "<a href="https://youtu.be/DE_Zxlz01GQ?si=WKrakwsVM0i52exs">Definition Of Insanity</a>" (production: Messiah Muzik)</p><p style="text-align: left;">AKAI SOLO- "<a href="https://youtu.be/t6J7_hSVtQw?si=Wb7xJZpOBRbR-CrH">Driftman</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's easy to see with these efforts from this label, this is not your run-of-the-mill, standard hip-hop. You won't see much of anything that revolves around the current state of hip-hop. Nothing formulaic or bland. Nothing generic in any possible way. They're a group of left-brained, thought-provoking, genre & artistically pushing artists that don't give a damn what YOU think their form of artistry should be. Backwoodz Studioz may be to this decade what Griselda became in the 2010s, underdogs that didn't soften or lower themselves nor their vision and sound for anything (also, don't sleep on their R&B artist, Fielded, who has a unique all her own as well). While many would say that isn't the case anymore with Griselda, Backwoodz is just starting to see the hard work pay off. With more and more fans intrigued to see what's next for them, these albums alone are enough to keep you hungry for more if you're tired of the same ole, same ole in the game. Try Backwoodz on for size. Until next time!</p><p></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-63711811982574318042024-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:002024-03-20T09:27:40.606-07:00The Most Anticipated Projects of 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ6CBNc1QJcw1M1eVAk67OfqYjJIv21ciIhL0erT5YOx6WyR0aES2dD8aRF4fMd-bUz7zTXYp-Ryt9yAmZnRlZG_yS8YPdZVWtf03uH7Fvcxh8CLhLcWUK19l5s6MifPRhUrSfFwkMs4Dbi1lqx_wvQfPjLc-KiVZEBt6IWAV9Hl1j4Mrcmh-dWsmGtI/s275/thoughtmadlib.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="275" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ6CBNc1QJcw1M1eVAk67OfqYjJIv21ciIhL0erT5YOx6WyR0aES2dD8aRF4fMd-bUz7zTXYp-Ryt9yAmZnRlZG_yS8YPdZVWtf03uH7Fvcxh8CLhLcWUK19l5s6MifPRhUrSfFwkMs4Dbi1lqx_wvQfPjLc-KiVZEBt6IWAV9Hl1j4Mrcmh-dWsmGtI/s1600/thoughtmadlib.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> With 2024 in full swing, already releases from benny The Butcher, Boldy James, and Che Noir already keeping our streaming devices in full vibration. It's just February. The year of 2023 has been scoffed at by critics and fans of hip-hop as one of the worst in recent memory, but truthfully it was a lot better than these same people gave the year credit for. Releases from Conway, Hall & Nash (that's Westside Gunn and Conway in case you weren't aware), Earl Sweatshirt, Nas, Larry June, Skyzoo, and Planet Asia were certainly grounds to put 2023 higher in the ranks within this century. However, with a new year come the pressures of topping the prior year, if not make it a classic year for the genre and the artform. With that being said, let's see who all are speculated highly to come out and the level of anticipation with them with these twenty albums that are likely to drop and make this year one of watch.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl33avs6jvZMM5M2Tj6HQtEvgCgjDatJgGvBpbzTrmRW04ZVdA1zUsl7SROXQCCDMHDRaZOYQMaq4Ng2dA45ksAJMSVVziEX86iQLeScpGrF7BUswbybI2RpAxKOabj4wZASGJYFaTcKqN9kqoB5Tgmc16IWTJNY-wh3b3YVAK2ZrDG30c3hDqTQUdH8s/s225/jermainecole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl33avs6jvZMM5M2Tj6HQtEvgCgjDatJgGvBpbzTrmRW04ZVdA1zUsl7SROXQCCDMHDRaZOYQMaq4Ng2dA45ksAJMSVVziEX86iQLeScpGrF7BUswbybI2RpAxKOabj4wZASGJYFaTcKqN9kqoB5Tgmc16IWTJNY-wh3b3YVAK2ZrDG30c3hDqTQUdH8s/s1600/jermainecole.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">25. J. Cole</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's A Boy</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, Boi-1nda, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fayetteville's favorite son, J. Cole, is slated to drop his, reported, final album as an emcee. The album, <i>It's A Boy</i>, will likely be a continuation of his last outing, 2021's <i>The Off Season</i>. So far, no word of guest producers or artists, but one would imagine, if this is his final album, he's not going out soft. This will likely be among his greatest achievements as an artist to date, which considering albums like<i> 4 Your Eyez Only</i>,<i> 2014 Forest Hills Dr</i>. and <i>Born Sinner,</i> this will be no small task and the bar is very high.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXyAlsfN0lEWSnLb_joiSy8f-6MpI2vIuuEbmRF4gUM5omobnlJZImdw-ueRrEbTSLovUkjSh53NY0t7oK-imR3ZwZkJpqnidk2xfUsaC8JF8bkMJ4ug7P73OGYNIWl48yDsuapWnVYOYzt0qqtLPwHqkCF-MsFTSr5F7oIJT8FWjDerC8SaOa6FfCR8/s1200/conway-the-machine-has-album-on-the-way-produced-by-justice-league-1200x675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXyAlsfN0lEWSnLb_joiSy8f-6MpI2vIuuEbmRF4gUM5omobnlJZImdw-ueRrEbTSLovUkjSh53NY0t7oK-imR3ZwZkJpqnidk2xfUsaC8JF8bkMJ4ug7P73OGYNIWl48yDsuapWnVYOYzt0qqtLPwHqkCF-MsFTSr5F7oIJT8FWjDerC8SaOa6FfCR8/s320/conway-the-machine-has-album-on-the-way-produced-by-justice-league-1200x675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">24. Conway The Machine & J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From Now On</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">On an IG Live, Conway The Machine stated he would have multiple projects drop this year. Most of them are in this list and on the Honorable Mention list as well. In 2023, the "Slanted-Faced Killa" was a busy man. Dropping <i>Won't He Do It: Side A</i>, <i>Palermo</i> with German producer, Wun-Two, <i>Conductor Machine</i> with residential Griselda in-house producer, Conductor Williams, <i>Speshal Machinery</i> with 38 Spesh, plus guests on numerous projects kept him quite the in-demand emcee. One of the more intriguing is his collaboration with Florida duo, the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. The duo is known for providing hits for the likes of Rick Ross, Jeezy, Mary J. Blige, Drake, Freddie Gibbs, and Wale, and provided assistance on the cuts "Kanye" and "The Chosen" on Machine's <i>Won't He Do it: Side A</i> album of 2023. Considering those were two of the best bumpers on that album, this should be an interesting match for an entire full-length project. More of a southern, thumping, soulful sound is likely what we expect to hear from this album, including a rumored collab cut with Nas. Intriguing indeed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb95pOUwc0CMQqVsiGmvvx6Xj7KGSaIsTZwXYKYPKkOd99JUUYQbqDdMRti5ozUAYT111jqnTqFky319j71RPK_XJi48Qq0turUnrsD_MJKlY32tMueWgOWmtr0bbdx2hFlqzN_I6OCZarOJcpFg_2kXZWpXulwMn0TePFyREICzwEgLxX24u_nSrryY/s1280/griselda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb95pOUwc0CMQqVsiGmvvx6Xj7KGSaIsTZwXYKYPKkOd99JUUYQbqDdMRti5ozUAYT111jqnTqFky319j71RPK_XJi48Qq0turUnrsD_MJKlY32tMueWgOWmtr0bbdx2hFlqzN_I6OCZarOJcpFg_2kXZWpXulwMn0TePFyREICzwEgLxX24u_nSrryY/s320/griselda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Griselda</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>WWCD2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: unknown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">This was another project Conway mentioned in his IG Live that was happening. For just over a year, all three core members of the Griselda squad (Conway, Gunn, and Benny) all stated the sequel to the CRAZY 2021 effort, <i>WWCD</i> (What Would Chinegunn Do), was in the making. Among the hardest and coldest albums ever dropped from Griselda, expectations are high to duplicate the critical success of the prior effort. No known producers or guests at this time, but if this turns out to be anything like the first one, <i>WWCD2</i> won't be playing fair. Will we hear more of the ominous, dark boom-bap like the first one, or will we get more of the southern trap sounds they've been experimenting with lately? Either way, the three-headed monster that is Griselda will be looking to dominate another year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkCLz0gu03gCeibWhCKzAlI8LXzkGCp4Bqf0A3yEaLgvr6ZCgfv2kQFbiLnuiVVpfxoLzYIWn9zgA0GBGFM_DdyI3vDQSHR5t7TEeY22zh_La_pfOiZPq8ND-wbfh_9h6MT81WrV-OJUtf6cMoJT4zCaWEEx9QrbZDxUBqP7eneHcS32ltbs5J4aSvCk/s275/westsidegunn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkCLz0gu03gCeibWhCKzAlI8LXzkGCp4Bqf0A3yEaLgvr6ZCgfv2kQFbiLnuiVVpfxoLzYIWn9zgA0GBGFM_DdyI3vDQSHR5t7TEeY22zh_La_pfOiZPq8ND-wbfh_9h6MT81WrV-OJUtf6cMoJT4zCaWEEx9QrbZDxUBqP7eneHcS32ltbs5J4aSvCk/s1600/westsidegunn.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">22. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>MICHELLE RECORDS</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Conductor, Daringer, Sovren, Denny LeFlare, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: A$AP Rocky, Stove God Cook$, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Staying with Griselda once again, for the last couple of years, Westside Gunn has been promoting a project called <i>MICHELLE RECORDS</i> (which is named after his late sister who died a few years ago). With plenty of audio teasers on social media, those cuts either made it on to other efforts such as 10 and 2023's<i> And Then You Pray for Me</i> or are still floating around being speculated that they'll appear on this album. Gunn's solo discography is as solid as anyone in the game right now, with bumpers such as <i>Supreme Blientele</i>, his breakout album, <i>Flygod</i>, his greatly underrated <i>Who Made The Sunshine</i>, <i>Pray For Paris</i>, and his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> mixtape/full-length series being worthy examples. According to producer Sovren and her social media, the album is done, and production is handled by her, Daringer, Denny LeFlare, and a couple of others, with A$AP Rocky and Stove God Cook$ (still waiting on <i>Stove Jesus</i> BTW) being the only guests to appear at this time. Will this effort finally drop? Only time will tell, but based on Gunn's past track record, this album could very well be another entry in an overall tremendous discography from the "flygod".</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qaRnlXSpJjQyO0IizX0gKOVW8IG6nE0RtnPvUQ6JBNr312pC0wrU0WimECT-X13TSIFl5YAubfq4qUJpFHzkGVbIS2Wgt44leVrqyviBognKFU1tpmGPbDjmBK-d8MwU5aWD8yOdoteDbYy0WPeWThT9Z_BaDYAYmvPlU97uROItMPCv-G8weW2SZBI/s275/noname.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qaRnlXSpJjQyO0IizX0gKOVW8IG6nE0RtnPvUQ6JBNr312pC0wrU0WimECT-X13TSIFl5YAubfq4qUJpFHzkGVbIS2Wgt44leVrqyviBognKFU1tpmGPbDjmBK-d8MwU5aWD8yOdoteDbYy0WPeWThT9Z_BaDYAYmvPlU97uROItMPCv-G8weW2SZBI/s1600/noname.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">21. Noname</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: unknown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier this year, Chicago's Noname stated on her social media that she had a follow-up to her 2023 entry, <i>Sundial,</i> which was critically acclaimed for its soulful, hypnotic production and very introspective, yet bold and confident, lyricism. Known for her brief, yet incredible, discography, one would expect this album to be another excellent addition to her already impressive discography. Also, there are rumors of a possible group album with her, Smino, and fellow Chicago native, Saba, as Ghetto Sage this year so we may get more of Noname in one year than we have in the past few.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrVWKPjdhiV67MBXblbj9ZGNMRq3nwksNUiz0vClflV3Ta4I5ad9TYZnzK98wyXPjlZjDKIMgExtlrHhS9nBpKvZMxI8QeyvBUAJKhjyQJ4HPk8iwRVBhaG3GIWSm7F-TMqflJIYKmieMqU_F2Xg_qiYtYpwvD3Vg_fj13BLy4AuM6_oTjjSU2S-iT4/s749/boldy-alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkrVWKPjdhiV67MBXblbj9ZGNMRq3nwksNUiz0vClflV3Ta4I5ad9TYZnzK98wyXPjlZjDKIMgExtlrHhS9nBpKvZMxI8QeyvBUAJKhjyQJ4HPk8iwRVBhaG3GIWSm7F-TMqflJIYKmieMqU_F2Xg_qiYtYpwvD3Vg_fj13BLy4AuM6_oTjjSU2S-iT4/s320/boldy-alchemist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">20. Boldy James & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">2023 was supposed to be the busiest year for Detroit's own Boldy James to date, but the beginning of last year put a derailment with those plans as he was involved in a serious car accident that had him recovering most of the year. Projects such as collaborations with V DON, Harry Fraud, Nicholas Craven, and the much-awaited album under lost Dilla production, <i>Drug Dilla</i>, were all slated to hit. With his album with Nicholas Craven, <i>Penalties of Leadership</i>, hitting at the beginning of this year, the wheels looked to be in motion for 2024 to be his 2023. One album in the many he has lined up is another link-up with perhaps the most in-demand producer in the game at the moment, the Grammy Award-winning Alchemist. Uncle Al and Boldy have three highly acclaimed efforts to their name in the form of <i>My 1st Chemistry Set</i>, <i>The Price of Tea in China</i>, <i>Bo Jackson</i>, and their EP, <i>Super Techmo Bo</i>. Based on social media talk, Boldy and Uncle Al are about to embark on another stellar album together and will be available sooner than later. Knowing the chemistry (no pun intended) between these two artists, this will be yet another fantastic showing by them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGg-mrm4O4NpcUpm_kE8mLvwI313fJd_OGGpSWnB_IxwUxKvWUstnBwwyXTOR8ZLMenXdTUwaZnClcdeRh4dBTok84_FRar_Qdm4U3103cMoCdSJN0DW4270fOXyNOq1SJ2cTsmKJKVxPiCTCJWMLgmkX5r_MVxM61vJ_TqwQC9eR4Z6_6G6q0p4Cvvs/s1183/Pharoahe-Monch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1183" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGg-mrm4O4NpcUpm_kE8mLvwI313fJd_OGGpSWnB_IxwUxKvWUstnBwwyXTOR8ZLMenXdTUwaZnClcdeRh4dBTok84_FRar_Qdm4U3103cMoCdSJN0DW4270fOXyNOq1SJ2cTsmKJKVxPiCTCJWMLgmkX5r_MVxM61vJ_TqwQC9eR4Z6_6G6q0p4Cvvs/s320/Pharoahe-Monch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">19. Pharoahe Monch</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>External Affairs</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, unknown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been a full decade since we got a full-length project from Queens lyrical legend, Pharaohe Monch. We last heard this wizard of words deliver <i>PTSD</i> in 2014. Since then, other than the occasional guest verse with the likes of Apathy, Brother Ali, and Torae, we haven't heard much from the man otherwise known as Troy Jamerson. This ten-year drought ends with <i>External Affairs</i>, the sequel to his exceptional debut solo album of '99, <i>Internal Affairs</i>. Among everyone's year end lists of that year, the bar is set high to replicate the hunger, passion, and fire of the debut. While no producers or guests have been mentioned as of this time, it might be wise that few, if any, guests appear on this album, as not too many in the game can hang with him to this very day. With albums such as the aforementioned <i>PTSD</i>, <i>Internal Affairs</i>, <i>W.A.R</i>., and<i> Desire</i>, along with his <i>Beautiful Day for An Exorcism</i> with his band, th1rt3en, this hopes to be an ass-kicking return for the man who provided THAT verse on Organized Konfusion's "Bring It On".</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDhQy77lZ5ErN1UrHmw7Z6Kn_pBMn8WZiljiF_p-cEz0WVgKITYTLoKKVwGtA2dK5uXRwUmoyQ3MOhwpha_8pGiM0KYCxatv4dGFEWKX6oXbhXWmibq7DZTult9pbL31_rYLQyzarbFvcueQKA2sNm-yxm7QSIzOLSCH0fW0hMiHp8gkE8345oQ-eQv0/s344/jidrapper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDhQy77lZ5ErN1UrHmw7Z6Kn_pBMn8WZiljiF_p-cEz0WVgKITYTLoKKVwGtA2dK5uXRwUmoyQ3MOhwpha_8pGiM0KYCxatv4dGFEWKX6oXbhXWmibq7DZTult9pbL31_rYLQyzarbFvcueQKA2sNm-yxm7QSIzOLSCH0fW0hMiHp8gkE8345oQ-eQv0/s320/jidrapper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">18. JID</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Forever & A Day</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Metro Boomin, Childish Major, Christo, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dreamville's emcee, JID, is among most fans, critics, and emcees lists of best technical emcees and best writers overall. The young Atlanta native has delivered very dope projects over the past few years, including <i>DiCaprio 2</i>, <i>The Never Story</i>, and 2022's wonderful, <i>The Forever Story</i>. Having established himself as one of the south's most talented line for line emcees, JID returns in 2024 with <i>Forever & A Day</i>, which will then be followed up with a collab album with Grammy Award winning producer, Metro Boomin, later in the year. While that album will no doubt provide enough trunk and speaker bump to get some noise ordinance tickets, <i>Forever & A Day</i> is predicted to be as great of a smash as <i>The Forever Story</i>, and that's a very high bar. Expect another crazy year for JID and his star power to continue to climb.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKqyi6QqEbRFreRRE3Gnz3BBIAxULCsGBosIcaVgvRoEWnTWvC7Y-I79kpVOV0I2rppC202IiskDvUWDOTJXqKHjpF0gYder2C39B3zjevy9bD3O1-0F89VmpotSP_W24KOgGIKn4yY44y2bmdXAIFaQocomhoxZVVRnzbki_bfcj_43eZawvt1b28Qs/s1446/Luda-headshot-scaled-e1683748229765.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1235" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKqyi6QqEbRFreRRE3Gnz3BBIAxULCsGBosIcaVgvRoEWnTWvC7Y-I79kpVOV0I2rppC202IiskDvUWDOTJXqKHjpF0gYder2C39B3zjevy9bD3O1-0F89VmpotSP_W24KOgGIKn4yY44y2bmdXAIFaQocomhoxZVVRnzbki_bfcj_43eZawvt1b28Qs/s320/Luda-headshot-scaled-e1683748229765.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">17. Ludacris</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: unknown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been over nine years since we last had a full project from the former Chris Luva Luva. His last effort was 2015's <i>Ludaversal</i>. The Atlanta (by way of Chicago) native has done several movies (most notably the <i>Fast & Furious</i> franchise) and a few commercial spots. Now it's become time for him to pick that mic back up and remind the game why he's among the most respected and props-earning emcees to emerge from the south over the past two decades. His discography has been fairly consistent, with albums like <i>Chicken & Beer</i>, <i>The Red-Light District</i>, and <i>Theater of The Mind</i> being among his most acclaimed. Will we the Luda of old? Will he drop another anthem for us this year that we will bump decades later like we do now wit cuts like "Move" and "What's Your Fantasy"? Let's hope that does indeed happen.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovPGMgtuxY2vM5-_-cD5DMOaOCyMRO4zh2U0VdERdU093-4UtbH20g080ZtO2kmaMQZJWb9D8U3sMRgb0wd8Myw_c-qlS27bjV_resETDyF4heeHbELKtXalJ0c0pSZbH4Np8eaLpgW2dNWnlX7h7xj6bsXMKq59nd8XPPAJDH5B4CxE-7qJkB38DBP4/s1200/common-and-pete-rock-1-1698946013829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovPGMgtuxY2vM5-_-cD5DMOaOCyMRO4zh2U0VdERdU093-4UtbH20g080ZtO2kmaMQZJWb9D8U3sMRgb0wd8Myw_c-qlS27bjV_resETDyF4heeHbELKtXalJ0c0pSZbH4Np8eaLpgW2dNWnlX7h7xj6bsXMKq59nd8XPPAJDH5B4CxE-7qJkB38DBP4/s320/common-and-pete-rock-1-1698946013829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">16. Common & Pete Rock</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Pete Rock</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">When Common announced on social media that he was doing a collab album with legendary producer, Pete Rock, the anticipation was immediate. Rock is widely known for his work with former partner-in-rhyme, CL Smooth for their highly acclaimed albums of <i>Mecca & The Soul Brotha</i> and <i>The Main Ingredient</i>, along with providing tremendous, boom-bap soundscapes for the likes of Nas, Slum Village, Inspectah Deck, Skyzoo, Conway The Machine, and Raekwon, among many others. Of course, we all know Common is among the most potent emcees to ever touch a mic, and his discography containing the likes of<i> Resurrection</i>, <i>Like Water For Choclate</i>, <i>Be</i>, <i>Black America Again</i>, and <i>The Dreamer, The Believer</i> also speaks for itself. With these two legendary artists coming together for a full-length album, this could be another version of when Common collaborated with Kanye for the CLASSIC masterwork that was the aforementioned <i>Be</i> from '05 in terms of just straight up no frills, unfiltered hip-hop. While there hasn't been information of guests or a title (although <i>They Reminisce Over H.E.R</i>. has been floating), this could be among the craziest albums either star has ever put out.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf55njQZxZB8WCSLiCfD1Cw5wMvV5zxxjZJ4ka4JYZHIgHmp-e_ZaNNf-8z7FtJnjZpZWlwN1_oF7lL20bS-s8_3gHwU1AW6dyEdYXflAZyOod9FVNJ4_ENMtazKi15Mjnh8X_EoOmq-sF60x37o9h7rRQSSjgwAdwshQV_io4shK80h0genLILOflJI/s1200/conway-the-machine--la-maquina-pic-credit-jawad-mahmood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf55njQZxZB8WCSLiCfD1Cw5wMvV5zxxjZJ4ka4JYZHIgHmp-e_ZaNNf-8z7FtJnjZpZWlwN1_oF7lL20bS-s8_3gHwU1AW6dyEdYXflAZyOod9FVNJ4_ENMtazKi15Mjnh8X_EoOmq-sF60x37o9h7rRQSSjgwAdwshQV_io4shK80h0genLILOflJI/s320/conway-the-machine--la-maquina-pic-credit-jawad-mahmood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">15. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Won't He Do It: Side B</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Conductor, Daringer, Camouflage Monk, Swizz Beats, Cool & Dre, Graymatter, Cardo, The Alchemist, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Method Man, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Jay Worthy, SK Da King, Stove God Cook$, Key Glock, Flee Lord, 2 Eleven, Swizz Beats, Boldy James, Nas</p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine had a very tall task in trying to match or outdo the OUTSTANDING effort that was 2022's <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>. He attempted to do so with last year's <i>Won't He Do It: Side A</i>, and while it wasn't quite as high on the mark as <i>GDMM</i> or even the prior effort, <i>From King to A God</i> was, it was still a bumper and continued to show Machine's knack for great penmanship and ability to get personal, while letting you know he ain't the one to cross. When talk of a "Side B" was coming, intrigue started occurring. However, Machine's IG Live feeds would have him previewing some of what was to come, and BOY does this sound like Conway of old. Plenty of Murky and haunting production, and threatening lyrics that put him on the map in the first place within the Griselda clan. Based upon already released single and videos of the Joey Bada$$-assisted, "Vertana" and the Cool & Dre-produced, "Give & Give", as well as a preview of a track called "Mutty" produced by Conductor Williams, this could be a monster of a project. While <i>Side A</i> had some gritty moments for sure, <i>Side B</i> sounds like this could be even grimier from the self-professed "Grimiest of All-Time".</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7cUA5Acq-CKfw0rwo0_YEGbFSpM5Kk_vopVpnJZJqa6MsMj3eJhaEcW0wnnE_V_hCrfuTOJFREqYAbT_XrQ7394j4gUli2DHiBJCTjuJCXI1ZGhpymwopfknDBJ5qASjLKiyo3LsKRlCFAl8ZAFlPcR8CZuUoFbvlt48DZGXQcA1zmWqZgK8fGhaeIQ/s1200/the-alchemist-debuts-new-music-with-yasiin-bey-during-la-show-1200x675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7cUA5Acq-CKfw0rwo0_YEGbFSpM5Kk_vopVpnJZJqa6MsMj3eJhaEcW0wnnE_V_hCrfuTOJFREqYAbT_XrQ7394j4gUli2DHiBJCTjuJCXI1ZGhpymwopfknDBJ5qASjLKiyo3LsKRlCFAl8ZAFlPcR8CZuUoFbvlt48DZGXQcA1zmWqZgK8fGhaeIQ/s320/the-alchemist-debuts-new-music-with-yasiin-bey-during-la-show-1200x675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">14. Yasiin Bey & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Consider this a rumor for now, as the artist formerly known as Mos Def, Yasiin Bey, stated during a concert that he and Uncle Al had a project on the way, and it was supported on social media. This announcement was dropped just after Mr. Dante Smith was catching some controversy for his description of Drake's music as "For Target shoppers." during an interview. Although many praised his commentary over Drake's form of music, there were some that were quite baffled as to why he would openly diss Drake's music in the manner in which he did. Nonetheless, the thought of an entire album between the two of them is fascinating and could be among the most stellar releases of either man's careers, and that's saying an entire mouthful considering the INCREDIBLE yearly work rate of Mr. Maman and how Bey has a couple of classics under his belt as well, including the extraordinary <i>Black on Both Sides</i>. Stay tuned for more on this throughout the year, as this could be ugly and beautiful at the same time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkimbj11ocBLRQX3JchgKuLYDPAjCS0EEJb5qfoAt5cRyb7lmZpwDXbJeaxKZHbD9L2C9vtSQauF6145rnRPbFMEADZZ7FU9anIVNWzybLyUbIW-C9bfTvkMIPQpbCHVyOffdg2h6_4dyQIiqbdmkMS2eY8S27mbcz3uTPQoUIJcPW7lXKiVYS_CwzKzE/s399/romestreetz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkimbj11ocBLRQX3JchgKuLYDPAjCS0EEJb5qfoAt5cRyb7lmZpwDXbJeaxKZHbD9L2C9vtSQauF6145rnRPbFMEADZZ7FU9anIVNWzybLyUbIW-C9bfTvkMIPQpbCHVyOffdg2h6_4dyQIiqbdmkMS2eY8S27mbcz3uTPQoUIJcPW7lXKiVYS_CwzKzE/s320/romestreetz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">13. Rome Streetz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Bow Down</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Conductor, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">NYC underground phenom, Rome Streetz, signed with Griselda in '22 and his Griselda debut, <i>Kiss the Ring</i>, has been widely acclaimed and revered, with many calling it the best debut out the camp in years. With grimy and gutter boom-bap production from the likes of Conductor Williams, Camouflage Monk, and The Alchemist, the album showed that he was meant for Griselda. Never ignoring his underground roots, he delivered the fifth, and final, installation of his <i>Noise Candy</i> mixtape series. Regarded as the best of the series, Rome continued his momentum and started to become quite the in-demand emcee. In '24, he stated on his social media that <i>Kiss The Ring</i> was, in fact, a trilogy, with the second part of it coming soon in the form of <i>Bow Down</i>. The question is, "Will <i>Bow Down</i> resemble <i>Kiss The Ring</i> in terms of its macabre street stories and gritty lyricism?" From Rome, you can bet your ass it will. A better question is, "Will <i>Bow Down</i> meet or exceed the standards <i>Kiss the Ring</i> set?" We will find out later this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD6RDaWDEHkRRC3tV5XMdgcpNDVkH869_wD80fLWmG63vG62WbPgoVG_i3twFW-mCO9YipvqV0LPYfOZsquCnsq1tqpOp9MrehACzjgAipHF48G_l0ojSwMpGVNqZanAOe3OrE5h3-BHzi2nGc3oj4WwmojYJuMx7FZf-IWQpQtA3uDYDafSsvwB_zeQ/s1500/jay-electronica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD6RDaWDEHkRRC3tV5XMdgcpNDVkH869_wD80fLWmG63vG62WbPgoVG_i3twFW-mCO9YipvqV0LPYfOZsquCnsq1tqpOp9MrehACzjgAipHF48G_l0ojSwMpGVNqZanAOe3OrE5h3-BHzi2nGc3oj4WwmojYJuMx7FZf-IWQpQtA3uDYDafSsvwB_zeQ/s320/jay-electronica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">12. Jay Electronica</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Bismillah Boys</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The ever-allusive anomaly known as Jay Electronica. The mystique of this emcee is wide and deep. This VERY highly talented writer and emcee has been quite the topic over the past decade and some change. From his<i> Act </i>series and <i>Exhibit</i> series being unreleased to him finally releasing his retail debut, <i>A Written Testimony</i>, to rave reviews and acclaim back in 2020, Electronica rarely delivers interviews or guest spots, but best believe when either scenario happens, people listen. His controversy hit another level when he guested on Noname's album, <i>Sundial</i>, on the otherwise excellent cut, "Balloons", in which he spewed, what was viewed as anti-Sematic rhymes, on the cut. Near the end of 2023, he delivered a brief teaser for an upcoming album called <i>Bismillah Boys</i>, and the brief snippet sounded nuts. Earlier this year, he likewise dropped another teaser with Westside Gunn that is heavily rumored to be on the album as well. Say what you will about the New Orleans native, but you'll never stop talking about him. Controversial views and all, he's among the most intriguing, yet insanely talented, writers in all of hip-hop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7hutKgerGBwS_053K_xRtT1s2VFtev5DO6vzE-pLe3-Sy0KU2PQK5WPTMBGZxi-BrKorM9LHKhESVxwhrvZsRblMmfnMnH5s6cfzSptipJrc74TEpF4jOA4q-ar08tL3gGFNmq1_UxjioqtWf_MQmCRqEQf_512iTC6Z3NbT7N-V2lWknHIHVEyoQ6s/s630/hallandnash.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7hutKgerGBwS_053K_xRtT1s2VFtev5DO6vzE-pLe3-Sy0KU2PQK5WPTMBGZxi-BrKorM9LHKhESVxwhrvZsRblMmfnMnH5s6cfzSptipJrc74TEpF4jOA4q-ar08tL3gGFNmq1_UxjioqtWf_MQmCRqEQf_512iTC6Z3NbT7N-V2lWknHIHVEyoQ6s/s320/hallandnash.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">11. Westside Gunn & Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hall & Nash 2: The Official Version</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Just as we were about to say goodbye to 2023, Alchemist dropped a bombshell. He delivered to the masses the much-rumored <i>Hall & Nash 2</i> effort with Westside Gunn and Conway. The first <i>Hall & Nash</i> effort was seen as a Griselda classic, but the sequel may have even topped that one with some of the murkiest production Uncle Al has done, and considering his alre4ady legendary track record, that's an entire statement in itself. He also mentioned there was a "real" version coming in 2024, with he and Griselda go-to beat monster, Daringer, providing the likely ominous soundscapes. The thought of a "real" version of one of the single best efforts of 2023 and the possibility of it being even better than the nine-track version we were privileged to hear is bonkers in itself. Hurry up with this one Uncle Al!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9HYwzHffRBD9zrt0XK-_4_NfUlePzDuSFsvNlMsq1c-02n1c17rpj7d4DC2YPiBo566kIjdj0_ANYzh_DczGT2JkjZls4irODFcyfCuUMXGv5n4DtDDUmhV421HWuKRNlSbVrmOns3cLul-RidiV2g0MojffD0Jqc8bWiBMICTlJU2sFoo4CCzNC-DA/s1600/freddie-alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9HYwzHffRBD9zrt0XK-_4_NfUlePzDuSFsvNlMsq1c-02n1c17rpj7d4DC2YPiBo566kIjdj0_ANYzh_DczGT2JkjZls4irODFcyfCuUMXGv5n4DtDDUmhV421HWuKRNlSbVrmOns3cLul-RidiV2g0MojffD0Jqc8bWiBMICTlJU2sFoo4CCzNC-DA/s320/freddie-alchemist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">10. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mr. Gibbs is one of the sickest emcees on the microphone in the current state of hip-hop. Since his <i>Cold Day In Hell</i> and <i>ESGN</i> days to his undisputed classic with Madlib, <i>Pinata</i>, to other subsequent follow-ups such as <i>Shadow of a Doubt</i>, <i>Freddie</i>, the sequel to <i>Pinata</i>, <i>Bandana</i>, to his most recent acclaimed album, <i>$oul Sold Separately</i> in 2022, Gangsta Gibbs has been among your favorite rapper's favorite rapper list. However, it would be when he would collab with Alchemist that we would hear some of his absolute best work. He and southern underground legend, Curren$y, linked with Uncle Al for the fantastic album, <i>Fetti</i>, and he would later link up with Al again for the Grammy-nominated effort, <i>Alfredo</i>. Reportedly working on the follow-up to <i>Alfredo</i>, hearing Gibbs over some Alan the Chemist production would be another example of how potent of an emcee Gibbs is, as Al is one of those producers that can truly bring the monster out of the Gary, IN native. It'll be exciting to see, and hear, what these two got up their sleeve.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ8ewq5MjNAKtBN_YPhI1owXn_SFMFBX0ntLcx1YHA2hD06FPc1x0n7oFucE5mbL-_F09l8-hyOUXxZs_sgjsOizW0WM7mK-VCpQA-HWFNK_OIVX-vlCJbRWqsdpF6N3v73hB_P0fIbkgPNzQopJ_AzVOQJBRUlIX5pna3JZWaVW_flGkq5UhLVh86-M/s259/rapsody.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ8ewq5MjNAKtBN_YPhI1owXn_SFMFBX0ntLcx1YHA2hD06FPc1x0n7oFucE5mbL-_F09l8-hyOUXxZs_sgjsOizW0WM7mK-VCpQA-HWFNK_OIVX-vlCJbRWqsdpF6N3v73hB_P0fIbkgPNzQopJ_AzVOQJBRUlIX5pna3JZWaVW_flGkq5UhLVh86-M/s1600/rapsody.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">9. Rapsody</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Please Don't Cry</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Alex Isley, Phylicia Rashad, Amber Navran of Moonchild, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">When you think of NC hip-hop, the most notable person to comes to mind is Mr. Cole. However, over the years, two more names have become synonymous with stellar NC hip-hop: Phonte and Rapsody. While we absolutely hope for an effort from Phontigga or an effort from he and partner-in-rhyme, Big Pooh for another Little Brother album, we WILL get a new one from Rapsody. The Grammy-winning, Snow Hill, NC native has been hard at work for the follow-up to her exceptional 2019 effort, <i>Eve</i>. Ready to drop at any moment, Marlena Evans has been regarded as the new MC Lyte for her generation and one of the most talented emcees of her or any generation. According to reports, she will be delving away from the Jamala crew of 9th, Khrysis, and the Soul Council, and leaning more into more diverse production. This is exhibited by her first single from the new project, the neck-snapping, Hit-Boy crafted, "Asteroids". It'll be interesting to hear an album not saturated with the soulful boom-bap of 9th Wonder & The Soul Council, but Rap has shown she can be deadly over anyone's production and, indeed, be "that rapper that your favorite rapper scared to rap after." This could be the biggest test towards her legacy, but something says she will not only prove any doubters wrong but will gain even more of a following than she already has.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyxvVh60RaNnR3R5oVmGfpIP53n5Sy9YEIO6uUbyyh0RnlzMGTUcIIzDDCLQPJIi4c2hFJk0F5k0JnbtFS5i3m08a4DcQRRorgaI06wTqz65E6GdkCQmpNf20qTp-2Cw59d_4xcGlqOno6CbhpzM4TWrduBLz4Sjl-6d8nV_EsLbQI6hD5MsdwB6eNg4/s225/runthejewels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyxvVh60RaNnR3R5oVmGfpIP53n5Sy9YEIO6uUbyyh0RnlzMGTUcIIzDDCLQPJIi4c2hFJk0F5k0JnbtFS5i3m08a4DcQRRorgaI06wTqz65E6GdkCQmpNf20qTp-2Cw59d_4xcGlqOno6CbhpzM4TWrduBLz4Sjl-6d8nV_EsLbQI6hD5MsdwB6eNg4/s1600/runthejewels.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">8. Run The Jewels</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>RTJ5</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: El-P</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">What a historic year for Killer Mike. Not only did he deliver a career milestone with his instant classic of 2023, <i>Michael</i>, but he won all three rap categories at the recent Grammy Awards. While we are still crazy bumping the greatness of that album, and its deluxe album as well, other heads are still anticipating the new RTJ album. This album has been in the works since <i>RTJ4</i> in 2020. He & rhyme partner/producer El-P damn near owned the '10s with their back-to-back-to-back otherworldly great albums of their self-titled debut, <i>RTJ2</i>, and <i>RTJ3</i>. A brief teaser was recently put out on their social media accounts in an indication that they were on the way. Here's to hoping <i>RTJ5</i> will continue to show their tag team dominance in hip-hop that only Armand Hammer can claim is their only legit competition in today's era of hip-hop. Mike has said that <i>Michael</i> is a trilogy so don't be surprised if the second part gets released this year as well, but for now, understand Run The Jewels may be very well back on the scene, and we could be looking at another monument in the game.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn7njKBdFFbkcxe9BGhGG7nAM9GYWO_kGGIn5UfQUQTnNdmAf_gFvLZo8Xec_41ofDXNOq3KZauV6eSw2KwGBB7OtLmczc1d8QUueu-LOQdf8vvsMHTVOOxjgclsljY6FRjoriAL5qzARINUh06dtlLF2lCq2z1D2h65SP9X9c2RG5wvAKqLUOJTIiE0/s279/schoolboyq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="279" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn7njKBdFFbkcxe9BGhGG7nAM9GYWO_kGGIn5UfQUQTnNdmAf_gFvLZo8Xec_41ofDXNOq3KZauV6eSw2KwGBB7OtLmczc1d8QUueu-LOQdf8vvsMHTVOOxjgclsljY6FRjoriAL5qzARINUh06dtlLF2lCq2z1D2h65SP9X9c2RG5wvAKqLUOJTIiE0/s1600/schoolboyq.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">7. ScHoolboy Q</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue Lips</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Tae Beast, Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Kal Banx, Cardo, DJ Khalyl, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ab-Soul, Rico Nasty, Freddie Gibbs, Lance Skiiwalker, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">As Kendrick Lamar officially left the house he built with TDE, the question was, "Who would be the new go-to for TDE and their success in hip-hop?" The answer comes with Quincy Hanley, aka ScHoolboy Q. The south-central LA native has been known to deliver some very high quality hip-hop over the past decade and change. While his albums of <i>Setbacks</i> and <i>Habits & Contradictions</i> put him on the map, and rightfully so, it was his major label debut, <i>Oxymoron</i>, that made him a star and dropped, at that time, his career best. The Grammy-nominated album officially made Q someone to keep out for within this game. He, then, dropped an even better project with <i>The Blank Face LP</i>, and solidified that he was for real out here. Although the follow-up, <i>Crash Talk</i>, didn't receive as much critical acclaim as the prior projects, he still showed that he knew how to make hits, but there was something missing here that the prior efforts possessed. Whatever it was, he found it again because as news dropped of his forthcoming effort, <i>Blue Lips</i>, began circulating with a promo video, he began dropping singles and street promotional singles and videos. Based off the sounds of these cuts, ScHoolboy is back in the zone that made him among the most in-demand emcees out here, and there's very little doubt <i>Blue Lips</i> will be another complete banger in the discography of Mr. Hanley.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO8C7ZV8yPXytjWMPyIFmN2OUYi0OXZb45SfTrAvchoYuay1ws3XPdGeBU4a7tq5ME6HbCOq9BM9CIi3VFSpHoU_5wK9Ag-IbrvRqHsu0Brkgr5xtRXf-JAl6cIn3t6nroaDUcbhJNCjbSz2W7CwdtRfb8CjIAVHP3sKKpPGGN3_aABMjylRhfpzo0s4/s275/madgibbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO8C7ZV8yPXytjWMPyIFmN2OUYi0OXZb45SfTrAvchoYuay1ws3XPdGeBU4a7tq5ME6HbCOq9BM9CIi3VFSpHoU_5wK9Ag-IbrvRqHsu0Brkgr5xtRXf-JAl6cIn3t6nroaDUcbhJNCjbSz2W7CwdtRfb8CjIAVHP3sKKpPGGN3_aABMjylRhfpzo0s4/s1600/madgibbs.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">6. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Montana</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">We previously mentioned Gangsta Gibbs in this list with his forthcoming collab album reuniting with Alchemist. Perhaps even more anticipated is the third, and final, album in the <i>Pinata</i> series with beatmaker extraordinaire, Madlib. In 2014, Gibbs & Madlib dropped the album of the year with <i>Pinata</i>, and it was stated it was the first of its trilogy. Five years later, they dropped an equally incredible follow-up album, and the second in the trilogy, <i>Bandana</i>. The genius pairing of these two has made for magical moments between them. Now five years after Bandana comes the final in the trilogy, <i>Montana</i>. Supposedly finished over a year or two ago, if this is the final installment, let's hope they go out as crazy as they've been going up to this point. Let's hope the momentum both prior monuments carry over into this one so this can be rightfully considered among the best trilogies in modern hip-hop history.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkyoLU-f3IkfV657W3xs4tViWXTW9pS7rqYmpmerOTjFpTBGlaeJVE1CDXCHm_7QfrEp335zLB5a2DZHDb3HXbDXYXeeS52CCBbubSugMw-zHTlyH1LiW38Sh1YHpqHzs0kUWVhPf7WEpp8UEVbX9BWFv2y4rWvNKJZ8kxfWLnmxzAIQh7EBWg60ow4Y/s1200/hit-boy-the-alchemist-drop-surprise-ep-theodore-andre-listen-1200x675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkyoLU-f3IkfV657W3xs4tViWXTW9pS7rqYmpmerOTjFpTBGlaeJVE1CDXCHm_7QfrEp335zLB5a2DZHDb3HXbDXYXeeS52CCBbubSugMw-zHTlyH1LiW38Sh1YHpqHzs0kUWVhPf7WEpp8UEVbX9BWFv2y4rWvNKJZ8kxfWLnmxzAIQh7EBWg60ow4Y/s320/hit-boy-the-alchemist-drop-surprise-ep-theodore-andre-listen-1200x675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">5. Hit-Boy & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Arguably the two most in-demand producers in all of hip-hop are two of Cali's all-time greatest: Hit-Boy and The Alchemist. Hit-Boy became a modern giant with providing Nas with sounds that helped him reinvigorate his career and reminded us all who one of the game's true GOATs is with the <i>King's Disease</i> trilogy and the Magic trilogy. Alchemist has been burning since the late nineties/early thousands, but has been especially in his bag over the past seven, or so, years, providing monster music for the likes of Armand Hammer, MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt, Roc Marciano, Kendrick Lamar, Evidence, and ScHoolboy Q. It's only right these two come together for at least a cut or two. They gave us a glimpse of their potentially exhilarating collaborative efforts with "Slippin' Into Darkness", a two-part beat cut that had Uncle Al rhyming over Hit-Boy's half of the cut and Hit-Boy rhyming (and dissing various producers) over a stellar piano loop courtesy of Mr. Maman. It was announced that these two were in fact working on a full-length together and the waiting game was underway. Earlier in 2024, these two dropped a surprise EP entitled <i>Theodore & Andre</i>, which was a three cut piece that served as a teaser of what will likely be a full album this year. Much like the sorely underappreciated <i>Champion Sound</i> from Jaylib (J Dilla & Madlib), we expect each emcee/producer to rhyme over the other's production. We will likely see this album in 2024, and best believe, our speakers will be on life support afterwards.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7hZbIhooiVDQzKDFxdN5bElv2aKvMOOEJJRkfRoUQK0Bp2sTQRDvJ5D6GjxB08CKnfsVohdOVTa51dTiUgQZfrzFSnm43gEMwFjfOGWn5y9coGfqoXq2vZ5ybRALO0v7c7v352Z89LLXnuiGUUfkH23loOkYixtPb9WO6Y2DUptcXmrkyzkWdu-NJ44/s275/mobbdeep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7hZbIhooiVDQzKDFxdN5bElv2aKvMOOEJJRkfRoUQK0Bp2sTQRDvJ5D6GjxB08CKnfsVohdOVTa51dTiUgQZfrzFSnm43gEMwFjfOGWn5y9coGfqoXq2vZ5ybRALO0v7c7v352Z89LLXnuiGUUfkH23loOkYixtPb9WO6Y2DUptcXmrkyzkWdu-NJ44/s1600/mobbdeep.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">4. Mobb Deep</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Havoc, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">When Albert "Prodigy" Johnson left this earth in 2017, the game lost one of the coldest lyricists ever to touch a mic. His vivid, chilling rhymes placed him among the elite of emcees, and alongside partner-in-rhyme, Havoc, Mobb Deep were seen as one of the most influential duos in hip-hop history. With <i>The Infamous</i>, <i>Hell On Earth</i>, and <i>Murda Muzik </i>all considered genuine classics in hip-hop, and the rest of their discography being nothing to overlook either, Hav became the one to hold down the Mobb name due to this unfortunate turn of events. Havoc has stated that he has a lot of posthumous P material and material they had together that never saw the light of day and that, in fact, they were working on a new Mobb album at the time of his death. Alchemist, likewise, backed this claim up as well. While it's not one hundred percent clear that it'll drop this year, the last time Hav was asked about this was last year and he did state the album was almost done within its mixing stages so it's very possible the final Mobb album will surface. As with any posthumous album, it will be bittersweet hearing the fallen rhyme again and wishing they were still here with us. You can believe Hav, and likely Al, will make damn sure this album will rep the Mobb name to the utmost and will be a project Bandana P would be super proud of.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkfalasD1lertAJNpwIUhhAZ4qqCs0WDAMH2xK9DJMt3KsD8H74g4FPB61TKq5p4SEXn8EOtnI9bi0-SnCj08chjt8SHjeeq4AM1m3wZcr0N6beXc6kMndC90V33zPTbie8gex13Yh1s3YTe9zxlwgsJasBPNMTN3LUc4CmjV_9nL6Qf4OLyCtS6uIhA/s275/thoughtmadlib.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="275" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkfalasD1lertAJNpwIUhhAZ4qqCs0WDAMH2xK9DJMt3KsD8H74g4FPB61TKq5p4SEXn8EOtnI9bi0-SnCj08chjt8SHjeeq4AM1m3wZcr0N6beXc6kMndC90V33zPTbie8gex13Yh1s3YTe9zxlwgsJasBPNMTN3LUc4CmjV_9nL6Qf4OLyCtS6uIhA/s1600/thoughtmadlib.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">3. Black Thought & Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Roots frontman emcee, the one and only Black thought has been dropping solo material quite a bit over the last few years. He started with his <i>Streams Of Thought</i> series with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and Sean C & LV throughout the late teens. From there, he and the allusive Danger Mouse dropped the exceptional, <i>Cheat Codes</i>, in 2022, and followed that up with the equally impressive, <i>Glorious Game</i>, with the El Michel Affair group in 2023. As fantastic as all of these releases have been, we may be hitting the upper stratosphere when it was said that Mr. Madliberator, himself, had supplied Black Thought with about a hundred beats for him and that a collab album was coming. Anything Madlib touches is priceless, just based upon his otherworldly collabs with Freddie Gibbs and especially the late MF DOOM as Madvillain. Just imagine Tarik over the unique soulful, jazzy, obscure stylings of Madlib. The "thought" is enough to make you sit on the edge of the bed in FULL anticipation of what could be the greatest album, not just of 2024, but among the greatest front to back albums ever recorded in hip-hop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzducGvy7u0I5qBSfxNugjZut1GkM_26IF48xMr524TeP5ib_pY6wHyuH79L4aNmZEzsrB2ZzmYCuo_TP7rnAxHwBQyffHax3N4osRA4Ig6VXI5YV-BcokozrQGy6n0-moclOjwPk3K6VqF8XXipFwmZOy41xj9tYxWkxVRLLoyHLOXbXiqPBF13EivRE/s1200/royce-dj-premier-prhyme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzducGvy7u0I5qBSfxNugjZut1GkM_26IF48xMr524TeP5ib_pY6wHyuH79L4aNmZEzsrB2ZzmYCuo_TP7rnAxHwBQyffHax3N4osRA4Ig6VXI5YV-BcokozrQGy6n0-moclOjwPk3K6VqF8XXipFwmZOy41xj9tYxWkxVRLLoyHLOXbXiqPBF13EivRE/s320/royce-dj-premier-prhyme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">2. PRhyme</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>PRhyme 3</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Premier</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">There's only one Gangstarr. That would be Guru and DJ Premier, one of the illest duos to ever grace our presence. When Baldhead Slick died in 2010 from Myeloma, Premier has still been repping his longtime partner every chance he got. However, if there was the next big thing to Gangstarr, it would be PRhyme, the duo consisting of Preemo and Detroit's own Royce Da 5'9". Royce and Preem have been collaborating since Royce's explosive (pun intended) single, "Boom", and since then cuts like "Hip-Hop", "Shake This", and "Ding!" have showed us that there's a chemistry that bled of an entire full-length from them. Enter 2014, when the announcement came that these two were in fact coming together as PRhyme and were dropping an album. Combining the brilliance of both emcee and producer spelled nothing short of enormous expectations, and when they dropped their self-titled debut, they were all met. An instant classic, this virtually perfect nine-track effort saw guests like ScHoolboy Q, his fellow TDE-mate Ab-Soul, Common, Dwele, and Slaughterhouse (including Royce himself) go CRAZY over the Preemo production (with sampling from producer/composer Adrien Younge). They returned two years later with <i>PRhyme 2</i>, an almost as sonically skitzo effort, PRhyme had a lengthier project with seventeen tracks, and not one of them was wasted. With appearances by the likes of Cee-Lo, Roc Marci, Dave East, 2 Chainz, Rapsody, and Big K.R.I.T., this was less gritty and concussion-inducing, but more of a polished sound that still kept the aura of PRhyme solid. Five years after that last effort, fiends have been in huge anticipation for a <i>PRhyme 3</i>, and courtesy of Preemo himself, <i>PRhyme 3</i> is in fact coming this year. No word on guests yet, nor who would be supplying them with any samples like Adrien Younge or Antman Wonder on <i>PRhyme 2</i>, but no matter what, Royce & Preem are in a lane by themselves and don't need to be labeled as "the new Gangstarr". There's no doubt this new effort will continue to show why they're among the most ferocious duos in all of hip-hop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXnIokJIrYjkxf1TKNRKPNeEuKDhiqW5eGwU3AfyXDgTh0I14f-aP7-FOV2D5ZSagdQOg9UH2a3x8CymEw7h-_OM3TP037UVm0gcCvDN7w_Lc8o7YQEox7Ie1x4k2XMu6yI9H9NRBhWwKjwDx6j8hHdmNpwo-23_yCm4P1V_Tlgbp1bi3kYeRYQWsWU4/s1200/boldy-james-readies-new-project-produced-by-j-dilla-1200x675.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXnIokJIrYjkxf1TKNRKPNeEuKDhiqW5eGwU3AfyXDgTh0I14f-aP7-FOV2D5ZSagdQOg9UH2a3x8CymEw7h-_OM3TP037UVm0gcCvDN7w_Lc8o7YQEox7Ie1x4k2XMu6yI9H9NRBhWwKjwDx6j8hHdmNpwo-23_yCm4P1V_Tlgbp1bi3kYeRYQWsWU4/s320/boldy-james-readies-new-project-produced-by-j-dilla-1200x675.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">1. Boldy James & J Dilla</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Drug Dilla</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: J Dilla</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: unknown</p><p style="text-align: left;">Certainly, among all of Boldy's albums that were supposed to roll out in 2023, none were more anticipatory than the album he said was dropping over lost and found J Dilla production. Apparently, Boldy recorded some cuts with the late production legend not long before he died in 2006 to a blood disease associated with Lupus. None were mastered or mixed. However, courtesy of Dilla's estate, most notably Dilla's mother, Maureen, and his brother James (aka Illa J), these and other lost Dilla production will be what Boldy does his thing on with the album called, <i>Drug Dilla</i>. This will no doubt be some of Dilla's most intriguing production considering Boldy's style and content. It's no secret Dilla was the 2Pac of beats in terms of his work rate, even while critically ill. Boldy over some Dilla is something we never saw coming, but it's all day welcomed. Even with Mr. James' already loaded year with efforts that have him collaborating with the likes of V DON, The Alchemist (as mentioned earlier), Harry Fraud, another rumored project with Jay Versace, and another project with Futurewave, <i>Drug Dilla</i> will likely be the most anticipated album, not just of 2024, but within the entire career of Boldy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions </b></p><p style="text-align: left;">*Unconfirmed this album will be released in 2024, just rumored</p><p style="text-align: left;">Kid Cudi & The Alchemist- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Quelle Chris, Cavalier, & The Alchemist- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>EIF4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Reject 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cyhi The Prince<i>- The Story Of EGOT</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Skyzoo & The Other Guys- <i>TMOAS: Deluxe Edition</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Killer Mike- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Rome Streetz- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sauce Walka & Daringer- <i>New Sauce City 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & The Alchemist- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher & Harry Fraud- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Rock- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ab-Soul- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">TDE- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Pusha T & DJ Drama<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Pusha T<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Action Bronson- <i>JOHAN SEBASTIAN BACHLAVA THE DOCTOR</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Slum Village- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mac Miller & Madlib- <i>MacLib</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Gangrene- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Harry Fraud- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Cardo- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Roc Marciano & Pete Rock- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Roc Marciano- <i>Marciology</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Larry June & The Alchemist- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Lil' Wayne-<i> Tha Carter 6</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir- <i>The Color Chocolate Vol. 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir-<i> Lotus Child</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir & 7XVETHEGENIUS- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Logic- <i>Ultra 84</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cordae-<i> The Crossroads Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Big Boi- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & Harry Fraud- <i>Lavish Misery</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy & Hit-Boy- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Big Sean & Hit-Boy- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Big Shug & DJ Premier- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Raekwon- <i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 3</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ghostface Killah- <i>Supreme Clientele 2 </i>*</p><p style="text-align: left;">Prodigy- <i>The Hegelian Dialectic 3: The Book of Death</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Armani Ceaser- <i>The Liz 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">dead prez-<i> untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">50 Cent- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Joey Bada$$- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Da Beatminerz- <i>Stifled Creativity</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">JID & Metro Boomin- <i>JIDtro</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & Nicholas Craven-<i> untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mach-Hommy- <i>RICHAXXHAITIAN</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ PAYNE- <i>Leatherface 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Mooch of Da Cloth- <i>ROCSTAR</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Snoop Dogg- <i>Missionary</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">T.I.- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Stove God Cook$- <i>Stove Jesus</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">A$AP Rocky- <i>Don't Be Dumb</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Isaiah Rashad- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elzhi & Khrysis- <i>Jericho Jackson 2</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Evidence- <i>untitled</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Method Man & Havoc- <i>Dirty P *</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Alchemist & Budgie- <i>The Good Book Vol. 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">LL Cool J & Q-Tip- <i>untitled *</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Redman- <i>Muddy Waters Too *</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Planet Asia & Madlib- <i>untitled *</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">50 Cent<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Smino<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are many others speculated to be released this year, and quite honestly, this looks to be quite the interesting year even more than 2023 was. This is just a small list of albums that are either confirmed, highly likely, or unknown as of now as to if they'll ACTUALLY be released this year. All we can do is sit back, enjoy the ride, and make way for some for some likely damn great and exceptional hip-hop on the way for 2024. Until next time, folks!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-76676305523188656322023-12-20T13:54:00.000-08:002024-02-21T08:51:55.432-08:00Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2023<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vewbVw_Ko3JODe4K5_xJWjz0fIgWaZn6pIjiShnUyM0SUEnphsQ5B1G-0NWv38S4-3zKV1wPAhFZHlAegloVS-kL0TJKFWo5n5nHNkXXAop-9SS-yW61S2_3cokicTEsfvhLIlk98uNtuHmKPOzHMyc4dxJJaefwiW8FQGjekiLgHASkvmY4CvnH40/s600/depositphotos_582861890-stock-photo-happy-new-year-2023-metallic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vewbVw_Ko3JODe4K5_xJWjz0fIgWaZn6pIjiShnUyM0SUEnphsQ5B1G-0NWv38S4-3zKV1wPAhFZHlAegloVS-kL0TJKFWo5n5nHNkXXAop-9SS-yW61S2_3cokicTEsfvhLIlk98uNtuHmKPOzHMyc4dxJJaefwiW8FQGjekiLgHASkvmY4CvnH40/s320/depositphotos_582861890-stock-photo-happy-new-year-2023-metallic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">There has been a lot of people believing 2023 was not a great year for hip-hop. With commercial rap being tremendously inundated with quite a number of overly violent, sexual, misogynistic, misandrist, and just overall talentless stars blowing up, it's an understandable argument as to why these people believe this. Historically and traditionally, hip-hop has been about street poetry, fun, education, personal experiences meant to enlighten and gain perspective. As times have gone, especially at the golden age of the big 5-0, the artform of rap and culture of hip-hop has evolved, while devolving at the same time. However, over here, we celebrate our triumphs of highly acclaimed albums that help push the fact that authenticity is still the secret sauce to cultural respect and longevity. In honor of the fifty years of hip-hop, this list of fifty will show and reveal that the culture is very much still about legitimacy and genuineness. It may not appear on your commercial radio all the time, but it's out there, and keeping the game alive. This year saw wonderful examples of this with albums from well-known acts like Nas, Killer Mike, Earl Sweatshirt, Talib Kweli, Lloyd Banks, and Black Thought to lesser-known acts like Klassy, MIKE, Ty Farris, Planet Asia, and B. Kool-Aid. This was a way better year than some folks gave this year credit for. If there's an album you feel should've at least made the Honorable mentions list, feel free to let everyone know what folks may be sleeping on. If your album isn't in this top fifty, check out the HMs to see if it's there. It was REALLY hard to put just fifty albums in this list so don't take it personal if it's not in the final fifty. Without further ado, let's get started.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3TsM43rAXfcOV-rBEnyvo9sOmpEXYLlsznuX-km7LRUhSU-v9uhEzY3S7w0QQoZMl-ld0htSg3ZpJei25FqKQ8VNbUEdc0xh_Rb3LdM1k8eY2fANTha1t31UzVm_ozaPl6CTBP1Tk2zeRAyInecpja1Osm3n5rnh1kaGVXjGKhlRsjAN2tXmLBMHEA8/s700/blockheadaux.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3TsM43rAXfcOV-rBEnyvo9sOmpEXYLlsznuX-km7LRUhSU-v9uhEzY3S7w0QQoZMl-ld0htSg3ZpJei25FqKQ8VNbUEdc0xh_Rb3LdM1k8eY2fANTha1t31UzVm_ozaPl6CTBP1Tk2zeRAyInecpja1Osm3n5rnh1kaGVXjGKhlRsjAN2tXmLBMHEA8/s320/blockheadaux.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">50. Blockhead</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Aux</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Armand Hammer, Danny Brown, Bruiser Wolf, Aesop Rok, Navy Blue, DefCee, SkrapKnel, Quelle Chris, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We will start with one of the underground's most intriguing labels, Backwoodz Studioz. This label hists the likes of billy woods, ELUCID, Armand Hammer, DefCee, ShrapKnel, Fatboi Sharif, and several others. Their brand of left-brained abstract hip-hop has been quite an interesting focal point of the last few years especially. With numerous highly acclaimed efforts from woods, ELUCID, and Armand Hammer when they're together, the label branched off this year with efforts from ShrapKnel, Fatboi Sharif, AKAI SOLO, and SKECH185 & Jeff Markey. Experimental and definitely not for the overly accessible, this group of talent is for the open-minded at heart. One of the better projects to emerge in 2023 has been from producer Blockhead. Blockhead has been known for crafting stuff for the likes of Aesop Rock, Illogic, woods, Armand Hammer, Murs, Cage, and Open Mike Eagle over the years, and now the Manhattan-based producer delivered his Backwoodz Studioz debut, <i>The Aux</i>. With a lot of who's who artists within the subterrain, this album is filled with varied production that ranges from mellow to alternative and atmospheric. Cuts like the Breezley Brewin'/Aesop Rock featured "Ponzu Sauce" fits an NYC-noir feel similar to the likes of Roc Marci or Griselda in many aspects, while "1970s Post Apocalyptic Skin Flick" with Fatboi Sherif and Creaturenomics is very industrial and experimental in nature, almost with a late nineties El-P feel with it. Other highlights include Ugly Frank's "Lighthouse", "AAU Tournaments" with woods and Navy Blue, and the downright dumb dope, "Now That's What I Call a Posse Cut Vol. 57" which features the likes of Danny Brown, woods, Bruiser Wolf, and Despot over a surprisingly mellow-type beat considering the caliber of emcees on this track. Blockhead delivered a damn good one with <i>The Aux</i>, and if you're still sleeping on the left field quality provided by Backwoodz Studioz, in 2024, starting to wake up.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5vemFxYqQ03p5Co0ZRSIS8dX8otA17gL0c1_0nKczrS253taR9Oro_QyDjxiHhNd05cnwri2Jai8_iA8QEMtmp9nz49EZvCOpRweLIoNLboiQgicrTGO5jHi_P08jrxRyhmzMwD6F8gnA_oar_B_o28qheJvHp_oJUKYDSGRu67ZqOplpV04OK0ZMf0/s1000/hitboysurf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5vemFxYqQ03p5Co0ZRSIS8dX8otA17gL0c1_0nKczrS253taR9Oro_QyDjxiHhNd05cnwri2Jai8_iA8QEMtmp9nz49EZvCOpRweLIoNLboiQgicrTGO5jHi_P08jrxRyhmzMwD6F8gnA_oar_B_o28qheJvHp_oJUKYDSGRu67ZqOplpV04OK0ZMf0/s320/hitboysurf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">49. Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Surf Or Drown</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Nas, Dom Kennedy, Jay 305, The Alchemist, Curren$y, James Fauntleroy, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Grammy Award-winning producer extraordinaire, Hit-Boy, has had an exceptional run over the past four years, due mostly to his assistance with Nas for their <i>King's Disease</i> and <i>Magic</i> series that OFFCIALLY put Nas in everyone's GOAT talks once and for all. Throughout this time, the Cali native has also assisted the likes of Travis $cott, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, and Belly among several others. As busy as he's been this year, he managed to deliver two <i>Surf or Drown</i> efforts. The first one may truthfully be the better, but not to say that Surf or Drown 2 was anything slacking at all. With a cast of emcees that reads of the likes of Nas, Curren$y, former partner in rhyme Dom Kennedy, Jay 305, and Uncle Al himself, The Alchemist on the CRAZY "Slippin' Into Darkness" where they pull a Jaylib on the track, where each is rhyming over the other's production. By now, it's no secret how talented Hit-Boy truly is behind the boards, but one should never sleep on his mic skills either, as he demonstrates these as well throughout the project. Head to toe,<i> Surf Or Drown</i> bumps, and this was the start of a few bananas projects that continue to keep him among your conversations as best current producer in the game.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCw-z4OkWm03fp3SoyF3hhfU9MeGykl1BDwXZ362UEUKFp13oggrQjVnNhzF9SXJ4pQlHdEqIlAzSmAxkc9XWzYW7YU_2YzDL3QfkPvWhCyp2_fZqaX24HWU_pnWHey5w7zEbwjYpRRJ8NQVKN4yavzynM7sw9eTnr34GfuU98o8WORYLffMee9thxw4/s3000/Reason%20-%20Porches.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCw-z4OkWm03fp3SoyF3hhfU9MeGykl1BDwXZ362UEUKFp13oggrQjVnNhzF9SXJ4pQlHdEqIlAzSmAxkc9XWzYW7YU_2YzDL3QfkPvWhCyp2_fZqaX24HWU_pnWHey5w7zEbwjYpRRJ8NQVKN4yavzynM7sw9eTnr34GfuU98o8WORYLffMee9thxw4/s320/Reason%20-%20Porches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">48. Reason</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Porches</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Coleman, Vinylz, Hollywood Cole, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: SiR, Doechii, Zacari, Ray Vaughn, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Cali emcee, and TDE representative, Reason, is considered as the most slept-on and underappreciated of the TDE emcees, which includes Gammy Nominated emcees Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q. His last album, <i>New Beginnings</i>, was quite a formidable introduction to the house that Kendrick made famous, but still he wasn't spoken about as much as the rest of his crew. With reported accusations of management ignoring him and not really making him as big of a priority as say the likes of SZA or even Jay Rock, Reason delivers his second TDE album, <i>Porches</i>, as a means of getting the monkey off his back of being in anyone's shadow. He makes brave attempts at doing so with cuts like "Send You To The Afterlife", You Betta (Jesus Take The Wheel)", "Porch Steps", and "Poster Child" that all provide enough bump and honesty to keep you engaged in what he's saying and the dope production behind it. One could say there's nothing that stands out about him in terms of anything distinctive about him. Jay Rock has a laid-back delivery that's as gangsta as you could imagine. Ab-Soul is the thinking stoner. The one that you can count on to provide brutally honest introspection and arguably the best with his pen. Schoolboy is the storyteller with the fierce delivery and the ability to make a song stand out. Reason may be still finding what his niche is among this all-star talent, however with <i>Porches</i>, he still proves he's capable of delivering a dope album that brings you deeper into his world.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMau97usYBaUmTlERUsup0ACssHD9N8aDQy_RFFKj8ZHQ8vqh5UEYexvWV3XDu93i95h7zDn5ywmKTIuxj-G2O2J02YYD_MpJMFuuYCsj1J7OXpYr_an2Ihq4S5aX_5LNvfXIpqnvARncaaFizIbyBdjRVkFyL0JSYP2ouM3Ihzx35l3GFjBVhp5XSV4/s700/bighit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMau97usYBaUmTlERUsup0ACssHD9N8aDQy_RFFKj8ZHQ8vqh5UEYexvWV3XDu93i95h7zDn5ywmKTIuxj-G2O2J02YYD_MpJMFuuYCsj1J7OXpYr_an2Ihq4S5aX_5LNvfXIpqnvARncaaFizIbyBdjRVkFyL0JSYP2ouM3Ihzx35l3GFjBVhp5XSV4/s320/bighit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">47. Big Hit & Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Truth Is in My Eyes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: The Alchemist, Jay Worthy, Dom Kennedy, Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild, Big Tray Deee, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the mid thousands, west coast spitter, Big Hit, was among Cali's most respected that, although he never really blew up nationally, he was known in the game, especially within Cali's underground. However, in 2014, he got locked up and had to serve nine years in the Feds. While this was going on, his son, Chauncey, was becoming big in his own right, and became Hit-Boy. While an emcee himself, he became even more known for his crazy production talents, and working with the likes of Jay, Kanye, Snoop, Travis, and many others put him into our consciousness for excellent production. The volume was turned up though when he started assisting Nas for his <i>King's Disease</i> and <i>Magic</i> series and Hit-Boy became the newest household name in hip-hop production. Once Big Hit came home from doing that time, it was right back to the booth. We first heard their chemistry on the aforementioned sequel to <i>Surf or Drown</i>, <i>Surf or Drown 2</i>, in which Big Hit was heavily featured on the effort. Ready to fully let the world know who he is, Big Hit finally gets his own chance to shine with the board assistance from n his son with <i>Truth is in My Eyes</i>. A couple cuts like "G'z Don't Cry" and "Grindin' My Whole Life" were recorded just before his nine-year bid, but as dope as they are, it really picks up from here. At times sounding like a gangsta autobiography or diary, cuts like the aforementioned "G'z Don't Cry" and "The Pain Is Deep" are painfully honest and introspective. Moments like these are few and far between, as we get back to the streets and turn up with cuts like the Benny The Butcher-assisted "Speaking In Codes", "Boo Bop", the Alchemist-assisted "Man, I'm Rollin'", and the father/son collab-"A$VP Chauncey". He makes sure he gives his respect to those that are still doing time to hold their heads on the cuts "Inspiration" and "Stay On" featuring OG Big Tray Deee formerly of Tha Eastsidaz and LBC Crew. For someone that's been away from the game for nine years locked up, he doesn't sound like he's missed a beat if you remember how he was before the hit & run case that ultimately sent him up. It's rare we ever hear an album where the father-son connection is so strong, but with <i>Truth Is in My Eyes</i>, Hit-Boy does a tremendous job of sonically helping his dad get his own national attention in a way that's way more positive than the negatives he's been surrounded in for the better part of a decade.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKSHNSIywwbd0oeEA-v4sqZ3iqzM7nXcku7s0yySTdKC5mT3o4ii26FMxTWgDCcL6RyqtcrAtFG7IyqgRRFpAbKmAG-WlMHSwBCQNWXSrA15EMQ7DnJoqi875tsWYXaHJl83d-SqqMWlCD8Aa2k9lWmwhWWKzDo8PQcu8XDM3-G4bRSX6qfHLg8-BULQ/s1890/Mach-Hommy-fahim-dumplegends.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1890" data-original-width="1890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKSHNSIywwbd0oeEA-v4sqZ3iqzM7nXcku7s0yySTdKC5mT3o4ii26FMxTWgDCcL6RyqtcrAtFG7IyqgRRFpAbKmAG-WlMHSwBCQNWXSrA15EMQ7DnJoqi875tsWYXaHJl83d-SqqMWlCD8Aa2k9lWmwhWWKzDo8PQcu8XDM3-G4bRSX6qfHLg8-BULQ/s320/Mach-Hommy-fahim-dumplegends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">46. Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Notorious Dump Legends 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Tha God Fahim, Sadhugold, Nicholas Craven, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">Allusive, enigmatic, yet unbelievably talented. Those are generally the words most describe NYC-via Haiti-emcee Mach-Hommy. For someone that has gotten co-signs from the likes of Jadakiss to the one and only Jay-Z, the former Griselda emcee has one of the most prolific and consistent discographies in all of hip-hop. His forward-thinking business model when it comes to his projects are to be studied as well. He frequent collaborations with another prolific emcee, Tha God Fahim, also meet and exceed expectations practically every single time they drop. Their collab efforts, whether full lengths, mixtapes, or EPs, always bring quality every time such as the <i>DUCK SZN</i> series, the <i>Dollar Menu</i> series, and <i>Wide Berth</i>. This year, they presented the second installment of the <i>Notorious Dump Legends</i> series. These two together just present a chemistry that's as nicely gelled together as Erick & Perrish or Big Boi & Dre. Cuts like "Olajuwon", "Bad Hands", and "Cold Milk" show their Batman & Robin tag team appeal over tremendous production from Fahim, Craven, and Sadhugold. One can never lose when pushing play on a Hommy/Fahim collab effort and <i>Notorious Dump Legends</i> is just another excellent example.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdR3T9wCouRdrRVw6HJIxR_E9gerpQM8NBXQg617QuaHbtCAqhFJcwHAfdZHkWyRSGgduiR5P9chrkK_X4G7la1nDlVx-vmU9GtgcT3Z2v3D0aJ0W0M3McJPRc9YEvT0vQKRKdp4xR1_6fy3aasJ3-RqevPeT05GhPT5jfLp8c_WdbiVEmaiI1aOSXFU/s300/Logic_-_College_Park.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdR3T9wCouRdrRVw6HJIxR_E9gerpQM8NBXQg617QuaHbtCAqhFJcwHAfdZHkWyRSGgduiR5P9chrkK_X4G7la1nDlVx-vmU9GtgcT3Z2v3D0aJ0W0M3McJPRc9YEvT0vQKRKdp4xR1_6fy3aasJ3-RqevPeT05GhPT5jfLp8c_WdbiVEmaiI1aOSXFU/s1600/Logic_-_College_Park.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">45. Logic</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>College Park</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, 6ix, Boi-1nda, Monte Booker, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: RZA, Statik Selektah, Joey Bada$$, Redman, Norah Jones, Lil Keke, Bun B, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Often times, when DMV representative, Logic, is set to drop an album, he tends to get polarized. His discography is checkered but has more hits than misses. His major label debut, <i>Under Pressure</i>, was a very fine debut and showed that he had the gift of verbal spitting above many of his contemporary peers. While follow-ups like <i>The Incredible True Story</i> and his crossover hit, <i>Everybody</i>, were good to great showcases of his talent, others like <i>Supermarket</i> and especially <i>Confessions of a Dangerous Mind</i> were clunky, all over the place, and minimized his otherwise dumb dope mic abilities. He cleaned it up with <i>No Pressure</i>, which was more like his debut than we had heard for a number of projects. His final major label album was 2022'3 <i>Vinyl Wars</i>, which was critically acclaimed as sounding like that album we had been waiting to hear from him since he burst on to the national, mainstream scene. With a purely hip-hop aesthetic, the album was a love letter to the hip-hop he grew up to that inspired him to become an emcee to dazzling results. He returns in 2023 with <i>College Park</i>, which is a very cohesive album that reminds people of what Logic is capable of when he's just trying to put out music, he loves rather than put out formulaic music for the label big wigs. While a lot of the interludes that conclude songs are unnecessarily long, the tunes themselves are quite dope. Cuts like the ode to drinking and being drunk "Village Slum", the weed dedication with Redman and Statik Selektah "Self-Medication", the very long, production and styles splitting "Lightyear", and "Paradise II" with Norah Jones and her charmful crooning are examples of Logic's ability to be honest in bearing his thoughts and emotions, while also keeping it authentic without the need to impress people that don't matter. With<i> College Park</i>, we have one of his most well-rounded albums and Logic seems comfortable again doing what he loves and shows he can be very damn dope at it too.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1brrleXfkG77BM3sekpvcEKR9CLjRheomVzceU1eIs_A8RV3Bw8j941YL_m-OYm329whwU9tYjiGbmucQdiveP75tnXihCrhD_AvRVOlpUKaLOAtpssk290Wrtm-86VMxleIJeDnhuo2pS8amx5uVyWxub5s71NWdae4ajDSEJNmLv0o7eLTQELsjmqY/s3000/Roc-Marciano-jayworthy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1brrleXfkG77BM3sekpvcEKR9CLjRheomVzceU1eIs_A8RV3Bw8j941YL_m-OYm329whwU9tYjiGbmucQdiveP75tnXihCrhD_AvRVOlpUKaLOAtpssk290Wrtm-86VMxleIJeDnhuo2pS8amx5uVyWxub5s71NWdae4ajDSEJNmLv0o7eLTQELsjmqY/s320/Roc-Marciano-jayworthy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">44. Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Nothing Bigger Than the Problem</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Roc Marciano</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Bun B, Ab-Soul, Kokane, A$ton Matthews, Jay 305, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Cali (by way of Vancouver, B.C., Canada) emcee Jay Worthy is a talented emcee that has been gathering momentum over the past four or so years out of the decade he's been in the game. His collaborations primarily with fellow Cali partner-in-rhyme, Larry June, have put him in a new spotlight with his uncomplicated flow and fairly relatable lyrics to hustling and trying to survive. The Griselda artist linked up NY underground god, Roc Marciano, to bring forth, <i>Nothing Bigger Than the Problem</i>. The album has Marci behind the boards on this effort and brings his brand of dirty samples and clever soulful loops over mostly drumless production and Worthy handles and holds his own on cuts like the sizzling first single "Wake Up", "the Ab-Soul/Kokane-assisted "The Plug", the Bun-B featured, "Underground Legends", and the smooth "Player's Only". With Marci on a few of these tracks as well, these two sound like they should've been working together a long time ago. Clearly, <i>Nothing Bigger Than the Problem</i> is an album both men can be proud of, and hopefully a precursor to more from these two together.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR2G-sRXhvwfiVET7fwZdoW-5pPNcA6sxtRAeDXebOgJ1JKduC3_zem2Ps7gZeHhAN3LnsMVCvlNRtukezlFRiT06RJH1oC_p8oHI_wqcehfVXp5Zd3t0VW_6mmng4JLA2swXKcD5IA-UjqRgHWXp3vELTJ1OYxFcP_-F4Neo2X3RxdNqW1FL531QJ5c/s1200/conwaypalermo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR2G-sRXhvwfiVET7fwZdoW-5pPNcA6sxtRAeDXebOgJ1JKduC3_zem2Ps7gZeHhAN3LnsMVCvlNRtukezlFRiT06RJH1oC_p8oHI_wqcehfVXp5Zd3t0VW_6mmng4JLA2swXKcD5IA-UjqRgHWXp3vELTJ1OYxFcP_-F4Neo2X3RxdNqW1FL531QJ5c/s320/conwaypalermo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">43. Conway The Machine & Wun-Two</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Palermo EP</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Wun-Two</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Goosebytheway</p><p style="text-align: left;">This has been quite the busy year for Buffalo-bred Conway The Machine. After smacking the hell out of us with his career high of 2022,<i> God Don't Make Mistakes,</i> he dropped several projects in 2023 (some of which are included in this list and in the Honorable Mentions list). One in particular was his collaborative effort with German producer, Wun-Two, <i>Palermo</i>. This ten track project has Machine spitting his brand of no-nonsense, gritty rhymes over some psychedelic, lo-fi boom bap courtesy of Wun-Two. Although primarily dark in texture, this production falls right in line with Conway's typical style of production he tends to rhyme over, very similar to Griselda producer, Conductor Williams. This is gangsta hip-hop the only way Conway can deliver it, and with cuts like the title track, "Bianca", and "Brick by Brick", this effort further puts Conway into people's conversations as one of the single coldest emcees out today, and definitely among the hardest working. With Wun-Two, one would expect more heads to get up more on this producer, because sounds like this should be in more streaming services doing more emcees albums.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vAZUX7p7FlCkY2VLyi5r_tiVrYkfwmKi3_gprZPOZfZoW3oqyeCtE80-ak2e1qRPNT9-5nsgphJwd7gjJ5bNJliWGX5jrS6MUKPwpXyeW069oN2fFB6dWcFAcf29wZWj9esLDYsFJfmTJfapVCRgIRAn1WJ0h15BlTvjIQzB02LyZyjomoNFg8vJymE/s700/trillstatik3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vAZUX7p7FlCkY2VLyi5r_tiVrYkfwmKi3_gprZPOZfZoW3oqyeCtE80-ak2e1qRPNT9-5nsgphJwd7gjJ5bNJliWGX5jrS6MUKPwpXyeW069oN2fFB6dWcFAcf29wZWj9esLDYsFJfmTJfapVCRgIRAn1WJ0h15BlTvjIQzB02LyZyjomoNFg8vJymE/s320/trillstatik3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">42. Bun B & Statik Selektah</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>TrillStatik 3</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Statik Selektah</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Rome Streetz, Method Man, T.F., Paul Wall, Termanology, JFK, Smoke DZA, CJ Fly, Smif-N-Wessun, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's only right we get something from one of the game's most revered legends, Port Arthur's own, Bun B. As half of the legendary duo, UGK, Bun has commanded the respect of the whole game, not just within the south. His solo efforts of the popular <i>Trill </i>series, as well as his 2022 effort with producer Cory Mo, <i>Mo Trill</i>, have been seen as staples for the iconic vet. Another series he's been known for is his series with Boston DJ/producer Statik Selektah for their <i>TrillStatik</i> series. With Statik already being busy with his own compilation album, <i>Round Trip</i> (see later), and his handling of the Paul Wall & Termanology album, <i>Start 2 Finish</i>, it was surprising when the announcement was made for a third chapter in the<i> TrillStatik </i>series, but we were all happy for it. With Statik providing his brand of jazzy boom-bap, mixed with some occasional gems of east coast grime and southern bump within, Bun glides and floats over every track, even though for about 95% of the album, he's not alone. Guests such as Benny The Butcher, Rome Streetz, Methos Man, Wais P, Smif-N-Wessun, and Smoke DZA all accompany him on this ride, but Bun is almost never outshined on any track. This may be the best of the series so far, which is saying a lot considering how dope the first two were. With east coast mainstays showing Bun this much love on this project, <i>TrillStatik 3 </i>proves Bun definitely gets loves all over the map, not just in the south. Long live UGK! God bless the Pimp!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L8e52BE9N9RMDOnH78YDzwVykjx7bKqFgDU5O5zofEMNJPBRbFl96JFDv_m9eF9ThwYn3x_2ppad2zpF-FD0UxioUO4lkEnev1bxPv-Jnc3khXzthAR7I6rIk66X6yLVaOt4cD7WMt_6YU-nB0Z1sUo4sdhQPWEJc7Na9kjTsrG5qd676dBtaaMMRi4/s1200/openmikemeagle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L8e52BE9N9RMDOnH78YDzwVykjx7bKqFgDU5O5zofEMNJPBRbFl96JFDv_m9eF9ThwYn3x_2ppad2zpF-FD0UxioUO4lkEnev1bxPv-Jnc3khXzthAR7I6rIk66X6yLVaOt4cD7WMt_6YU-nB0Z1sUo4sdhQPWEJc7Na9kjTsrG5qd676dBtaaMMRi4/s320/openmikemeagle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">41, Open Mike Eagle</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>another triumph of ghetto engineering</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Child Actor, Quelle Chris</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Young Zee, Video Dave, Blu</p><p style="text-align: left;">Los Angeles emcee (by way of Chicago), Open Mike Eagle, is a different brand of emcee. His unique sing-songy flow may not reinvent the wheel, especially by today's standards, but his sense of quirky lyrics and witty bars shifted in, is a niche that corelates very well with OME. While he's been in the game for over a decade, he came into more of a known level with 2014's <i>Dark Comedy</i>. The rest of his discography, which includes the likes of <i>Brick Body Kids Still Daydream</i>, <i>Hella Personal Film Festival</i>, 2020's very personal <i>Anime, Trauma, & Divorce</i>, and last year's <i>Component System With the Auto Reverse</i> are all unique entries that highlight his eccentric, yet methodically strategic, pen game that helps you understand his mindset and artistic tone better with each album. In 2023, he delivers <i>another triumph of ghetto engineering</i>, which may possibly be his best album to date as a whole. The concept and central theme revolve around his love and sacrifices for hip-hop. All his ups, downs, triumphs and disappointments just to become a star and be successful. What subsequently should be somewhat of a generic concept for an album is instead very personal, honest, and relatable to any artist that know about this type of life. Cuts like the title track, "A new rap festival called rolling loud", and "Mad enough to aim a pyramid at you", and "we should have made otherground a thing" are spoken from an experienced man in the game that is spitting jewels, whether upfront or in subtle fashion, about the wears of what hip-hop is and how your life will be affected by the culture. With eclectic, yet engaging, production by the likes of Quelle Chris and longtime collaborator, Child Actor, <i>another triumph of ghetto engineering</i> is more of a reflective and openly honest look at Open Mike Eagle as a veteran of the game and through less quirky humor and more serious jewel-dropping this time around, this is an album that longtime fans may arguably put up there as his best or among them.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RFTykJ0nC3XxFI8_XUo683pYdQKrkEWzdkjJptRQUGrQV-ZnYkkQa4o6YjFJlkOwAygyNcDfFg7TdfNyRM6myyuVnpxqEZzEDSQW1P38buGrUv5iRbCa3m7AL7_9CSranlQzVzCqSlRttsDprVsEEWdkQrvt66IcqEQKdYArOr23x3hKKv3f44tSVj0/s600/soulassassins3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RFTykJ0nC3XxFI8_XUo683pYdQKrkEWzdkjJptRQUGrQV-ZnYkkQa4o6YjFJlkOwAygyNcDfFg7TdfNyRM6myyuVnpxqEZzEDSQW1P38buGrUv5iRbCa3m7AL7_9CSranlQzVzCqSlRttsDprVsEEWdkQrvt66IcqEQKdYArOr23x3hKKv3f44tSVj0/s320/soulassassins3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> 40. DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Scarface, Freddie Gibbs, Method Man, Slick Rick, Roc Marciano, T.F., MC Ren, Ice Cube, B-Real, Boldy James, Meyhem Lauren, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We start with the legendary DJ/Producer of Cypress Hill fame, DJ Muggs, who has had quite a run himself over the past few years, doing entire projects with the likes of Flee Lord, Rigz, Rome Streetz, and Eto. After hyped singles such as the Scarface/Freddie Gibbs paired "Street Made" and the Method Man/Slick Rick collab "Metropolis" from 2022, he delivered the MUCH anticipated follow up the highly underrated <i>Soul Assassins II </i>from over two decades ago, <i>Soul Assassins III: Death Valley</i>. Worth the wait, and then some, spots from the likes of Boldy James, Roc Marciano, Cee-Lo, CRIMEAPPLE, and west coast icons Ice Cube, MC Ren, and B-Real on "Dump On 'Em", this album more or less picks up where <i>SA2</i> left off at and carried the series even further. With other forthcoming projects coming in 2024 with the likes of Boldy and Rome, let's also hope we don't have to wait another decade for another <i>Soul Assassins</i> smash.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUmZAD_xxIiwiYOiO6plUij_bv1oevMuDtVAdsNxnE4vhg9c3iTxZo8AhLMj-fjE4cqH0AnGEoQ7l0oNSaoeOOEXfmB5q5-Bgmkpp7gX4ENLt9svRcd2cYmFyR_6hY4fkoF5jUDr3xDMct5UCcjdjvkcg0PsTpktN3vsSlvOFGSlWiWVMNUdp9NZcgHw/s1200/halloweenhavoc4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUmZAD_xxIiwiYOiO6plUij_bv1oevMuDtVAdsNxnE4vhg9c3iTxZo8AhLMj-fjE4cqH0AnGEoQ7l0oNSaoeOOEXfmB5q5-Bgmkpp7gX4ENLt9svRcd2cYmFyR_6hY4fkoF5jUDr3xDMct5UCcjdjvkcg0PsTpktN3vsSlvOFGSlWiWVMNUdp9NZcgHw/s320/halloweenhavoc4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">39. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Halloween Havoc 4 (mixtape)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">The one named "The Boy Wonder" from G-Unit has had a run over the past three years that deserves to be just as heralded as anyone else doing stellar runs in the game currently. He reemerged onto the scene in tremendous fashion with the first of his <i>Course Of The Inevitable</i> series in 2021 and has displayed a ferocity we haven't heard from him since his G-Unit days. However, many say his best and most focused work often appears within his mixtapes. Series of his such as <i>All Or Nothing </i>and <i>Cold Corner</i> are so full of rawness, you can hear more relentless verbal assaults on them and hear the true measures of his talent. Another series of his is the Halloween Havoc series. He dropped his fifth installment of the series entitled, <i>Halloween Havoc IV: The 72nd Hour</i>, and this could be argued that this is among the rawest we've ever heard from mixtape Banks. Cuts like "Condolences", "Broken Arrows", and "No Opinions" are brooding and even haunting in some areas, and really bring the menacing persona of Banks out more freely. While he may have gotten acclaim for his <i>COTI3</i> album that dropped in 2023 (see later), this album was classic Banks in terms of no-nonsense and intimidating bars from one of the best pound for pound emcees to pick up a mic.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI2_wkS7HusPbXpC_h7U879lIzfnAUQVAp81JdesMN8Q3x8BdgnZJz4ZYQXMS9T2A0mKxY55l4vSRI4SpYuBJ0OIPO2tqWMAmRjDS2fjts_Sya8r-MncDPVbbseZjZts9-DrqCQESIs5YjYwmp5rze3R0YCyHtz3_QtGuCg69j127xtimDtxP6cb0kS0/s1024/illbill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI2_wkS7HusPbXpC_h7U879lIzfnAUQVAp81JdesMN8Q3x8BdgnZJz4ZYQXMS9T2A0mKxY55l4vSRI4SpYuBJ0OIPO2tqWMAmRjDS2fjts_Sya8r-MncDPVbbseZjZts9-DrqCQESIs5YjYwmp5rze3R0YCyHtz3_QtGuCg69j127xtimDtxP6cb0kS0/s320/illbill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">38. Ill Bill</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>BILLY</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs, Stu Bangas, Statik Selektah, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Kool G. Rap, Vinnie Paz, NEMS, Tragedy Khadafi, Q-Unique, Immortal Technique, Sick Jacken, Ransom, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Brooklynite, Ill Bill, has always been a mainstay in the underground fixtures of hip-hop since his Non-Phixion days as well as his bubbling debut, <i>Ill Bill Is The Future</i>. Skills have never really been debatable, as he's clearly a talented emcee, but his narratives filled with conspiracy theories, paranoia, drug glorification, and at times deeply personal bars are what he's known for and pulls everything off fairly well. Past albums like his aforementioned <i>Ill Bill Is the Future</i>, the excellent <i>What's Wrong With Bill</i>, <i>The Hour of Reprisal</i>, <i>The Grimy Awards</i>, his collab with DJ Muggs, <i>Kill Devil Hills</i>, and 2020's <i>La Bella Medusa</i> have shown Bill's passion for this game though his no holds barred delivery and his rugged aura. With his sixth solo album, <i>BILLY,</i> he sticks to his formula, and the results are as consistent as ever. Hardcore rhymes over mostly dark production from the likes of Stu Bangas, Muggs, or even himself, Bill pulls no punches with how he views the world around him and his angst is bleeding through the speakers. Bill continues to show his vigor over hard-hitting, aggressive, yet thumping production that fits his delivery and his subject matter. Count <i>BILLY</i> as another win.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjkRtOGLhMxZc3d97IzC89IySYq415Dsi1U31In3Ou3yAihFRRygkcfL9fsVo1_fuSwlUjmu5fJH9k_uoZspNUkiG13nqVImQwxoTv52CHSL3TTDpgQDr6tOt0iMY3id5w1DLvfVY5iz5sE-SN6SET4XQFmwy2JzuvXdPUShmGGhYJkDTg4OAja0wEc/s700/smokedza.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjkRtOGLhMxZc3d97IzC89IySYq415Dsi1U31In3Ou3yAihFRRygkcfL9fsVo1_fuSwlUjmu5fJH9k_uoZspNUkiG13nqVImQwxoTv52CHSL3TTDpgQDr6tOt0iMY3id5w1DLvfVY5iz5sE-SN6SET4XQFmwy2JzuvXdPUShmGGhYJkDTg4OAja0wEc/s320/smokedza.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">37. Smoke DZA & Flying Lotus</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Flying Objects EP</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Flying Lotus</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Black Thought</p><p style="text-align: left;">NYC's Smoke DZA has been a mainstay in the underground since the mid-00s. His mixtapes and albums have been all fairly well received, and his collaborative efforts with the likes of Harry Fraud, Pete Rock, and Benny The Butcher, among others, have had him increasing in notoriety and popularity. His next big collab venture has him pairing with eclectic, yet tremendously gifted, producer/filmmaker, Flying Lotus for their EP, <i>Flying Objects</i>. The lush and highly layered sounds of FlyLo can be a bit hard to digest over DZA's style of delivery, yet it comes into working out quite well. With only a handful of tracks, this is that type of EP you wish was an entire full-length effort. With appearances from Estelle, Conway, and Black Thought, DZA holds his own and while this isn't the typical type of production you're used to hearing DZA spit over, that's not a bad thing. Clearly, this effort shows that there's a chemistry there, and here's to hoping for more from these two in the future.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgqGR5ksvy7IoN7XPsPJKTi9pcocTkPhq2UA3l-0VgBjUWth6lvv6fswNhNBs7ihjmhA-Hiu1jFMG7-GQdmNh9gH5AqDqGt2_i890aOCI0Ic6qkf40n431SNcJEeD2xw78SqWe5tt19egGk9JgdkbX3umV94L5-P3kuNYKfBN_c_W6LK4e8VsW26M-3k/s225/negrojustice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgqGR5ksvy7IoN7XPsPJKTi9pcocTkPhq2UA3l-0VgBjUWth6lvv6fswNhNBs7ihjmhA-Hiu1jFMG7-GQdmNh9gH5AqDqGt2_i890aOCI0Ic6qkf40n431SNcJEeD2xw78SqWe5tt19egGk9JgdkbX3umV94L5-P3kuNYKfBN_c_W6LK4e8VsW26M-3k/s1600/negrojustice.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">36. JustVIBEZ & Negro Justice</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Art Of The Craft</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: JustVIBEZ</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Intylect, Gee Slab, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Nashville's Negro Justice has been a notable within the local scene, mostly due to his Six One tribe collective and his acclaimed album, <i>Chosen Family</i>, in 2022. His content is very much reminiscent of laid-back, community -based, positive images with hip-hop as its backdrop. He returned in 2023 with producer, JustVIBEZ, for <i>Art Of The Craft</i>, a smooth, live instrument produced album that easily picks up where <i>Chosen Family</i> left off at, only a little more in tune with hip-hop and showing off his lyrical talents. While <i>Chosen Family</i> was a personal album, filled with cuts that were introspective and meaningful on a deeper level, <i>Art Of The Craft</i> is fully about hip-hop and how much it means to him as an artist. Cuts like "Get It Understood" and the title track are great examples of his passion for storytelling but also his desire to exhibit his pen game for the masses. The talent is there, the drive is there, and with more exposure, Negro Justice will be someone that not just his home of Cashville (shouts to Young Buck, another Nashville native), but the game at large will appreciate and value.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ7rgyrITl19D5i30ZZ79qr3-WtERkbqpqQ_hBNPbEM1_NiJTy_DV2CSkQfbnMdBI7fPhn9er4ARWVpE5fhIBGU04Z2QYhB1FjDmDzksupei1gozXzqmVJOZrIZ9Dke6MiTajKTO2k-t3MCf_9KbgpfLaCPvX650z3Lkf2pWgggaT7XNArwnr6-P69gY/s1200/recognizealimecca2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ7rgyrITl19D5i30ZZ79qr3-WtERkbqpqQ_hBNPbEM1_NiJTy_DV2CSkQfbnMdBI7fPhn9er4ARWVpE5fhIBGU04Z2QYhB1FjDmDzksupei1gozXzqmVJOZrIZ9Dke6MiTajKTO2k-t3MCf_9KbgpfLaCPvX650z3Lkf2pWgggaT7XNArwnr6-P69gY/s320/recognizealimecca2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">35. Recognize Ali</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Back to Mecca II</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hobgoblin, Abu El, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">NY native (by way of Ghana), Recognize Ali, has been delivering several rounds of heat over the years. Albums such as <i>Recognition</i>, <i>Back To Mecca</i>, the Stu Bangas-produced <i>Guerilla Dynasty</i>, <i>Underground King</i>, and the Bronze Nazareth handled, <i>Season Of The Seven</i>, have all been knockers from the moment you click Play on your streaming device. With a feel that makes you miss 90s NYC hip-hop, Ali doesn't waver on the sequel to <i>Back To Mecca</i>, <i>Back To Mecca II</i>. Comparisons to the likes of Krumbsnatcha are appropriate here, as his style and delivery makes you envision the Boston native quite nicely on cuts like the Busta Rhymes-sampled "What You Need", the standout "Extra-Terrestrial", and the ever knocking "Duck Down". With thumping production that gives you that warm feeling of early Nas, Mobb Deep, and Show & AG, <i>Back To Mecca II </i>is just that and more. Recognize Ali is compiling quite the underground discography and, along with his other 2023 offering <i>Ali</i>, continued to elevate his game.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8jmJ-DVdN-kH83i-fSrHWFuklgja4Pp6IYdHNpIIYFZOx7deO2sTJ2f3nlJXR9niS9Uxsudc_7HVmVoC1GD-6qrvMGK5IBZfEyuBcNX3ZuLki_z-a4gCljyBHOaVIi5UwH058JH_JZF5fNyf5X0YChlopEWfPT4hHyAHEVccd3lH9ATCukVWHJTgO6A/s1132/Larry-Junes-The-Great-Escape-album-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8jmJ-DVdN-kH83i-fSrHWFuklgja4Pp6IYdHNpIIYFZOx7deO2sTJ2f3nlJXR9niS9Uxsudc_7HVmVoC1GD-6qrvMGK5IBZfEyuBcNX3ZuLki_z-a4gCljyBHOaVIi5UwH058JH_JZF5fNyf5X0YChlopEWfPT4hHyAHEVccd3lH9ATCukVWHJTgO6A/s320/Larry-Junes-The-Great-Escape-album-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">34. Larry June & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Great Escape</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Slum Village, Jay Worthy, Action Bronson, Curren$y, Joey Bada$$, Boldy James, Wiz Khalifa, Evidence, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean</p><p style="text-align: left;">San Francisco emcee, Larry June, has been making plenty of waves in hip-hop for over a decade. His laid-back, almost lazy, delivery sounds more grown folk than rah-rah but it somehow works, and he pulls it off. Most of his content and subject matter relates to hustling, getting rich, investing, and roughly anything that involves smart money and the finer things in life. With an already dope discography, he decides to collaborate with one of the game's current production GOATs, The Alchemist, for their first full length album together, <i>The Great Escape</i>. One thing that really makes Uncle Al such a brilliant producer is his niche for finding and tuning the right sound for the right artist. He doesn't ask the emcee to adjust to his style, he adjusts to their style and thus the production here is fairly smooth, almost Sunday morning type production. Nothing menacing here folks. Cuts such as the Slum Village-assisted, "Orange Village", "Turkish Cotton", and the breezy "Ocean Sounds" are reflective of this. As these mixes between a how to get rich manual and cooling to the lavish life, LJ and Uncle Al show a chemistry that is cohesive and polished for this to be their first full effort together. With <i>The Great Escape</i>, this is such riding music, and this is a producer-rapper duo to be on the legit lookout for.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttboVYm4_BmJCKcVsgGCvqJEyo-0CY_9Diq1HaoyXGNcOQ15W6AJ5v_YHrOMxKK4SNEFXSVu_Efj4R6_2IvnVNGYaxm_EnNDozRbzteuC6xNrRoVVfB3319AwGY_PgZjhhf5XPQaT8kCyBLMwFWRIMea8i1SFCwp7mXAyJaYnB4_eMX49sYWnWYxhPf4/s225/skyblew%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttboVYm4_BmJCKcVsgGCvqJEyo-0CY_9Diq1HaoyXGNcOQ15W6AJ5v_YHrOMxKK4SNEFXSVu_Efj4R6_2IvnVNGYaxm_EnNDozRbzteuC6xNrRoVVfB3319AwGY_PgZjhhf5XPQaT8kCyBLMwFWRIMea8i1SFCwp7mXAyJaYnB4_eMX49sYWnWYxhPf4/s1600/skyblew%20(1).jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">33. SkyBlew & Scottie Royal</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>A Soulful Taste of Jazz: The Royal Blew Experience</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Scottie Royal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Amerigo Gazaway, VaughnsMusic</p><p style="text-align: left;">Not a lot of noise is made about the ever forgotten about, ever underappreciated subgenre of Jazz Rap anymore. Sure, we have bits of it here and there at times like Skyzoo's <i>The Bluest Note</i> or Kid Abstrakt's most recent deliveries, but as whole, gone are the days of Digable Planets, Us3, and the late, great Guru's <i>Jazzmatazz</i> series, but NC (via Alabama) native SkyBlew looks to change some of that. As a great blend of Kid Abstrakt, Lecrae, and Common in terms of values and his Christianity, his wholesome music reflects his views and his beliefs without coming off too "preachy". Along with Charlotte producer, Scottie Royal, they put together<i> A Soulful Taste of Jazz: The Royal Blew Experience</i>. This is an elegant sounding throwback to the lush stylings of jazz with fairly appropriate boom-bap intertwined within. Much like most of Kid Abstrakt's material (see later), this is one that you can rotate with various family members without having to feel this would have a lot of explicit content with it. This is literally just feel-good music that makes you salute the fact that young people still have an ear for one of the single most foundational genres in all of music.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CtQmDW9rkQ6hj0puJcf7E2NGjuuRR49Ny62kjSqDRt4eimjmL_cj7vwKxWd1y4nVsKKYKYvJDsQVnJH9Ec3gkuWVGsCLgmMFCrOwf76BeLYstCxndfqbMJMxq9pUoNsiq3KvSEOmK9Xz493u4AH7XL8m0bpF460nueyjEi7i-Jf8pqZDby240NuqHs/s1500/The-Alchemist-Flying-High.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CtQmDW9rkQ6hj0puJcf7E2NGjuuRR49Ny62kjSqDRt4eimjmL_cj7vwKxWd1y4nVsKKYKYvJDsQVnJH9Ec3gkuWVGsCLgmMFCrOwf76BeLYstCxndfqbMJMxq9pUoNsiq3KvSEOmK9Xz493u4AH7XL8m0bpF460nueyjEi7i-Jf8pqZDby240NuqHs/s320/The-Alchemist-Flying-High.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">32. The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Flying High EP</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Earl Sweatshirt, Larry June, Jay Worthy, billy woods, T.F., Boldy James, MIKE, Sideshow</p><p style="text-align: left;">If there's a more prolific, acclaimed producer in hip-hop at the current moment than The Alchemist, I would love for you to show him to me. Uncle Al has been nothing less than on fire for especially the last four years with stellar projects with the likes of Roc Marciano, the aforementioned Larry June, Earl Sweatshirt (see later) Jay Worthy, Armand Hammer, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, and Curren$y. He, of course, would put out his own compilation albums as well such as the excellent <i>This Thing of Ours</i> in 2022. In 2023, he presents the <i>Flying High</i> EP, and the five-track project is as nuts as anything we've ever heard from Mr. Mayman. Cuts like "RIP Tracy" with Earl, The LJ/Jay Worthy featured "Midnight Oil", and the coasting aura of "Bless" with Sideshow and one of this year's breakout emcees, MIKE, once again exhibit Al's ability to bring the best out of whomever he works with. The sequel to this was even better (see later), but this was a great first half of another crazy dope series from a true GOAT. As you've already seen, Al already has taken up some space on this list. This won't be the last time either.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLjxGsqwe6RKnIiCr9OVsjKB5LUI1nwOpu19IGoXVRFbJ5_VUF8XHf9D8vCOO5UNYpwFBQhIVS4_jwwdu-qw9shmiRdwjXd_aObtZkb3KhQvnvcjlqaNYdcdHW_xd6K0H8odq3eZMvKnzmg6322SoU2VztOzkeZWa1LOwOtEhiG7NweaNaRBrVCV7jEY/s3000/MIKE-Burning-Desire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLjxGsqwe6RKnIiCr9OVsjKB5LUI1nwOpu19IGoXVRFbJ5_VUF8XHf9D8vCOO5UNYpwFBQhIVS4_jwwdu-qw9shmiRdwjXd_aObtZkb3KhQvnvcjlqaNYdcdHW_xd6K0H8odq3eZMvKnzmg6322SoU2VztOzkeZWa1LOwOtEhiG7NweaNaRBrVCV7jEY/s320/MIKE-Burning-Desire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">31, MIKE</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Burning Desire</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Blackpower, Laron</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Earl Sweatshirt, Liv.e, Larry June, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">NY emcee, MIKE, has been an artist many in the underground have heralded, but there are critics that have compared his lax, almost a cross between high and lazy, delivery as another Earl Sweatshirt. That isn't a "criticism" per se, as we clearly know how dope of an artist Earl is. However, being able to find your own voice in this totally over-bloated genre of abstract rap is an occasional challenge. That being said, MIKE is a nice one. His style of delivery may not necessarily be for everybody, but with his new effort,<i> Burning Desire</i>, he attempts to create more waves with his name and talent. Previous outings such as the somber <i>Tears of Joy</i>, <i>Weight of The World</i>, <i>God Bless Your Hustle</i>, and his standout collab with Wiki and Alchemist, <i>Faith Is the Rock</i> (see later) were all demonstrative of MIKE's pen game, but <i>Burning Desire</i> takes things more on an ambitious level. His production game alone has been elevated as, under his DJ Blackpower alias, he experiments with different sounds, samples, and occasional stripped-back production, especially on cuts like "African Freak Sex Fantasy", "Zombie", "Dambe", and the title track. While clearly the standout cut here, stylistically and lyrically, has to be the ever intriguing collab with Earl on "Plz Don't Cut My Wings" as clearly these two need to do a whole project with each other (Navy Blue could fit in good here too), but the "Should Be" interlude could be in talks as most mesmerizing and stunning instrumental of the year with the haunting vocals of Lila Ramani. MIKE's <i>Burning Desire</i> is one more big step into getting him into a bigger consciousness among people above the subterrain, however he does so without compromising who he is as an artist and as a man.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu63nyciE0dgisKBqHjaaydSsaWO_wX26H0vz0OZNKdG0ZHGKFczELZQMqQBgI6QYNkvKj4RvApfbZmtHW-JvuWvHTjkZ_-pPAuOcrIeAOwChZhd0X5WArzgvMvuiz8J5yBqc52VQ9ze4JK0_QHa2ott3LLKObMLIP8Q5TjihE17q-ZEPdcmNOIy_O-g/s1000/maxodebbie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu63nyciE0dgisKBqHjaaydSsaWO_wX26H0vz0OZNKdG0ZHGKFczELZQMqQBgI6QYNkvKj4RvApfbZmtHW-JvuWvHTjkZ_-pPAuOcrIeAOwChZhd0X5WArzgvMvuiz8J5yBqc52VQ9ze4JK0_QHa2ott3LLKObMLIP8Q5TjihE17q-ZEPdcmNOIy_O-g/s320/maxodebbie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">30. Maxo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Debbie's Son</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist, lastnamedavid, Beat Butcha, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Zelooperz</p><p style="text-align: left;">What an acclaimed year for Maxo. The LA native delivered a FANTASTIC effort earlier in 2023 with <i>Even God Has a Sense of Humor</i> (see later). He could've been just fine with that project alone, but he decided to deliver a second album in 2023 with <i>Debbie's Son</i>. Without giving too much away about my review of <i>Even God..</i>., Debbie's Son sounds more convincing in terms of being more self-assured. He not only addresses his issues and frustrations, but he also delivers them with more of a confidence than we tend to hear from him. Over engaging production from the likes of Uncle Al, Beat Butcha, and lastnamedavid, Maxo has never been afraid to be personal and autobiographical such as on tracks like the title track, the lovely sounding "Boomerang", and "#3", and it's moments like these and others that puts Maxo in the conversation of one of abstract hip-hop's most intriguing talents that's finally getting more shine.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrfYCmXEYTyXV6Iwf5BXVgx1sRLkzx_R_BCQEosD2-AmZFhTO_zDVLW3rCyxPfQS-Mc-y5VfZiF1PcbSMj8dOemhLoPnCP1fdhLdIHSCERye2Rvk1KqJeWOgh15qi1jeqqJl0VQXtlMyW8Xf0gcCDM3M8JUQF8DxpxJIYoFdOt4dxT0a2V1OB7G8Epi4/s1000/roundtrip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrfYCmXEYTyXV6Iwf5BXVgx1sRLkzx_R_BCQEosD2-AmZFhTO_zDVLW3rCyxPfQS-Mc-y5VfZiF1PcbSMj8dOemhLoPnCP1fdhLdIHSCERye2Rvk1KqJeWOgh15qi1jeqqJl0VQXtlMyW8Xf0gcCDM3M8JUQF8DxpxJIYoFdOt4dxT0a2V1OB7G8Epi4/s320/roundtrip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">29. Statik Selektah</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Round Trip</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Posdnous, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, Bun B, Joey Bada$$, AZ, Ransom, Stove God Cook$, M.O.P., Cormega, Tha God Fahim, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">With over ten efforts to the game, Boston's own Statik Selektah is one DJ/Producer you can tend to count on. His style of soulful, jazzy boom-bap has resonated on very hot compilations such as <i>Stick 2 the Script</i>, <i>Extended Play</i>, <i>The Balancing Act</i>, <i>Lucky 7</i>, and <i>What Goes Around</i> to tremendous results. He continues his consistency on his latest effort, <i>Round Trip</i>. While performances from the likes of Griselda, Joey Bada$$, Ransom, Fahim, and Stove God Cook$ are all noteworthy, it's the very first cut that grips you the most, as De La Soul's Posdnous eloquently eulogizes his fallen longtime partner in rhyme, Trugoy The Dove aka Dave aka Plug Two over very moody production complete with a fitting piano sample that could fit in with "T.R.O.Y." and "Love Comes & goes" as great dedication cuts in all of hip-hop. This is a tearjerker as it should be. Statik's board work here and his penchant to get the best emcees in the game on one album shines once again with another bumper and one that ranks among his best works.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianD1LkLlPGP4GYmHzuue-hRAhDNbpzBUkLRH8C5V-5uH3uUx0NytGZVyLVrKdkTb-o8SLN1Ts-XNtEXkEofOCQ0B_rdHz4UzR6SYn_yfHhLGaGQEV0IrerO2CGimHrkpkPYBnSAvUg8W2Y8g5M2MJqGliHEyQoGJo82JB5pxHVWgSzAdNRDhTfsmlUVo/s500/abstraktdreaming.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianD1LkLlPGP4GYmHzuue-hRAhDNbpzBUkLRH8C5V-5uH3uUx0NytGZVyLVrKdkTb-o8SLN1Ts-XNtEXkEofOCQ0B_rdHz4UzR6SYn_yfHhLGaGQEV0IrerO2CGimHrkpkPYBnSAvUg8W2Y8g5M2MJqGliHEyQoGJo82JB5pxHVWgSzAdNRDhTfsmlUVo/s320/abstraktdreaming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">28. Kid Abstrakt & Leo Low Pass</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Still Dreaming</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Leo Low Pass</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Awon, Phoniks, Tab-One, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Cali native Kid Abstrakt truly loves the artform of rap and the culture of hip-hop in its fundamental aspects. Past efforts like <i>Higher Vibration</i>,<i> Jazzy Vibes</i>, and <i>Daydreaming</i> were definitely for those that aren't with gimmicky, vulgar, explicit, violent hip-hop. His Hip-Hop was for everyone that just prefers good beats, rhymes, and meant to educate and appreciate life. Abstrakt returns in 2023 with another effort reminding us of this with <i>Still Dreaming</i>. Not changing his formula of what was just mentioned, his subject matter mostly revolves around family, friends, and his love of hip-hop. In today's climate of misogynistic, misandrist, overly sexual, coke rap, it's great to see music like this as a break from all of that in engaging fashion. Don't be confused: this isn't necessarily syrupy, corny, made directly for the Billboard Top 200, but what it definitely is authentic, pure, and honest, which one must respect today. Much like the previously reviewed SkyBlew & Scottie Royal effort, this album is one you can bump with the spouse, parents, and kids all in the house. Abstrakt and producer Leo Low Pass made a very nice and mellow effort with <i>Still Dreaming</i> and one that instill positive honesty without feeling or sounding forced.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz9KGYD3O5hpMvaJYvdvL84DwdDABxjbg31Q9EqlTuBhXpPbc-giBagv9IiPNG7UuStxq6wo82KamtJiFj9q4Evw6lY9NHx4H4QgJlm08_nrBXdYTvWVBldujpAIYj6U2veQ93Gpyzcu4WE9NBPwbPnAf8CTH-ZY6c0cR9XYZ1bHNzZnZEt2zH12d2pc/s1000/maxoevengod.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz9KGYD3O5hpMvaJYvdvL84DwdDABxjbg31Q9EqlTuBhXpPbc-giBagv9IiPNG7UuStxq6wo82KamtJiFj9q4Evw6lY9NHx4H4QgJlm08_nrBXdYTvWVBldujpAIYj6U2veQ93Gpyzcu4WE9NBPwbPnAf8CTH-ZY6c0cR9XYZ1bHNzZnZEt2zH12d2pc/s320/maxoevengod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">27. Maxo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Even God Has a Sense of Humor</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Karreim Riggins, Ahwlee, Madlib, Beat Butcha, Graymatter, lastnamedavid, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Liv.e, Pink Siifu, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we reviewed Maxo's <i>Debbie's Son</i> album, and stated it was more of a self-assured, confident album that not only addressed his issues, but did so fearlessly. With his first effort of the year, <i>Even God Has a Sense of Humor</i>, this album has the Los Angeles emcee addressing his issues with a more vulnerable tone and has an openness about him that, although he tries to occasionally see light through his darkness, it's the fact that his issues tend to be quite heavy for him. Demonstrated on stunning cuts like "onedayatatime", "Free", and "Both Handed", Maxo stands in his internal conflicts and confusion, and he willingly or unwillingly invites the listener into them. Musically, this is among the most sonically experimenting yet beautiful albums you'll encounter this year, very reminiscent of <i>Leather Blvd</i> later in the year (see later). Maxo had a damn good year in terms of two dazzling efforts that show why signing this veteran to Def Jam was the best choice.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o8b-t0XCMH4Ir7gQfwEM1bTXEndFoS9qDFgU8xC3_YI47tDzOx-SQIwtLY_Ga1MRcTCXPf9QQjWKEoVbqal9Z5tEKBtvZD0WYM2tf46NT8UkqIpqxX25iRsHcafAvwnsyuHwFnTig0G3J-QD4bYoPTFPY67WGRMfXZCrIMBUL-IJQB99gpr5k05NW6M/s1000/thegeniustape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o8b-t0XCMH4Ir7gQfwEM1bTXEndFoS9qDFgU8xC3_YI47tDzOx-SQIwtLY_Ga1MRcTCXPf9QQjWKEoVbqal9Z5tEKBtvZD0WYM2tf46NT8UkqIpqxX25iRsHcafAvwnsyuHwFnTig0G3J-QD4bYoPTFPY67WGRMfXZCrIMBUL-IJQB99gpr5k05NW6M/s320/thegeniustape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">26. 7XVETHEGENIUS & DJ Green Lantern</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Genius Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Green Lantern</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, T.F., Rome Streetz, Che Noir</p><p style="text-align: left;">Drumwork's 7XVETHEGENIUS is becoming a force to be reckoned with within this game. The Buffalo native is not a rookie to this, but since getting put on under the umbrella of Conway The Machine, she's developed more exposure of her craft. Previous efforts like <i>Self7XVE</i>, <i>Self7XVE 2</i>, and <i>Thy Will Be Done</i> all showed her dope pen game, but her collab with longtime DJ/Producer, Green Lantern, <i>The Genius Tape</i>, is perhaps the best project that we have heard from this emcee. Not relying on sexual imagery and misandrist views to get her point across, she instead leans into her personal experiences and her own street commentary over excellent Green Lantern production. Cuts like the personal "Mediation", "Brain Food", the Conway-assisted "Brainstorming", and the Collab with another hard-hitting, no frills female emcee, Che Noir, and Griselda all-star Rome Streetz "Neck Protected" all provide enough intrigue and sonic knock to keep you repeating this project often. While we anticipate her next effort in 2024 (including her Death Of Deuce album and his reported collab album with fellow Buffalo emcee, Che Noir) 7XVETHEGENIUS has enough venom to keep you satisfied and focus on her lyrical prowess and sharp pen game.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ44PEDyM5m413PyrCroESL8szKn1-cN-SJvmf5u3ri1PqogtFJ2J01ChBPBI6PeLuuYwN6YLLJEmspLleR4PKdhybXMAuq0F9Uy0yGbaF5TXGKBxgzgvD4WuQPhRwrUbXui8J951cpOWzK04h6Cflou_aPZLKuJQEyqbhAlueg1vNqkK_9jRy2d-FqA/s225/meyhemlauren%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ44PEDyM5m413PyrCroESL8szKn1-cN-SJvmf5u3ri1PqogtFJ2J01ChBPBI6PeLuuYwN6YLLJEmspLleR4PKdhybXMAuq0F9Uy0yGbaF5TXGKBxgzgvD4WuQPhRwrUbXui8J951cpOWzK04h6Cflou_aPZLKuJQEyqbhAlueg1vNqkK_9jRy2d-FqA/s1600/meyhemlauren%20(1).jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">25. Meyhem Lauren</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Champagne For Breakfast</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs, Madlib</p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens vet, Meyhem Lauren, is known for his luxurious fly shit street rap much like Westside Gunn. His delivery resembles the likes of Ghostface and Freeway and his penchant for making coke sales sound inviting is quite a feat. He's also known for his dope collaborative efforts. Lauren's collabs with DJ Muggs (<i>Gems from the Equinox</i>, <i>Frozen Angels</i>), Harry Fraud (<i>Glass</i>, <i>Glass 2.0</i>), Buckwild (<i>Silk Pyramid)</i>, and Daringer (<i>Black Vladmir</i>), are all seen as tremendous bumpers that keeps his music in constant rotation within our streaming services. Enter 2023, and in the early part of the year, Lauren returned months after his aforementioned CRAZY <i>Black Vladmir</i> with <i>Champagne for Breakfast</i>. The album is exclusively handled by previous collaborator Muggs and also this time by production genius, Madlib. These two production giants gave Lauren some of his career best production to spit fire over to pretty much faultless results. Standouts like "Dom vs. Cris", "Sunday Driving", "Fresh Out the Water", and "Big Money" all have him rhyming luxurious, lavish life over some of the most bumping production you'll hear and further makes you somewhat wish you knew, much like the likes of Larry June, what this type of boss life is like.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQkEatr5xrxggMRuRyoIfnKiF0dw_cmBbv4Rtf_5C7MlTG7wYvh6MAO83TyCcGQ3vY16KOxe0vj0YUZKMlORg8QjTh0KFUD4RYMSFjHJqRmUKtt69cId1cVDYKWikolxYZhSjRv8ASxsUFYe7bWXgRaRlSsZfDKSLQcnux4yMS-b4HK2soIHYjvx0TK4/s300/Nas_-_Magic_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQkEatr5xrxggMRuRyoIfnKiF0dw_cmBbv4Rtf_5C7MlTG7wYvh6MAO83TyCcGQ3vY16KOxe0vj0YUZKMlORg8QjTh0KFUD4RYMSFjHJqRmUKtt69cId1cVDYKWikolxYZhSjRv8ASxsUFYe7bWXgRaRlSsZfDKSLQcnux4yMS-b4HK2soIHYjvx0TK4/s1600/Nas_-_Magic_2.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">24. Nas</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Magic 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: 50 Cent</p><p style="text-align: left;">What else is left to say about Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones that hasn't been said already? A legend? Check. One of the greatest over forty runs in history? Check. Owner of arguably the GOAT hip-hop album of all-time in <i>Illmatic</i>? Check. Nas is in many of your favorite's Mount Rushmore of emcees and this four-year run with west coast production phenom, Hit-Boy, is one to be studied and examined closely. From his first <i>King's Disease</i> in 2021 to now, Nas has shown both his peers and the younger generation how it's done and done properly. With <i>Magic 2</i>, he attempts to follow up the dopeness of his first <i>Magic</i> album. He does so, and then some. Keeping it true and legit as he always does, he shows he's still in booth shape with standouts like "Pistols On Your Album Cover", "Motion", and "Bokeem Woodbine". Some critics have stated that his Magic series is the "leftovers" of his <i>King's Disease</i> series, which is completely nuts. His <i>Magic</i> series stands up equally to his <i>KD</i> series, and <i>Magic 2 </i>was the first of his two epic releases of 2023 (with <i>Magic 3</i> being the other-see later). If Nasir Jones isn't in your list of all-time greats by now, there's nothing else to say about your taste.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ5RMiGKgjLOah2_chUy5lfKBEGMEfu8D35IujCLq_M2IelLLuJDO-6O6AhR2zJv91RPY3q7JDFwzkQYfCvCZ7nF5xwTaMCIZhMZL9jQOo2I_MmaWaKWTIfV4r26f26O8AU7y9vs8MyISDUW16TKzQ90u47BsnECYHY-7Dp1xTAGtMIwFV-hP-Q1WvQ0/s700/conway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="700" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQ5RMiGKgjLOah2_chUy5lfKBEGMEfu8D35IujCLq_M2IelLLuJDO-6O6AhR2zJv91RPY3q7JDFwzkQYfCvCZ7nF5xwTaMCIZhMZL9jQOo2I_MmaWaKWTIfV4r26f26O8AU7y9vs8MyISDUW16TKzQ90u47BsnECYHY-7Dp1xTAGtMIwFV-hP-Q1WvQ0/s320/conway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Won't He Do It: Side A</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Graymatter, JR Swiftz, Juicy J, Khrysis, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Fabolous, Goosebytheway, 7XVETHEGENIUS, Sauce Walka, Juicy J, Ransom, Westside Gunn, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Many had scoffed that 2023 wasn't as critically acclaimed of a year as previous years have been for them. While there may be a small bit of truth to that, it's more the exception than the rule. The music they did put out, however, was FAR from wack folks. Perhaps the most overall bumping of any of the Griselda projects was Conway's follow-up to his INCREDIBLE Shady release, <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>, <i>Won't He Do It: Side A</i>. Although this slightly lacks the purposely confessional and somber lane of <i>GDMM</i>, this is still a very cohesive effort that still has Conway bringing raw honesty in his music. Instead of moody, dark production like what we heard on <i>GDMM</i>, this is still very street, but occasional radio touchups are present here as well such as the powerful J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League-produced "Kanye" "The Chosen", and the southern bounce of "Super Bowl". Other cuts like "Kill Judas", "the Gunn-assisted "Brucifix", and the ominous collab with Ransom "Stab Out" are customary Conway with threatening rhymes over very gritty production. Having one of his most prolific runs currently with numerous features and efforts in 2023, Conway is nowhere close to tired. With a<i> Side B</i> coming in 2024 along with reported other efforts such as the follow up to <i>Lulu</i> with Alchemist, the return to his <i>Everybody Is F.O.O.D</i>. series, his inclusion on <i>WWCD2</i>, and the much anticipated, long-awaited<i> Reject 3</i>, Conway is about to embark on a 2024 takeover, much like he damn near took over 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6aKVwsZsIsPRQmj8hh1ZbfOzyyoPpHSMcylc3F8jBo1tmnLmsmLXTnCieL3sQ6MGahwU9fuxvPqyexbqrEk2iMMxcOLRlzWejnj1WQjHewNyjnkRPfbuVG5IRUxmfJARwmyYSwxqnSxJCL0J3iCbQ48J-neLSzyWlBBcfv0QpCcHxmZ5IUTOz1syfaE/s1200/goodseeds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6aKVwsZsIsPRQmj8hh1ZbfOzyyoPpHSMcylc3F8jBo1tmnLmsmLXTnCieL3sQ6MGahwU9fuxvPqyexbqrEk2iMMxcOLRlzWejnj1WQjHewNyjnkRPfbuVG5IRUxmfJARwmyYSwxqnSxJCL0J3iCbQ48J-neLSzyWlBBcfv0QpCcHxmZ5IUTOz1syfaE/s320/goodseeds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">22. Klassy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Good Seeds</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Fatgums</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Rocky Rivera, Mystic, Marco Kane, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite the fact that a large majority of rappers that are women lean towards the overly sexual, male-bashing misandry that dominate the radio airwaves and produce tons of revenue and sold-out arenas, there are those rappers that just like to spit, no gimmicks, bring their personal thoughts onto wax and just deliver good music that go with little to no notoriety. One such emcee is Cali native, Klassy. With the vocal stylings sounding like a cross between Jhene Aiko and Noname, Klassy presents her 2023 offering, <i>Good Seeds</i>. This album serves as her own diary of issues she faces such as the challenges of being a single mother, misogyny in the business, and losing in love, while also appreciating the art form that hip-hop is within her life. Rhyming since her high school years, Klassy has a presence about her that has the optics of a woman that is about what her implies states and implies. The production on this album is mellow for the most part and full of tremendous soul samplings and live instrumentation, as cuts like "Personal", "Love Letter", and "Like This" so demonstrate. Much like epic efforts like <i>Leila's Wisdom</i>, <i>This Week</i>, and <i>As God Intended</i>, <i>Good Seeds</i> is a must-listen that can appeal not only to women but also to men that truly appreciate women emcees that go beyond and deeper than advertising their sexual traits and more on their lyrical talents. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn83oD6_sqNlCTu7rLiv-5QXQZB9JXWPqbdTAYcB7mhKrTTBL6ecyz7WitkwLDbp-HnfGAYyBtNBOg_5RfQeuS3KbFBJ0oW-_5-8LHEfhCpqDdGRmdEx3HyJhnveG4Pc7VKIX6s-E2lEWOJVrrrJrVq6hPF6WxjZerOl-F6sMvUaekFETxDqV6F4U29w/s1000/Westside-Gunn-Hall-And-Nash-2-1704207030.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn83oD6_sqNlCTu7rLiv-5QXQZB9JXWPqbdTAYcB7mhKrTTBL6ecyz7WitkwLDbp-HnfGAYyBtNBOg_5RfQeuS3KbFBJ0oW-_5-8LHEfhCpqDdGRmdEx3HyJhnveG4Pc7VKIX6s-E2lEWOJVrrrJrVq6hPF6WxjZerOl-F6sMvUaekFETxDqV6F4U29w/s320/Westside-Gunn-Hall-And-Nash-2-1704207030.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">21. Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, & The Alchemist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hall & Nash 2: The OG Version</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Couple of years ago, there was a rumored sequel to the Griselda favorite, <i>Hall & Nash</i>, the dumb dope EP by Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine from 2016. Hailed as a classic within the Griselda camp, there were certainly talks of a sequel happening but the certainty of when was unknown. From there, the almighty Uncle Al himself alluded to the fact that he had, in fact, finished up a <i>Hall & Nash</i> sequel around 2020-2021 time. It never saw the light of day...until now. This blistering <i>Hall & Nash 2</i> has Conway at his hungriest and Gunn as sharp as we have heard him in a couple of years himself. Tons of cocaine talk, threatening bars, and vengeful attitudes are all over the monster of an effort, with Alchemist providing production that range from menacing to haunting. Old leaked favorites such as the Schoolboy Q-assisted "Fork In The Pot", "Rey Mysterio", and the insanely grimy and bumping ";94 Ghost Shit" are represented well on this project. Unreleased cuts, however, such as the title track "Budz", and the ominous "Michaelangelo" give this album more momentum of it being arguably the year's best effort from the Griselda camp. As bananas as this effort is, Al further stated that they were working on "the real" version of <i>Hall & Nash 2</i> with frequent in-house producer, Daringer, in what is sure to be among the craziest releases to be put out in 2024. Until then, this effort alone is worth the highly anticipated wait, as not a single minute of the nine-track effort is wasted. Many say the glory days of Griselda are becoming behind them, but releases like this show people that notion is far from the case.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2ZyDlWXopajbyzywn3F4YQKM5zzLh7pk9nJvo4bWA5FdpPZl6J2sK4WEuxM8633gjC-SUaJ40pQ4KtqZKxzS0m7QMD591X32hVly1lkCkr1qpHb-IG2MPywTU3dab0WRZP8LEn8bLrEBLpClxMUzZO_z6qDatOAtypa14wygs8nQHJM0btBoMSoN6c8/s3000/Faith-Is-a-Rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2ZyDlWXopajbyzywn3F4YQKM5zzLh7pk9nJvo4bWA5FdpPZl6J2sK4WEuxM8633gjC-SUaJ40pQ4KtqZKxzS0m7QMD591X32hVly1lkCkr1qpHb-IG2MPywTU3dab0WRZP8LEn8bLrEBLpClxMUzZO_z6qDatOAtypa14wygs8nQHJM0btBoMSoN6c8/s320/Faith-Is-a-Rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. Wiki, MIKE, & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Faith Is The Rock</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">In another of Alchemist's highly acclaimed efforts, he worked with MIKE and former Ratking emcee, Wiki, for <i>Faith Is a Rock.</i> This under ten track EP is top to bottom a scorcher and both MIKE (whom as we've already stated had quite a year with his <i>Burning Desire </i>album) and Wiki sound very comfortable over Uncle Al's stunning production. Wiki and MIKE are no strangers to collaborating with each other, but for a project to this magnitude is telling, as cuts like "Cop's A Mayor" and "Thug Anthem" show their ability to hold more than one cut together and sound like they've been rhyming together for a pretty good while. One might not conceive MIKE's seemingly high and almost lazy-sounding delivery, and Wiki's nasal vocal texture and a delivery that somewhat resembles Evidence, to work, but they actually complement each other very well. If there's a full-length coming between these three, and <i>Faith Is The Rock</i> was a teaser, as fantastic as this EP was, imagine a whole full-length! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvN9hUKcP4SaA_ml0_zwkfg_K7X2pN6Mu1d1CDwinEDXSbZZWwoGnX4ZMw8KPv6IAqAKvYpPlpLcuBpwCiY7Zl8CuMEVUh7KCYJY-q5hPQptHt0qBMk5baX9AwJsF-qNcRMpTsLO-dPUGn8i3-76hyF94wuynTJQddKM7jSik2XIGfQBaVD8L9ylv0r8/s1200/2sides2toeverystory.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvN9hUKcP4SaA_ml0_zwkfg_K7X2pN6Mu1d1CDwinEDXSbZZWwoGnX4ZMw8KPv6IAqAKvYpPlpLcuBpwCiY7Zl8CuMEVUh7KCYJY-q5hPQptHt0qBMk5baX9AwJsF-qNcRMpTsLO-dPUGn8i3-76hyF94wuynTJQddKM7jSik2XIGfQBaVD8L9ylv0r8/s320/2sides2toeverystory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. Teflon</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>2 Sides To Every Story</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Premier, Jazimoto</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: M.O.P., Benny The Butcher, I-Fresh</p><p style="text-align: left;">After being away for over two full decades, Brownsville's Teflon reemerges with his LONG-awaited follow-up to his debut album of 1997, <i>My Will</i>, <i>2 Sides To Every Story</i>. While we've been holding our breath for his DJ premier-handled, <i>Showtime</i>, under Preemo's Year-Round Records in the mid-thousands, we at least get a new project from Tef that has half the album handled by Preemo and the other half done by relatively unknown, yet no less dope, producer Jazimoto, and the results are hard-hitting. M.O.P.'s associate emcee shines with the same hunger we heard from heard over twenty-five years ago. Same ferocious delivery, same street narratives that present him as someone you still don't want to cross. Bangers like "Out the Gate", "Know Our Way Around", the Benny The Butcher assisted "Hostile Takeover", and "Life In the Feds" are all examples of the high-powered nature of this release. This is for those that prefer their hip-hop filled with NYC fight music and with<i> 2 Sides To Every Story</i>, Teflon, along with M.O.P., Preemo, and Jazimoto, deliver in ways that would make the softest of individuals feel like they could start clapping in broad daylight.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kmIVc2oSUI1Dw0SBXtiV2gkRaazHdJ2cICaa8-Se7DBSFKzb9okOvy33Nd1kvAnpIcJ3xFIFRFGd9oDNlt06LpFJmmX572mlkqzETHsgmvtIkBtLG9JVFeg1w1BChyphenhyphenDxFYMdRwNS3VDyrAPYGOT-fkGSxE0MjFCcaKSM6PuSS6xVmOVBARuPTeQIi5E/s1200/romebigghostltd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kmIVc2oSUI1Dw0SBXtiV2gkRaazHdJ2cICaa8-Se7DBSFKzb9okOvy33Nd1kvAnpIcJ3xFIFRFGd9oDNlt06LpFJmmX572mlkqzETHsgmvtIkBtLG9JVFeg1w1BChyphenhyphenDxFYMdRwNS3VDyrAPYGOT-fkGSxE0MjFCcaKSM6PuSS6xVmOVBARuPTeQIi5E/s320/romebigghostltd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. Rome Streetz & Big Ghost LTD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Wasn't Built in A Day</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Big Ghost LTD</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Method Man, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Griselda's Rome Streetz presented one of the game's most dynamite albums in 2022 with his Griselda debut, <i>Kiss The Ring</i>. Flawless from head to toe, this album ranks among the top tier Griselda efforts ever and brought Streetz to a bigger audience. Never abandoning his roots, the Brookyln native remains true to his underground and continuing to give heads that music that got him signed to Griselda in the first place. One such effort this year was his collaborative effort with crazy underground notable, Big Ghost LTD, for <i>Wasn't Built in A Day</i>. BGL's knack for dark, atmospheric, ominous production blended well with Rome's vivid, street-laced rhymes to have this effort be among both guys' best works. Standouts includes the Mobb Deep-jacked "Gem Drop", "P'z & Q's", and "Antidote", but you can take your pick of what the true highlight of this effort is. This is a wall-to-wall smash and is guaranteed to keep Rome's name on your mouth as one of the hottest emcees currently going. Keep in mind, he wasn't done yet for the year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSkkhGOxkSdJexjuCyVb33LfyRI2o4btwiBKaFue8lXHZVM9I_S3iYiCckAmmk6ocjUH-nNm7gLGuktMIgVVq8t4xTdeiSk2xz2GQPz_oedITk61VU1OZDd_sbIrEP-XxEYVJ5QSBbv-6bM309JjieeYwuhtTE5C3rTi9266sPfXWm10TqgjkSAN1RrA/s768/noname-sundial-768x768.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSkkhGOxkSdJexjuCyVb33LfyRI2o4btwiBKaFue8lXHZVM9I_S3iYiCckAmmk6ocjUH-nNm7gLGuktMIgVVq8t4xTdeiSk2xz2GQPz_oedITk61VU1OZDd_sbIrEP-XxEYVJ5QSBbv-6bM309JjieeYwuhtTE5C3rTi9266sPfXWm10TqgjkSAN1RrA/s320/noname-sundial-768x768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. Noname</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Sundial</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Saba, Gaetan Judd, Slimwav, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Common, Jay Electronica, Eryn Allen Kane, Ayoni, billy woods, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">When one mentions great Chi-Town emcees, immediate names that come to mind are Common, Twista, and (maybe) Kanye. Another name that should be there in that list is emcee/poet Noname. Her spoken word, conversational delivery mixed with her generally soft vocal tone is definitely a standout trait for her. Her mixtape <i>Telefone</i> received a ton a critical acclaim and rightfully so. This incredible project was filled with autobiographical accounts of love, hurt, and vulnerability. This set the stage of her debut, <i>Room 25</i>, which stands among the best albums throughout the entire 2010s. Basically, picking up where <i>Telefone</i> left off, the album was even more personal and vulnerable. Some five years after this project she reemerges with her long-awaited return, <i>Sundial</i>. A lot has happened between <i>Room 25</i> and <i>Sundial,</i> including a pandemic, failed relationships, issues with the likes of J. Cole, and more. This album has her a little less soft spoken and unassuming and more upfront, confrontational, and passionate. No, she's not necessarily screaming or on some rah rah, but on cuts like "Potentially The Interlude", the controversial "Balloons" featuring a spirited yet subjectively inflammatory verse from Jay Electronica, and the soulful, choir laced "Gospel" with billy woods and Silkmoney are showing her presence more lyrically and not as minimalist. Cuts like "Toxic" and "Afro Futuristic" delve into the transparency of her being a Black woman and angering, heartbreaking betrayals. While her views concerning race relations can appear to be controversial and noteworthy, <i>Sundial</i> is still another fantastic showing of her fearlessness to confront her issues and let them be open to the world's interpretation. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl67MNSeT7vJcg5gjF5mGGExrq0jPMaxIMFigytREAWRMxTw8-6maC954IY8xRECqQ3ogd5auXoo5jpFAjcS9L9OHNaJPU5DV3ztlXkYMq2cj18vDDmkjiNeO41PnKFrIeXyv5AA7Ty9XLrw6kADJS4qsede5jAAaLhd5_xf0q1ObI6KdE60QH-6PiyIg/s1000/sardines4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl67MNSeT7vJcg5gjF5mGGExrq0jPMaxIMFigytREAWRMxTw8-6maC954IY8xRECqQ3ogd5auXoo5jpFAjcS9L9OHNaJPU5DV3ztlXkYMq2cj18vDDmkjiNeO41PnKFrIeXyv5AA7Ty9XLrw6kADJS4qsede5jAAaLhd5_xf0q1ObI6KdE60QH-6PiyIg/s320/sardines4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. Apollo Brown & Planet Asia</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Sardines</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Apollo Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ty Farris, Marv One, Sick Jacken, TriState</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's very safe to say Detroit's Apollo Brown is one of the game's most exceptional producers within this generation. Compared to the likes of a Detroit version of 9th Wonder (the Grammy Award winning 9th Wonder mind you), Apollo has quite the discography in his own right, putting out yearly material that easily are in best year-end album conversations. His work with the likes of Skyzoo (<i>The Easy Truth</i>), Guilty Simpson (<i>Dice Roll</i>), Joell Ortiz (<i>Mona Lisa</i>), Locksmith (<i>No Question</i>), O.C. (<i>Trophies</i>), Ras Kass (<i>Blasphemy</i>), and Philmore Greene (<i>Cost of Living</i>) are just bananas and show his penchant for soul samples and slick to dusty drum kicks work profoundly. Not to mention his compilations of <i>Grandeur</i> and <i>Sincerely, Detroit</i> especially highlighted his production with various dumb dope emcees flowing over them. Another emcee he's worked with in the past was Cali underground legend, Planet Asia. Their previous effort, 2017's <i>Anchovies</i>, provided enough bump to keep heads plenty satisfied for that year and was definitely among the best projects that year. They reunited this year for their second album together, <i>Sardines</i>. As much of a heat seeker as<i> Anchovies</i> was, <i>Sardines</i> is even hotter. Asia continues to verbally shine on that mic and how mean that pen game is. Apollo, on the other hand, provided even better soundscapes for Asia to rhyme over. While many may scoff over the occasional drumless production Apollo sends him, it doesn't negate the SICK nature of the music within it. Highlights include the insane "Peas & Onions" (Apollo used the same sample Harry Fraud used for Dave East's "Diamonds" to CRAZY results), the Raekwon-sampled "Get the Dough Off", the Ty Farris-assisted "88 S-Curl", and "Jungle Juice" and trust me, the rest of the album is right in tune with these cuts. Quite easily, <i>Sardines</i> is in the top echelon of both men's careers and hopefully we get more from this duo.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54VxeBQmrSd0Jq28VuQTzRAQZmb4Nlefcf5Ual6qInw8GN3_ZabeoDC6ZVGSn1yS9exBTWEDLQoO5DPirW465gZt4s2S13nWo1v0l9J4eWdhov8DKxVD8YWDSucMo0Sx3bMjba4BXFhn1go-4Iy4tukvvmmn1s2fEZnuFHMe3WjKMKub4pj8PyV0VUu8/s1000/hipnott-records-skyzoo-the-other-guys-the-mind-of-a-saint-lp-cd-lp-photo-photo-photo-32595967049911_1024x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54VxeBQmrSd0Jq28VuQTzRAQZmb4Nlefcf5Ual6qInw8GN3_ZabeoDC6ZVGSn1yS9exBTWEDLQoO5DPirW465gZt4s2S13nWo1v0l9J4eWdhov8DKxVD8YWDSucMo0Sx3bMjba4BXFhn1go-4Iy4tukvvmmn1s2fEZnuFHMe3WjKMKub4pj8PyV0VUu8/s320/hipnott-records-skyzoo-the-other-guys-the-mind-of-a-saint-lp-cd-lp-photo-photo-photo-32595967049911_1024x1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. Skyzoo & The Other Guys</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Mind of A Saint</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Other Guys</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">Those familiar with the acclaimed FX show, <i>Snowfall</i>, know about one of the central characters of the show, Franklin Saint. Played by Damson Idris, Saint is a young man that turned from convenient store clerk to a big deal, successful coke dealer that realizes with more money and more status come more problems. Obviously, a big fan of the show, Brooklyn's own, Skyzoo, imagines himself as Saint and, along with production duo The Other Guys, bring us <i>The Mind of a Saint</i>. With previous other exceptional efforts such as his Pete Rock-handled <i>Retropolitan</i>, the Apollo Brown-blessed <i>The Easy Truth</i>, <i>The Salvation</i>, <i>Music for My Friends</i>, <i>In Celebration of Us</i>, and 2021's <i>All the Brilliant Things</i>, this one may be conceptually the most special and intriguing. This album has Sky portraying Saint and how Saint would be if he was an up-and-coming emcee, while still trying to leave the street life alone. It's quite the interesting mental visual as Sky very eloquently spits personifying Saint and actually makes you believe Sky has transformed into him. Cuts like the bumping "Straight Drop", "Panthers & powder", and the slick "Balancing Act" all demonstrate how Sky envisions Saint struggling between the streets and the booth, a common thing among most hip-hop artists of today. It's the final two cuts that fully encapsulates the aura of the album in terms of a morality point of view, with the AMAZING sounding "Apologies in Order" and "Purity", both shows humanity and slight bits of vulnerability (the fact that Sky blends Franklin into today's world meeting the father of the late, great Nipsey Hussle). Sky and The OGs really deliver with<i> The Mind of a Saint</i>, and it's Sky's ability to not only provide insight to those unfamiliar with Saint, but to provide a different look at Saint to those that are familiar, and it's elements like that which make Skyzoo such an undefeated emcee.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Adkf7y-tsUgmRjKNhN2kHNdimKKCEgEI-ekTM-m_ZvgAEihY34XuvQsDjrZI-Hq6OZv1qQCrNbtBjd6WqkzgU1ON1-KeBukAywfYlA38vWiUfX2I3RA-DNFdbiso_bNNsjKstWcEm3ByEm5gv3QG05nwF1iZsZA4M7APQ5x2odB8LwYj1N1Rap449RQ/s500/blackmilkgood-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Adkf7y-tsUgmRjKNhN2kHNdimKKCEgEI-ekTM-m_ZvgAEihY34XuvQsDjrZI-Hq6OZv1qQCrNbtBjd6WqkzgU1ON1-KeBukAywfYlA38vWiUfX2I3RA-DNFdbiso_bNNsjKstWcEm3ByEm5gv3QG05nwF1iZsZA4M7APQ5x2odB8LwYj1N1Rap449RQ/s320/blackmilkgood-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Black Milk</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Everybody Good?</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Raphael Saadiq, Karriem Riggins</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Phonte, Raphael Saadiq, Mike Jenkins, Quelle Chris, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Celebrated Detroit producer/musician/emcee Black Milk was looked at as the next version of the late, great Detroit legend J Dilla, and for the most part, he has stepped up in his own way. His discography is pretty consistent and solid with excellent efforts such as <i>Popular Demand</i>, <i>Tronic</i>, <i>Album of The Year</i>,<i> If There Was a Hell Below</i>, and <i>No Poison, No Paradise</i>. His last effort, <i>DIVE</i>, was a dope, yet fairly modest, album that reminded us why Milk is such a fixture of acclaimed Detroit hip-hop. He returned this year with <i>Everybody Good?</i> and this is arguably his most experimental album, with awesome results. Incorporating more with live instrumentation rather than a lot of samples, a lot of the sounds mix elements of soul, funk and jazz all over the album. Where his last full-length album, <i>FEVER</i>, was a mixture of funk, soul, rock, and sketches of EDM, <i>Everybody Good?</i> is a little more within his personal taste, but boy did he come through in a big way. With cuts like "Ain't Nobody Coming Down to Save You", the title track, and "Feelings Don't Feel", Milk sounds confident lyrically but clearly his production is the news here, as bring his elements of minimal to moderate bass, sharp drum kicks, and slick keys are prevalent here. While never being necessarily the one to render on topics like the usual sexual exploits, street narratives, coke sales, and excessive riches, he goes personal and honest on certain tracks, but it's the Phonte-assisted "No Wish" that made heads talk when it came to Phonte's brutally honest and vivid account of his molestation as a child that made this cut among the true standouts of the year, and along with Raphael Saadiq's musicianship on display here as well, this cut is highly memorable. With<i> Everybody Good?</i> Black Milk created a career benchmark that may be the new goal post for himself. Dilla continues to be proud and impressed with Mr. Curtis Cross.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdMv5K-nZxGzo5egiHSeuRRzH9KI394vJLEzl6GHwcflE_Vg8TZoid-lkNZdkQCtDJhMNKwDmgKtZroLi48eKkQU4J1SI5gTLT2TqRtWBsQkVN-BbopHIJ_glm-7MCWBbvPE0doUnnHzm5fEA5O0o4iucjh7OlohZyALgYgeOEIxLPnAWB4Dla90KHF8/s981/attachment-elzhi-oh-no-heavy-vibrato-vol-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdMv5K-nZxGzo5egiHSeuRRzH9KI394vJLEzl6GHwcflE_Vg8TZoid-lkNZdkQCtDJhMNKwDmgKtZroLi48eKkQU4J1SI5gTLT2TqRtWBsQkVN-BbopHIJ_glm-7MCWBbvPE0doUnnHzm5fEA5O0o4iucjh7OlohZyALgYgeOEIxLPnAWB4Dla90KHF8/s320/attachment-elzhi-oh-no-heavy-vibrato-vol-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Elzhi & Oh No</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Heavy Vibrato</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Oh No</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Guilty Simpson, Blu, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We just spoke about fellow Detroit native Black Milk and his fantastic latest offering, not to mention how tremendous his discography. Add Elzhi to that list as well. Regarded as one of hip-hop's truly potent, yet strangely underrated, emcees, the former Slum Village member has quite the impressive discography of his own (perhaps his greatest moment being <i>The Preface</i>, which was exclusively handled but the aforementioned Black Milk), and 2023's offering <i>Heavy Vibrato</i> is no exception. Handled by Cali's own Oh No (half of Gangrene with Alchemist and the younger brother of evil genius Madlib), Elzhi goes nuts over some of the best production we've ever been delighted to hear from Oh No. Mostly consisting of boom-bap jazz, Oh No shows his style much like his Grammy Winning brother, while still differentiating his style from Madlib's in several areas. Elzhi sounds more invigorated and hungrier than his last effort, the enjoyable yet slightly underwhelming<i> Zhigiest</i>, and it's super apparent on cuts like "Say It, Don't Spray It", "Last Nerve", and "Trick Dice" that all exhibit Elzhi as a lethal mic presence throughout. One of the most tremendous technical emcees of his generation, Elzhi delivers on all cylinders with <i>Heavy Vibrato</i>, and with Oh No's penchant for brass cymbals, cleverly used samples, and meticulous bass make this album such a highlight for both men's careers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe3YpdbYFKKd945y3zeEDghrHFS3RWFnx_44kbfG_pUbceIvdEXpvNCweBdkG1Ri9-J1A6bwkvQnzxhYsam-CbHv8QE3e0pJmgKZtwlGzYxVhKARjoKDco84IqV-RGOtljcVZ9fcUF3gvpB1ldK26RWNTjKxcWZ6nu2PRUSIqu2YTthRZdDjh4mj58sY/s640/coti3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe3YpdbYFKKd945y3zeEDghrHFS3RWFnx_44kbfG_pUbceIvdEXpvNCweBdkG1Ri9-J1A6bwkvQnzxhYsam-CbHv8QE3e0pJmgKZtwlGzYxVhKARjoKDco84IqV-RGOtljcVZ9fcUF3gvpB1ldK26RWNTjKxcWZ6nu2PRUSIqu2YTthRZdDjh4mj58sY/s320/coti3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Course of The Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, V-DON, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Method Man, Dave East, 38 Spesh, Tony Yayo, Vado, Cormega</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we reviewed Banks' mixtape, <i>Halloween Havoc IV</i> as it presented a return to corner store Banks with his street narratives and classic bravado. However, earlier in the year, he wrapped up his <i>COTI</i> series with <i>COTI3: Pieces Of My Pain</i>. Without question, this album is the most personal album throughout his excellent discography. Examining his own mortality, struggles with mental illness, vulnerability concerning the loss of his mother, and other very transparent, poignant subject matter, Banks pulls the curtain back and lets us in like never before on certain cuts like "Opened Gates", "Voices", and "Invisible". While these cuts are indeed great enough to make you applaud him for letting down his tough guy persona long enough to show us more of his human side, it's "Daddy's Little Girl" that may be among the most touching cuts he's ever done, as he dedicates this cut to his daughter, who's also on the cover of his album. Putting down "The Boy Wonder" in place of being daddy, this cut is such a light on an otherwise pretty dark album. Some have stated they feel this is his worst of the series. That's fine, but truthfully, this may be the best simply because of how transparent Lloyd Banks is, much less over consistently searing production from up-and-coming producers such as Cartune Beatz and Haas Almahdi. While <i>Halloween Havoc IV</i> was the Banks we all know and love, <i>COTI3</i> showed us more of Chris Lloyd, and that's possibly even more impressive.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOsqYilyEvKUZ-wqQ5Q93_30mbtr1H5NvDTwT0zN62kviZDXkV1fmBcBlylCCAuGtyTDcFZ5TLGaV-r3XzxRdJAWrzPcGsNGWxIdJPpOEK55OjLcDq9_QWuOoyVs0ban6nUsuWO8NcPf68dUFhIHbfvUjR8puR6ZrI8dTGjiPe3G6dZp6aoSBNNpq-B4/s1200/noisekandy5-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOsqYilyEvKUZ-wqQ5Q93_30mbtr1H5NvDTwT0zN62kviZDXkV1fmBcBlylCCAuGtyTDcFZ5TLGaV-r3XzxRdJAWrzPcGsNGWxIdJPpOEK55OjLcDq9_QWuOoyVs0ban6nUsuWO8NcPf68dUFhIHbfvUjR8puR6ZrI8dTGjiPe3G6dZp6aoSBNNpq-B4/s320/noisekandy5-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. Rome Streetz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Noise Kandy 5 </i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Wavy Dah Gahd, Evidence, Conductor Williams, Sovren, Denny LeFlare, Sadhygold, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Boldy James, Curren$y, Joey Bada$$, Rigz</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier in this list, we reviewed Rone Streetz' collab with Big Ghost LTD, <i>Wasn't Built in A Day</i>, as one of the year's hardest offerings. He brings things to another level when he revisits his heralded <i>Noise Kandy</i> mixtape series. Supposedly, <i>Noise Kandy 5</i> is the last of the series, but this is quite arguably the best of them all. With his newfound stardom under the Griselda umbrella, the influence is more than apparent all over the album, as this may be the best, and most grimy, sounding album of the series. Cuts like "Hell Backwards", "Clutchin'", "Go Raw", and "Pocket Full of Beans" are filled with such menacing beats as Rome glides over them all with such precision with his usual brand of street narratives, coke-laced rhymes, and violence, yet doing so in such great lyrical fashion. Much like <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, his storytelling chops are impressive and his sadistic taste for revenge and tough guy talk just like on <i>Wasn't Built in A Day</i> are both represented well here. With production from the likes of Griselda in-house beatsmiths Conductor Williams and Denny LeFlare, Evidence, Sadhugold, and frequent collaborator, Wavy Da Gahd all providing enough chills and brooding appeal for this that revel in that type of sound, <i>Noise Kandy 5</i> will be your cup of tea with a vicious lyrical emcee like Rome making it worth your while to keep up with him.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3cRdId_p5yLC4SsQ9R9RyoZWvH_hlRToNNgidmNv8SyJftB7M4bsQDep3UHLcibQuSxyQqBChEgmqMuFWgml9_O0Hz1VdfCMKx6juEmLJu0XTxtT5cQ6Pa9L5pkDKEev4ZupZfdRzmy6gNFJUFzvw0UFyHTEntP9xb0_MQZN62xt1qmEI1P6zV-njoo/s2000/quaranta2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3cRdId_p5yLC4SsQ9R9RyoZWvH_hlRToNNgidmNv8SyJftB7M4bsQDep3UHLcibQuSxyQqBChEgmqMuFWgml9_O0Hz1VdfCMKx6juEmLJu0XTxtT5cQ6Pa9L5pkDKEev4ZupZfdRzmy6gNFJUFzvw0UFyHTEntP9xb0_MQZN62xt1qmEI1P6zV-njoo/s320/quaranta2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Danny Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Quaranta</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Paul White, The Alchemist, Quelle Chris, Chris Keyz, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">What an acclaimed year for Detroit's Danny Brown. He and JPEGMAGIA delivered an eccentric classic in <i>SCARING THE HOES </i>(see later) earlier in the year, but it's also his album<i> Quaranta</i> that brings things next level for Brown. Regarded as the sequel, if not prequel, to his critically acclaimed mixtape, <i>XXX</i>, Brown goes very much beneath the surface with this effort. Not nearly as rowdy as<i> XXX</i> and <i>Old</i>, and not nearly as dark and containing as much visceral druggy humor as his brilliant <i>Atrocity Exhibition</i>, <i>Quaranta</i> opens up his newly sober heart in painful and vulnerable fashion like we've never seen from him. We truly get the man behind the emcee on poignant cuts like "Down With It", "Hanami", "Shakedown", and "Ain't My Concern", but also make time to address social issues in his own unique fashion on cuts like "Jenn's Terrific Vacation", and "Dark Sword Angel". Musically, it's more somber, moody, and overall, more emotive than any previous project, plus his vocal delivery for nearly all of the album is way more subdued compared to his otherwise hyped up, zany delivery. However, the lead single "Tanta" and the somewhat fun "Y.B.P." featuring the ever unique, Suga Free-spitting Bruiser Wolf that lighten the load slightly. It concludes, ironically, with the slow-paced "Bass Jam", which shows how in the midst of his chaos, turmoil, and mental issue struggles, he uses music from his childhood home to seek solace in while also having music unifying his family. Danny Brown has an entire therapy session on <i>Quaranta</i>, but it's very welcomed and refreshing. Brutally honest at times and intensely personal, Brown is to be applauded for his transparency and fearless nature to open his heart up to give us more insight to his regretful past but also his lessons for his future.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh8uX7j7Hs2VQu1tLqpC-0ad7dEc71A5LSDPhWPUpc6lTq1n7R7Qtpo4xgV3Bh_YwmiSbiCNmFxuQdEgSQ8Nu8jDnpvcRq2kHD1mHFz_haV8ENyNj8BEr7djEwGAWCBL9C3IzX_0zG4rFdP1gao5l5u0c1IsALID6wm_o8ANzeCT-JOUSAf1y6dMwI9E/s300/Glorious_Game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh8uX7j7Hs2VQu1tLqpC-0ad7dEc71A5LSDPhWPUpc6lTq1n7R7Qtpo4xgV3Bh_YwmiSbiCNmFxuQdEgSQ8Nu8jDnpvcRq2kHD1mHFz_haV8ENyNj8BEr7djEwGAWCBL9C3IzX_0zG4rFdP1gao5l5u0c1IsALID6wm_o8ANzeCT-JOUSAf1y6dMwI9E/s1600/Glorious_Game.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Black Thought & El Michels Affair</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Glorious Game</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: El Michels Affair</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: KIRBY, Son Little</p><p style="text-align: left;">While we all knew the brilliance of Black Thought as an artist, lyricist, and overall mic decapitator, it was the now legendary freestyle session with Funk Flex in 2019 that made the world get reminded of why we should now and forever put some respect on his name. The lead emcee of The Roots is among the most verbally gifted emcees to ever touch a mic, and past collab albums such as his <i>Streams Of Thought</i> series with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and Sean C & LV, as well as his phenomenal collab with Danger Mouse in 2022, <i>Cheat Codes</i>, all demonstrated he could excel beyond Quest-Love and the crew. Enter 2023, and this time he gets assisted by musician and arranger Leon Michels and his cinematic soul band, El Michels Affair for <i>Glorious Game</i>. Viewed somewhat as a more personal and unsettling hip-hop musical, Thought delves into this project full force with this being arguably his most personal and deeply rooted effort to date. Diving into his youthful days growing up in Philly, this album is full of gems that are meant to both, confess and teach. Cuts such as "Alone", "I Would Never", and especially the heavy "The Weather" are examples of how much Tariq cares about presenting himself as an elder statesman to spit "game" to today's culture. Along with the stunning production of the El Michels Affair, <i>Glorious Game</i> is a triumphant musical endeavor of Black Thought and the El Michels Affair that puts us in the shoes of one of hip-hop's lyrical giants in such a personal way that it feels so real.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9CnsszYiOasX12IAfeec7Cb5HcBtl7-hyPseW7SuLaHMfsyfbkiv9yiNJk_muwXrdcwg6BUgw5t8hWVblhZ-BaKgmPAQKnUWU9_28fQiGxfAwUlngVU6e9UjWZqhRSDoQCpSF6p_b4wabPgwZ1RfEnczPHUmO8RJFj9iTgtu3zwyYsZ_t-GCHAf1tk8/s316/Billy_Woods_Kenny_Segal_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9CnsszYiOasX12IAfeec7Cb5HcBtl7-hyPseW7SuLaHMfsyfbkiv9yiNJk_muwXrdcwg6BUgw5t8hWVblhZ-BaKgmPAQKnUWU9_28fQiGxfAwUlngVU6e9UjWZqhRSDoQCpSF6p_b4wabPgwZ1RfEnczPHUmO8RJFj9iTgtu3zwyYsZ_t-GCHAf1tk8/s1600/Billy_Woods_Kenny_Segal_Maps.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. billy woods & Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Maps</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Aesop Rock, Quelle Chris, Benjamin Booker, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">As much as we give sincere props to the likes of Nas, Skyzoo, and a very select few others for phenomenal runs through the past several years or even through the past decade or so, you simply can't exclude NY's billy woods from the conversation. One of the most prolific and fascinating wordsmiths in all of hip-hop, the Armand Hammer member is establishing a legacy of almost unimaginable proportions in terms of constant excellent material and some of the most compelling lyrics ever written among this era. Stellar efforts such as <i>Today I Wrote Nothing</i>, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, his Armand Hammer efforts such as the UNREAL Alchemist-handled <i>HARAM,</i> <i>Shrines</i>, and <i>Paraffin</i>, and woods' own outstanding contributions to 2022, <i>Aethiopes</i> and <i>Church</i>, are all some of the underground's most endearing and celebrated efforts. He started his yearly assault reuniting with past collaborator, Cali-based producer Kenny Segal, for <i>Maps</i>. With their prior collaborative effort, <i>Hiding Place</i>, gaining such tremendous acclaim, it was only right for them to repeat the same critical success and did they ever. Whereas <i>Hiding Places</i> was more grim, dark textured, and walking the brink of excessive paranoia, <i>Maps</i> is more of a look of an artist that's traveling the country just after the pandemic and going from one unknown area of his life to another and how to deal with all of it, while all the while yearning to return to his "home" of peace and solitude. Remarkable cuts like "Houdini", the moody "NYC Tapwater", and "Hangman" are such strong evidence of how enormously gifted this son of a writer and an English Literature professor really is. This album is filled with cautionary tales, uncertainties, social awareness, and politically charged narratives, but also woods' insights into the world he sees as he "travels" throughout this life searching for his absolution. This is another genius effort from woods and Segal, and clearly <i>Maps</i> is a stylized masterwork.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAx2sdgN2imNMWjupA11ZnjjfqHLfE0qrA-XyLKljZH7Ouer1TcUUofYT3t-54ECEOmOyJL5dBs0X8xK8DsV7EICgqZbyHdkBlwDQz5DG9RrfAgzt-hZPeoUu_zaGAnO3A6cl1W5CH0IB4oU4i6Wbvqjf8cYwJuVS074BcrLosnimI-oLp30lh2EtTPA/s1280/Killer-Mike-Michael.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAx2sdgN2imNMWjupA11ZnjjfqHLfE0qrA-XyLKljZH7Ouer1TcUUofYT3t-54ECEOmOyJL5dBs0X8xK8DsV7EICgqZbyHdkBlwDQz5DG9RrfAgzt-hZPeoUu_zaGAnO3A6cl1W5CH0IB4oU4i6Wbvqjf8cYwJuVS074BcrLosnimI-oLp30lh2EtTPA/s320/Killer-Mike-Michael.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">7. Killer Mike</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>MICHAEL</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: No I.D., El-P, Robert Glaspar, Cool & Dre, Cory Mo, James Blake, Andre 3000, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Don Cannon, Beat Butcha, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Andre 3000, T.I., Cee-Lo, El-P, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, Jagged Edge, Eryn Allen Kane, 6LACK, Curren$y, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">As one half of one of hip-hop's most acclaimed and revered duos, Run The Jewels with El-P, and former member of the legendary Dungeon Family, Killer Mike has always been able to hold his own with anyone on the mic. His influences were drawn from the likes of Nas, Jay, Scarface, and Ice Cube, and it absolutely shows often. With a very impressive solo discography that includes his <i>I Pledge Allegiance to The Grind</i> series and his first outing with El-P behind the boards, <i>R.A.P. Music</i>, we've been waiting for that one official classic from the ATLien to drop. Enter <i>MICHAEL</i>, an exceptional collection of KM's most personal and heartbreakingly honest tunes over some of the most varied and tremendous production he's ever rhymed over. We've known a lot about the activist and community leader Killer Mike, as well as the fiery, socio-political emcee with El-P, but he peels back layers of his onions to reveal painful, somber, and emotional stances from his career and his life. With Grammy Award winning producer, No I.D., supplying most of the boardwork, as well as being Executive Producer of this album, this album has tons of that southern bump that his core audience appreciates such as the DJ Paul-produced "Talkin' That Shit", the trunk rattling "Spaceship Views" with 2 Chainz, Curren$y, and Kaash Paige, and the knocking Cory Mo-crafted cut with Cee-Lo's soulful crooning, "Down By Law". However, more of No I.D.'s influence shines on other tremendous cuts such as the stellar Andre 3000/Future/Eryn Allen Kane assisted "Scientists & Engineers", the Young Thug-assisted "Run", and "NRich" with 6LACK. However, it's the more personal cuts that make this album among the best of the entire year. On "Something For Junkies", he describes the relationship between him and his drug addicted aunt in very honest, yet relatable, fashion. The standout is the Eryn Allen Kane-assisted, "Motherless", which painfully has him navigating through his thoughts and feelings being without his mother and grandmother (the Robert Glaspar-assisted remix of this is simply heartbreaking yet stunning as Mike can barely make it through the cut due to breaking down so much. One of the most wrenching pieces heard in such a long time). With other incredible cuts like the first single with El-P, "Don't Let The Devil", "Exit 9", the ode to his wife "High & Holy", and the Mozzy-assisted "Shed Tears", <i>MICHAEL</i> is head and shoulders above most efforts put out by his peers. Killer Mike became Michael Render for this effort, and we are all glad about it. This album has set a new career benchmark and is the new standard for him in his life and career. While we still wait for <i>RTJ5</i>, <i>MICHAEL</i> will not only more than satisfy us until then, but it'll place KM further into upper echelon and top tier mentions.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD-wHT-s-f2O_dsQyjsQLl8w-DMRfpil29Xlj9yMnhVlz13jwm2BRVMKNqQu3L8w0rz5VgT4X6dxKpm0nyy8Na651h5nuAYou-9narNCGdKY1mn87XObXCoIPWBYoBrmqKAuF2KIzZSbMYertwXdgKuMHXTv7sN6TQAOD2ZenKTM-VTHNfQwy8uqcRGU/s220/Magic_3_by_Nas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWD-wHT-s-f2O_dsQyjsQLl8w-DMRfpil29Xlj9yMnhVlz13jwm2BRVMKNqQu3L8w0rz5VgT4X6dxKpm0nyy8Na651h5nuAYou-9narNCGdKY1mn87XObXCoIPWBYoBrmqKAuF2KIzZSbMYertwXdgKuMHXTv7sN6TQAOD2ZenKTM-VTHNfQwy8uqcRGU/s1600/Magic_3_by_Nas.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">6. Nas</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Magic 3</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Lil Wayne</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier in the year and in this list, we highlighted <i>Magic 2</i>, as it was as excellent follow up to his prior <i>Magic</i> effort. Then, out of the blue some months later, teases started emerging of another Nas album. It turned out to be <i>Magic 3</i>, and it was revealed that this was not only the closing of the<i> Magic</i> series, but it was also the final full length from he and Hit-Boy together. As so many were bummed out to hear the news, the only way to go out is with a memorable album to let people know just how undefeated Nas and HB are together. Folks, <i>Magic 3</i> did its job and di it well. Over some of Hit-Boy's most knocking and scintillating production yet (and that's saying a mouthful), Nasir rips into the production with superior delivery and rhymes that has him sounding like the emcee during his <i>Stillmatic</i> or <i>Life Is Good</i> days. Everything on this effort is special and has meaning, as only your average Nas album would be. Cuts like "Japanese Sushi Bar", "Superhero Status", "I Love This Feeling", the vivid two-part "Based On True Events", and the Lil' Wayne-assisted "Never Die" ranks among some of his best work in the past decade. People tend to debate which was the overall better series, <i>King's Disease</i> or <i>Magic</i>? Neither answer is wrong. Both series catapulted Hit-Boy into one of the game's most sought-after producers and put Nas in a four-year run the likes of which we may never see like this again. A newfound fire was lit under Nas and with Hit-Boy's guidance and sonic assistance, Nas went from legend to icon. While we look forward to seeing what's next with Nas, let <i>Magic 3</i> remind you of just how high his greatness extends.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_F9POwRzFpn5bGSQgKtOCX4UdpeCfsnciQ-i-Rq16TQILiH-Q6Y-atUe_3PgUGQVvciXBlhwHk1cSj7zmRT4eZXN1pO5qYDwSI-RmaNJFT8OJeqXVl-oN-M3CqgopMEcPozPRRprUo9Lhl-btNAFqAm_QIE8f0zHyIXPNQoBqiyL_y7ztxVH_jH6rsA/s1200/armandhammer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_F9POwRzFpn5bGSQgKtOCX4UdpeCfsnciQ-i-Rq16TQILiH-Q6Y-atUe_3PgUGQVvciXBlhwHk1cSj7zmRT4eZXN1pO5qYDwSI-RmaNJFT8OJeqXVl-oN-M3CqgopMEcPozPRRprUo9Lhl-btNAFqAm_QIE8f0zHyIXPNQoBqiyL_y7ztxVH_jH6rsA/s320/armandhammer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We Buy Diabetic Test Strips</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Segal, Messiah Muzik, El-P, JPEGMAFIA, Preservation, ELUCID, Sebb, DJ Haram, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Throughout this past decade, very few, if any, duos match the written craftsmanship and complex aura of Armand Hammer. The duo consisting of ELUCID and the ever enigmatic, yet brilliant, billy woods have been among the most critically acclaimed darlings in the underground. Albums such as <i>Race Muzik</i>, <i>Paraffin</i>, <i>Shrines</i>, and the masterwork that was the Alchemist-helmed <i>HARAM</i> all made people take notice but also examine how methodical their penmanship and among the bloated subgenre of abstract hip-hop. With both men dropping fantastic offerings in 2022 with ELUCID delivering the fascinating <i>I Told Bessie</i>, and woods dropping two monsters of the Preservation-blessed <i>Aethiopes</i> and the Messiah Muzik-crafted, <i>Church</i>. It was only right for them to get back together, and the results are practically spellbinding. Their 2023 offering, <i>We Only Buy Diabetic Test Strips</i>, is a their most musically and thematically ambitious project to date. Mixing eclectic sounds and different musical experiments to push their left field agendas, this album contains more of the same stuff in terms of illuminati references, conspiracy theories, socio-political agendas, and anxiety-driven manifestos that tend to burn their way into your brain. Where <i>HARAM</i> has been (somehow) seen as their most "accessible" with Uncle Al's seemingly perfect board game, this album darts everywhere musically, and that's the point. Cuts like "Woke Up & Asked Siri How I'm Gonna Die", "Niggardly (Blocked Call)", "The Flexible Unreliability of Time & Memory" and the El-P-crafted "The Gods Must Be Crazy" are filled with chaos, paranoia, society dysfunction, and glaring observations. Guests such as Junglepussy, JPEGMAFIA, the aforementioned El-P, and Pink Siifu add more layers to this highly complex, yet amazing, collection of cuts only Armand Hammer can maneuver through with such left-brained wonder. Armand Hammer clearly dropped another career defining project with <i>We Buy Diabetic Test Strips</i>, and while the casual, outside person would think they're musically, lyrically, and thematically crazy, they're here to remind us, with projects like this, they're crazy like foxes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfgINcNuTOyopJwGd4OD8DLq7M9crQQfoVLCtdUHBPjorZq6LPgblFpXQI1OQirQjx8iwGgQXOzeXmER12jmfquYrGmCTgQrXfU_0jtCd4tgYVkhyphenhyphenor3JV_CyrGoU7xGHPag9XWsWzFlJ5wijZJw0d6jBsingajkg43iSnTavMfXJCoAii_3tQyPpv9g/s1000/scaringthehoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfgINcNuTOyopJwGd4OD8DLq7M9crQQfoVLCtdUHBPjorZq6LPgblFpXQI1OQirQjx8iwGgQXOzeXmER12jmfquYrGmCTgQrXfU_0jtCd4tgYVkhyphenhyphenor3JV_CyrGoU7xGHPag9XWsWzFlJ5wijZJw0d6jBsingajkg43iSnTavMfXJCoAii_3tQyPpv9g/s320/scaringthehoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>SCARING THE HOES </i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: JPEGMAFIA</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: redveil</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we reviewed Danny Brown's super introspective and honest work, <i>Quaranta</i>, that pulled the curtain back on a man struggling to find himself past his sobriety and having to face his emotional demons. However, early in 2023, this was not prevalent at all, as he got up with NY's evil genius, JPEGMAFIA, for the incredibly clever, yet highly dysfunctional,<i> SCARING THE HOES</i>. The combination of these two is like a marriage we never really knew we needed. The album fits the left-brained chaos of Danny Brown and the alternative-genre defying stylings of Peggy and the results are unbelievable. While we've gone over how sporadic, yet intriguing, Brown's overall discography has been, Peggy's fan base started building with albums like 2018's <i>Veteran</i>, <i>All My Heroes Are Cornballs</i>, and the highly diverse 2021 offering, <i>LP!</i> One thing this album isn't is boxed in. This effort combines elements of hip-hop, soul, jazz, alternative, EDM, and indie rock sounds, which is customarily right up the alley of Peggy. Concepts are wild, fun, psychedelic, and off the wall, and you'll never hear anything all year quite like this collection of cuts. Standouts include the title track, "Orange Juice Jones", the lead-off single "Lean Beef Patty", and the eccentric "Fentanyl Tester" and the rest of the project sounds, and feels, like an entire acid trip that's the most fun ride you've ever been on. Brown & Peggy delivered quite the eclectic mash-up with <i>SCARING THE HOES</i>, but the outcome is one of the most fascinating albums in recent years, and perhaps the most defining album in the career of JPEGMAFIA, especially. For Brown, this was a cross between his drug-induced dive into insanity, <i>Atrocity Exhibition</i>, and his fun, yet off-kilter, <i>XXX</i>. Both guys win here and win big.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmMWGIfXORdceGaeFBpkF77S-i5rK4IF20ucdD1D68Bcpu5fp5MbY0uJloK8-qgkRVkbaOzoKk5TFYzHlL-QhoN-6nScd7l1xCo4i5yhca3tq0t3tw-uPdOQ1qieGQuTjyYXbgeTScLQcRu7rRIbYNSNp2_DeYYhPl-EY5kM8P4kmwSpNwk-b7mdI5KQ/s1000/leatherblvd2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmMWGIfXORdceGaeFBpkF77S-i5rK4IF20ucdD1D68Bcpu5fp5MbY0uJloK8-qgkRVkbaOzoKk5TFYzHlL-QhoN-6nScd7l1xCo4i5yhca3tq0t3tw-uPdOQ1qieGQuTjyYXbgeTScLQcRu7rRIbYNSNp2_DeYYhPl-EY5kM8P4kmwSpNwk-b7mdI5KQ/s320/leatherblvd2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. B. Kool-Aid</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Leather Blvd.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Ahwlee</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Butcher Brown, Ladybug Mecca, Liv.e, Jimetta Rose, Big Rube, Quelle Chris, Kamilah, Denmark Vessey, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Birmingham, AL's Pink Siifu is an emcee/artist that is a very interesting figure. He clearly is a musically inclined and in tuned artist. His influences range from Mos Def to George Clinton to Death Grips, and all show have showed up in various releases over the years. His most notable project came in the form of 2021's <i>Gumbo!</i> in which we hear his lazy drawl delivery succeed over elements of trap, soul, and jazz. He gets back with one of the album's producers, Ahwlee, and they become B. Kool-Aid as they present their debut album under that moniker, <i>Leather Blvd</i>. The musical nature of this album blends jazz, neo-soul, and blues. If D'Angelo, Miles Davis, and the aforementioned Mos Def were in the same building, this is the hodgepodge you get as a result. Siifu's melodic stylings along with Ahwlee's distinctively mellow live instrumentation blends impeccably here. The ambiance of the album is like a Black owned coffee shop that has a grown folk's lounge night event going in. You can smell the incense and the occasional greenery through the speakers the moment you push play on your device. The easy-going and relaxed vibe of cuts like the Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets fame "ChalkRoundIt", "Soundgood", and "Can't Fk Around" This project still has Siifu being highly observant of his culture and community in spots, and in other spots, he just trades them in for good vibes and sense of Black grandeur. Cuts like the Denmark Vessey/Quelle Chris-featured "Brandy, Alliyah" and "CntGoBack" are such examples of feel-good auras that help make the album what it aspires to present. While musically, the album sounds and feels like a Soulquarian jam session at times, which is a good thing, this is ultimately about the Black experience in the form of a cultural and musical community. B. Kool-Aid's attempts at escaping the problems and stress of the world succeeds and succeeds greatly with <i>Leather Blvd</i>, and in today's times, it's always good to escape from our realities sometimes. If only <i>Leather Blvd</i> was a real place instead of arguably the most feel-good hip-hop album of the year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6JrGoDai6rJ383zHAzBDXr1JUvarK4E0mGJJy-h_0h_sE0reALRl1yILnYqwQNgGeyKZltS45C_ZGNph_A26p9Ia0p1-GS3EKYOuOfThEo4Hb6Uac_X-iVxecRTotMD3fUYcQCHQq6C9ZdC-LGnbF8vsJA0oPx46AgSSI07LPYeLU7maXWLBFaNohO4/s500/voirdire2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6JrGoDai6rJ383zHAzBDXr1JUvarK4E0mGJJy-h_0h_sE0reALRl1yILnYqwQNgGeyKZltS45C_ZGNph_A26p9Ia0p1-GS3EKYOuOfThEo4Hb6Uac_X-iVxecRTotMD3fUYcQCHQq6C9ZdC-LGnbF8vsJA0oPx46AgSSI07LPYeLU7maXWLBFaNohO4/s320/voirdire2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Voir Dire</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: MIKE</p><p style="text-align: left;">In 2021, Uncle Al stated there was a secret album he and Cali phenom Earl Sweatshirt put together and it was scattered all over YouTube. As fans were practically fiendish over trying to find this highly intriguing material, eventually, people gave up on trying to locate it. Fortunately, the ever-allusive Mr. Maman decided to put out this material and confirmed this was the lost collaborative effort between him and Ear. The results were the album, <i>Voir Dire</i>. We've heard Earl over Al tracks before like "Old Friend", "Loose Change", "Falling Out The Sky" from Armand Hammer's <i>HARAM</i>, and "Loose Change", and every time we're practically yearning for more. Quite frankly, <i>Voir Dire</i> is everything we knew the collaborative effort would be and more. As we all know Uncle Al tends to bring the best work out of anyone he works with, this is especially true with Earl, as cuts like "Dead Zone", "100 High Street", and "Mac Deuce" cleverly demonstrate. Low on guests, the lone guest spot is reserved for one of the year's rising emcees in MIKE on the vocal crooning sample-heavy "Sentry", but Earl does more than a fantastic job holding his own by his lonesome. Al's penchant for crafting the right production for whomever he works with is truly a gift and signs of a genius in music, and Earl is among the most hand-in-glove artists he currently works with. While Earl's discography is simply spectacular, with albums like <i>Doris</i>, <i>I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside</i>, the simply musically INGENIOUS <i>Some Rap Songs</i>, and his most recent offering <i>Sick!</i>, <i>Voir Dire</i> stands near the top, and begs the question, is there more stuff between these two we have yet to hear??</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXPqOLIjzy9XKLjuxGq2o4jdGbZOEy1lZYHxoWjGPoiAo_jaZQZtmysnkyNPr5n3HDdbXjKuQXeynCyewYocY_oHBVUyEix1aDfjDPgnIzMa3i918OPyFI_JA3I1TbdDnwDDBY6w_6LKkm5AFczcZNiykFax7Qv7fbKEnShbN8hlkk3xtFqttmHHOBiQ/s500/liberation2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXPqOLIjzy9XKLjuxGq2o4jdGbZOEy1lZYHxoWjGPoiAo_jaZQZtmysnkyNPr5n3HDdbXjKuQXeynCyewYocY_oHBVUyEix1aDfjDPgnIzMa3i918OPyFI_JA3I1TbdDnwDDBY6w_6LKkm5AFczcZNiykFax7Qv7fbKEnShbN8hlkk3xtFqttmHHOBiQ/s320/liberation2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Talib Kweli & Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Liberation 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Damani, Pink Siifu, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Q-Tip, Mac Miller, MeShell N'Degeocello, Jessica Care Moore, Wildchild, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We turn back the clock to 1998. Brooklynites Mos Def and Talib Kweli become Black Star and deliver one of the game's most epic hp-hop monuments with their debut, <i>Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star</i>. Seen as hip-hop in its most pure and authentic form, the album was a genuine classic among critics and fans alike and rightfully so. Follow that up with 2000's <i>Train Of Thought</i> with production partner Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal. The album hit pretty much every bit as greatly as the Black Star effort, only with Kweli having the primary spotlight and showing up excellently. From there, albums such as <i>Quality</i>, <i>Eardrum</i>, the highly underrated <i>Beautiful Struggle</i>, <i>Prisoner of Consciousness</i>, and the most recent <i>Radio Silence</i> have all demonstrated Kweli's insightful pen game and the ability to tap into the Black experience while also tackling socio-political issues, his love of hip-hop, and community awareness. It was in 2007 when he got up with producer extraordinaire Madlib for their debut collaborative mixtape, <i>Liberation</i>, that we got a very promising effort between the two and, while it was sorely slept-on by many, those that tapped in realized how dope of a project it was. Some sixteen years later, Madlib, who just provided his brand of sonic soul and jazz to the reunited Black star effort of 2022, <i>No Fear Of Time</i>, reunited with Kweli for <i>Liberation 2,</i> and the results are mesmerizing. Madlib's wonderful blend of soul, jazz, and occasional funk is so elegantly displayed throughout this album, while Kweli displays a vigor and renewed zest within his delivery that truthfully, we haven't quite heard since <i>Radio Silence</i>, and that was in '97 (although he and Styles P did drop that excellent EP, <i>The Seven</i>, that same year). Cuts like "Air Quotes", the spectacular "Nat Turner", and the elegant "Wild Beauty" are some of the most fantastic cuts within the very extensive discography of either artist. His subject matter consists of most of the same we've known from him: love of the Black woman, community, Black history, revolutionary imagery, and third eye vision. Madlib, in comparison, provided some of his best work in some time, and easily matches excellence of his such as his collaborations with Freddie Gibbs (<i>Pinata</i>, <i>Bandana</i>), Declaime (his <i>In The Beginning</i> series), and almost to the level of, dare I even say, the GOAT underground album, <i>Madvillainy</i> Heavy on the soul, jazz, and his knack for obscure and clever sampling, Madlib creates an ambience worthy of an album such as this with its aforementioned subject matter. Other phenomenal cuts like "Ad Vice", "One for Biz", and "Something Special" continue the majestic nature of what could be considered a landmark effort for both men. Along with guests such as Roc Marciano, Westside Gunn, Wildchild, Roy Ayers, a verse from the late, great Mac Miller, Q-Tip, Pink Siifu, Meshell Ndegeocello and his children of Diani and Amani, they don't take away from Kweli and his well-crafted bars whatsoever. If anything, they give each track they're on more flavor for the food, and nothing is off base. Simply put, <i>Liberation 2</i> not only respectfully outdoes its predecessor, but sets a new bar for each man's respective, legendary careers. Perfectly sequenced, incredibly arranged, and systematically structured to where each track naturally glides off the previous track effortlessly, this could low key prove to be a timeless album for those that need their hip-hop the only way it needs to be from the soul.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jeezy<i>- I Might Forgive, But I Don't Forget</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ty Farris & Graymatter<i>- Sounds That Never Left My Soul</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway the Machine & Conductor Williams- <i>Conductor Machine EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & 38 Spesh- <i>Speshial Machinery</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Drumwork: The Album</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & jae Skeeze- <i>Pain Provides Profit EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Larry June & Cardo- <i>The Night Shift</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>And Then You Pray For Me</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Estee Nack- <i>NACKsaw Jim Duggan</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Oddisee- <i>To What End</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Atmosphere<i>- So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir & Big Ghost LTD- <i>Noir or Never</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Larry June & Cardo<i>- The Night Shift</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curren$y & Jermaine Durpi- <i>For Motivational Purposes Only EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Reuben Vincent- <i>Love & War</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Eto & Futurewave- <i>Dead Poets</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">NEMS & Scram Jones- <i>Rise of The Silverback</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>Iron Bull EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Oh No-<i> Berserko EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Mike Shaab- <i>Rhyme Pays</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Sadhugold- <i>Dump Gawd: The Knocking of Roll</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>Dump Gawd Reloaded</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jae Skeeze- <i>Abolished Uncertainties</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Navy Blue- <i>Ways of Knowing</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hit-Boy- <i>Surf or Drown 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Grafh & 38 Spesh- <i>Art of Words</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Koncept Jackson & Sadhugold- <i>Draft Dodger</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Recognize Ali- <i>Ali</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">38 Spesh- <i>Gunsmoke EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">SUBSTANCE810 & Hobgoblin<i>- Death Waits In The Dark</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Royce Da 5'9"- <i>The Heaven Experience EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Chuck Strangers- <i>The Boys & Girls EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & Nicholas Craven- <i>Director's Cut 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & Nicholas Craven- <i>Deleted Scenes 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom- <i>Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Chino XL & Stu Bangas- <i>God's Carpenter</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Legendary Traxster- <i>Chicago</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Al-Doe & Spanish Ran- <i>Holy City Zoo</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curren$y & Harry Fraud- <i>Vices</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Paradime<i>- Period</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ PAYNE- <i>Jigsaw EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ PAYNE- <i>My Life Iz a Movie 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Joell Ortiz- <i>Signature</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mello Music Group- <i>Omakase</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Nicholas Craven, Raz Fresco, & Estee Nack- <i>Gia...A La Carte EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Eto & Body Bag Ben<i>- Integrity 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Neak- <i>Die Wurzel</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mickie Diamond - <i>Nobody Bleeds Like Flair</i> (mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mickie Diamond- <i>Oruku Saki</i> (mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mickie Diamond & Sadhugold- <i>Death Threats</i> (mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mickey Diamond & Camouflage Monk- <i>Capital Gains</i> (mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Micky Diamond & Big Ghost LTD- <i>Gucci Ghost 3 </i>(mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mickey Diamond- <i>Bangkok Dangerous 4</i> (mixtape)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Nick Grant- <i>Sunday Dinner</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">CHIKA- <i>Samson: The Album</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Stik Figa & The Expert<i>- Ritual</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove- <i>Decay</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Royale- <i>Criminal Discourse</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cril- <i>The Next Big Step</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Beneficence & Jazz Spastiks<i>- Summer Night Sessions</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vega7 The Ronin & Superior-<i> Sleep Is the Cousin</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Marco Polo & Torae- <i>Midnight Run</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Blu & Real Bad Man- <i>Bad News</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Blu & Nottz- <i>Afrika</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DefCee & Messiah Muzik- <i>The Golem of Brooklyn OST</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Czarface- <i>Czartificial Intelligence</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Living Legends<i>- The Return</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sean Price & Royal Flush- <i>The Royal Price Show EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elcamino- <i>They Spat on Jesus</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Domo Genesis & Graymatter- <i>What Don't U Think?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vinnie Paz- <i>All Are Guests in The House of God</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elaquent- <i>Rediscovery</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Black Rob<i>- Life Story 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Termanology & Paul Wall- <i>Start 2 Finish</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Aesop Rock- <i>Integrated Tech Solutions</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Moka Only- <i>In & Of Itself</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">AJ Suede & Televangel- <i>Parthian Shots</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">YUNGMORPHEOUS & Real Bad Man- <i>The Chalice & The Blade</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">SKECH185 & Jeff Markey- <i>He Left Nothing for the Swim Back</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Kool Keith & Real Bad Man- <i>Serpent</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & RichGains- <i>Indiana Jones</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rasheed Chapell & The Arcitype- <i>Sugar Bills</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">AZ<i>- Truth Be Told</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Homeboy Sandman-<i> Rich</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mick Jenkins<i>- The Patience</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vince Staples & The Alchemist<i>- Long Beach Chemistry EP (unofficial leak)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Stove God Cook$ & Roc Marciano<i>- If Kitchen Walls Could Talk (unofficial leak)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"> As an added bonus, just like in 2022, we will present several of the absolute best cuts to bless our ears, whether singles or album cuts, these cuts along with countless others, have been in frequent and constant rotation this year, and will likely do the same in years to come. In honor of hip-hop turning 50 this year, we will highlight 50 tracks. Click the links to experience these joints and find them on any streaming platform you wish. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">1, Skyzoo & The Other Guys-" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoP5kuVfGP0" target="_blank">Apologies In Order</a>" (production: The Other Guys)</p><p style="text-align: left;">2. Talib Kweli & Madlib feat. Diani, Pink Siifu- "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/wkneuvean24/ad-vice-feat-diani-pink-siifu?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" target="_blank">Ad Vice</a>" (production: Madlib)</p><p style="text-align: left;">3. Skyzoo & the Other Guys- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzHbN_fhyL4" target="_blank">Straight Drop</a>" (production: the Other Guys)</p><p style="text-align: left;">4. MAXO feat. keiyaA- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcMSNktgPAQ" target="_blank">onedayatatime</a>" (production: Karriem Riggins)</p><p style="text-align: left;">5. Logic- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnAPJSxoChY" target="_blank">Clone Wars</a>" (production: artist, 6ix)</p><p style="text-align: left;">6. Rome Streetz & Big Ghost LTD- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwN8a1NAuoE" target="_blank">Gem Drop</a>" (production: Big Ghost LTD)</p><p style="text-align: left;">7. Hit-Boy & The Alchemist- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqeK6BIS_pQ" target="_blank">Slipping Into Darkness</a>" (production: Hit-Boy, The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">8. Conway The Machine feat. Goosebytheway, Drea D'Nur- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO2DS-K_qzY" target="_blank">Kanye</a>" (production: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)</p><p style="text-align: left;">9. Jae Skeeze- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usOG17I5Xfg" target="_blank">Bonneville</a>" (production: Cartune Beatz)</p><p style="text-align: left;">10. Recognize Ali- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHcSI77H_2c" target="_blank">Extra-Terrestrial</a>" (production: Tone Spliff)</p><p style="text-align: left;">11. Lloyd Banks- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB8WsqONNQs" target="_blank">Movie Scenes</a>" (production: George Getson)</p><p style="text-align: left;">12. Tyler, The Creator- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w8R8chRhYw" target="_blank">WHAT A DAY</a>" (production: Madlib)</p><p style="text-align: left;">13. Teflon- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la5G6PrUkRE" target="_blank">Out The Gate</a>" (production: DJ Premier)</p><p style="text-align: left;">14. Lloyd Banks- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iemByJqxwPE" target="_blank">Cliffhanger</a>" (production: V DON)</p><p style="text-align: left;">15. Black Thought & El Michel Affair- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC76jFla_Og" target="_blank">The Weather</a>" (production: El Michel Affair)</p><p style="text-align: left;">16. Killer Mike feat. Eryn Allen Kane- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvo7FPO7DeE" target="_blank">Motherless</a>" (production: No I.D.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">17. Killer Mike feat. Eryn Allen Kane, Robert Glaspar- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjyGp9yaPIg" target="_blank">Motherless (remix)</a> (production: No I.D., Robert Glaspar)</p><p style="text-align: left;">18. Killer Mike feat. El-P, thankyougoodsir- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agbDwqcWn2w" target="_blank">Don't Let the Devil</a>" (production: El-P)</p><p style="text-align: left;">19. Nas- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvemQLNeYJk" target="_blank">Pistols on Your Album Cover</a>" (production: Hit-Boy)</p><p style="text-align: left;">20. Ill Bill- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLx8--c6mQc" target="_blank">The Mandalorian</a>" (production: Farma Beats)</p><p style="text-align: left;">21. Conway The Machine- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNGwKcXL1mk" target="_blank">Brick Fare</a>" (production: Daringer)</p><p style="text-align: left;">22. billy woods & kenny Segal- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEeXXbRdZrk" target="_blank">FaceTime</a>" (production: Kenny Segal)</p><p style="text-align: left;">23. Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0wCxY0Zolw" target="_blank">Wake Up</a>" (production: Roc Marciano)</p><p style="text-align: left;">24. Estee Nack feat. Westside Gunn- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcz0SV1wVao" target="_blank">OLDNACKDONALDHADAFARM</a>" (production: Crucial the Guillotine)</p><p style="text-align: left;">25. 7XVETHEGENIUS & DJ Green Lantern feat. Conway The Machine- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qCVikk6rzI" target="_blank">Brainstorming</a>" (production: DJ Green Lantern)</p><p style="text-align: left;">26. Ill Bill feat. Kool G. Rap, Vinnie Paz- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwA9Nawa4ss" target="_blank">Root For The Villain</a>" (production: DJ Muggs)</p><p style="text-align: left;">27. Benny The Butcher feat. Stove God Cook$- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KgoCqq6jJ0" target="_blank">One Foot In</a>" (production: hit-Boy)</p><p style="text-align: left;">28. Teflon feat. Benny The Butcher- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pxfr4e9l0" target="_blank">Hostile Takeover</a>" (production: DJ Premier)</p><p style="text-align: left;">29. Statik Selektah feat. Posdnous- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdG1BhF6Mg" target="_blank">Round Trip</a>" (production: Statik Selektah)</p><p style="text-align: left;">30. Statik Selektah feat. Joey Bada$$- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBw3PnjkZ1g" target="_blank">Life & Times</a>" (production: Statik Selektah)</p><p style="text-align: left;">31. Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zlS0tW3V1M" target="_blank">Mac Deuce</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">32. MIKE- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4lAokV8yrY" target="_blank">Snake Charm</a>" (production: Laron)</p><p style="text-align: left;">33. Drumwork feat. Conway The Machine, Benny The Machine, 38 Spesh- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCgBooL2v7w" target="_blank">LALO</a>" (production: Graymatter)</p><p style="text-align: left;">34. DJ Premier feat. Rome Streetz, Westside Gunn- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OIFydnqy1I" target="_blank">Runway</a>" (production: DJ Premier)</p><p style="text-align: left;">35. Black Milk feat. Phonte- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne3ZgBPvm6s" target="_blank">No Wish</a>" (production: Black Milk & Raphael Saadiq)</p><p style="text-align: left;">36. Noname- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaL4Cbqan00" target="_blank">Toxic</a>" (production: Saba, Ben Nartey)</p><p style="text-align: left;">37. Open Mike Eagle- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWi8-wEzPGk" target="_blank">a new rap festival called falling loud</a>" (production: Child Actor)</p><p style="text-align: left;">38. Apollo Brown & Planet Asia- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXLtk9Sv_Ek" target="_blank">Peas & Onions</a>" (production: Apollo Brown)</p><p style="text-align: left;">39. Little Brother- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6L7uGPM-yM" target="_blank">Wish Me Well</a>" (production: Deonis Pumah Cook)</p><p style="text-align: left;">40. Armand Hammer feat. El-P- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEse84Nd944" target="_blank">The Gods Must Be Crazy</a>" (production: El-P)</p><p style="text-align: left;">41. Rapsody- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khiwsdYyx7Y" target="_blank">Asteroids</a>" (production: Hit-Boy)</p><p style="text-align: left;">42. Nas- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDVqZpgr5ak" target="_blank">Japanese Soul Bar</a>" (production: Hit-Boy)</p><p style="text-align: left;">43. Oddisee- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwBusPK39io" target="_blank">The Start Of Something</a>" (production: artist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">44. Nicholas Craven & Boldy James- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbP1ew2TuJc" target="_blank">No Pun Intended</a>" (production: Nicholas Craven)</p><p style="text-align: left;">45. Westside Gunn & Conway The Machine- "'<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chZsG5oiEPc" target="_blank">94 Ghost Shit</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">46. Lloyd Banks- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg11GVugJ00" target="_blank">Take Me Under</a>" (production: Cartune Beatz)</p><p style="text-align: left;">47. The Alchemist- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljhIO3W1gcg" target="_blank">Nothing Is Freestyle</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">48. Rome Streetz- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFkumpOHFaQ" target="_blank">Clutchin</a>'" (production: Wavy Da Ghawd)</p><p style="text-align: left;">49. B. Kool-Aid feat. Ladybug Mecca- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_m5I56XG8M" target="_blank">ChalkRoundIt</a>" (production: Awhlee)</p><p style="text-align: left;">50. MAXO- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF0FuR0CpUI" target="_blank">Boomerang</a>" (production: Ahwlee)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Obviously, there are a TON more heaters that graced us this year, but this is a small batch of what 2023 offered. There was something for whatever your taste is this year. You had moments of tears, moments of anger and fighting, moments of vibing and relaxing, and everything in between. With albums from the likes of Rapsody, MULTIPLE projects from Conway, Benny's <i>Everybody Can't Go</i> at the beginning of 2024, the collab album between Common and Pete Rock, returns of Ludacris and T.I., TDE dropping projects from Schoolboy Q and Jay Rock, Che Noir, Ghetto Sage (the supergroup of Saba, Smino, and Noname), Rome Streetz, Alchemist running the game again with projects such as his long-awaited full length reunion with Oh No as Gangrene and possibly a collab album with Kid Cudi, multiple efforts from Boldy James (hopefully we can get blessed with the <i>Drug Dilla</i> project we were supposed to get this year), Wayne's <i>Carter VI</i>, Mach-Hommy's <i>RICHAXXHAITIAN</i>, Run The Jewels' much anticipated <i>RTJ5</i>. and 50 Cent supposed retirement album, 2024 will be another crazy year for releases and new needle movers for hip-hop. Until next year folks, keep bumping that music!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-90093996429973700942023-07-16T16:09:00.000-07:002023-07-16T16:09:57.615-07:00Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2023...So Far<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IRvhxSUNMivgEem1AgPwSGq-QiFlPSHs3InlecaJsLgIETA3EpkMNSSLTfSwTop_gocLLD9wWaFCiWFlr16tmZuvr_ABGpXh7amBd_5LNrluCM7Yt8abpMATKqpWT-V_FOYW4ajOYuMRJ8QcVYwORcGIvZqzK6gEtONSb_t0HmHb8Qrk6DrKGHSZt1Y/s225/black-thought-game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IRvhxSUNMivgEem1AgPwSGq-QiFlPSHs3InlecaJsLgIETA3EpkMNSSLTfSwTop_gocLLD9wWaFCiWFlr16tmZuvr_ABGpXh7amBd_5LNrluCM7Yt8abpMATKqpWT-V_FOYW4ajOYuMRJ8QcVYwORcGIvZqzK6gEtONSb_t0HmHb8Qrk6DrKGHSZt1Y/s1600/black-thought-game.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It's that time again folks! We are halfway through 2023 and, so far, the hip-hop has been great (depending upon where you peep and what's being fed to you of course). There have been a number of people that have labeled the first half of this year "trash", "garbage", "underwhelming", and overall just mostly negative. With what's flooding our airwaves and being shoved down our throats, that's an arguable point. However, there have been a number of excellent releases that, to no surprise, have flown under the radar and it's time we give them the props that are owed to them. Who knows? Maybe one of these you'll be inspired to peep through whatever streaming service you have and give them some streams, repeated ones at that. From Danny Brown and Larry June to Talib Kweli and Killer Mike, there have been releases that will continued to rotated and played throughout the entire rest of the year and possibly beyond. With that said, let's go into the top 25 best albums (note: once we hit the 'Honorable Mentions' section, trust and believe, there are some on that list that will likely be included in the year-end Top 50 (W)Rap Up. This is just the top 25 at this moment.)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYNNYvCKlnwFvzmM0a0YsRJkK3hcspjvCsW2GTfpw-75TG9DnRum_mBXCvUD2zVdXFsgsDQPnQGCwkXbCyAFxG00xLUicFp5CUnxQ-nC_DMbaWVOaktp0ezpC6Y5QE466uELW-cBngFdCkwj01o233xPj7l_z8aZ4TNdy_MxITcMZ0WsZb9M9VPNJKr8/s1200/eto-deadpoets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYNNYvCKlnwFvzmM0a0YsRJkK3hcspjvCsW2GTfpw-75TG9DnRum_mBXCvUD2zVdXFsgsDQPnQGCwkXbCyAFxG00xLUicFp5CUnxQ-nC_DMbaWVOaktp0ezpC6Y5QE466uELW-cBngFdCkwj01o233xPj7l_z8aZ4TNdy_MxITcMZ0WsZb9M9VPNJKr8/s320/eto-deadpoets.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">25. Eto & Futurewave</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Dead Poets</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Futurewave</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Warlord Ironsheik, G4 Jag, DJ Backspin, Daniel Son, Tearz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rochester' NY's Eto has been putting in work for quite some time, but ever since efforts such as his collab with DJ Muggs, <i>Hell's Roof</i>, <i>Long Story Short</i>, and his fantastic <i>The Beauty of It</i>, he's perked up more ears then before. His latest effort is another collab, only this time with Toronto beatsmith, Futurewave, for <i>Dead Poets</i>. Futurewave's dark boom-bap matches hand in hand with the gritty lyricism of Eto and easily makes another win for both cats. Wave's past efforts with the likes of Rome Streetz and Boldy James demonstrated his penchant for murky, yet hard-hitting, production and Eto sounds hand in glove with this production. Very dope examples include "My Poetry Deep", "City Broken" and "Poetry Is Dead", in which they all show why Eto has been as consistent and vigorous as anyone out of the NYC underground. Hopefully, from <i>Dead Poets</i>, we will hear more work from these two together because this is a tandem that definitely works.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJxKRIqHL-l_p05RjMmzw5RttojXj_HCOUdgy9-rmIxxZahWWDIeY2_FwnpO26yR8IcKtru0fwfPBWXdo1FHVZiETzhXFd6E3oAbO4wRJtKg2fRwB1dzY6SjGkLHfs4hYk90OBHBhR7l9iKDCMOYcD7Z6kC2pmESu312NeCZk_fOOzaHsc4XEq8VwxIs/s1200/fresh-album-conway-the-machine-jae-skeese-pain-provided-v0-5-A0hexUeAUee20FnRoJVwh1dyBd0yG7YvxZw9o2284.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJxKRIqHL-l_p05RjMmzw5RttojXj_HCOUdgy9-rmIxxZahWWDIeY2_FwnpO26yR8IcKtru0fwfPBWXdo1FHVZiETzhXFd6E3oAbO4wRJtKg2fRwB1dzY6SjGkLHfs4hYk90OBHBhR7l9iKDCMOYcD7Z6kC2pmESu312NeCZk_fOOzaHsc4XEq8VwxIs/s320/fresh-album-conway-the-machine-jae-skeese-pain-provided-v0-5-A0hexUeAUee20FnRoJVwh1dyBd0yG7YvxZw9o2284.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">24. Conway The Machine & Jae Skeeze</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Pain Provided Profit (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Graymatter, Real6, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: SK Da King, GooseByTheWay, 7XVETHEGENIUS</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Officially expanding his wings beyond Griselda, Buffalo's own Conway The Machine established his own label in the form of Drumwork Music Group. With a roster that includes the likes of GooseByTheWay, SK Da King, and the first lady of Drumwork, 7XVETHEGENIUS, Conway has his eyes on the up and comers. Another of such is fellow Buffalo native, Jae Skeeze. He and Machine delivered a collaborative EP entitled, <i>Pain Provided Profit.</i> Handled sonically primarily by Graymatter, this album is a hard-hitter, with Machine and Skeeze ripping the mic over gritty boom-bap production that isn't far from the type of production you would hear from the Griselda camp. Cuts like "Immaculate Reception", "Metallic 5's", and Promise are a few of the ill tracks on this seven track EP that shows why Skeeze belongs to work alongside one of the very dopest in the game currently (Skeeze himself has projects such as<i> Authenticity Check</i> and this year's <i>Abolished Uncertainties</i> that must make it to your ears as well) and with Conway driving the car, the passengers of this whip called Drumwork need to not be slept on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLLjHv1U2V6ixcq5K7MWSQKzmEILZGyGj9pKG7MgB3GPrX6WkBBEhgHicV6YNGrNdoQas5ZeUb61xZJagL8ukEkchIrGLzuhpSi5zyxvHHs88qBOimVM5PmXh9KrIg8rs1mK0f8HO66O7jc0ZYQWXyOZkRA6O-ZHN2dCpbW2BwA9OrlgXZBjI0bRwNpE/s225/hommy-fahim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLLjHv1U2V6ixcq5K7MWSQKzmEILZGyGj9pKG7MgB3GPrX6WkBBEhgHicV6YNGrNdoQas5ZeUb61xZJagL8ukEkchIrGLzuhpSi5zyxvHHs88qBOimVM5PmXh9KrIg8rs1mK0f8HO66O7jc0ZYQWXyOZkRA6O-ZHN2dCpbW2BwA9OrlgXZBjI0bRwNpE/s1600/hommy-fahim.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim'</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Notorious Dump Legends 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Big Cheeko, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We are already familiar with the legendary proficiency of Atlanta's Tha God Fahim and his workrate. With over a hundred efforts to his credit in such a short time (this includes mixtapes, EPs, and full-length albums), Fahim may very well go down among the most prolific emcees of all time when it's all said and done. One of several projects he has already delivered (trust me this isn't the last time you'll see Fahim on this list or on the Honorable Mentions list either) is one with frequent collaborator and fellow former Griselda associate, the ever-elusive Mach-Hommy, with <i>Notorious Dump Legends 2</i>. This album is more concentrated on Mach on the mic than Fahim, as Fahim mostly dedicates himself behind the boards (don't ever sleep on his production skills), and Mach, as usual, delivers lyricism with such technical precision (it's time for a new solo joint Mach, just saying) over Fahim's very dope production. Their past catalogs together include the <i>Dollar Menu</i> series, the <i>DUCK CZN</i> series, and this <i>Notorious Dump Legends</i> series. None have been underwhelming. While we wait for more Hommy material this year, you can rest assured there's plenty more heat in the oven with Fahim. That's for sure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy53lz_nkjuLl38GmUGlEF8Gp4jpl81Oj2RJgEG-Nfy_pUJ2Xs3gMxSpFDxCr2324VN6ql-cQMaMvEnZvfNVuQbVR2p9YtBOAHYptA7Xxb0ODbF5n-4SnoQK4grTAEDEXluO55NXOXDk-VELiWsjp9UmKpZ1lkMYQJbv7Pw3A-MuiJ5EemRjhckr3kIw0/s1200/jigsaw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy53lz_nkjuLl38GmUGlEF8Gp4jpl81Oj2RJgEG-Nfy_pUJ2Xs3gMxSpFDxCr2324VN6ql-cQMaMvEnZvfNVuQbVR2p9YtBOAHYptA7Xxb0ODbF5n-4SnoQK4grTAEDEXluO55NXOXDk-VELiWsjp9UmKpZ1lkMYQJbv7Pw3A-MuiJ5EemRjhckr3kIw0/s320/jigsaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">22. RJ PAYNE</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>JIGSAW (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Philly rhyme animal, and former B$F associate, RJ PAYNE, is nobody's rookie in this game. Known very much for his blistering battling abilities, the former Reign Man from his 106 & Park Freestyle Friday segments has over thirty projects to his name between full-length albums, mixtapes and EPs. Gaining acclaim mostly from his <i>If Cocaine Could Talk</i> series, PAYNE kept bubbling in the underground and developed his <i>Leatherface</i> series as well. His collaborative effort with knocking Boston beatsmith, Stu Bangas, of 2022, <i>My Life'z A Movie</i> demonstrated his ability to be a vivid storyteller and writer, not just a bloodthirst battle rhymer. This year, he presents his first of what could likely be a few efforts this year, <i>JIGSAW</i>. Notoriously named after the heinous serial killer in the <i>Saw</i> movie franchise, he rips into the mic like the aforementioned villain over production provided by relative newcomer, Cartune Beatz (who has especially worked with Lloyd Banks throughout his <i>COTI</i> series). The dark imagery and production of this effort is among his best creations, and this could likely be another tremendous year of work for PAYNE.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK4cg2eP2iiumzuaLq0zoeDQq-OTFHb-M-uHG5n5rY43-5moqyNWeSfAIXqi9SjSRaFGIRrCulFvrn7NZ-amDWUh2q2srxrHvJogvjHfOUT5jpIW6WcZ2GRZ1SZO70VsN1o1mvFjx1MyT48KjW7P67SoBVxpWvSMr9HLsSWPUie_9Srd9Zeh2Er4vJC8/s500/ironbull.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK4cg2eP2iiumzuaLq0zoeDQq-OTFHb-M-uHG5n5rY43-5moqyNWeSfAIXqi9SjSRaFGIRrCulFvrn7NZ-amDWUh2q2srxrHvJogvjHfOUT5jpIW6WcZ2GRZ1SZO70VsN1o1mvFjx1MyT48KjW7P67SoBVxpWvSMr9HLsSWPUie_9Srd9Zeh2Er4vJC8/s320/ironbull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">21. Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Iron Bull (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Camouflage Monk, Nicholas Craven, Sahdugold, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mach-Hommy, Your Old Droog, Jay Nice</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As was noted earlier, Fahim will be on this list and the HM list more than once. This is another example of how consistent his material is and how much of a workhorse he is. Earlier this year, Fahim dropped four projects in four weeks. Each were quality heat with its own unique sounds based upon the producer he would work with for each individual project. We earlier showcased his collab with Mach-Hommy. He also dropped his <i>Iron Bull</i> effort. At nine tracks, it's practically almost an EP, but regardless of this fact, not one cut on here come up short on dopeness. With production work from the likes of frequent collaborators Camouflage Monk, Sahudugold and Nicholas Craven, along with own boardwork, this project is Fahim at his finest. When one mentions his best work throughout his ENTIRE discography, titles such as <i>TGIF</i>, <i>Dreams Of Medina</i>, <i>The Tragedy of Shogun</i>, and his Muggs-collaboration, <i>Dump Assassins</i> among the best he's delivered, but this brief project must be considered within the top fifteen (out of over a hundred folks). Fahim's workrate is becoming that of legend, and he's not even in his forties yet. Cuts like "Let's Make A Deal", "Turbulent Nights", and "The Ladder" are all excellent cuts with Fahim (and guests) in straight hunger mode. How much longer are people gonna sleep on the "Dump Gawd"?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM8PfMsIGMC_IlEDUi9CShpyFSat8mcdVE6yg9-pxm-qhyawS-9yAhCmXpsgnmVo4MJXuhL5m68VW-HnTA7xtPUcXsgGuZgM_-roCq3IgKK6LHBlV9uolENRikZsmweNV_rPNinkxYYo7EuHCFeNcpkEVFad-5Wldjsp0rqYs-yG24BhnDC83TlmGWvk/s225/backiimecca2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM8PfMsIGMC_IlEDUi9CShpyFSat8mcdVE6yg9-pxm-qhyawS-9yAhCmXpsgnmVo4MJXuhL5m68VW-HnTA7xtPUcXsgGuZgM_-roCq3IgKK6LHBlV9uolENRikZsmweNV_rPNinkxYYo7EuHCFeNcpkEVFad-5Wldjsp0rqYs-yG24BhnDC83TlmGWvk/s1600/backiimecca2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. Recognize Ali</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Back To Mecca II</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Anu El, Hobogoblin, Giallo Point, Sibbs Roc</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the deep trenches of the underground lies Ghanaian emcee Recognize Ali. Critically acclaimed for projects such as <i>Allah's Favorite</i>, <i>Guerilla Dynasty</i> with aforementioned producer Stu Bangas (the sequel that dropped earlier this year is every bit has rugged as the first), his collaboration with former Wu-Tang beatsmith/affiliate Bronze Nazareth,<i> Seasons Of The Se7en</i>, and the first <i>Back II Mecca</i>, this highly skilled emcee dropped the sequel to <i>Back II Mecca</i> with <i>Back II Mecca 2</i>, and MAN was this a legit banger. Cueing up hard rocking early to mid-nineties NYC classics such as <i>Enta Da Stage</i>, <i>Ready To Die</i>, <i>Illmatic</i>, and <i>The Infamous</i>, Ali dropped an album that lovers of that time period will gladly appreciate and rejoice over. Just like the first of the series, the album was primarily produced by Qiallo Point and this young emcee EATS this album's production. With his pen game talented and his vocal stylings and delivery quite reminiscent of a young Krumbsnatcha, Recognize Ali has a tour de force on his hands here with cuts like "Moonwalk", "Duck Down" and "What U Need" as highlights on a damn near non-miss project. Do yourself a favor: don't sleep!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBoggojlB68AiHsbx6fPjvvJOxYN-ybYRSPdczl-IwAlz6DxcumSdY_MJN60PB7hVyJ6tOs75qvuWh07-UA9Ok04HPajg4E7RlX-hRgfOhCGAy24dUkEpnnxk6d9UK9RpKztcanl9cx-FXrIpUFY-D3TF-Vd12Mdj3mAtOoYW1IIK-Y_0BqMooTr1MdE/s1000/greatescape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBoggojlB68AiHsbx6fPjvvJOxYN-ybYRSPdczl-IwAlz6DxcumSdY_MJN60PB7hVyJ6tOs75qvuWh07-UA9Ok04HPajg4E7RlX-hRgfOhCGAy24dUkEpnnxk6d9UK9RpKztcanl9cx-FXrIpUFY-D3TF-Vd12Mdj3mAtOoYW1IIK-Y_0BqMooTr1MdE/s320/greatescape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. Larry June & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Great Escape</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jay Worthy, Slum Village, Big Sean, Action Bronson, Boldy James, Ty Dolla $ign, Evidence, Joey Bada$$, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Cali native, Larry June, has become one of the most talked about emcees flourishing currently in hip-hop. His laid-back and calm delivery mixed with his good pen game has become quite in demand. His discography of impressive outings includes the Harry Fraud-collaborated <i>Keep Going</i>, <i>Orange Print</i>, the collab with frequent collaborating emcee, Jay Worthy, <i>2 Peaz In A Pod</i>, and his own 2022 offering <i>Spaceships On The Blade</i>, all of which shows his talent is great detail. However, when word got out that he would be having a full-length project with the legendary Uncle Al himself, The Alchemist, heads immediately knew this would take him next level. With <i>The Great Escape</i>, we see it. Alchemist, himself, is widely, and rightfully so, considered one of the game's all-time best producers, having compelled a collaborative discography that's among the best ever, having efforts with the likes of both members of Mobb Deep (R.I.P. Bandana P), Armand Hammer, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Freddie Gibbs, Evidence (as Step Brothers), Oh No (as Gangrene), and last year's incredible album with Roc Marciano, <i>The Elephant Man's Bones</i>. On this, their first official album together, LJ floats and glides over Al's brilliant production that perfectly appeals to the delivery and stylings LJ brings forth with subject matter mostly relegated to luxury cars, suites, how to be a millionaire, and the art of the grind. Standouts like "Margie's Candy House", "Left No Evidence" with the aforementioned Evidence, the Slum Village-assisted "Orange Village", and "89 Earthquake" are all met with mostly jazzy production almost similar to <i>The Elephant Man's Bones</i> only not quite as dark but definitely elegant. Make no mistake about it folks, <i>The Great Escape</i> is another huge win for Uncle Al and further shows the talents of Larry June and how we may have just discovered another big time producer/emcee duo that could be a force to be reckoned with on this album. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrkmY5r4_FiPTp6v9kCmj6sVLpOZgtM7dC9hwBCVgMQb_XbMzbY_-KA_3WkfiBSJwywSvaX7xSFOTYyvZnlsfbigKBkUTXCwxDicVQydFS2M7IJWrehffsEzPIj9Ildkt0NMGDpa0bFmG1Nsp3P7EM7_StYtvC5gE3FSHEx0P1GtpEk6HO-sNrUWY8AM/s640/thegeniustape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrkmY5r4_FiPTp6v9kCmj6sVLpOZgtM7dC9hwBCVgMQb_XbMzbY_-KA_3WkfiBSJwywSvaX7xSFOTYyvZnlsfbigKBkUTXCwxDicVQydFS2M7IJWrehffsEzPIj9Ildkt0NMGDpa0bFmG1Nsp3P7EM7_StYtvC5gE3FSHEx0P1GtpEk6HO-sNrUWY8AM/s320/thegeniustape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. 7XVETHEGENIUS & DJ Green Lantern</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Genius Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Green Lantern</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, T.F., Rome Streetz, Che Noir</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Buffalo's aforementioned first lady of Drumwork, 7XVETHEGENIUS, has bubbled in the local Buffalo area for almost a decade now on the low. With her and Skeeze being the first one officially signed to Drumwork, the chances of her elevating her career to higher levels improved, and with efforts such as the <i>Self 7XVE</i> series, <i>Thy Will Be Done</i>, and <i>7XVe Is Love</i>, heads kept wanting to hear more from this young lady. While we wait on her forthcoming<i> Death Of Deuce</i> album, as well as her work on the upcoming Drumwork compilation album, she dropped a mixtape with famed NYC DJ/producer, DJ Green Lantern with <i>The Genius Tape</i>. Lantern is among the most underrated producers out here and has been for quite some time. He shows off his dope boardwork all over this album, with Genius dropping heavy bars that explore everything from love to hustling to betrayal and survival. Cuts like the Conway-assisted "Brainstroming", the bumping "Biddy Mason", and the Che Noir/Rome Streetz-assisted "Neck Protected" all highlight her penchant for witty rhymes that also go right at your throat with purpose and without frills. Often to compared to other lyrical femme fatales like Che Noir and Rapsody, 7XVETHEGENIUS is not one to be played with on the mic, and between her storytelling abilities, her shit talking, and just overall highly impressive pen game, one can only imagine how crazy <i>Death Of Deuce</i> will be if <i>The Genius Tape</i> is just an inkling of what's to come.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4Kh1MHqB7-JLeKuLFiv11frcG0CF7KGZr8UUZ5uqwTLextOGZkWnp57tuIfyCfkwKBHNLiiuwZmgnRj_TAVZsKgQCyWXA1l4lEqprP_6dW5sMCjVcByAWaGbgDbbmcewDNFA5AI4lqgQDu6_3b3RqYib4TEBGvtgITRmN-W_csbU-pC1UmpZS1N9ENc/s480/CHAMPAGNE+FOR+BREAKFAST+Digital+Cover+Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4Kh1MHqB7-JLeKuLFiv11frcG0CF7KGZr8UUZ5uqwTLextOGZkWnp57tuIfyCfkwKBHNLiiuwZmgnRj_TAVZsKgQCyWXA1l4lEqprP_6dW5sMCjVcByAWaGbgDbbmcewDNFA5AI4lqgQDu6_3b3RqYib4TEBGvtgITRmN-W_csbU-pC1UmpZS1N9ENc/s320/CHAMPAGNE+FOR+BREAKFAST+Digital+Cover+Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. Meyhem Lauren</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Champagne For Breakfast</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs, Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Hologram</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens veteran, Meyhem Lauren, has been putting in serious work for nearly two decades in the underground, but it's been over the past decade where Lauren has become notable amongst his contemporaries. His Freeway-esque delivery mixed with his content of hustling-meets-luxurious fly shit has been acclaimed during this period, as he has worked with the likes of the Griselda camp, DJ Muggs, good friend and fellow Queens native Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Hologram. Albums such as <i>Gems From The Equinox</i>, the Buckwild-produced<i> Silk Pyramids</i>, <i>Nickel Plated Wordplay</i>, and 2022's collaboration with Griselda in-house production extraordinaire, Daringer, <i>Black Vladmir</i> displayed his unique blend of gritty street tales and living the extravagant lifestyle filled with shrimp, caviar, and the finest wine. In 2023, he gets production help from not just the aforementioned DJ Muggs, but this time production genius, Madlib, for <i>Champagne For Breakfast</i>. While <i>Black Vladmir</i> had very dark, sinister production that Daringer can deliver so well, <i>Champagne For Breakfast</i> isn't as dark or atmospheric, but it does mix the jazzy and left-brained stylings of Madlib with the brooding, yet thumping, style of Muggs to make it come off as effective as Kanye and Pharrell did for Pusha T's fantastic offering of 2022, <i>It's Almost Dry</i>. From the likes of "Wild Salmon" to the CRAZY "One Of Them Ones", Meyhem delivers another prize with <i>Champagne For Breakfast</i>, and it'll be interesting to see who he collabs with next, as we continue to see the rise of this luxurious gangsta.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04d_DIneYDrUa_0oEzY3Np1aZsfEucS901HMUmCH49jtQa6eZAyjyci7tOGKP3G0WwpUMqeiGdCU2M68RTFG9XPCFUWjrEqFWwGPLTjn4vr30X73K9LEgKwvR9f_3XQxiLSjHn_zHfpXy5lzsBFW9ldHhExAuaUyIWRKisSNheLvbDxNfTbeygXNbtFo/s1500/The-Alchemist-Flying-High.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04d_DIneYDrUa_0oEzY3Np1aZsfEucS901HMUmCH49jtQa6eZAyjyci7tOGKP3G0WwpUMqeiGdCU2M68RTFG9XPCFUWjrEqFWwGPLTjn4vr30X73K9LEgKwvR9f_3XQxiLSjHn_zHfpXy5lzsBFW9ldHhExAuaUyIWRKisSNheLvbDxNfTbeygXNbtFo/s320/The-Alchemist-Flying-High.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Flying High (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Larry June, Jay Worthy, T.F., Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, Boldy James, billy woods, Sideshow</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The almighty Uncle Al has already been featured on this list with his collab album with Larry June with <i>The Great Escape</i>, but Al himself delivered an equally tremendous four track EP called <i>Flying High.</i> From the onset, the billy woods/Earl Sweatshirt collab, "RIP Tracy" is a melodic slow groove that shows how much Earl and woods need to do way more stuff together, while Al leans into one of the grandest boom-bap offerings Al has done all year with west coast talent, T.F. and Detroit's offering to Griselda, Boldy James, eating on "Trouble Man". It gets better with the stunning collab between MIKE and Sideshow on the hypnotic "Bless" and the Larry June/Jay Worthy beauty "Midnight Oil", that even has Al himself spitting the rare verse and shows that the old Mudfoot (during his Whooliganz days) still got that penchant of effective spitting. While we wait to see what else the evil scientist has up his sleeve musically, Alchemist has already delivered outstanding goods to LJ and the rumored albums with Earl Sweatshirt and Vince Staples could possibly see the light of day. Alchemist is one hundred percent among the true modern legends of hip-hop production with his brilliant sample usage and his unique sear for creating immaculate sounds from the most left-brained places, and his ability to construct the perfect style of production for whomever he works with is second to none. This EP, <i>Flying High</i>, could be the first of a series that continues to show that Al belongs in the place alongside the likes of Dre, RZA, Marley, and Preemo.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMTFMmtib02TN5k-65kEioOvQ7v_kFzNvY1IvLUOVzi5cuhmcm8idFCx1j18VTb96XYuBQE6qu_qQkyRoJ0TmsBIYoh8UhozecqYOJBQylF1Ns78MB9wtCWjrPCG1wZFgP3RRGtKsSn6gDjBJGZ5uO76LeeajyG_ls_Khihad9jNjRx5d4vbgJYxbLNY/s225/tylercreatorestate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMTFMmtib02TN5k-65kEioOvQ7v_kFzNvY1IvLUOVzi5cuhmcm8idFCx1j18VTb96XYuBQE6qu_qQkyRoJ0TmsBIYoh8UhozecqYOJBQylF1Ns78MB9wtCWjrPCG1wZFgP3RRGtKsSn6gDjBJGZ5uO76LeeajyG_ls_Khihad9jNjRx5d4vbgJYxbLNY/s1600/tylercreatorestate.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. Tyler, The Creator</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Madlib, Pharrell Williams, Jay Versace</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell, A$AP Rocky, Vince Staples, Domo Genesis, Lil Wayne, DJ Drama, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of 2021's best efforts was Tyler, The Creator's surprise sixth album, <i>Call Me When You Get Lost</i>. The Cali native delivered what many people have argued was the best album of his career, and presented him in more of a mature, yet hungry, emcee than we've heard from him in quite some time. It was less about shock value and more about honesty and poignant storytelling along with a great pen ability. Not to mention his boardwork was among the best he's done on any of his projects. Earlier this year, he dropped what's subsequently a deluxe edition of this fantastic album with <i>Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale</i>, which contains several new cuts and all perfectly go in tune with the rest of the album. With cuts like "Sorry Not Sorry", "Dog Tooth", the reworking of John Legend's "Heaven"" with "Heaven To Me" and especially the amazing Madlib-crafted "What A Day' are all cuts that continue to show how boundary pushing Tyler can be, sonically, thematically, and lyrically. Examining his conflicts between his stardom and being down to earth, as well loving his lush living while also struggling to find or maintain love, Tyler continues to show his complexities in such excellently artistic fashion. The fact that these cutting room floor cuts is wild, as these and others including "Everything Must Go" and the A$AP Rocky-assisted "Wharf talk" are tremendously put together cuts that further show the incredible talent Tyler possesses. While the Grammy Award-winning emcee has been thoroughly delivering in quality these past few years especially (<i>Flower Boy</i> up to this point was his crowning jewel), <i>CMIYGL</i> is the memorable of them all, and <i>The Estate Sale</i> further exemplifies this as this could be a hard effort to top from him, but never, ever underestimate the brilliance of this man.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ2nKZIZCKojobuXTDb2cw-IoaRgYx_xZppY3ZDqrdSrhFeiO3Uvlj5jjqht-07C07_B5Wb8oaqkhG4-5VmXlA6YHl48-vSrBo7Ntlf103sZSyRrhxkE0Fv4w9MDaqmnqefSXRfM3C3XGc8GWHFNyWA3MXo29D5jlkFnUytRguX1bt1N15sqd0S94Meo/s225/statik-trip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ2nKZIZCKojobuXTDb2cw-IoaRgYx_xZppY3ZDqrdSrhFeiO3Uvlj5jjqht-07C07_B5Wb8oaqkhG4-5VmXlA6YHl48-vSrBo7Ntlf103sZSyRrhxkE0Fv4w9MDaqmnqefSXRfM3C3XGc8GWHFNyWA3MXo29D5jlkFnUytRguX1bt1N15sqd0S94Meo/s1600/statik-trip.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Statik Selektah</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Round Trip</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Posdnous, Joey bada$$, Conway The MAchine, Benny The Butcher, Ab-Soul, redveil, Nems, Termanology, Stove God Cook$, Symba, Wu-Tang Clan, Elzhi, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Veteran Boston DJ/Producer, Statik Selektah, is among the most respected figures in hip-hop yet also among the most underrated producers as well. Despite contributions on offerings from the likes of AZ, IDK, Termanology, Ill Bill, Ransom, collab albums with Bun B and Paul Wall and especially his excellent work on Joey Bada$$'s wonderful 2022 offering, <i>2000</i>, many feel he still doesn't get his just due for how very good he is behind the boards. Aiming to change that, he dropped his tenth album, <i>Round Trip</i>, and the results are as great or better than most of his other projects that include impressive outings such as <i>What Goes Around</i>, <i>Lucky 7</i>, and <i>Population Control</i>, and that's not including his MANY collaborative projects with the likes of Termanology, Kota The Friend, Bun B, Paul Wall, and CJ Fly. The album starts in very somber fashion with the title track that's subsequently a Trugoy The Dove eulogy from his thirty-plus year partner in rhyme Posdnous over melancholy keys and a beautiful yet gloomy aura, as we still are in disbelief over Plug 2's untimely passing. From there, performances from the likes of Benny, Conway, Ransom, Bun B, Millyz, Joey Bada$$, Rome Streetz, Symba, and members of the Wu-Tang Clan are among the many highlights on this album. As with most Statik Selektah projects, posse cuts are the rule, and most over jazzy boom-bap type production, thus making cuts such as "Can't Stop", "Unpredictable", "Different League", and the aforementioned title track definite standouts. Statik Selektah commemorates his tenth release with a victory lap of an album that will be considered quite high on his already impressive discography.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmkkq1pdA15_f8MFfWOD3GWzhU183FGNSeF16T_-dU1eqJzfEVN-TmNHX9FY8ET2Fx-tQVRL1LkJiKC7OMWpT-1Jo7osRfhKosQanwQyeoD3N7B3Bd5TnV5dqveSivQXwXiFJ6N1uhhWZ9KcQeglSiIrT_xWIeMcI4im7T83JTsD-zpqIyg96aDTHj8c/s1000/skyzoosaint.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmkkq1pdA15_f8MFfWOD3GWzhU183FGNSeF16T_-dU1eqJzfEVN-TmNHX9FY8ET2Fx-tQVRL1LkJiKC7OMWpT-1Jo7osRfhKosQanwQyeoD3N7B3Bd5TnV5dqveSivQXwXiFJ6N1uhhWZ9KcQeglSiIrT_xWIeMcI4im7T83JTsD-zpqIyg96aDTHj8c/s320/skyzoosaint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Skyzoo & The Other Guys</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Mind Of A Saint</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Other Guys</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">There aren't too many in hip-hop that has the type of undefeated discography Brooklyn native Skyzoo possesses. From his mixtape beginnings to his first EP with Grammy Award winning beat genius, 9th Wonder, for <i>Cloud 9</i> to his debut full-length, <i>The Salvation</i>, and other subsequent releases such as <i>Music For My Friends</i>, <i>In Celebration Of Us</i>, and 2021's <i>All The Brilliant Things</i> (not to mention his multiple EPs, mixtapes, and collab efforts with the likes of Apollo Brown, !llmind, and Pete Rock), Skyzoo is among the most consistent and prolific emcees of the past couple decades. He continues his winning streak with <i>The Mind Of A Saint</i>. The Crown Heights dweller is a thinking man's emcee, in which every solo album has a central point or theme. With <i>Music For My Friends</i>, the focus was on his childhood growing up in Brooklyn, whereas <i>In Celebration Of Us</i> was a close examination of his community in the times of struggle and adversity and the beauty of overcoming. He goes further with this project, as he adapts the character of Franklin Saint from the famed FX show, <i>Snowfall</i>. He imagines himself as the character if he was an emcee on the come up and does so in such Ingenius fashion. With production help from relative newcomers, The Other Guys, he effortlessly glides over they type of production he's accustomed to: jazzy boom-bap with moments of clever sampling and melodies. Cuts like "Straight Drop", "Bodies", "Views From The Valley", and especially the production highlight of the album, the spectacular "Apologies In Order", Sky fully embodies the mind of the hustling anti-hero of Snowfall in unbelievable fashion. With <i>The Mind Of A Saint</i>, Skyzoo not only continues to show why he's your favorite emcee's favorite emcee, but he's also a thinker and one that values his artistic and lyrical longevity. Nearly two decades min, as he mentioned on the track from <i>All The Brilliant Things</i>, "Bodega Flowers", it's time to start giving him his.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ILODHAJIUkoqaYzKTxHeGx6Lgq3XpwJ_TxK0J5YDbdQjRWqVZypSCTA7OaoIeycs8uKAfcuIwaJHmvckYD7_a3W6jAUkEC26cjvilnglEN1zZ794Bp8Mxr5pFa8cqYvQNjHL-wIyQZoxBlMuV3s086GMKbIX1K9GhgDoKvWCsK-jefiXbhqPht60b9c/s225/teflon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ILODHAJIUkoqaYzKTxHeGx6Lgq3XpwJ_TxK0J5YDbdQjRWqVZypSCTA7OaoIeycs8uKAfcuIwaJHmvckYD7_a3W6jAUkEC26cjvilnglEN1zZ794Bp8Mxr5pFa8cqYvQNjHL-wIyQZoxBlMuV3s086GMKbIX1K9GhgDoKvWCsK-jefiXbhqPht60b9c/s1600/teflon.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Teflon</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>2 Sides to a Story</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Premier, Jazimoto</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: M.O.P., others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Whenever you're associated with Brownsville legends, M.O.P. as long as Teflon has, you're arguably considered another member of them virtually. The Brooklyn hard rock possesses the same forceful, no holds barred delivery Fame and Danz do and hits you in the face every time he spits. It's been around twenty-five years since we last heard a full [project from Tef in the form of '98's <i>My Will</i>. While decent, it didn't live up to the potential it should've. However, heads were in very high anticipation of his sophomore album, <i>Contraband</i>, as it was stated he would be signing with DJ Premier's Year Round Records and would exclusively handle the effort's production. Unfortunately, the album never surfaced, and we all were left with a 'what if' within us concerning how disrespectfully crazy of an album that would've been, especially a few of the cuts that leaked or released. After supposedly leaving the game for many years, Teflon returns with his first album since <i>My Will</i>, <i>2 Sides to A Story</i>. Half of the album was handled by Preemo, but the other half was handled by relatively unknown, yet very dope, producer, Jazimoto. Needless to say, he still got it folks. Not to mention he has assistance from his First family brothers on a few cuts on this hard-hitting release. Starting off in SICK fashion comes the Preemo-powered, "Out The Gate", and from there, more thumping, pavement-quaking production and no-nonsense rhymes are the inescapable rule here. We may never get the completed <i>Contraband</i> album (ironically the title track from that album is on this effort), but truthfully this is an ass kicker and Teflon had to remind us that he plays no games out here.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeKSmIVEO2TFpFPlPZTx81xB8baDuEgU-8ocwXINDzCsoUmX-HP8epOU0R31AU38Mcrc_XZQl0hORKECtvG4NPZJmOH6Nv7nlaLWDFJWqwap7I9iMUsTU5xsomCgu2pJYl3YJGq5BgPs_GPFZCxZ4R3caIFyyaExmcQTi-xqeFa5Xn7lUJc6qF_YMGmk/s225/conway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeKSmIVEO2TFpFPlPZTx81xB8baDuEgU-8ocwXINDzCsoUmX-HP8epOU0R31AU38Mcrc_XZQl0hORKECtvG4NPZJmOH6Nv7nlaLWDFJWqwap7I9iMUsTU5xsomCgu2pJYl3YJGq5BgPs_GPFZCxZ4R3caIFyyaExmcQTi-xqeFa5Xn7lUJc6qF_YMGmk/s1600/conway.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Won't He Do It</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, JR Swiftz, Graymatter, Khrysis, Juicy J, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Fabolous, GooseByTheWay, 7XVETHEGENIUS, Jae Skeeze, Dave East, Ransom, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It wouldn't be a year if we didn't get at least one Conway project, and we already have the follow-up to his magnum opus from 2022's <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i> in the form of <i>Won't He Do It</i>. This also marks his first official album under his own Drumwork Music Group label, and this album definitely features artists from his label such as Jae Skeeze, 7XVETHEGENIUS and GooseByTheWay. Aiming to deliver more universal appeal, he does go for more radio-sounding cuts such as "Kanye" and "Chosen" (both cuts done by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and supposedly finishing up an entire project with Conway), but also reminds the listener he's that Machine with menacing cuts such as the ominous collab with Ransom "Stab Out", "Tween Cross Tween", the Gunn-assisted "Brucifix", and "Flesh of My Flesh". With every passing album, Conway continues to raise his game to new levels and shows why he's among the most in-demand emcees in the game. While this doesn't quite have the jarring emotion and brutal honesty <i>GDMM</i> contained, <i>WHDI</i> still delivers in texture and lyricism. From gritty street narratives to ominously threatening talk to even when he gets personal in introspective, Conway continues to develop into a complete emcee across the board. Factor in that he has a new army behind him and what is supposedly a very busy year for him, Conway could very well own 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizku86ZlYXRO45u3dqqcS5J6oL52xXXUSefQkTuEaY7y11DiIxCHs6lPeY3QmRqriUKoojfMmT03H3P139SVnZ036spKCx9LqhenAlkwWXvXgV3utoqA6Xew327kyh2dtYr16LaZZ_W95JKmPradq7l_3lt4qxaHq-fVb1SXW6_bDXLZY4FhkBt-MAubI/s225/kidabstrakt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizku86ZlYXRO45u3dqqcS5J6oL52xXXUSefQkTuEaY7y11DiIxCHs6lPeY3QmRqriUKoojfMmT03H3P139SVnZ036spKCx9LqhenAlkwWXvXgV3utoqA6Xew327kyh2dtYr16LaZZ_W95JKmPradq7l_3lt4qxaHq-fVb1SXW6_bDXLZY4FhkBt-MAubI/s1600/kidabstrakt.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Kid Abstrakt & Leo Low Pass</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Still Dreaming</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Leo Low Pass</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Tab One, Vsteeze, Awon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">When we mention laid-back, feel good hip-hop artists, there aren't many we can name in these times of hip-hop. However, one such artist is Cali native, Kid Abstrakt. His brand of jazz rap mixed with wholesome views of God, family, and living life with purpose is a much-needed breath of fresh air. His most recent projects of <i>Jazzy Vibes</i>, <i>Daydreaming</i>, and <i>Higher Vibration EP </i>are wonderful throwbacks to golden era hip-hop with captivating jazzy boom-bap soundscapes and a focus to just make good ol' fashioned hip-hop, complete with no images of guns, drugs, misogyny, sexual themes or even excessive foul language. He returns with his newest project, the sequel to 2017's aforementioned <i>Daydreaming</i>, <i>Still Dreaming</i>. With producer, Leo Low Pass, the album is perfect for a good drive on a Sunday afternoon with the family. With cuts such as the Awon-assisted, "Flowers", "Keep it Jazzy", the title track, and "Beautiful Day", this will undoubtedly go over a lot of heads in this current climate of hip-hop, but those that are in need of some quality hip-hop that is void of any and all cliches currently flooding the game, or even some hip-hop that you can listen to around your parents and children, <i>Still Dreaming</i> is as great of a choice as you can get so far this year. The nature of Abstrakt's music is the basic, yet super undervalued premise of our culture: authenticity, and Kid Abstrakt delivers once again with a beautiful project.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjLWh7I3SRGj-nwYbbP01py_APA7s54pspikRGA6-sGpHA7KTe5XDVOVTUhAlMjX677-xwLKpbXmbJ7E-U_88DhCyQxNFtPyzx2S9nEemkKYSuJIre64e9gyZVrkyQl5gEFm_nedChcDu-2Hq5gPw3dpcQx6CyQ3S8bUspnR3PbPev-cTmTM5xKRFsqU/s500/Lloyd-Banks-COTD-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjLWh7I3SRGj-nwYbbP01py_APA7s54pspikRGA6-sGpHA7KTe5XDVOVTUhAlMjX677-xwLKpbXmbJ7E-U_88DhCyQxNFtPyzx2S9nEemkKYSuJIre64e9gyZVrkyQl5gEFm_nedChcDu-2Hq5gPw3dpcQx6CyQ3S8bUspnR3PbPev-cTmTM5xKRFsqU/s320/Lloyd-Banks-COTD-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Course Of The Inevitable 3: Pieces Of My Pain</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, V-DON, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Over the past three years, former G-Unit soldier Lloyd Banks has enjoyed a revival of sorts of his career. While he's still been putting in work through various mixtapes and guest appearances, it's been over a decade since we had a full length from the Queens native and the self-professed "Punchline King". However, that changed with 2021's <i>Course Of The Inevitable</i>, which was quite the tremendous reintroduction to people who may have forgotten how ridiculous he is with the pen and his bars. He continued the momentum with its sequel the very next year with <i>COTI2</i>, and it literally picked up where the first one left off at with little to no stumbles. He emerges in 2023 with the third, and possibly final, chapter of the <i>COTI</i> series entitled <i>COTI3: Pieces Of My Pain</i>. As you can tell by the title, this album aims to get him more personal and honest, and he does just that. Once again collaborating with up and coming beatsmith, Cartune Beatz, along with veteran underground producer V-DON and others, Banks takes us in deeper with demons he struggles with and subjects such as depression, anxiety, family, loss, and divorce all are in the forefront of this album, while tracks like the bumping "Movie Scenes", the Method Man-assisted "101 Razors", the Vado-asssited "LSD", and "Money Machine" are cuts that have plenty of rewindable bars from one of the best you'll find for that type of lyrical knack. While cuts like "Voices" and "Opened Gates" show us just how much his mental health has been affected over these last several years, he delivers a softer blow with the touching ode to his daughter "Daddy's Little Girl" that shows that, in fact, there's more to the PLK than his tough guy talk and hustling ways. If this is the last installment of the <i>COTI </i>series, it ends on a very high note as Banks is very much back in his zone with another shining example of why he arguably the most talented member of the G-Unit squad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D3tjFxT5MmqblbxFk6ZQV3SZQuy1Wem2bn5D_gJuG5CJVb4zG6Nf58CLi3H7eRlWZMyxTC7HAkq2z60ZWBJ8HtnNRPXqka-bmvX0PzaX_SlGf8Ll1xUqkWBBpSvBIHVVaMMNtfBY8zVewZVaFUoxBvVYGli76a-Aen2Lt_Uq4HLckTXsYcfAeXYCCB0/s225/maxo-humor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D3tjFxT5MmqblbxFk6ZQV3SZQuy1Wem2bn5D_gJuG5CJVb4zG6Nf58CLi3H7eRlWZMyxTC7HAkq2z60ZWBJ8HtnNRPXqka-bmvX0PzaX_SlGf8Ll1xUqkWBBpSvBIHVVaMMNtfBY8zVewZVaFUoxBvVYGli76a-Aen2Lt_Uq4HLckTXsYcfAeXYCCB0/s1600/maxo-humor.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. Maxo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Even God Has A Sense Of Humor</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib, Karriem Riggins, Graymatter, Beat Butcha, Lastnamedavid, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Pink Siifu, Liv.e, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In an era and current climate where it's looked down upon to bear your soul and your vulnerabilities on digital platforms, and instead just pit in its place sex, guns, drugs, crime, misogyny, and misandry, artists like MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt, and Navi go against the artistic and personal grain and let the listener in to their sensitivities and heaviness. Cali native, Maxo, is another emcee that explores mental health from an abstract yet highly introspective point of view. His 2019 offering <i>Lil Big Man</i> showed his struggles with trying to make it big in the game yet having to sacrifice his own mental space in order to do so. On this follow-up, <i>Even God Has A Sense Of Humor</i>, he somewhat keeps on that same trajectory, but finding a little more peace along his journey. Over some jazzy yet very atmospheric and glistening production most of the project, Maxo still has moments of struggling with self-doubt and honestly it's quite bold to do. Cuts like "48" with Pink Siifu, "What 4", and "Nuri" are all deeply personal tracks that show how he's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve over some of the most stunning production you'll likely hear all year. Other cuts like "Free", "Both handed", and the tremendous "Face Of Stone" go through emotions ranging from liberation and confidence to regretful and anxious and are done powerfully. While many feel <i>Even God Has A Sense Of Humor</i> should've possessed more of the strengths that made <i>Lil Big Man</i> an understated musical diary, it still shows Maxo in a very human light, as he seeks to grasp a hold of who is, where's been, and where he's trying to get to, just like the rest of us.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-65jN2JH8R7lOSXhsfoQ58jijUrHBTMQeHXentfPiv97vfx5lm948kKeRoXun1XP2iayuhmDjDuYgzMXjz7q4qnJXoGCHovDn_wDygmdsXeeaq6WqfLJLzFf3BuQ0700zEuNR-AZmq_kEUs7rA5d8YIITKwfSwhngGyBw33FXnEseY4LYZSiypO5C9U/s1280/Killer-Mike-Michael.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-65jN2JH8R7lOSXhsfoQ58jijUrHBTMQeHXentfPiv97vfx5lm948kKeRoXun1XP2iayuhmDjDuYgzMXjz7q4qnJXoGCHovDn_wDygmdsXeeaq6WqfLJLzFf3BuQ0700zEuNR-AZmq_kEUs7rA5d8YIITKwfSwhngGyBw33FXnEseY4LYZSiypO5C9U/s320/Killer-Mike-Michael.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. Killer Mike</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Michael</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Prodeuction: No I.D., Cool & Dre, Don Cannon, DJ Paul, Cory Mo, El-P, Beat Butcha, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Cee-Lo, Andre 3000, Future, El-P, Young Thug, Future, Eryn Allen Kane, Jagged Edge, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Longtime Outkast-affiliate, and half of another seminal duo, Run The Jewels, Killer Mike hasn't released a solo album since 2012's <i>R.A.P. Music</i>, which many considered an unofficial debut for Run The Jewels, as El-P provided sole production on the excellent project. Since then, he and El-P have become arguably the most impactful duo of the 2010s, delivering four of the most memorable hip-hop albums to hit us this entire century so far. As we wait for the next installment of <i>RTJ</i>, Killer Mike hands us his <i>Michael</i>, his most personal project to date and the results are outstanding. Executive produced by Grammy Award-winning veteran producer, No I.D., Mike explodes over virtually every track here and sounds as rejuvenated as ever on cuts like the Young Thug-assisted "Run" (which features quite the intro from Dave Chappelle), Talk'n That Shit", and the El-P-assisted "Don't Let The Devil", which could all be bumped as high of decibels as one could imagine or at least enough to where possibly noise ordinance tickets would be given. However, it's the more personal moments of this album that steal the show. Cuts like the touching "Motherless", "High & Holy", and "Exit 9" that are filled with such personal and honest narratives that you literally take a trip inside the mind and heart of KM. Of course, perhaps the biggest standout is the crazy collab with Future and a rare verse from Andre 3000 on the cut "Scientists & Engineers" (which features very nice vocals from Eryn Allen Kane who appears on a couple of tracks on this album). With <i>Michael</i>, Killer Mike shows us every sector of what makes him who he is. From the hustla to the family man to the ever-evolving man and artist, we see it all here. This is easily contender for southern rap album of the year already and definitely the best solo album he's ever put out. A definite benchmark in the career, and life, of Michael Render.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJVWZ0SUNHr5ylXt-nYj-k0zNdkeWf23P847xN3mya6AeqCToXBfg08zHxk25wheDemnsaH_FDL40wWxURLbhDNFWoNPOKoMR9muFTsyo9WyFj8BhjksixK12o4jQlB5Jv7JWRimqqsbHqFCrwrRE-8_-NpoMsPxd7pllYVUgLE07gnyutXClUIdvOmE/s1004/romestreetz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1004" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJVWZ0SUNHr5ylXt-nYj-k0zNdkeWf23P847xN3mya6AeqCToXBfg08zHxk25wheDemnsaH_FDL40wWxURLbhDNFWoNPOKoMR9muFTsyo9WyFj8BhjksixK12o4jQlB5Jv7JWRimqqsbHqFCrwrRE-8_-NpoMsPxd7pllYVUgLE07gnyutXClUIdvOmE/s320/romestreetz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Rome Streetz & Big Ghost LTD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Wasn't Built In A Day</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Big Ghost LTD</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Method Man, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the newest Griselda solders is underground notable Rome Streetz. While making a buzz with his <i>Noise Candy</i> mixtape series, he started gaining more noise (pardon the pun) with other projects such as <i>Streetz Keep Calling Me</i> and his first collab with previously mentioned producer Futurewave, <i>Headcrack</i>, it was his collab album with the legendary DJ Muggs, <i>Death & The Magician</i>, that made people perk their ears up a little more to this NYC dweller. From there, it was his collaborative efforts with underground heavyweights AHNKLEJOHN (<i>Genesis 1:27</i>) and Ransom (<i>Coup De Grace</i>), as well as another collab with Futurewave (<i>Razor's Edge</i>) that made his name go even harder in the streets. Gunn signed him in 2022 and delivered his Griselda debut, <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, and the album became not only one of the best debuts in Griselda history critically, but one of the best full-length debut albums of the year. Still riding off his momentum, he does another collaborative effort, this time with enigmatic producer, Big Ghost LTD for <i>Wasn't Built In A Day.</i> Almost equally as sonically menacing and consistent as <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, this has Roman going for broke over BGLTD's trademark ominous, yet thumping, production. Cuts like the Mobb Deep-sampled "Gem Drop", the Method Man-assisted P'z & Q'z", and the eerily banger with Conway, "Suicide" are as raw to the bone as you could ask for from Rome and fits the mold of how this album rolls along. While it wasn't an easy task to follow up such a CRAZY album like <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, <i>Wasn't Built In A Day</i> was very damn close, and Rome Streetz keeps putting on impressive performance after impressive performance, no matter who he has behind the boards.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMycacr9HbH7rDuNto5UbZ5hBy0NaPxxQJu1NWoEGqGFhhne_j0Btonnm6nxp-CkDN_n-7lnKziYL-A799xI8IQL5JHeeN6S9T75i0p4H5zEF5k2qTzqGcBizglWZBKEn1VeNj6zT585whYhpGiih57YvmnG40ZRKH9TkIH_blX2QxbC8iRrO1P-tVbc/s225/black-thought-game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMycacr9HbH7rDuNto5UbZ5hBy0NaPxxQJu1NWoEGqGFhhne_j0Btonnm6nxp-CkDN_n-7lnKziYL-A799xI8IQL5JHeeN6S9T75i0p4H5zEF5k2qTzqGcBizglWZBKEn1VeNj6zT585whYhpGiih57YvmnG40ZRKH9TkIH_blX2QxbC8iRrO1P-tVbc/s1600/black-thought-game.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Black Thought & El Michels Affair</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Glorious Game</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: El Michels Affair</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The legendary Philly rhyme savior, Black Thought, has had quite the past few years away from his Roots crew. Aside from his three <i>Streams Of Thought </i>projects, in 2022, he presented one of the year's most fundamentally exquisite projects of this early decade with producer extraordinaire, Danger Mouse, for the priceless project, <i>Cheat Codes</i>. Top to bottom, this combo delivered a slightly left-brained masterpiece that showed that the over decade long anticipation was worth the weight and then some. Hoping to rival that amazing album is this year's effort with revered producer, Leon Michels, and his team/band, El Michels Affair, for <i>Glorious Game</i>. Quite the personal venture with this project, Tariq goes in head and heart first into the deep end of the pool with tremendous autobiographical cuts such as "Hollow Way", "I'm Still Somehow", and the fantastic "The Weather", which all have him reconnecting to his years of adolescence to him as a fully grown man reminiscing on things that range from heartbreaking to frustrating yet all very relatable in some way. The whole thing isn't all sadness and reflective, as he takes time to profess his infatuation for a lovely woman that he sees himself fancying over on "That Girl". Over mostly soul-flavored live instrumentation with the occasional sample cleverly interjecting itself at time, <i>Glorious Game</i> is another big win for BT. While we have no definitive idea when the next Roots album,<i> End Game</i>, will drop, as long as get to hear one of hip-hop's true GOATs on the mic, we will be very satisfied.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoplA5F3uw10DH1TuYZIQwwKi9NeMX3ZIRRePCV_A4qzE8BDuExsBjYYW0naLoZ41N1cHWPTGQyeV_qdhtKdObgcl6l_EArvQNx5yqqtviYu4H0aeCAiGHQjelNXGarZhU8ta_xQlsCuEAwbKKkhIiacqNbtQ7mvRftOlQp5O6wp9AYqia9RScpyOkcY/s600/billy-woods-Kenny-Segal-Maps.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoplA5F3uw10DH1TuYZIQwwKi9NeMX3ZIRRePCV_A4qzE8BDuExsBjYYW0naLoZ41N1cHWPTGQyeV_qdhtKdObgcl6l_EArvQNx5yqqtviYu4H0aeCAiGHQjelNXGarZhU8ta_xQlsCuEAwbKKkhIiacqNbtQ7mvRftOlQp5O6wp9AYqia9RScpyOkcY/s320/billy-woods-Kenny-Segal-Maps.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. billy woods & Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Maps</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Segal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Danny brown, Aesop Rock, Quelle Chris, Shrapknel, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The incomparable billy woods has had a run within this past decade that very, very few have been truly able to rival in terms of consistency and quality. From the bold, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, to the tremendous today, I wrote Nothing to his collabs with fellow left-brained write, ELUCID as Armand Hammer including <i>Riot Muzik </i>and the amazing collab with the almighty Uncle Al with <i>HARAM</i>, to last year's offerings of<i> Church</i> and <i>Aethiopes</i>, woods is in esteemed class of emcees that somehow still get relegated to underground status. He reemerges in 2023 with the first solo offering from him this year. He reunites with producer Kenny Segal, who constructed his gloomy yet ambitious <i>Hiding Place</i>, for <i>Maps</i>. This album isn't as dark and atmospheric as the aforementioned <i>Hiding Place</i>, but is no less intriguing and uniquely wrapped. The NY native brings forth a conceptual album that shows his different stories, emotions, thoughts, and situations while touring. Segal's mixture of jazzy, bluesy, atmospheric, and avant-garde production elegantly serves as the backdrop for the moody and occasionally apprehensive narratives and rhymes of woods. Among the standouts on this practically flawless album are the repeatable "Paraquat", the celebratory-yet-cautious "NYC Tapwater", and the way "Face Time", and these are just a few cuts that exemplify the apocalyptic-yet-conscious and aware rhymes of the complex woods. One of the best writers in all of hip-hop, woods and Segal hit another grand slam with <i>Maps</i> and as time goes by, we will realize and understand how much woods deserves to be studied, as his run right now is right now one of legend.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm3cU4NKp4RQc4mubsf3cxF7bsMJXXA0TfCNg8MigDPFi0h9iHDHJMmV_qCiupuFQFfz_w6NL2JPFT-t6xj-WBtXeHedbboRPa-Pnpepi2JwE5n0QsZkOhQTNfWAoFd1Uw8pNmE4TExyYXKFhZgyEsJrqAzhdjETlfBN4ghHy4VB5FIuX5Zv2hxrETxg/s3000/scaringhoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm3cU4NKp4RQc4mubsf3cxF7bsMJXXA0TfCNg8MigDPFi0h9iHDHJMmV_qCiupuFQFfz_w6NL2JPFT-t6xj-WBtXeHedbboRPa-Pnpepi2JwE5n0QsZkOhQTNfWAoFd1Uw8pNmE4TExyYXKFhZgyEsJrqAzhdjETlfBN4ghHy4VB5FIuX5Zv2hxrETxg/s320/scaringhoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Scaring The Hos Vol. 1</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: JPEGMAFIA</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Are there two more appropriate artists to work with each other than Baltimore's JPEGMAFIA and Detroit's Danny Brown? While many have become very acquainted with the highly energetic and off the wall lyrical antics of Brown, cats are really just now starting to come into the left-field artistry of JPEGMAFIA, mainly due to albums from him such as <i>Veteran</i>, <i>All My Heroes Are Cornballs</i>, and <i>LP!</i>, all of which gathered an impressive following very similar to Brown during the early part of Brown's career with albums such as <i>XXX</i>, <i>Old</i> and especially his neurotic masterwork, <i>Atrocity Exhibition</i>. These two quirky, albeit highly tremendous, artists have blended their talents together for one of hip-hop's best titles, <i>Scaring The Hoes Vol. 1</i>. Folks, don't let the title scare you away and let it take you down the road of some sort of album-wide misogyny-laced (well, maybe some) comedy-type shit. This is a masterclass in what's subsequently a fun mess. Every track Peggy puts together is cleverly sampled with soul, funk, avant-garde and new wave music for Brown, especially, to go bonkers on, and that he does, with Peggy chiming in on a few tracks himself. With tracks like the lead-off "Lean Beef Patty", "Orange Juice Jones", and the chaotic-sounding "Run The Jewels", Brown & Peggy present a frantic and frenzied masterpiece that will undoubtedly serve as new benchmarks for both artists. It's without question <i>Scaring The Hoes Vol. 1</i> won't be for everyone, but for those that get the artistic lane that both JPEG and Danny Brown possess, they get this that messy classic both men are more than capable of delivering, and they just so happen to bring their unique, distinctive worlds together for an album that's one of a kind.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ZjwJX4pz24Oixg20SgvX6R6w5XA-XSXuZ0sKw0kC3sdQVpPWjveeputWI695xgV-nF-gBZ2oZPcr2rHjSi1QTX21WMRevEIN9Dk9IzYPfvaDmnOfLs9E4GCR0axTjBQKfWs4aes7Rf8FRiEU0m9pSFHzqzwGzo-VqAI6s4WsBdTUqYrWs3U6YXSH2Y/s1200/leather-blvd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ZjwJX4pz24Oixg20SgvX6R6w5XA-XSXuZ0sKw0kC3sdQVpPWjveeputWI695xgV-nF-gBZ2oZPcr2rHjSi1QTX21WMRevEIN9Dk9IzYPfvaDmnOfLs9E4GCR0axTjBQKfWs4aes7Rf8FRiEU0m9pSFHzqzwGzo-VqAI6s4WsBdTUqYrWs3U6YXSH2Y/s320/leather-blvd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Pink Siifu & Ahwlee are B. Cool-Aid</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Leather Blvd.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Ahwlee</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessy, Ladybug Mecca, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Underground favorite and Birmingham, AL native, Pink Siifu, has a very distinctive delivery and style that puts him as a standout within the southern hip-hop scene. His Lil' Wayne-meets-Yasiin Bey style is one that put him on more of a bigger light with his excellent 2021 offering, <i>Gumbo!</i>. With quite a discography on his hands (over two dozen projects in the past decade), it's perhaps his latest offering that may be his most ambitious. Siifu gets back up with frequent production collaborator, Ahwlee, to become B. Cool-Aid, and their debut album, <i>Leather Blvd</i>., is as soulful and jazzy as it is ambitious. Mellow and occasionally breezy, the sounds on this album resemble the type of album that could fit inside of an open mic night gathering or a jazz lounge, as the rich, yet lush, instrumentation of this album blends with Siifu's neo-soul rap and crooning to the point where you're just as captivated with his delivery and lyrics as much as you are from the very engaging production of Ahwlee. This album also contains several guests that contribute greatly to this project such as Digable Planets' Ladybug Mecca (reunion album anyone?), Quelle Chris, Denmark Vessy, a spoken word piece from Outkast-affiliate Big Rube, and Butcher Brown, but fitting background assisted vocals from the likes of Lik.E, Akeema Zane, and Melanie Rose keep the soulful element that continuously makes the superb project float by in such blissful fashion. Cuts like "Brandy, Aaliyah", "ChalkRoundIt", and "soundgood" are just so full of soul, they almost remind one of the likes of such classics as <i>ATLiens</i>, <i>Aquemini</i>, and <i>Illadelph Halflife</i> in terms of the ambience of this project. Beyond question, <i>Leather Blvd</i> is a grown-folks hip-hop album that deserves all of the acclaim it's been getting and then some. Pink Siifu and Ahwlee have devised an album that, in terms of high quality grown folks hip-hop, has set the bar very high for the year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL4U4oOHgAU5P-cgXwsEJ32PQFu5F-EMPA1II0SoekLBcYhft4K84JcAa98npYhV25xVqWtVII_8KnTjkSbDaZV0Vzy1eUQd1U5SN_n2NaaWf6QJ6HbjVpKCNojxVe4ZLnF_zZJnFnBQNlcEISVxc0Me5n2_BrBvAeEnAqgH9M9Lqm3p6ptDNUPtjbl0/s220/Talib_Kweli_and_Madlib_-_Liberation_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL4U4oOHgAU5P-cgXwsEJ32PQFu5F-EMPA1II0SoekLBcYhft4K84JcAa98npYhV25xVqWtVII_8KnTjkSbDaZV0Vzy1eUQd1U5SN_n2NaaWf6QJ6HbjVpKCNojxVe4ZLnF_zZJnFnBQNlcEISVxc0Me5n2_BrBvAeEnAqgH9M9Lqm3p6ptDNUPtjbl0/s1600/Talib_Kweli_and_Madlib_-_Liberation_2.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Talib Kweli & Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Liberation 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Pink Siifu, Roc Marciano, Westside Gunn, Jessica Care Moore, Roy Ayers, Meshell Ndegeocello, Amani, Diani, Mac Miller, Q-Tip, Goapele, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The last time we heard from Brooklyn's Talib Kweli and Cali's evil production genius, Madlib, was with Yasiin Bey as the reunited Black Star presented their two decades-plus anticipated follow up to their self titled debut album, <i>No Fear Of Time</i>. The album, although greatly welcomed, was criticized for being uninspiring and that the aura of the now near fifty-year olds wasn't the same it was in '98, albeit Madlib's very intricate production was adequate for the veteran Brooklynites. Not to mention, the album was recorded on the road throughout the years and was barely mixed appropriately so while the album wasn't necessarily a critical flop (as there were sincerely excellent moments here), it served as an underwhelming platter of sorts to those that were anticipating another monument like their debut album. In 2023, Kweli announced there was a sequel to his mixtape with Madlib, <i>Liberation</i>, entitled <i>Liberation 2</i>. Just like <i>No Fear Of Time</i>, this album was released exclusively through Kweli's Luminary podcast company so only subscribers gained access to this. With the lukewarm reception of <i>No Fear Of Time</i>, the question was would this suffer the critical fate as <i>NFOT</i>? The answer is a profound NO. This is the best we've heard Talib Greene in many years, and Madlib delivered some of the best production we've heard from at least within this third decade of the 2000s. Ever socio-political and conscious, Kweli shines brightly over gems like the wonderful Pink Siifu and Diani (his daughter who also shines on the cuts "Air Quotes" and "Assata's Code")-assisted "Ad Vice", the elegant "Wild Sweet Love", "the incredible tribute to the late, great Biz Markie with Q-Tip and former Lootpack member, WildChild, "One For Biz", and the fantastic collab with the late, great Mac Miller providing a posthumous verse "The Right To Love Us". Musically, Madlib stays in his left-brained jazzy and soulfully experimental lane to exquisite results and Kweli is all day comfortable over these obscure samples and brilliant layering. Whether it's about Black love, socio-political themes, the love and appreciation of soul and hip-hop, or educating the listener with pearls and jewels, <i>Liberation 2</i> is head and shoulders above anything in 2023 as far as grown adult, no gimmick, no image hip-hop. In terms of where this stands within the quite dope discography of Kweli, that includes such great efforts such as <i>Quality</i>, <i>Eardrum</i>, <i>The Beautiful Struggle</i>, <i>Prisoner Of Consciousness</i>, <i>Gutter Rainbows</i>, and the most recent solo offering, <i>Radio Silence</i>, this is easily up there as any effort he's put out within his entire career, and that's saying a lot. While we've been accustomed to Madliberator blessing artists such as Freddie Gibbs, Westside Gunn, Planet Asia, Your Old Droog, and reportedly Mac Miller for his posthumous project, <i>MacLib</i>, Otis Jackson Jr supplied Kweli with production for an album that needs to be carefully studied and absorbed to fully appreciate the greatness of this project. The challenge is can anything be a thematically, musically, and artistically better than this effort from these two legends? The bar has been set. Good luck folks!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">*= unofficial/leaked/bootleg release</p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano- <i>Nothing's Bigger Than The Problem</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Oddisee- <i>To What End</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Reuben Vincent- <i>Love & War</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curren$y & Jermaine Dupri- <i>For Motivational Purposes Only</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Logic- <i>College Park</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Navy Blue- <i>Ways Of Knowing</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hit-Boy- <i>Surf Or Drown</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Grafh & 38 Spesh- <i>Art Of Words</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Koncept Jack$on & Sahdugold- <i>Draft Dodger</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Oh No-<i> Berserko (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">38 Spesh- <i>Gunsmoke (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>Dump Gawd Reloaded</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Chuck Strangers- <i>The Boys & Girls (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Sahdugold- <i>Dump Gawd: The Knocking Of Roll</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & Nicholas Craven- <i>Director's Cut 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ill Bill- <i>Billy</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Mike Shabb- <i>Rhyme Pays</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Legendary Traxster- <i>Chicago</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Al-Doe & Spanish Ran- <i>Holy City Zoo</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curren$y & Harry Fraud- <i>Vices</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Estee Nack- <i>NACKsaw Jim Duggan</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir & Big Ghost LTD- <i>Noir Or Never</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jae Skeeze- <i>Abolished Uncertainties</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Royce Da 5'9"- <i>The Heaven Experience (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Ru$h- <i>Luxury Art</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Camouflage Monk- <i>Dark Shogun Assassin (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hus Kingpin & SmooVth- <i>Paid In Full EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">CRIMEAPPLE- <i>El Cantante</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Stove God Cook$ & Roc Marciano- <i>If These Kitchen Walls Could Talk</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">Vince Staples & The Alchemist- <i>Untitled EP</i> *</p><p style="text-align: left;">This year has been dragged for not producing enough stellar content and that's completely not the truth. While midway in last year it was already believed that it was on track to be one of the best years this century in hip-hop, this year has still had a lot of excellent hip-hop that you'll likely have to turn the radio off in order to hear and feel. We've always said the best hip-hop is the ones that often times, corporate AmeriKKKa doesn't want you to hear because it wouldn't make them any money. With forthcoming albums including Benny's Def Jam debut (fully produced by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, oh BOY!), more stuff coming from Conway, Nas, Ludacris, T.I., Rick Ross, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Planet Asia, Rapsody, Noname, and (hopefully) the highly anticipated Griselda full-length debut from Stove God Cook$ (not to mention the much talked about reported Boldy James album, <i>Drug Dilla</i>, that has him flowing over unreleased Dilla beats), this year could end up being quite incredible by year's end. If this year has been slow to you critics, just y'all wait. The craziness is on the way! Until December folks!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-23279232281169762152023-01-25T13:17:00.001-08:002023-02-12T10:30:23.798-08:00Most Anticipated Projects of 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl4ai1ghFJEoWPJPdLKQEqRVBoYLyiD4fGOoECuUNLSu6P2w2vCd_-z1P7QHJ3mD9JS9l3t2wDLX_9d7Yj4-L6F97Aj6D43jwk0FnL4gfyojvLZdzel2EussRWYGuxdduVZSKcFYBqdmuz3s87vN7hZ2UTklH3Y_9n0ro3yJhhhRyshuWbr2bLQRb/s2560/lilwayne.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl4ai1ghFJEoWPJPdLKQEqRVBoYLyiD4fGOoECuUNLSu6P2w2vCd_-z1P7QHJ3mD9JS9l3t2wDLX_9d7Yj4-L6F97Aj6D43jwk0FnL4gfyojvLZdzel2EussRWYGuxdduVZSKcFYBqdmuz3s87vN7hZ2UTklH3Y_9n0ro3yJhhhRyshuWbr2bLQRb/s320/lilwayne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Well folks, it's 2023 and we're anticipating an enormous amount of heat for the year. In 2022, we had numerous outstanding efforts from the likes of the Griselda camp, Kendrick, MAVI, Earl Sweatshirt, JID, Little Simz, Nas, and Roc Marciano. For a review of the most flammable albums of 2022, click here for a look. Already the year has started with a very dope new album from Oddisee, <i>To What End</i>, and the damn near brilliant Skyzoo project with new production duo, The Other Guys, <i>The Mind Of A Saint</i>. With this, we will go over some of the most intriguing albums that are expected (or rumored) to drop this year. In no particular order, LFG!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8IbL_SsS5V6T8uVW4Y3uFPC9dRijLC0L_w2SrF-0gAcY5PpLApO9p-tL1ViU9RJJefen5OIpDpRqgHbC89Pzq-V5XVNR4mZ9HZ44OOag07W7aOpoqAdUyrRLK5U8f-Th4bvl2CGWflo3NRyIfGAjcvj2isTBw0uJZG_PxeI_VlcSpjWn9E1sYiq/s4000/Conway-The-Machine%20(1).webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="4000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl8IbL_SsS5V6T8uVW4Y3uFPC9dRijLC0L_w2SrF-0gAcY5PpLApO9p-tL1ViU9RJJefen5OIpDpRqgHbC89Pzq-V5XVNR4mZ9HZ44OOag07W7aOpoqAdUyrRLK5U8f-Th4bvl2CGWflo3NRyIfGAjcvj2isTBw0uJZG_PxeI_VlcSpjWn9E1sYiq/s320/Conway-The-Machine%20(1).webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Won't He Do It</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">We start off with the Griselda camp, in which Conway is set to drop his next full-length album, tentatively entitled, <i>Won't He Do It</i>. After dropping the album of his career in 2022 with <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>, the expectation is for him to meet or to even top <i>GDMM</i>. While his Drumwork crew of Jae Skeeze and 7XVEDAGENIUS will drop their efforts this year, the pressure is on for Conway to deliver another monster. Rumors are even swirling that the almighty Nas could be a guest feature on this effort. Also, keep an eye out for his reported album with Alchemist, <i>LULU 2</i>, but this may be the main dish in a potential year of appetizers for The Machine.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyT-JMcD59oOOkKeUfyaqyKKoit2TZDqA-xQRwf9BjkpkjE0a-S1hCyOAnCm8UJIJvIBxg-nCsigpr11taXMH29FbvQG_Z6aOAZ6ADiWekVf1bNhtiZ_ZJ6ze9DnSw-O6pTYhBufYIOT8q0ac53qIhNWpzba1cswKkvRzzFyrJFmUhSmLIjP31bYN/s1200/boldy-james-readies-new-project-produced-by-j-dilla-1200x675.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyT-JMcD59oOOkKeUfyaqyKKoit2TZDqA-xQRwf9BjkpkjE0a-S1hCyOAnCm8UJIJvIBxg-nCsigpr11taXMH29FbvQG_Z6aOAZ6ADiWekVf1bNhtiZ_ZJ6ze9DnSw-O6pTYhBufYIOT8q0ac53qIhNWpzba1cswKkvRzzFyrJFmUhSmLIjP31bYN/s320/boldy-james-readies-new-project-produced-by-j-dilla-1200x675.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Boldy James & J Dilla</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Drug Dilla</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">First off, get well soon to Boldy James as he's recovering from a near fatal car accident on 1/9. He survived and as of press time is stable. He's reportedly supposed to be dropping numerous efforts this year, however with this situation, there's no real word as to if these projects will get released due to the nature of his injuries and whether or not he would be in any condition to promote the projects. That being said, one of the most anticipated albums of the year is his reported under wraps album he did with the late, great maestro, J Dilla, entitled <i>Drug Dilla</i>. The thought of James over some Dilla is chilling, and with the many efforts that one of Detroit's most prolific is set to drop, this is arguably the most awaited.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKoajgbydSVRMf39S5Y6uFivQYEuZz_c8RYWXDOE69N1w-t97PBtGkmUlp36am6rYe1o50ysLeQA7SFhQjE2r5cKC_56IGGf9JBA1KBOAaT0VxudFU01ryy-YnUL-GKmUphzJd5OvobOQJZN9FWzno5E_WlqwMue5dmhmabCxkK3LA1q_JRbojDlt/s749/boldy-alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKoajgbydSVRMf39S5Y6uFivQYEuZz_c8RYWXDOE69N1w-t97PBtGkmUlp36am6rYe1o50ysLeQA7SFhQjE2r5cKC_56IGGf9JBA1KBOAaT0VxudFU01ryy-YnUL-GKmUphzJd5OvobOQJZN9FWzno5E_WlqwMue5dmhmabCxkK3LA1q_JRbojDlt/s320/boldy-alchemist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Boldy James & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Staying with Boldy, the next of his series of albums with the almighty Alchemist is said to be near finished and based upon the critical praise of their previous works of <i>My 1st Chemistry Set</i>, <i>The Price Of Tea In China</i>, <i>Bo Jackson</i>, and <i>Super Techmo Bo</i>. Their (ahem) chemistry is top notch and they rank among the best emcee/producer duos in the game today so to say the next episode of Boldy and Uncle Al will be certain to be crazy. While 2022 was definitely a defining year for him with albums such as <i>Mr. Ten08</i> and <i>Fair Exchange, No Robbery</i>, expectations are high for him to have his best year yet, as he is set to also deliver other efforts such as collaborative efforts with Harry Fraud, V-DON, Jay Versace, and Futurewave.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfOiloABn8evKtZWIkvrNCMyDSmi1z4aitmojsR5-9m6nWVGaxDZj687mAk579UnmBVB5xUc1sLLDVhplGjbEJbFp9mBlWKq35ElpCk8BKtY-YyLgREyzez7q7iiMUBfpl5R5sK4BIcdFaX6CMZG1sPAIIEC9YtTyZR1zOx_Im9bMyVqWknV2vO8x/s966/schoolboy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="966" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfOiloABn8evKtZWIkvrNCMyDSmi1z4aitmojsR5-9m6nWVGaxDZj687mAk579UnmBVB5xUc1sLLDVhplGjbEJbFp9mBlWKq35ElpCk8BKtY-YyLgREyzez7q7iiMUBfpl5R5sK4BIcdFaX6CMZG1sPAIIEC9YtTyZR1zOx_Im9bMyVqWknV2vO8x/s320/schoolboy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Schoolboy Q</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">TDE had a tremendous year just based off Kendrick's final TDE album, Mr. Morale & The High Steppers and SZA's excellent return, S.O.S., as well as Ab-Soul delivering his very dope album, Herbert. It's being said in 2023 that TDE may have their busiest year in quite some time. One of the key artists slated to drop is ScHoolboy Q. After delivering prior successes such as <i>Habits & Contradictions</i>, his platinum Grammy Award nominated album, <i>Oxymoron</i>, his excellent follow up, The <i>Blank Face LP</i>, and the so-so <i>Crash Talk</i>, the pressure is on for ScHoolboy to deliver up to the star level we know he can achieve. Based on the street single, "Soccer Dad", this sounds like a possible return to his <i>Blank Face</i> days, at least musically. Will this cut also indicate somewhat of a directional change in terms of content and subject matter? Time will tell.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30du9vVmjv-jb3-Rj-IVPQpwZibb5k6qgWhlGIeCcd-CSB_yNLyn-38OXTr2wPnRcDvkeC1H3pPoXmSZCe5_Y0CoaGqmGH60shDXjv7GbPtAQeprdiqT4NL-40SdFL_iXvYD9496HEDpsob3tDDk9MBKUOW3665OYeXzAyCosqwK8-rjD1ujbw6mE/s1548/jay-rock-2018-cr-Dave-Free-billboard-1548.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1548" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30du9vVmjv-jb3-Rj-IVPQpwZibb5k6qgWhlGIeCcd-CSB_yNLyn-38OXTr2wPnRcDvkeC1H3pPoXmSZCe5_Y0CoaGqmGH60shDXjv7GbPtAQeprdiqT4NL-40SdFL_iXvYD9496HEDpsob3tDDk9MBKUOW3665OYeXzAyCosqwK8-rjD1ujbw6mE/s320/jay-rock-2018-cr-Dave-Free-billboard-1548.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Jay Rock</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Staying with TDE, Compton native, Jay Rock, is among the more underrated of the bunch, in spite of having tremendously dope efforts such as <i>90059</i> and <i>Redemption</i> still being bumped present day. It's been five years since we've had a Jay Rock album, and this could finally be the year we see a new effort from him. There have been rumblings that a new album is on the way and we can hope that it meets the standard set by his prior two fantastic outings.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFAnzMpBWw1QjblzLfGZuh2WkFXsaEBlNdkQMAui7ZNs62bpn6XOhb9-cUvDfFkDRhjsmxbsuHUxm0n8zJ4DaVYvj000HfjpUN3nJfJwXEBOObr7DxOBbDnHEJtri1_NhHlB1pVt-bt4FSPkNJwjcU4S3S_4L6NFmXN2NNA2UEgGA3gyOGZUnB_fJ/s1800/TylerTheCreator_GettyImages-1325814253.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFAnzMpBWw1QjblzLfGZuh2WkFXsaEBlNdkQMAui7ZNs62bpn6XOhb9-cUvDfFkDRhjsmxbsuHUxm0n8zJ4DaVYvj000HfjpUN3nJfJwXEBOObr7DxOBbDnHEJtri1_NhHlB1pVt-bt4FSPkNJwjcU4S3S_4L6NFmXN2NNA2UEgGA3gyOGZUnB_fJ/s320/TylerTheCreator_GettyImages-1325814253.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Tyler The Creator</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">We last heard this Grammy Award winning emcee delivering arguably the most cohesive and complete album of his career with 2021's <i>Call Me If You Get Lost</i>. Always seen as someone willing to push artistic and stylistic boundaries, Tyler is always one to watch and keep eyes on whenever there are rumblings of another Tyler effort. With an overall very impressive discography, and unbelievable albums such as the aforementioned and the just as impressive <i>Flower Boy</i>, the question is "Can he match or outdo this last benchmark effort?" Based upon what we know about him as an artist, don't bet against him.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_FgmXb4rvu9n7KtnvWDMYZR8VG-FiQdlxo_XTmi7CSMzxpagLYN3vQ0ONPDSyqfcHlYNV-hsbotOFFuRDLnWvyt8FA9St2oRy6bJ8yNkFIx_-VAatL17TFU52vogSNHcfwrYt28vk2T8o9x7gESWrFNnTozgx5GPDgOv4CeTTh16OC4TD692o4gs/s360/ludacris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_FgmXb4rvu9n7KtnvWDMYZR8VG-FiQdlxo_XTmi7CSMzxpagLYN3vQ0ONPDSyqfcHlYNV-hsbotOFFuRDLnWvyt8FA9St2oRy6bJ8yNkFIx_-VAatL17TFU52vogSNHcfwrYt28vk2T8o9x7gESWrFNnTozgx5GPDgOv4CeTTh16OC4TD692o4gs/s320/ludacris.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Ludacris</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been nearly eight full years since we last heard anything in terms of a full length effort from ATL's own Ludacris. His 2015 offering, <i>Ludaversal</i>, was an overall dope effort that fit right into his very trunk-rattling prior efforts. With talks of him joining Janet Jackson on tour this year, some talk has emerged of a possible album to be presented to the masses as well quite possibly this year. Mr. Bridges may have been heavy on his <i>Fast & Furious</i> hustle, but he definitely hasn't forgotten his true love of hip-hop, and it's likely we could see another flavorful offering from one of the south's most influential emcees.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IjZxCrdARQuZNskZuEHqEkl9FuJbeBHXvjmd2_TX_yJG5Y0ayB1RqisNdP773ZOxdRpb2CJG7wP-Tg8uXEuFQHA5A00R50VRZs2bjY-zjNI767sVAnE2Yyh6OmB5P9IllKLx5jBN04IhcrEzzKT_Sv7AAbv9ukcUGaVntMS9_Jkn2YT0spR2fcrO/s1000/currensy-interview-passion-weiss-1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IjZxCrdARQuZNskZuEHqEkl9FuJbeBHXvjmd2_TX_yJG5Y0ayB1RqisNdP773ZOxdRpb2CJG7wP-Tg8uXEuFQHA5A00R50VRZs2bjY-zjNI767sVAnE2Yyh6OmB5P9IllKLx5jBN04IhcrEzzKT_Sv7AAbv9ukcUGaVntMS9_Jkn2YT0spR2fcrO/s320/currensy-interview-passion-weiss-1.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE43s-OBkk0w7Zw_F_M_rPqDVNGJYq-Fm3cbAo5VJ193QD88yseCRET6OvJdzrhawm7Q9IcZYWRt-2bLCEoYjuN5LNtNYPPmkhDbHEfuevR539ftcnqErDLI_h4WiEG7rPbrsPD9pcyDtzjwpxTdJd9Woxzq1eeGLC7865aRhXBL4y2V_sy2oM6uk/s500/hitboy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE43s-OBkk0w7Zw_F_M_rPqDVNGJYq-Fm3cbAo5VJ193QD88yseCRET6OvJdzrhawm7Q9IcZYWRt-2bLCEoYjuN5LNtNYPPmkhDbHEfuevR539ftcnqErDLI_h4WiEG7rPbrsPD9pcyDtzjwpxTdJd9Woxzq1eeGLC7865aRhXBL4y2V_sy2oM6uk/s320/hitboy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Curren$y & Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">What happens when you put together one of the game's most prolific and hardest working emcees with one of hip-hop's most in-demand producers over the last three years? What happens is you have the mixture of Curren$y and Hit-Boy. In 2022, they were both involved in two of the year's finest offerings, as Curren$y & another in-demand board wizard, The Alchemist, with <i>Continuance</i>, while Hit-Boy and Nas dropped off the simply bananas, <i>King's Disease 3</i>. Well these two mainstays are reportedly set to unleash an album together and it actually provides quite the curiosity to hear Curren$y over Hit-Boy's production. Curren$y will likely have another busy year, as he's also rumored to drop the much rumored effort with Jermaine Dupri, but this one may be the album that may put Curren$y on yet another level.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gHOjPrRUWGfciKXtMfXNF9g0Sl0bjiTF6cEAQna4GDO0bE9uVQcID1A80Jb61LOms4ah8uTvaJvEQQlj8jz6KIVa28tE-5IBuES4fJj9BEopo-2AYdxwx3y1X-S2i58dy07r8VxsNFZu1PnQYhK7XXJFt0FjA_2GcQOmACCu7fvPcrRIxqt-l0P3/s300/teflon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="204" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gHOjPrRUWGfciKXtMfXNF9g0Sl0bjiTF6cEAQna4GDO0bE9uVQcID1A80Jb61LOms4ah8uTvaJvEQQlj8jz6KIVa28tE-5IBuES4fJj9BEopo-2AYdxwx3y1X-S2i58dy07r8VxsNFZu1PnQYhK7XXJFt0FjA_2GcQOmACCu7fvPcrRIxqt-l0P3/s1600/teflon.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Teflon</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Two Sides To Every Story</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Longtime M.O.P.-affiliate, Teflon, has been relatively silent for the Brownsville emcee, who's last release was way back in '97 with <i>My Will</i>. The very highly anticipated DJ Premier-crafted, <i>Contraband</i>, was supposed to be released in '05 but never surfaced. Now almost twenty years later, we have new material from Tef in the form of singles like "Headshot", "Contraband", and "No Fake Love", that all are setting us up for his 2023 offering, <i>Two Sides To Every Story</i>. The concept is half the album will be produced by Jazimoto and the other constructed by Preemo. This is promised to be hard as nails and could be a silent killer whenever it's dropped.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-lpBlNJmrgS88HeaHrEwo1-jrTSCgTOzMlE6ZaGCXXLhMbuuoltwkpjLhyPjLeTAXg-eajE3eW0FIOwYY2IBO5vetCC6vAvrq-35nzRi49oQtKKPWhKUIebOAmWPPaeQh-sJTLuAesT9lridfj8Am_6EHZ3xo-4k-ba_75OsPaLPSrE4h873BJt4/s500/cyhitheprince.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-lpBlNJmrgS88HeaHrEwo1-jrTSCgTOzMlE6ZaGCXXLhMbuuoltwkpjLhyPjLeTAXg-eajE3eW0FIOwYY2IBO5vetCC6vAvrq-35nzRi49oQtKKPWhKUIebOAmWPPaeQh-sJTLuAesT9lridfj8Am_6EHZ3xo-4k-ba_75OsPaLPSrE4h873BJt4/s320/cyhitheprince.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Cyhi The Prince</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Story Of EGOT</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Atlanta's Cyhi the Prince has been riding low over these last few years. The former G.O.O.D. Music signee was acclaimed for his show-stealing guest spots on Kanye's <i>My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy</i>, as well as his <i>Black Hystori Project</i> mixtape and his independent full-length debut, <i>No Dope On Sundays</i> in 2017. While he may have been crafting his pen game as a writer and co-writer on cuts like "Sicko Mode", last year, he stated he was working on his next effort, <i>The Story Of EGOT</i>, which apparently will be some sort of conceptual effort. As great as his pen game is, there's little to no doubt Cyhi will deliver the goods with this next example of his often underappreciated talents, both with the pen and on the mic.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAklDUW7Bi1MUfljsa-0EeyE2E_cfmzredxgqTmaAaYTJKy0KlptzmjUNSQaOHyLsAHdIj3z2lzICoukWg-AMPPryrun5RQKxRy58YgQx2V1xU57_6vcRLPDYzVoecyYVkP1Rhom_iIyLe2Mj9npebSiH0Ni9kN9YktiC0yd-BO6dAq2qTpsJyocVA/s1200/consequence_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAklDUW7Bi1MUfljsa-0EeyE2E_cfmzredxgqTmaAaYTJKy0KlptzmjUNSQaOHyLsAHdIj3z2lzICoukWg-AMPPryrun5RQKxRy58YgQx2V1xU57_6vcRLPDYzVoecyYVkP1Rhom_iIyLe2Mj9npebSiH0Ni9kN9YktiC0yd-BO6dAq2qTpsJyocVA/s320/consequence_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Consequence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice Doing Business With You</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens emcee Consequence has been another former G.O.O.D. Music artist that has been relatively on the low over these last few years other than being a reality TV star. His last full-length effort, 2007's <i>Don't Quit Your Day Job</i>, was a fairly dope effort that showed his ability to handle his own biz apart from Tribe (he was pretty much all over <i>Beats, Rhymes, & Life</i>) and was more than just Q-Tip's cousin and Kanye's protégé. He's currently working on his 2023 offering, <i>Nice Doing Business With You</i>, with reportedly Kanye responsible for a number of beats for the album (yes they reportedly reconciled). Quence and Ye in the past have made tremendous music together so let's see what this very updated version will sound like.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdpF1nz6ZgSgOX0TDzJeuM2-G7h90bOFXmkSAiz1Ds5ABmuvHTjumW7VdFU4wseqvYbxEiIzRXC2OoFTwX13lA5938qNF8MfZ5dm_rpoPy60ZFrVy5eDV19LlUzYriXvZjybWjuPtnK-4QNZEoUkH_IOX-SSk-1qNfPJRE6Uygiy3BxeROuO2BN3n/s640/saucewalka.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdpF1nz6ZgSgOX0TDzJeuM2-G7h90bOFXmkSAiz1Ds5ABmuvHTjumW7VdFU4wseqvYbxEiIzRXC2OoFTwX13lA5938qNF8MfZ5dm_rpoPy60ZFrVy5eDV19LlUzYriXvZjybWjuPtnK-4QNZEoUkH_IOX-SSk-1qNfPJRE6Uygiy3BxeROuO2BN3n/s320/saucewalka.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sauce Walka & Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Texas emcee Sauce Walka is no stranger to controversy. Although his legal issues with the Texas Southern incident and his indie label being investigated for reported possible gang activity tend to override his talent, Houston's son is quite the underground phenom in southern hip-hop. So much so that he has Griselda's in-house boardsmith, Daringer, to construct his first full-length album. Daringer, himself, was behind the boards exclusively for Meyhem Lauren's <i>Black Vladimir</i> to much critical acclaim and rightfully so. Can the dark and sinister production of Daringer match the gritty southern street talk of Sauce Walka? The results could be something memorable.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu5QKrk_C_WvLZcBSQhgxFir0vXo5faVmyNWs5qDvU-xDOxij9OobFqDXcOatRKU5hPNXGd-MVk3Fkh2afg9jMTs1PV-6581upaV-laV1IoM05MFrU4IXdSITnZJHDHGzjK3YkLfZJYjrpqVJLTz5fBtkxipwwiPQtuIhCPUAXhZd4CZxjiefolo0/s240/larryjune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu5QKrk_C_WvLZcBSQhgxFir0vXo5faVmyNWs5qDvU-xDOxij9OobFqDXcOatRKU5hPNXGd-MVk3Fkh2afg9jMTs1PV-6581upaV-laV1IoM05MFrU4IXdSITnZJHDHGzjK3YkLfZJYjrpqVJLTz5fBtkxipwwiPQtuIhCPUAXhZd4CZxjiefolo0/s1600/larryjune.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa7m1Xwauq-IAsuC4v4cUHFBxjU-2Ftmg2Ghl5nDIrtB9hND6hd04aIRnx8puWYkolBNo5ZW-SZJLrpygVPuPi3qPDrlMHbo1HHXlFHYOu-D_eedjVlR674mzjPwB0kN50WBdHS1aSw5Aj-nyXtmzcfE7tQvhDViihIZFuMHf3CGchcreJ4z4lz6N/s240/alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa7m1Xwauq-IAsuC4v4cUHFBxjU-2Ftmg2Ghl5nDIrtB9hND6hd04aIRnx8puWYkolBNo5ZW-SZJLrpygVPuPi3qPDrlMHbo1HHXlFHYOu-D_eedjVlR674mzjPwB0kN50WBdHS1aSw5Aj-nyXtmzcfE7tQvhDViihIZFuMHf3CGchcreJ4z4lz6N/s1600/alchemist.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Larry June & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">With rumored projects such as the next Gangrene album and collaborative efforts with Vince Staples, Conway, Budgie, and likely others, it's apparent Alan The Chemist could have just as busy and productive of a year as he has the past several. One noteworthy collaborative effort is with L.A. emcee, Larry June. June, who delivered 2022's, <i>Spaceships On the Blade</i> album, has been inviting in more and more of a following over the last few years along with cohort Jay Worthy. This could potentially be the biggest album in the career of LJ, as his laid-back stylings over what would likely be equally laid-back yet potent instrumentals form Uncle Al could be one of the legit mean ones of the year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxloVdOy5460rr0XB4qlTG9caQgYlSmCm8sBmmS-WWCF44bjH9Fm9ZsIBlKskdP5xinA_jXMwZLLSQ2jNLNqqgGBB6Vah9ETDfU63TyeNT6Iubd3cPYaE0fR4xmPUaAWGxFZhdM-ljGkN6RjG7ZRc8rdJEgbT6Cmzi31NdSPe8U49EM6zky3zknf-/s1200/nas-hit-boy-tease-new-music-masterclass-1200x675.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxloVdOy5460rr0XB4qlTG9caQgYlSmCm8sBmmS-WWCF44bjH9Fm9ZsIBlKskdP5xinA_jXMwZLLSQ2jNLNqqgGBB6Vah9ETDfU63TyeNT6Iubd3cPYaE0fR4xmPUaAWGxFZhdM-ljGkN6RjG7ZRc8rdJEgbT6Cmzi31NdSPe8U49EM6zky3zknf-/s320/nas-hit-boy-tease-new-music-masterclass-1200x675.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Nas & Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>King's Disease 4</i></p><p>It's been said that 50 Cent will finally drop new music in 2023. While we were intrigued at him stating he was working with Dre and Em again for this effort, it was also stated he would be possibly working with Nas for he and Hit-Boy's fourth installment of <i>King's Disease</i>. This is surely fantastic news of another installment of the Grammy Award winning series for fans of both Hit-Boy and the legendary Queensbridge emcee. The first one was a very dope introduction to the pairing and the result was a Grammy. The second one showed Nas coming close to his old Nasty Nas days only as an elder statesman in the game. The 2022 offering of <i>KD3</i> has been argued as perhaps the best overall in the series, and it's hard not to argue this sentiment. While Magic has been low-key considered <i>King's Disease 2.5</i>, we wait with eager anticipation how they'll top <i>KD3</i>, which will be a tall order for sure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsxfBBE2httdA8C-pCtDlcikSwTvZsv6JANYS_eKK9-iBOjhlQ4LWRs9kjP655lI---ehycaYqkNrTiBzlmumNmHuZCO1RYCyP3iWG_-g6oAuuNACd6u9P1-6DfSX6aSJnRDtMPn401BFCSdreKBw4CJQ9uARQ0yfxRFP5pF8Sq2ccIqRApQhXAW4/s540/muggs.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsxfBBE2httdA8C-pCtDlcikSwTvZsv6JANYS_eKK9-iBOjhlQ4LWRs9kjP655lI---ehycaYqkNrTiBzlmumNmHuZCO1RYCyP3iWG_-g6oAuuNACd6u9P1-6DfSX6aSJnRDtMPn401BFCSdreKBw4CJQ9uARQ0yfxRFP5pF8Sq2ccIqRApQhXAW4/s320/muggs.gif" width="249" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Soul Assassins 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been twenty-three years since we've had an official <i>Soul Assassins</i> follow-up to his severely slept-on <i>Soul Assassins II </i>back in 2000. The first edition of it was a monstrous album with the likes of Goodie Mob, GZA, RZA, Infamous Mobb, and MC Eiht over some of the best Muggs production of this very day. With the follow-up, it was equally as crazy with the likes of Xzibit, G.O.D.Father of Infamous Mobb, Everlast, and Kool G. Rap blistering the haunting and occasionally rock-tinged production of Muggs. He did drop <i>Soul Assassins: Intermission</i> in '09 and was almost as knocking as the prior two pieces, but since then he's been more focused on collaborative efforts with the likes of GZA, Rome Streetz, Eto, Planet Asia, Tha God Fahim, Mach-Hommy, and Sick Jacken. All of which were nothing short of fantastic and continued to prove his legendary status among the greatest producers in hip-hop history. Now with cuts like the Method Man/Slick Rick cut "Metroplis" and the Scarface/Freddie Gibbs collab "Street Made", it looks like <i>Soul Assassins III</i> could be a reality sooner than later. If history shows us anything, you can believe this will be another high caliber effort from one of the greats.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MyVoNejPOVAlcJkmmXJPZZAa-CmmgfA8nddC12rrDL5prY2OGJeRIjf_zwZwShDGkc_uVc8rvjfiRaKB202kwUyAtoYjWrygbd2OcKlbYuYs3BRn7H5ZjrbziVi3mATljoxWVt7APSROGz7_YkwW47HI5B2zxrqLG_Nrpsieq0VIrE9vbgyerTGE/s400/Stove-God-Cooks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MyVoNejPOVAlcJkmmXJPZZAa-CmmgfA8nddC12rrDL5prY2OGJeRIjf_zwZwShDGkc_uVc8rvjfiRaKB202kwUyAtoYjWrygbd2OcKlbYuYs3BRn7H5ZjrbziVi3mATljoxWVt7APSROGz7_YkwW47HI5B2zxrqLG_Nrpsieq0VIrE9vbgyerTGE/s320/Stove-God-Cooks.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Definitely one emcee that a lot of people are checking for in 2023 is Griselda signee, Stove God Cook$. The Rochester, NY native first made waves within the underground with his Roc Marciano-produced debut, <i>Reasonable Drought</i>, which received instant classic status within the sub terrain. Since then, he has been among the most featured artists out there, and then he signed with the Griselda camp, and has literally been on numerous Griselda projects, at times dominating the album as much as the particular artist (see <i>Peace "Fly" God</i> and <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf</i>, both from Westside Gunn). He may arguably have the most anticipated release of the year from Griselda. The question is will he live up to the hype he has made for himself? Hopefully we will find out this year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW1ct4FQarASihxsMuC1Qil6EZw9AFa2fIDJp8xgIQxz3fyDmH0TI47Od9xIvAgheVEsA0Gvq_uHpIToigtasSWjFBdI827VwabYJ_chY-aTD4C4vd_HOHqUVDNJFTD8bb6nTpRBDY7wPh3-jRc-aHI0WuiV3Y-qVNWJ-ie7Iq1EScx8mORBaPZaN/s283/romestreetz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="283" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW1ct4FQarASihxsMuC1Qil6EZw9AFa2fIDJp8xgIQxz3fyDmH0TI47Od9xIvAgheVEsA0Gvq_uHpIToigtasSWjFBdI827VwabYJ_chY-aTD4C4vd_HOHqUVDNJFTD8bb6nTpRBDY7wPh3-jRc-aHI0WuiV3Y-qVNWJ-ie7Iq1EScx8mORBaPZaN/s1600/romestreetz.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GG72gEjYLCrncgTljtHMyV2S3GT_pMc0eCSKxqBGsINexg7ORMXmi5aYvD9b-xkOohQrEyz-102maCdIMxExhFyjrGWaM9MTj6_DSHGbpCG3EKrGq-iDyrFEWvSQreyRhj6RpseMr7bddToJL0Xawc7VUIQXB85bYZFlrwXHRKzz4_zShU-rmwkv/s1280/conductor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GG72gEjYLCrncgTljtHMyV2S3GT_pMc0eCSKxqBGsINexg7ORMXmi5aYvD9b-xkOohQrEyz-102maCdIMxExhFyjrGWaM9MTj6_DSHGbpCG3EKrGq-iDyrFEWvSQreyRhj6RpseMr7bddToJL0Xawc7VUIQXB85bYZFlrwXHRKzz4_zShU-rmwkv/s320/conductor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Staying with Griselda, in 2022, Rome Streetz dropped one of the hardest Griselda albums in recent memory with his GXFR debut, <i>Kiss The Ring.</i> Streetz fit right into the Griselda aesthetic perfectly and his vivid street talk over atmospheric and menacing production was a match made in hood heaven. During an interview, Westside Gunn mentioned that among the numerous Griselda releases he plans on dropping this year is supposedly a finished album that Streetz did with one of Griselda's in-house production monsters, Conductor Williams. Conductor provided the soundscape for the tracks "Heart On Froze", "In Too Deep", "Soulja Boy", and several others on the album. The thought of an entire project done by Conductor with Rome finessing overt those trippy soulful samples that Conductor tends to create is quite the sonic image. Rome's <i>Kiss The Ring</i> set a new bar for his career. Can he duplicate it with this supposed collaborative effort?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJU0D57QFToIwi_VPPpM6EGIBB6JZavsc6uej3Mr5HD-7O5GYlqE8zWB9XoXxXL_bZBC8FYb1trBwwAD6UzFd4o4WXbuCMwZZHaXw2WYoL9t9CalYzxLGPp9_1mILbvoclF4_yrvtPAPFeNCDA6P6ykkcOE6McJ9VkDR-qePWIkVVMcDvUQ1sMjRm/s225/benny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJU0D57QFToIwi_VPPpM6EGIBB6JZavsc6uej3Mr5HD-7O5GYlqE8zWB9XoXxXL_bZBC8FYb1trBwwAD6UzFd4o4WXbuCMwZZHaXw2WYoL9t9CalYzxLGPp9_1mILbvoclF4_yrvtPAPFeNCDA6P6ykkcOE6McJ9VkDR-qePWIkVVMcDvUQ1sMjRm/s1600/benny.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymCGJQ6Hg-QDlV1SPCDzyyjvc7TtXHeVA3M11Tkz_2_hvIR0f-XgpNfR8UHE410Fy6arhA0CQZgtDb5XblE9vfVKXxlfWakq0Z1gQojbA009WbhRVvGZpusVf_18vfdSjFx6dREgOc7eMcuH7vMPorbg77yheZ9EWORYm2tzaNY-eeiwfv_Oy_zTW/s500/hitboy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymCGJQ6Hg-QDlV1SPCDzyyjvc7TtXHeVA3M11Tkz_2_hvIR0f-XgpNfR8UHE410Fy6arhA0CQZgtDb5XblE9vfVKXxlfWakq0Z1gQojbA009WbhRVvGZpusVf_18vfdSjFx6dREgOc7eMcuH7vMPorbg77yheZ9EWORYm2tzaNY-eeiwfv_Oy_zTW/s320/hitboy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Benny The Butcher & Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>EVERYBODY CAN'T GO</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Don't let some of these critics fool you. Benny's collaborative album with Grammy Award-winning boardsmith, Hit-Boy, <i>Burden Of Proof</i>, was excellent. Those looking for the sheer griminess and intimidating soundscapes of prior albums like <i>Tana Talk 3</i> and <i>The Plugs I Met</i> were disappointed overall, but that doesn't mean <i>Burden Of Proof</i> was a bust because in no way, shape, or form was it. Hit-Boy provided Benny with more polished, slightly radio-friendly beats that were still very much a street-centered album. Some chatter was that Benny was back in the studio with Hit-Boy not too long after he dropped <i>Tana Talk 4</i>. In fact, Hit-Boy captured an image of him and The Butcher in the studio together. All signs lead towards the sequel to <i>Burden Of Proof </i>to drop in 2023, entitled <i>EVERYBODY CAN'T GO</i>. Benny is definitely the star of Griselda, and this is obvious with his Def Jam deal that he signed last year. There's no reason to think <i>EVERYBODE CAN'T GO</i> will be anything but sizzling and with one of hip-hop's most in-demand producers at the helm yet again, this could be another knockout for The Butcher.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxbOnwsTfNCsVZy818cOgP76-vUHSLlzUojTARXSXOHjNv3bXcNmVM_6WkVGUgG0CogE0pQPYlCxnGe73n6kAAensMMDArPlvwtmR7_dKxqvljmSuPTQghrw3nqD1xDaT6_b_MdXKEVhWlJ5eOtgGxgg5IzDZXM1RwCUOGkDm1JH2M-j4rbdbvDdl/s225/benny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxbOnwsTfNCsVZy818cOgP76-vUHSLlzUojTARXSXOHjNv3bXcNmVM_6WkVGUgG0CogE0pQPYlCxnGe73n6kAAensMMDArPlvwtmR7_dKxqvljmSuPTQghrw3nqD1xDaT6_b_MdXKEVhWlJ5eOtgGxgg5IzDZXM1RwCUOGkDm1JH2M-j4rbdbvDdl/s1600/benny.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Benny the Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled Def Jam debut</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Let's stay with Benny for a second. We just stated that <i>ECG</i> could likely be on its way this year. Let's also mention the busy year he had in 2022. Aside from the fire <i>Tana Talk 4</i> album, he also put out material such as his mixtape offering, <i>Pyrex Picasso</i>, as well as the group effort with his Black Soprano Family crew, <i>Long Live Shay</i>. Perhaps his most anticipated album this year isn't even <i>BOP2</i>. In fact, it just may be his Def Jam debut. Being signed to Def Jam was a move done by Def Jam exec, Snoop Dogg, and it very well could mean his stardom is arriving. Although highly acclaimed in the streets with his discography, with Snoop at the helm, it's possible this could be THAT Benny album that puts him on more red carpets without compromising his artistic integrity and his street loyalty.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLnS6SYCUJgoTuq2FaMDC3Q_B4o1egorvPBAACKEVLlmNbTBCeaOV1faMzW1ysyW8h6AUEIbKx5OghCldp-_jmCm2RYcbqKmwA4cAeOBGvFSTALqm1FkzLF71-llqG7bZQXipmlDfu5nnTqRXUO0Nlf3ddOo3CS-8WrHA_CONGONapt-M8ByRqyF4/s640/jermainecole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLnS6SYCUJgoTuq2FaMDC3Q_B4o1egorvPBAACKEVLlmNbTBCeaOV1faMzW1ysyW8h6AUEIbKx5OghCldp-_jmCm2RYcbqKmwA4cAeOBGvFSTALqm1FkzLF71-llqG7bZQXipmlDfu5nnTqRXUO0Nlf3ddOo3CS-8WrHA_CONGONapt-M8ByRqyF4/s320/jermainecole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">J. Cole</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's A Boy</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Fayetteville's own Jermaine Cole is seen as one of the most important emcees of his generation. After nearly a decade since the release of his most acclaimed album to date, <i>2014 Forest Hills Drive</i>, J. Cole has been a hip-hop necessity. His prior works of <i>Cole World</i> and <i>Born Sinner</i> put him on the commercial radio map for the most part, but a more mature, introspective Cole started recording material that could easily be more relatable than his past works. In 2021, he dropped <i>The Off Season</i>, which was filled with trunk rattlers and a feistiness and confidence we hadn't fully heard from him since <i>Forest Hills Drive</i>. However, in 2023, this upcoming release, apparently now called <i>It's A Boy</i> as opposed to his prior title, <i>The Fall Off</i>, is said to be his retirement album. While of course we hope it isn't, we also can't say he hasn't accomplished a great deal within his career, including platinum albums, critical acclaim, working with legends such as Jay and Nas, the founder of Dreamville Records (which hosts artists such as EARTHGANG, Ari Lennox, and JID) and being seen as an elite emcee. Cole is a legend and if this is his send off, you can bet it'll nothing less than crazy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB4GXo2bY1euuPdUsNSJAOvVT-AZfRsJa04WKjpg-083TSTDX1FlUA33mnNenwF6W7d-ev3zU4GOCD7X3mjIOueKp4iZDvzsycLFUJbQRIp8pB7jf-McmsemaElcuYudqc672vbIaTcvZ5MXssa_zEwT1DjVp-k1ctKkxtbdYEBuhey2TjwAHvZNy/s1200/prodigy.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB4GXo2bY1euuPdUsNSJAOvVT-AZfRsJa04WKjpg-083TSTDX1FlUA33mnNenwF6W7d-ev3zU4GOCD7X3mjIOueKp4iZDvzsycLFUJbQRIp8pB7jf-McmsemaElcuYudqc672vbIaTcvZ5MXssa_zEwT1DjVp-k1ctKkxtbdYEBuhey2TjwAHvZNy/s320/prodigy.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Prodigy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book Of Death</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">When Bandana P left this world in 2017, he still had more jewels for us to peep. The first was <i>The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book Of Revelation</i>, a deep, almost philosophical album filled with conspiracy theories and illuminati-themed material. This was actually the first in a three part series, with the second part being released in 2022 in <i>The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book Of Heroine</i>. This album was themed around his love of drugs in the form of a woman and the bittersweet relationship he has with "her". While we truly appreciate these offerings from Prodigy by all means, perhaps it's the third offering in the trilogy that will be the most climatic. The album, <i>The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book Of Death</i>, is said to be more the gutter gangsta, murda music P we've all come to know and love throughout the decades. No doubt his brand of "heavy metal for the Black people" will be all the more reason to say farewell to a legend in the game and here's to hoping you can smell the gunpowder as soon as the first track hits.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ__YYQGE7kdup0bYvvBlSxe4BbXt_UW0AWEEjknQB3BdhUK27tZt_v5gQ9SNQqTi-BY2jbKyYj4YEfsamNrmS1i8FeVtyiALqqy7KCANU6mpeKkN61Durwx7l6_PezfNmxj9m4Ov62HhxSe4p5ZyDYh4I2MQwLppgZN7Ev4nu9qOYdSzQydOS4Tr/s500/armani.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ__YYQGE7kdup0bYvvBlSxe4BbXt_UW0AWEEjknQB3BdhUK27tZt_v5gQ9SNQqTi-BY2jbKyYj4YEfsamNrmS1i8FeVtyiALqqy7KCANU6mpeKkN61Durwx7l6_PezfNmxj9m4Ov62HhxSe4p5ZyDYh4I2MQwLppgZN7Ev4nu9qOYdSzQydOS4Tr/s320/armani.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Armani Caeser</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Among the many projects Gunn revealed that he planned on dropping in 2023 through Griselda, one of them was the third effort from Armani Caeser. Following up last year's very dope <i>The Liz 2</i> will be a hard quest, as he raised her talent and bars even more than on her debut, <i>The Liz</i>. With the Griselda family behind her, it's possible that she could even raise a new bar for herself and be three for three in quality music from perhaps the next big star to emerge from the hardest crew in the game.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dOT3g-huQa1hG5kiLlN3bwALBOHr0yqFxHXCMXowOF3EEN4jcLSYI3pdEoPzEaJlx7rPyXHZ9ifFZ4Dy07Sm9jG0Ngr4COFVSw_XJqIT2vXIc_N2dCeKcY2y4CXkVG27kXPnFtOHjPqZFQYU22v1t9ZnjL0lYQDjc2495tipwNPvhEuSmz8-dH0t/s1280/jay-z-kanye-1280x720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dOT3g-huQa1hG5kiLlN3bwALBOHr0yqFxHXCMXowOF3EEN4jcLSYI3pdEoPzEaJlx7rPyXHZ9ifFZ4Dy07Sm9jG0Ngr4COFVSw_XJqIT2vXIc_N2dCeKcY2y4CXkVG27kXPnFtOHjPqZFQYU22v1t9ZnjL0lYQDjc2495tipwNPvhEuSmz8-dH0t/s320/jay-z-kanye-1280x720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Kanye West & Jay-Z</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Watch The Throne 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Throughout 2022, Kanye, or ye, was much the subject of a plethora of controversial matters and trending topics. Most were not good whatsoever. However, musically, one thing that perked some people's ears up was that he mentioned on N.O.R.E.'s <i>Drink Champs</i> podcast was that <i>Watch The Throne 2</i> was "coming soon". Could it happen? Don't bet against it. The first Watch The throne that dropped in 2011 got overall excellent reviews and showed the cohesive chemistry between both megastars. With Jay still sounding plenty hungry just based off his appearance on DJ Khaled's <i>GOD DID</i> album, as well as Kanye's work with Pusha and his own <i>Donda</i> albums, don't be enormously surprised if it does drop, but with most stuff related with Mr. West, we will believe it if/when we see it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV-FPhozNzC9p_Dny5uF50uQpsXkKD-cJtQadzs6VXgYz0j7Fnj--ELzI8ecodpkGbpB6Xhhost15fUMoeS85cl3_5aReFYDCYhagvEUUhaF30TbSaV9MWnZZJxbkLAfOa6SMGYNmpJDyHJSzENFkPGUTDnqdd6OMYhS3VwDagDi4FqNQD_etWYV9/s681/snoop.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="681" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV-FPhozNzC9p_Dny5uF50uQpsXkKD-cJtQadzs6VXgYz0j7Fnj--ELzI8ecodpkGbpB6Xhhost15fUMoeS85cl3_5aReFYDCYhagvEUUhaF30TbSaV9MWnZZJxbkLAfOa6SMGYNmpJDyHJSzENFkPGUTDnqdd6OMYhS3VwDagDi4FqNQD_etWYV9/s320/snoop.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Snoop Dogg </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Missionary</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">In 1993, the world caught a hold of the next big west coast superstar in Snoop (Doggy) Dogg. The LBC emcee was the much talked about protégé of the almighty Dr. Dre and helped make his <i>Chronic</i> album a treasured landmark for hip-hop. The hype was massive for his debut <i>Doggystyle</i>, and expectations were through the roof. It not only met them, it exceeded them. This became widely heralded as one of the all time great albums as well as one of the all time great debuts. Since then, Snoop has become an undisputed legend and folk hero to most within music and entertainment. During the summer of 2022, talk was that Snoop was the studio with Dre, and before long images of the two of them in the studio emerged. Turned out they were working on the 30th anniversary of <i>Doggystyle</i>, and this time the sequel would have a very appropriate title, <i>Missionary</i>. While it's always a beautiful thing to see the "Doggfather" and the "Good Doctor" get together, the thought of a ehole album from them again is more than exciting. While you never can fully depend on Dre to come through for an album release due to the sheer levels of his supposed perfectionism, this would be a massive release for the year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM08xIVi5XWgCmyrvslyMkWF5MS0S3zq9Vulk9lPc7cYPsHrbGkZqW3m61kVVbDe4RApS3R9d-dHHPa5K3gmx9y98CrR8xiHWAW0aZMvoUu0T8oehtcOhku2jMh7JlB2t0FaSgl2_eNS7Ibp8nlgDdWCPtk7rgr6tOJtOCRCGzTUi_zYHFLOud_Dvh/s3000/che-noir-art-of-bars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="3000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM08xIVi5XWgCmyrvslyMkWF5MS0S3zq9Vulk9lPc7cYPsHrbGkZqW3m61kVVbDe4RApS3R9d-dHHPa5K3gmx9y98CrR8xiHWAW0aZMvoUu0T8oehtcOhku2jMh7JlB2t0FaSgl2_eNS7Ibp8nlgDdWCPtk7rgr6tOJtOCRCGzTUi_zYHFLOud_Dvh/s320/che-noir-art-of-bars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Che Noir</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Essence</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Buffalo native Che Noir has been making waves in the underground for about 3 years now. Her no-nonsense, raw stylings put her as part of 38 Spesh's TRUST crew along with Ransom. While she's had the most critical acclaim from her stunning album with production wizard, Apollo Brown, for <i>As God Intended</i>, she's also delivered very dope efforts such as <i>After 12</i>, <i>Juno</i>, and last year's efforts of <i>The Last Remnants</i> and <i>Food For Thought</i>. While she has stated she has a few album lined up for this year, one that keeps coming back up is <i>The Essence</i>. Although there's not a lot of info about it except she's playing a key role in production (don't sleep on her boardwork), this album wouldn't do anything but show what her past efforts have shown: she's one emcee that you better stop sleeping on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoMIv3h-hlZMSxOe5QJgxzBFEY5y75Un_DYNQKVLi_8Y8QSRRZckpoAB9h9tfUXGHTWhgTcGQP3ss6jgmOUSPYqOU8mWKbYlPM-GrKiiNMuWDk9DZEoI4-CI8B0m5gsmTYHLGxGs9IRiiokG5kIvONne6QDho6ZwExxAPHmZoNNPp8rtp978Li2SG/s1548/Rapsody-press-photo-cr-Krista-Tietjen-2016-billboard-1548.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1548" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoMIv3h-hlZMSxOe5QJgxzBFEY5y75Un_DYNQKVLi_8Y8QSRRZckpoAB9h9tfUXGHTWhgTcGQP3ss6jgmOUSPYqOU8mWKbYlPM-GrKiiNMuWDk9DZEoI4-CI8B0m5gsmTYHLGxGs9IRiiokG5kIvONne6QDho6ZwExxAPHmZoNNPp8rtp978Li2SG/s320/Rapsody-press-photo-cr-Krista-Tietjen-2016-billboard-1548.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Rapsody</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">NC's Grammy Award-winning phenom, Rapsody, has been somewhat low-key since dropping her unbelievable effort of 2019, <i>Eve</i>, but definitely not off the map. Doing the occasional collaborations and guest features, her most recent was with Remy Ma for DJ Premier's incredible introduction to the <i>Hip-Hop 50</i> series in the form of "Remy Rap". Rumors are swirling that she's back in the studio and after dropping one of the game's most inspiring and insightful albums, along with having quite the fantastic discography, it's not hard to understand why fans are chomping at the bit to get a new project from "Godzilla" herself.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eAzQg4qclqcqHN7k5AkGprhUSy4QS0UgRF5_ciALDC97bfrr_JUaaKYnjPNpeUhL-ajbxlfYL68aQO8tFfXYRiOWOBq20XxDQOfZFt8cjKcUKWpF2BzydbPMDSL4P0gsMtt6asmwKAgpn8kv1j7KU5N7ULyJQGh6J34u_MlTSaEp4qTndRHkPi8g/s991/Vince-STaples-2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="991" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eAzQg4qclqcqHN7k5AkGprhUSy4QS0UgRF5_ciALDC97bfrr_JUaaKYnjPNpeUhL-ajbxlfYL68aQO8tFfXYRiOWOBq20XxDQOfZFt8cjKcUKWpF2BzydbPMDSL4P0gsMtt6asmwKAgpn8kv1j7KU5N7ULyJQGh6J34u_MlTSaEp4qTndRHkPi8g/s320/Vince-STaples-2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-TjEpX7Jo1Vl0BSfiSLshKE7mma-o6GT8YLpU9QHoy-1ROcPNzW7Uzfjc4Qp-4z-N17kCzPQF1LFQnDjE92dLSGzhgzYFazd_dC95t10WIXndyHzB60J2kbmW1lXDA8dDqt5pjOyKpgIEqLdpjBqiW9os48STA7y9lWTCN9S5qF1agOXEVLr3JJf/s240/alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-TjEpX7Jo1Vl0BSfiSLshKE7mma-o6GT8YLpU9QHoy-1ROcPNzW7Uzfjc4Qp-4z-N17kCzPQF1LFQnDjE92dLSGzhgzYFazd_dC95t10WIXndyHzB60J2kbmW1lXDA8dDqt5pjOyKpgIEqLdpjBqiW9os48STA7y9lWTCN9S5qF1agOXEVLr3JJf/s1600/alchemist.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Vince Staples & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Consider this a rumor right now, but talk is that LBC's young phenom Vince Staples and Uncle Al are coming together for a collaborative effort. If you follow Alchemist on social media, especially Twitter, you know he's quite the character when it comes to his Q&A's. One such follower asked him about a possible Vince Staples collaboration, and his response was in the form of a crystal ball, and most of the time, that's his all but confirmed way of saying he's working with that said particular artist. Staples is coming off of his strongest overall effort since his debut Def Jam full-length, <i>Summertime '06</i> back in 2015 in the form of <i>Ramona Park Broke My Heart</i>. Al, in the meantime, has worked with damn near a who's who of acts last year such as Conway, Benny, Kendrick, Rome Streetz, and Cormega. While we definitely look forward to the likely new projects he has with Boldy, Larry June, and Conway, let's not sleep on this one to possibly drop as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZkU2qXkcxFb-V9OwgbB9K2Hp579JrZKOifWfcgnGTo6Zhc8DJRqmpYBvpk4CknC7vc4-2HhQv7z3RZwsvFaivdbCQGgZ3CYQQ8nNbM0HrrA_khnJZMWRKxFvpfi3zk2RY7b-YAcSAaJcNBzHu3A-VFbuhcze-m1IlCjNioHpN89YYVUxuWNftxg2/s225/meyhemlauren.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZkU2qXkcxFb-V9OwgbB9K2Hp579JrZKOifWfcgnGTo6Zhc8DJRqmpYBvpk4CknC7vc4-2HhQv7z3RZwsvFaivdbCQGgZ3CYQQ8nNbM0HrrA_khnJZMWRKxFvpfi3zk2RY7b-YAcSAaJcNBzHu3A-VFbuhcze-m1IlCjNioHpN89YYVUxuWNftxg2/s1600/meyhemlauren.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Meyhem Lauren</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Champaign For Breakfast</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">After dropping arguably his best effort to date with the Daringer-crafted <i>Black Vladimir</i> album, Queens emcee Meyhem Lauren may have another stellar effort on his hands. According to DJ Muggs' IG account, he's working on an album with Lauren called <i>Champaign For Breakfast</i>, that will also include production from the evil genius himself, Madlib. Muggs and Meyhem are no strangers to each other as they put out the under-discussed <i>Gems From The Equinox</i> effort and their EP, <i>Frozen Angels</i>. Both projects were acclaimed and showed how great Meyhem glides over such eerie instrumentals. Now mixed with the unpredictable yet highly intriguing boardwork of Madlib and we may have a benchmark for Meyhem in 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWpv5330fM8_xkE23tF0ZGv0GbBt1M-DqJ6TTtKvMM91Bqd-jSDyjIg9UfDdeOQhm0CRJfkXd9lxsv6-gSx1Bb_13pImbVioa_6ly1pE5hOi4LlRsh2lwqUPVqeIkwP4QbF9pIcolOmWV7NhilswCpX8sOjz6edMZk5ShDAj3uE9mkIFFNOSOs_BJ/s1280/Griselda-Universal-1280x853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWpv5330fM8_xkE23tF0ZGv0GbBt1M-DqJ6TTtKvMM91Bqd-jSDyjIg9UfDdeOQhm0CRJfkXd9lxsv6-gSx1Bb_13pImbVioa_6ly1pE5hOi4LlRsh2lwqUPVqeIkwP4QbF9pIcolOmWV7NhilswCpX8sOjz6edMZk5ShDAj3uE9mkIFFNOSOs_BJ/s320/Griselda-Universal-1280x853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Griselda </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>WWCD2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Whenever Gunn, Benny, and Conway all together on a track, it'll be promised to be absolute fire. No disputing that. When they all came together for a full-length album through Shady Records at the end of 2019, <i>WWCD</i> (for <i>What Would 'Chinegun Do</i>), it absolutely brought their level of grittiness and utter grime to the masses and was uncompromising in its approach and themes of drugs, guns, and intimidation. With an aesthetic that rivaled prior classics such as <i>36 Chambers</i>, <i>The Infamous</i>, <i>The War Report</i>, and <i>Ready To Die</i>,<i> WWCD </i>fit the same mold. Among the several projects Gunn stated would drop in 2023, this was one he really emphasized. He stated that his "family" album would drop, in the form of <i>WWCD2</i> (tentatively speculated title). There's no doubt that if it's anywhere in the ballpark of the first one, this will be another sincere knock out for the camp and for those that prefer their hip-hop filled with images of police yellow tape.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsIriPVSswh76WkIx4V1NN5SbL15eHBVrcpCHqVZhknYCs6EjpK7jBmAUsSVGf0v6rPNyI8UcZDqdBrK7XWHVd0hVSDYs8HXgOrjfxvjWIOQol4onNKD6yk8WHZX8Y1sjCnRuJGR3r58fmRl97gO56bw6bZRHGfMDMlB9FFWCkgKh-eEVOBl7UG09/s686/westsidegunn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsIriPVSswh76WkIx4V1NN5SbL15eHBVrcpCHqVZhknYCs6EjpK7jBmAUsSVGf0v6rPNyI8UcZDqdBrK7XWHVd0hVSDYs8HXgOrjfxvjWIOQol4onNKD6yk8WHZX8Y1sjCnRuJGR3r58fmRl97gO56bw6bZRHGfMDMlB9FFWCkgKh-eEVOBl7UG09/s320/westsidegunn.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>MICEHELLE RECORDS</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">At the beginning of the year, Westside Gunn expressed that he was retiring in 2023. Having done quite a bit in the years he's been in the game, he apparently feels like there's nothing more to prove, which is arguably fair. He mentioned quite a number of efforts they're dropping (most of these supposed efforts have already been covered here). Perhaps the main project he's focusing on for himself is the much touted, <i>MICHELLE RECORDS</i>. This title is named after his aunt who lost her life in 2021 and was actually originally slated to drop on Halloween of 2022. Instead, <i>10</i> dropped (which we're not complaining about by the way as that album was quite bananas). If this is his final solo project, one can only imagine he will go out in star-studded fashion and present possibly the best album he's ever presented, and that's saying a lot considering how fantastic his efforts have been. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq1g5R1pNxAZXnaa28wq5AX92JbAQU1Bar0KUECixzK4P-dtPykYjxLbJ_7GqYGWvz8rN3NZanGNW1RCv3oKjXsCGt1GXupfmvDzkfy_8DwVtMEj2t-2ntc1fFNhM3xKjF3d0PfmpJCOwot1HBXYDJK1ACbqqeyk3Rona-sIIOtPfOJdF8hecr1L4/s240/alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq1g5R1pNxAZXnaa28wq5AX92JbAQU1Bar0KUECixzK4P-dtPykYjxLbJ_7GqYGWvz8rN3NZanGNW1RCv3oKjXsCGt1GXupfmvDzkfy_8DwVtMEj2t-2ntc1fFNhM3xKjF3d0PfmpJCOwot1HBXYDJK1ACbqqeyk3Rona-sIIOtPfOJdF8hecr1L4/s1600/alchemist.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dGXe9TwvilOBqqaRLEDl6RWJVVva6ekbhrfQWkMvMbu-gL4pK3DQOeiemoqfLwpCJVlMlpzw5mGWEPmI3Ox3wwU4iN556cF77XtmwHObgez3TTzCKqRhhWYZaU0eLhm13VZiMG-dXecvkDnTFfv6FtBu6duJk58VxL_yZRtJGlm7Ud5UuGeGRyoC/s599/budgie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="599" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dGXe9TwvilOBqqaRLEDl6RWJVVva6ekbhrfQWkMvMbu-gL4pK3DQOeiemoqfLwpCJVlMlpzw5mGWEPmI3Ox3wwU4iN556cF77XtmwHObgez3TTzCKqRhhWYZaU0eLhm13VZiMG-dXecvkDnTFfv6FtBu6duJk58VxL_yZRtJGlm7Ud5UuGeGRyoC/s320/budgie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Alchemist & Budgie</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Good Book Vol. 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Another project that Uncle Al is slated to be involved with is the third edition of his <i>Good Book</i> series with fellow producer, Budgie. The album, which centers around religious or spiritual imagery, is likely to have some extremely dope instrumentals with tremendous stars spitting over them. Acts such as Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, the late Prodigy, Conway, Gunn, and Evidence have all contributed to the prior two albums. One half would be strictly done by Al and the other half was done by Budgie. We will see if they follow the same formula and if it'll be every bit as acclaimed as the prior ones.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27Ldwao2474euuiw9zwM3LKYGfmMkR1fv3gq3jH3ze2lskH65jdQSqp8ZgqAjUP94eJAYZaUxINBL38nFGoOlL630H5Z3IchtdH_-gPhkXhQAL1LRM0-SEzvoBiPtw1SWDMhNKXm1gA1dOb4Pt-GL_n5fctoNdAqdVFwONIdOBZ6V6amcDD0olqCb/s640/logic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27Ldwao2474euuiw9zwM3LKYGfmMkR1fv3gq3jH3ze2lskH65jdQSqp8ZgqAjUP94eJAYZaUxINBL38nFGoOlL630H5Z3IchtdH_-gPhkXhQAL1LRM0-SEzvoBiPtw1SWDMhNKXm1gA1dOb4Pt-GL_n5fctoNdAqdVFwONIdOBZ6V6amcDD0olqCb/s320/logic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Logic</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>College Park</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">We were all very pleasantly surprised when Logic delivered such a crazy effort in 2022 with <i>Vinyl Days</i>, a gem of an album that was just strictly hip-hop. No fillers. No gimmicks. Definitely not for any type of crossover appeal. Just hip-hop, and it worked beautifully. That was also his last Def Jam release. In 2023, he returns with his first indie album since before his Def Jam deal, <i>College Park</i>. With reported guests such as RZA, Statik Selektah, Bun B, and Norah Jones among others, this could be another intriguing album potentially. While his discography has been hit and miss, the DMV representative is very talented when he's sharp and focused, and based on <i>Vinyl Days</i>, he may have found a new fire within his mic and it's possible this could be another example of what got him signed to Def Jam in the first place.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXycdgIjsU001T4UDv3WyqGw1FOzGinDXOWGR3i5RLh2U56QfEcDo9lY9GXoZN6gTsXNjeWkjPi4zgO-vAd2SI_j-B_XM3WoBDcXApTZjVgw2Ka-ZhtJMsA6IPIN8cZ8OckwsSKRZkIcVoF77LOtGLqYeCGFRdJdV7s6UJoa0baGscmoAmt7KQVhI/s1296/llcoolj.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXycdgIjsU001T4UDv3WyqGw1FOzGinDXOWGR3i5RLh2U56QfEcDo9lY9GXoZN6gTsXNjeWkjPi4zgO-vAd2SI_j-B_XM3WoBDcXApTZjVgw2Ka-ZhtJMsA6IPIN8cZ8OckwsSKRZkIcVoF77LOtGLqYeCGFRdJdV7s6UJoa0baGscmoAmt7KQVhI/s320/llcoolj.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">LL Cool J</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The self-professed GOAT is back in 2023. The iconic Hall Of Famer hasn't dropped an album since 2013's Authentic. The owner of the ever popular Sirius XM station, Rock The Bells, has still been busy with philanthropy work and of course his role in NCIS. A couple of years ago, he stated that he was collaborating with another Queens legend in Q-Tip for the handling of his next album. Well, while we don't have confirmation on any LL/Q-Tip collaboration for this new album, he has however stated he's in full album mode and that he was "competing with himself" on this one. This means this could be quite the album that reminds us of why he's one of the single most influential and overall greatest emcees that's ever touched a mic. The owner of classic albums like <i>Radio</i>, <i>Mr. Smith</i>, <i>G.O.A.T</i>., and especially <i>Mama Said Knock You Out</i> is ready for another run at showing these young ones out here who made it possible for them to even hold a mic.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jr9UvO3sRR-7Au_-geGOMWqxLNDx-eodX8zPwQaxQlulxOaHmVM1zVzFjzitKa4dPZyx_CUSOQZg58tuzEFuV7Wetxsle86Ggj7FK9seuCJWVzP-tUFOzyQZPuPHgGZaNmKtXhshaE4iN1jqj-EZlYNIYXvOtRgaqKoAxexnbsrIa9aSTH99GteT/s2560/lilwayne.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jr9UvO3sRR-7Au_-geGOMWqxLNDx-eodX8zPwQaxQlulxOaHmVM1zVzFjzitKa4dPZyx_CUSOQZg58tuzEFuV7Wetxsle86Ggj7FK9seuCJWVzP-tUFOzyQZPuPHgGZaNmKtXhshaE4iN1jqj-EZlYNIYXvOtRgaqKoAxexnbsrIa9aSTH99GteT/s320/lilwayne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lil Wayne</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tha Carter VI</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the early to mid 00's, was there anyone more on fire than Lil' Wayne? His run from '06 through '10 was nothing short of stellar and his mixtape run was damn near legendary. Not to mention all the guest verses he was blessing on other's albums (very similar to Busta Rhymes in the mid-nineties). It's been said he's resurrecting his <i>Carter</i> series in 2023, and if this resembles any of his others in the series, the game may be in a problem. While he may be a tad more recluse and not quite as active as he used to be during his peak, he's still Wayne, and as we've seen from him with guest verses on albums from the likes of DJ Khaled, Cordae, Westside Gunn, Benny, Latto, and Jack Harlow, he still knows how to put lines together that only Wayne has the brilliance to conjure up. There are also talks of his dropping the next installment in his <i>I Am Not A Human Being</i> series as well. Will <i>Tha Carter VI</i> measure up to his past crazy efforts, especially the career benchmark, <i>Carter III</i>? We hope to see.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1lnu375D4K3mLZP1DZUu_06xt4G2b3ywqcY5JTEBvyXVkU5P4uEdvzt1zu9rdoBjB4WefCM1SvuVGpmRPzE4sUym92HBD3jzWlGDxH9iYpvWx0PJoaRWqwuJJ28vgYGqWNERb1SU7v0ZUzeGStTxgthJ3TM6ocdgFlFL1Hn6WCRllgNpV0d3DBkX/s1200/dannybrown.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1lnu375D4K3mLZP1DZUu_06xt4G2b3ywqcY5JTEBvyXVkU5P4uEdvzt1zu9rdoBjB4WefCM1SvuVGpmRPzE4sUym92HBD3jzWlGDxH9iYpvWx0PJoaRWqwuJJ28vgYGqWNERb1SU7v0ZUzeGStTxgthJ3TM6ocdgFlFL1Hn6WCRllgNpV0d3DBkX/s320/dannybrown.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Danny Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Quaranta</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Detroit's quirky, yet very talented, emcee Danny Brown is easily among hip-hop's most fascinating characters. Catching strong buzz from his mixtape, <i>XXX</i>, he started to build a cult-like following slowly, and subsequent efforts like his collaborative effort with fellow Detroit emcee/producer, Black Milk <i>Black & Brown</i>, <i>ODB</i>, his ambitious yet phenomenal <i>Atrocity Exhibition</i>, and the Q-Tip executive produced, <i>UKnowwhatimsayin</i> all exhibit his propensity to display his left-brained mic stylings, mixed with trippy, if not straight up LSD-invoking, imagery as well as comedic lines as well. With his forthcoming album, <i>Quaranta</i>, we may likely get more of his comedic persona much like we saw with <i>Uknowwhatimsayin</i>, but still maintaining his technical ability with his excellent pen game. When you put this, along with the recent announcement of a collaborative effort with eclectic and experimental Brroklyn-native, emcee/producer JPEGMAFIA for a project, this could be quite a dope year or Mr. Brown. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJxtalC5T7_qhzAl6CANJXKaU7Pd4otKRlBrfwmJlm0zam3539NuMzPB8yh4nvhPAhsIdCkN-MvxQTRYQafU-2CulEtVTCxLlteRiQEXuDXW9ePnI8J_RHLepRXNsyeytNDTmjM5s5bK_5yY5DJx_IXnrG9WwX_Sele5DmdPSDhgBRCTTgfCSwm9N/s1200/pusha-t-dj-drama-confirm-gangsta-grillz-mixtape-for-2023-1200x675.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJxtalC5T7_qhzAl6CANJXKaU7Pd4otKRlBrfwmJlm0zam3539NuMzPB8yh4nvhPAhsIdCkN-MvxQTRYQafU-2CulEtVTCxLlteRiQEXuDXW9ePnI8J_RHLepRXNsyeytNDTmjM5s5bK_5yY5DJx_IXnrG9WwX_Sele5DmdPSDhgBRCTTgfCSwm9N/s320/pusha-t-dj-drama-confirm-gangsta-grillz-mixtape-for-2023-1200x675.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Pusha T & DJ Drama</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">2022 saw VA's Pusha T drop another benchmark effort with the Grammy Award nominated, <i>It's Almost Dry</i>. What Kanye and Pharrell put together was magical and many have argued that it's the album of his career, if only rivaled with his prior monstrous effort, the Kanye-helmed <i>DAYTONA</i>. With him officially done with G.O.O.D. Music, he's gone the indie route and his first order of business is a reported mixtape with southern mixtape giant, DJ Drama for a <i>Gangsta Grillz</i>-like project. While not much is known about this collaborative effort, you can bet if DJ Drama is on it or associated with it, this could be quite dope, as evidenced with his work/appearances on albums from Jeezy, Westside Gunn, and Tyler the Crestor. One really can't go too wrong with anything Pusha drops and one would be not too wise to not invest in this forthcoming project.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI1azU708FmcfAZdtEMFNN7MaspTAKfdC-hMUA3wSlqSgWLsAvcOXDqgicPGAFSEa_tBnqMG_y5f5BPTHNt8BBPJ0HsEMQr22TU-Et7mjoXkvbfMcJ9zlwa-GjiORaAH1rsujjo7OKTDQ4J6OkZTtE-_A4-RB-RR6apJqBh1VIWB0dGHj0g0kZES2/s1280/runthejewels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI1azU708FmcfAZdtEMFNN7MaspTAKfdC-hMUA3wSlqSgWLsAvcOXDqgicPGAFSEa_tBnqMG_y5f5BPTHNt8BBPJ0HsEMQr22TU-Et7mjoXkvbfMcJ9zlwa-GjiORaAH1rsujjo7OKTDQ4J6OkZTtE-_A4-RB-RR6apJqBh1VIWB0dGHj0g0kZES2/s320/runthejewels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Run The Jewels</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>RTJ5</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">There's not too many album series more consistently outstanding than Run The Jewels' RTJ run. Killer Mike and El-P's official debut as Run The Jewels in 2013 was among the best releases of the year and showed that this combo that doesn't look like it would mesh on paper turned out to prove any and all skeptics wrong. However, it was 2014 when they dropped <i>RTJ2</i> when we realized they could be among the most explosive and dynamic duo of their generation with an all-time classic of an album. Rivaling socio-political and conspiracy albums such as other monuments like <i>AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted</i> or even <i>It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back</i>, this album officially made them a smash that both rap and rock audiences firmly appreciated. Their 2016 follow-up, <i>RTJ3</i>, was easily as great as their prior, and in some cases even better if you can imagine that. They really could've left the game right then with perhaps the greatest critical trilogy in all of hip-hop for this era, but then they dropped <i>RTJ4</i> in 2020 and pretty much kept the same momentum as the prior four efforts. Already being compared to legendary duos like Mobb Deep, Gangstarr, and EPMD, Killer Mike announced during a concert that <i>RTJ5</i> was coming. As we've heard from them on guest spots on projects such as DJ Premier's <i>Hip-Hop 50 Vol. 1</i> and Westside Gunn's <i>10</i>, RTJ hasn't lost a step and could quite easily be among the single most anticipated projects of all of 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNCji0DBk_89tq6tcY0oGnSdy5S3cRCFpEmJZhSrOQk8FiqL0MnXsv1RVjZOZJKsgVulin26n7bXCovKA3mUXWuks72u16UT_nYRHc5sz_1WGEJPFR1huzCfOPI3efJl1vh80_pGV4ZdeQwK-TJfLLF24kobSPEW0rM1qelQohKkB9F4CgY_qx-KF/s750/redman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNCji0DBk_89tq6tcY0oGnSdy5S3cRCFpEmJZhSrOQk8FiqL0MnXsv1RVjZOZJKsgVulin26n7bXCovKA3mUXWuks72u16UT_nYRHc5sz_1WGEJPFR1huzCfOPI3efJl1vh80_pGV4ZdeQwK-TJfLLF24kobSPEW0rM1qelQohKkB9F4CgY_qx-KF/s320/redman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Redman</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Muddy Waters Too</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been practically forever since we've had a true full-length album from the legendary Funk Doc. Fans have been impatiently waiting for the sequel to his career best, '96's <i>Muddy Waters</i>, since he stated back in 2016 that <i>Muddy Waters Too</i> was coming. We've gotten what was supposedly a teaser album in <i>Mudface</i>, in 2019 but hopefully this is the year we finally get to see <i>Muddy Waters Too</i> see the light of day. While the assumption is that he will reunite with the likes of Erick Sermon (keep pushing forward E-Double), Rockwilder, and Keith Murray, not too much is known about the project, but again, we would love to finally get to hear the sequel to the album that really established the career of Reggie Noble.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH6fRUQad-ph23tZ4ulR9PANUJXAUZPjiwqwjLnu-Ha0zjab-INx2SlTeP_XpVizWSihxBGGsh6hjXjTkAdcOvJdJnau9iV8dqsekJstSfN125XwvtYA8wAqI7kf1yGJJeijoaOb7bQ0PK5CdYt6KW2QFHNr5wffzI-1ns1yWIqsUdyrfbl8n3Uu7/s2000/Method-Man-havoc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="2000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH6fRUQad-ph23tZ4ulR9PANUJXAUZPjiwqwjLnu-Ha0zjab-INx2SlTeP_XpVizWSihxBGGsh6hjXjTkAdcOvJdJnau9iV8dqsekJstSfN125XwvtYA8wAqI7kf1yGJJeijoaOb7bQ0PK5CdYt6KW2QFHNr5wffzI-1ns1yWIqsUdyrfbl8n3Uu7/s320/Method-Man-havoc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Method Man & Havoc</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Dirty P</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">When Method Man went on a radio show and stated that he had a collaborative effort with Havoc of Mobb Deep, heads were in a frenzy and couldn't wait for the album to drop. Havoc and Mef are no strangers to working with each other has Mef was featured on Mobb Deep's <i>Hell On Earth</i> classic on the ominous "Extortion", while Hav did work on Mef's <i>Tical 2000: Judgment Day</i> album on the banger "Play IV Keeps" and again on his <i>4:21...The Day After</i> on the dope cut "Somebody Done Fucked Up". The prospect of a whole project by these two legends is tremendous and it could finally see the light of day. With Mef dropping the latest installment of his <i>Meth Lab</i> mixtape series and Havoc's work with the likes of Cormega, Styles P and Philly's Dark Lo, the time is s et for the album, <i>Dirty P</i> (combining the names of fallen partners Ol' Dirty Bastard and Prodigy) to get unleashed and don't be surprised if this doesn't make a bunch of top five lists when it drops.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7Ge09hnybVneWN03Y0EAVShgefnhzSeDk4__5o6R0UWskOHVZ8lpXQC0k9SB1CUPkqmVzjF57GFSbOVIBKxOs1cTHk41Wqnr_1gaZ5XLgYqSB9ptD1q36ftMP0uGo1Sn6RE-dBgtY-lP5ZLJYTj8EmO7TQcm4wCx1rrq4RChJHIh9UixqruxhKVs/s3000/che-noir-art-of-bars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="3000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7Ge09hnybVneWN03Y0EAVShgefnhzSeDk4__5o6R0UWskOHVZ8lpXQC0k9SB1CUPkqmVzjF57GFSbOVIBKxOs1cTHk41Wqnr_1gaZ5XLgYqSB9ptD1q36ftMP0uGo1Sn6RE-dBgtY-lP5ZLJYTj8EmO7TQcm4wCx1rrq4RChJHIh9UixqruxhKVs/s320/che-noir-art-of-bars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9QUrcipnPAxk6x9_fhpGIRM_-g7FTsig45wUyjQYf_IXfoI3rY4ZTOi1Vqh78Q1Ln4ArwtNyAo2ik-4TvvaPa2wrYNnWuIk8gO7UNVExYSBcb-ECRAOh10EgmoJ2gGof7kuUisMRxednnespRAZOm1fteBDyjZVY6jBMF6uO6D1bzrjZoQAalL4U/s3736/Big_Ghost_Ltd_logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3736" data-original-width="3658" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9QUrcipnPAxk6x9_fhpGIRM_-g7FTsig45wUyjQYf_IXfoI3rY4ZTOi1Vqh78Q1Ln4ArwtNyAo2ik-4TvvaPa2wrYNnWuIk8gO7UNVExYSBcb-ECRAOh10EgmoJ2gGof7kuUisMRxednnespRAZOm1fteBDyjZVY6jBMF6uO6D1bzrjZoQAalL4U/s320/Big_Ghost_Ltd_logo.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Che Noir & Big Ghost LTD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Over the past few years, mysterious producer Big Ghost LTD has dropped a number of sinister projects with the likes of Conway & Westside Gunn, CRIMEAPPLE, Ahnklejohn, Hus Kingpin, Knowledge The Pirate, and most recently Mickey Diamond. His brand of ominous and dark instrumentals have resonated throughout the underground for nearly a decade. One of his next up to bat is with aforementioned Buffalo native emcee, Che Noir. Showing that she can float on collaborative producer albums with her album with Apollo Brown,<i> As God Intended</i>, it'll be interesting if see if their success will rival past Big Ghost efforts. His instrumentals seem to bring the grittiness out of rappers and with Che Noir already there, this could be quite the interesting project.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi5ihGL10raAqLV3wTfvgBI6bNtcJZzsGBEsRDOge71gAcwGeCghrD-QUzwWYy-rJQzQ4RVK3Y6MwLxg3FaNty3kQi0mpJemRwzt47KQGhrXzHiPSiGwj1twcdRF6k02-SvDSnt36NdEKJloNmI0ct_5x6_rEM35n0VOcL8GbN9tao2VsAnlAigYL/s2000/The_Roots.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2000" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi5ihGL10raAqLV3wTfvgBI6bNtcJZzsGBEsRDOge71gAcwGeCghrD-QUzwWYy-rJQzQ4RVK3Y6MwLxg3FaNty3kQi0mpJemRwzt47KQGhrXzHiPSiGwj1twcdRF6k02-SvDSnt36NdEKJloNmI0ct_5x6_rEM35n0VOcL8GbN9tao2VsAnlAigYL/s320/The_Roots.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Roots</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>End Game </i></p><p style="text-align: left;">All hail the legendary Roots crew! It's been nearly a decade since we've had a full project from Black Thought, Quest Love and company, and that was the very decent <i>...And You Shoot Your Cousin</i> album. Since then, they've mostly been relegated to Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show, with occasional scores such as <i>The Hamilton Mixtape</i>. Meanwhile, Black Thought has been expanding his wings doing collaborative albums with the likes of 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, Sean C & LV, and most recently Danger Mouse for the exceptional <i>Cheat Codes</i> in 2022. However, a leak happened in the form of a Roots single with Erykah Badu and Tierra Whack, "Misunderstood". Rumored collaborators have been said to include 9th Wonder and Salaam Remi so with their long-awaited tenth album, this could be another victory lap for one of hip-hop's all-time finest acts.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Other Rumored/Speculated Albums for 2023</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & VDON- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Harry Fraud- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Jay Versace- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Futurewave- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">YNBilly & DJ Drama- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Various Artists<i>- Conway The Machine Presents Drumwork</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Estee Nack- <i>NACKsaw Jim Duggan</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn & Madlib- <i>Gunnlib</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Flygod Is An Awesome God 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Step Brothers- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curren$y & Jermaine Dupri- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">JID- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">EARTHGANG- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Spillage Village- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Masta Ace & Marco Polo- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Busta Rhymes- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Black Thought & El Michaels Affair- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Anderson.Paak & Hit-Boy- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Pink Siifu- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Koncept Jackson & Sahdugold- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Logic- <i>9</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Slum Village- untitled</p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog & Madlib- <i>YODlib</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Camouflage Monk- <i>untitled EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">7XVEDAGENIUS- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Planet Asia & Madlib- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Apollo Brown & Planet Asia<i>- untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Planet Asia- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Talib Kweli & Madlib- <i>Liberation 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Raekwon- <i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">PRhyme- <i>PRhyme 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Royce Da 5'9"- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">billy woods- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ststik Selektah- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Fly Anakin & Madlib- <i>MadFly</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy & Camouflage Monk- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ill Bill- <i>Billy</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Heartbreakers (Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare)- <i>untitled</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">With other possible albums coming from Ghostface, Future/Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Cordae, several efforts from Your Old Droog (including the aforementioned collab with Madlib), several efforts from Tha God Fahim, and Denzel Curry, this looks to be another fire year very similar to 2022, even though it would be a tall order. However, based upon this list and others not particularly mentioned, stay tuned for what could be another great, great year for this decade. </p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-55052777163615352202023-01-14T09:45:00.006-08:002023-01-15T09:55:10.439-08:00The Fifteen Best Southern Albums of 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkGQOkP4z6UWbzuCV8dPaXzNBdU43MtBIc9-5if9I6_EgZ8Ug_pYwgLTmRz8qAs-0mG2ha0qjB8fg8H-oIFUyAg2YF_w90whgmZfDNq8a5NEkXEEbgpg5sFoWHIhBBsj86kXgfcMzwmmevhCqRB7UejiXf3r-VzHnUa27nronLM7P11O-9hBllku2/s250/250px-Map_of_USA_South.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="250" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkGQOkP4z6UWbzuCV8dPaXzNBdU43MtBIc9-5if9I6_EgZ8Ug_pYwgLTmRz8qAs-0mG2ha0qjB8fg8H-oIFUyAg2YF_w90whgmZfDNq8a5NEkXEEbgpg5sFoWHIhBBsj86kXgfcMzwmmevhCqRB7UejiXf3r-VzHnUa27nronLM7P11O-9hBllku2/s1600/250px-Map_of_USA_South.svg.png" width="250" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>In what has been an exceptional year of quality hip-hop, one would be hard pressed to not include the south in the critical success of this year. Several notable talents have delivered good to stellar efforts to further exhibit their overall dominance within the hip-hop scene, musically and in many cases culturally. From the likes of Bun B and JID to EarthGang and Megan Thee Stallion, the south (yes the DMV is absolutely included in this list BTW), has been point with very delightful offerings. With that being said, let's go!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ZUh87ZH7SOdV66snphg0wEaWlIq4WOHXynHVX73eKyV0tygcfOMrfj8mcHXzlOXpEIjuNr2eOT8be9ueD1q5nmKeicTKWsbwGYo_vObAgKg0lHgx7NZQ_JZPZZ9P0-5Ng9lEv7sxwWryYLJSAOWo5VrErEqTUHAbahxXo4F8cbli55SsOQ7oRxZ/s640/awon-seven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ZUh87ZH7SOdV66snphg0wEaWlIq4WOHXynHVX73eKyV0tygcfOMrfj8mcHXzlOXpEIjuNr2eOT8be9ueD1q5nmKeicTKWsbwGYo_vObAgKg0lHgx7NZQ_JZPZZ9P0-5Ng9lEv7sxwWryYLJSAOWo5VrErEqTUHAbahxXo4F8cbli55SsOQ7oRxZ/s320/awon-seven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">15. AWON, Seb Zillner, & ANTITHESIS</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Seven Pt. 3</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Seb Zillner, ANTITHESIS</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">DMV native Awon has been known throughout the underground with business partner/producer, Phoniks, to bring forth some rather excellent hip-hop, especially their <i>Return To The Golden Age</i> album, which was smooth boom-bap with rhymes that were fundamental yet sharp. Since then, Awon has delivered a few other dope albums such as <i>The Actual Proof</i>, <i>Knowledge Of Self</i>, and <i>Nothing Less</i>, this time he gets assistance from producer Seb Zillner and pianist ANTITHESIS for their collaborative album, <i>Seven Pt. III</i>. Over very melodic and jazzy production, Awon goes for his with intelligent rhymes and introspective insight on the world we live in. At only seven track appropriately, there not a single skipping point on this release. Just push play and let it ride as no misstep is prevalent here. Awon is one of those slept-on and underrated emcees that deserved to be heard way more, and as his track record shows, it's safe to say, he won't be too slept on much longer.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrtsMs2YrAMdwJX75cGjMcnKs94Uqr80q_jJg-iqit4nD17EiL7a0pLmpQUsODElvxmuIlVL6SYqQji8KqwTsdoP7h10ZkXKTj8Qh8Oc1F6bfC0XirHe6s51jA2bwoILLL6eINL5WZIh61MCpWiQFWY-PpH4X4zBrf8AyHKCKduD0Pq6x79_1fr3o/s600/Kenny%20Mason%20-%20Ruffs.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrtsMs2YrAMdwJX75cGjMcnKs94Uqr80q_jJg-iqit4nD17EiL7a0pLmpQUsODElvxmuIlVL6SYqQji8KqwTsdoP7h10ZkXKTj8Qh8Oc1F6bfC0XirHe6s51jA2bwoILLL6eINL5WZIh61MCpWiQFWY-PpH4X4zBrf8AyHKCKduD0Pq6x79_1fr3o/s320/Kenny%20Mason%20-%20Ruffs.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Kenny Mason</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>RUFFS</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, DavidTheTragic, 1Mind, James Kang, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Young Nudy, Jean Dawson, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Atlanta artist, Kenny Mason is a hybrid emcee. One who likes to blends different genres into his style of music. Often one that likes to incorporate soul into his music in one tune and then likes to switch to a rock influence in another tune, Mason definitely has his own appeal to what sounds great to him. His 2020 debut, <i>Angelic Hoodrat</i>, was met with overall decent acclaim and showed his talent in being versatile and definitely a technical writer. With his new album, <i>RUFFS</i>, he goes even more into his versatility into being very ambitious as well. Often times pulling moves like Kid Cudi and rhyming doping melodic rap over the occasional rock-esque track, Mason isn't a one dimensional artist. On cuts like "Shells" and "Giveinchy", his honesty and willingness to provide info of his angst, rebellion, and means of survival in the streets, while no where near close to being original, still deserves respect for his openness over samples and thick melodies that suit him. Meanwhile, his love of dogs is also apparent on this album as well and how they fit in to his way of life. On the cut, "Zoomies", he compares his energy top animals' sense of running through things with such vigor and vitality. Mason is not a conventional emcee, and that's a good thing. He's his own unique energy and with <i>RUFFS</i>, his eclectic aura of musical styles represent the complex emcee he is and it works out very for him as a result.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpySnvkSqi4gn_GLExgYRTURJcMeJSetobLEUe1naQMwBXBoHmW4CIjShn9B0vNF1w1xYWvZ4e2Mcap61dvfWOCIFO5hG-WaWIVT_6cchOi2MYVSwXSgQaOVMwqGs63nqVJkuTkaMBU-JBRVaetjfVk23X0c7hbcgppwq_3t38MTKnTbRD0-3odYb/s300/I_Never_Liked_You_(Future).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpySnvkSqi4gn_GLExgYRTURJcMeJSetobLEUe1naQMwBXBoHmW4CIjShn9B0vNF1w1xYWvZ4e2Mcap61dvfWOCIFO5hG-WaWIVT_6cchOi2MYVSwXSgQaOVMwqGs63nqVJkuTkaMBU-JBRVaetjfVk23X0c7hbcgppwq_3t38MTKnTbRD0-3odYb/s1600/I_Never_Liked_You_(Future).png" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Future</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I NEVER LIKED YOU</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: TM88, Soufside, ATL Jacob, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Kanye West, Young Thug, Gunna, EST Gee, Babyface Ray, Lil Durk, Drake, Kodak Black, Lil Baby, Tems, 42 Dugg</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the true innovators of today's sound if the always intriguing Future. Albums such as his debut, <i>Pluto</i>, <i>Honest</i>, <i>DS2</i>, and the most recent release in 2020, <i>High Off Life</i>, have all shown Future at his toxic best thematically speaking yet promoted himself as definitely one of the true voices of this generation. His 2022 offering, <i>I NEVER LIKED YOU</i>, only continues off his highly influential trap-meets-melodic sound and the results are every bit of what you'd expect from Future. Nothing really filled with a lot of depth, just trademark Future. Infectious cuts like the Drake-assisted "I'm On One", "Holy Ghost", and the self-explanatory "We Just Wanna Get High" all exemplify what Mr. Nayvadius Cash is about. Guests such as the aforementioned Drake, Kanye, Young Thug, Gunna, and Kodak Black all assist in this trap party Future can provide like not too many others can. With no need to reinvent the wheel, Future has another sizzler with <i>I NEVER LIKED YOU</i> and for those that are into his style of music, filled with strippers, weed, alcohol, and trap musings, look no further than one of the forefathers of it of this generation.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fGtoeTMcoXg9KrRWhUi-t2hTRwe5Zr6Q7yNQ4uHXal7KqnMI_SQbesNfbm94K_X7GOpiMc1hL3FjanPXi84oO0JKF9UCDhM0zSaLQQywm1-h8bgyFLPePdTnfIu1iKN0Ow5hx4SvtZ1bQbm9ecRkZmIA8sF3Q_Zhmk-9lwa2dPJbi9DksaElNpsp/s760/jeezy-snofall.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="760" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fGtoeTMcoXg9KrRWhUi-t2hTRwe5Zr6Q7yNQ4uHXal7KqnMI_SQbesNfbm94K_X7GOpiMc1hL3FjanPXi84oO0JKF9UCDhM0zSaLQQywm1-h8bgyFLPePdTnfIu1iKN0Ow5hx4SvtZ1bQbm9ecRkZmIA8sF3Q_Zhmk-9lwa2dPJbi9DksaElNpsp/s320/jeezy-snofall.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Jeezy & DJ Drama</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Gangsta Grillz Presents: Snofall</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Don Cannon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: EST Gee, 42 Dugg, Lil Durk</p><p style="text-align: left;">Atlanta's own Jeezy is a trap legend. Along with the likes of T.I. and Gucci Mane, Jeezy is to be heralded as one of the game's first true trap artists and showed the world the underbelly of the street and d rug game over snapping 808s. His debut, <i>Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101</i> is seen as a southern classic and one of the true staples of trap hip-hop. Since then, other noted albums from him such as his other <i>Thug Motivation</i> albums, <i>Seen It All</i>, <i>The Recession</i>, <i>Church In These Streets</i>, and the most recent 2020 offering <i>The Recession 2</i> all show Jeezy's obsession of the trap game, yet over time, showing some glimpses of maturity in terms of being more honest and introspective. While many would say during this growth, he also had gotten seen as a little uninspired based on him getting older and rhyming about the same ole, same ole and being guilty of repetition. In 2022, he reunited with one of his first collaborators in DJ Drama with his latest mixtape offering, <i>Snofall</i>. Jeezy truthfully sounds more inspired here than he has in pears, but also somewhat comes off as a wise veteran schooling the younger generation of what to look out for in these streets as well as in the business. Over rattling production from the likes of J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Don Cannon, this is an old reminder of prior goodies such as the aforementioned <i>Thug Motivation</i> series and <i>Seen It All</i>, and reminds us of how vital Jeezy is to this generation for long term success worthy of OG status.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkQfO8XhM_si3WOeduKj3rFOZ_Nt1SFsED02o1eXaYTstGE5C5m_WJhsVbRvGbFDH263fXyn3Afen6qKYGjeuOkpUo8OoNq9XndpmmUPiurPtMgtQtwIeZWsWeetybjDmTmaj8SjnGMqOFZNkrkkhcFBWSeLxG8pE6uBsgffWIB7tMOAfp9uZrX7h/s640/infinitylinks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkQfO8XhM_si3WOeduKj3rFOZ_Nt1SFsED02o1eXaYTstGE5C5m_WJhsVbRvGbFDH263fXyn3Afen6qKYGjeuOkpUo8OoNq9XndpmmUPiurPtMgtQtwIeZWsWeetybjDmTmaj8SjnGMqOFZNkrkkhcFBWSeLxG8pE6uBsgffWIB7tMOAfp9uZrX7h/s320/infinitylinks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">11. Quavo & Takeoff</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Only Built For Infinity Links</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Quavo, Murda Beatz, Zaytovan, Mustard, Mike Dean, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Birdman, Gucci Mane, Summer Walker, Young Thug, Gunna, Youngboy NBA</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the most shocking and tragic events in recent hip-hop history involved the tragic murder of Migos member, Takeoff, at a birthday party in Houston. The shockwaves resonated through the entire hip-hop community, in what had already been a very tragic year in hip-hop with numerous names being gunned down. Before this very saddening event, the Grammy-award winning trio also split up over reported differences with their label. This real life family of cousins and uncles/nephews were true innovators and studied under the same tree as the likes of Future. In 2022, two members delivered their first album together as Unc & Neph, as Quavo and Takeoff delivered <i>Only Built For Infinity Links</i>. With a title that's an tribute to one of the all-time great hip-hop albums in Raekwon's <i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...</i>, they had to bring the goods here, and for what it's worth, it's not bad. While obviously missing that well known Migos charm and energy previously seen on albums like <i>Culture</i>, and <i>YRN</i>, the duo provide enough entertainment to at least attempt to replicate the energy as best they can. Tracks like the subliminally dissing, "Messy", the Birdman-assisted, "Big Stunna", "Nothing Changed", and the very catchy "Chocolate" are all cuts that, although make you wish Offset would catch a verse on these, show how good Quay and Take were without him. As the hip-hop community still comes to grips with the death of Take, it's even more sad that another Migos album with them as a trio will never happen again, however, we are left with one last bit of how very good Take was and how he and Quavo were as a group all by themselves. Rest well Take!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwWlm9pNRLNX6dS-oTSCZKGkuX-Gxr1wJl2fCxWvENSd1apZdw97Og-YqkvBiEgJO4yK6e-jPbB-JCEE8n3HOG8E2dLHZPmi8z4GtH7l0jNQ7_Kt53JG3Oui1e0h_holgzp03v8HTIL3rH5k4xCl9iiHUPLmljTTe-SdaBF51M_p-b7qJzfRMMx9K/s640/metroboomin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwWlm9pNRLNX6dS-oTSCZKGkuX-Gxr1wJl2fCxWvENSd1apZdw97Og-YqkvBiEgJO4yK6e-jPbB-JCEE8n3HOG8E2dLHZPmi8z4GtH7l0jNQ7_Kt53JG3Oui1e0h_holgzp03v8HTIL3rH5k4xCl9iiHUPLmljTTe-SdaBF51M_p-b7qJzfRMMx9K/s320/metroboomin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Metro Boomin</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Heroes & Villains</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: A$AP Rocky, Takeoff, The Weeknd, 21 Savage, Young Thug, Travis $cott, Young Nudy, Gunna, Mustafa, Future, Chris Brown</p><p style="text-align: left;">A fixtured name within southern hip-hop production is Atlanta producer, Metro Boomin. His style of signature "boom trap" production has been largely responsible for the success of acts such as 21 Savage, Future, Migos, and Gucci Mane. His debut compilation offering of 2018, <i>Not All Heroes Wear Capes</i>, was a hit with cuts featuring the likes of Drake, Swae Lee, Wizkid, Young Thug, 21 Savage, Gucci, and Travis $cott. He followed that up with the collab album with 21 Savage for the acclaimed <i>Savage Life II</i>. In much the same vision, he returned in 2022 with <i>Heroes & Villains</i>. Although it's more of the same thick 808s and plenty of boom for the speakers, he enlists help from much the same characters such as Savage, Young Thug, The Weeknd, and Travis, but this time he includes a track featuring A$AP Rocky and a posthumous verse from Takeoff that could certainly cause a misty eye or two. This album will cause plenty of noise ordinance tickets to get handed out, but make no mistake, Metro Boomin is one of the true go-tos for that thumping, trap sound that has dominated the airwaves for the better part of two decades now. Metro is certainly one of the ones you can thank for that.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiR21hTIAHcHCv1y8B6DpoSy-I13Z3mSpxpbUvSUjo_215RJ6BMsACSN24IjITtugSuTCtxNZKLscdGanD76mw8vE8fQiW1mqsWEakIcEEHVrxO015MgvHaeQ1MlThV_TGVyfaXLgGQrScu3zFqptY5cFVZouhY5ogacsMRzTfpIONKMvPm_FKhHR/s450/cordae.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiR21hTIAHcHCv1y8B6DpoSy-I13Z3mSpxpbUvSUjo_215RJ6BMsACSN24IjITtugSuTCtxNZKLscdGanD76mw8vE8fQiW1mqsWEakIcEEHVrxO015MgvHaeQ1MlThV_TGVyfaXLgGQrScu3zFqptY5cFVZouhY5ogacsMRzTfpIONKMvPm_FKhHR/s320/cordae.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Cordae</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From A Bird's Eye View</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kid Culture, Hit-Boy, Jake One, Cardiak, Raphael Saadiq, Dem Jointz, Boi-1nda, Hollywood Cole, Vinylz, Beat Butcha</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: H.E.R., Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, Gunna, Freddie Gibbs, Eminem</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Raleigh, NC-born, DMV-raised Cordae is a young emcee that has maturity beyond his young years, and this was evident on his debut, <i>The Lost Son</i> in 2019. At the beginning of 2022, he delivered his sophomore album, <i>From A Bird's Eye View</i>, and it was most definitely a worthy a follow-up. Introspective and honest, Cordae has a knack for being relatable and grounded. Lyrically, he's quite the writer and has tremendous writing abilities and a nice delivery. Working with young stars such as Gunna, H.E.R., and Lil Durk to seminal legends such as Stevie Wonder (harmonica on the Freddie Gibbs-assisted "Champagne Glasses"), Raphael Saadiq who produced the opening cut, "Jean-Michel", Eminem, and Lil Wayne, Cordae shows his appreciation of the various styles of sounds and music. Balancing his youthful enthusiasm with older adult wisdom, Cordae is a breath of fresh air amongst a lot of his peers, and this album is a reflection of just how damn good this young man is and how much better he's gonna be.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2PCFv-vNnzE0hkia5b-Ibm4vzsyZfMB9A_iHQvPNHr_NPNA0syJsstDNZXdT_1TcreGu17wdUvTi5_kssKUFGYmWwDVhYSTNTxt1nCUQMU9AV9vcWFxdpd9J8TVtca5X42jbIqeGYLk3gpbahvgn7Z8aSLr-2CwePWIfmTjKjIYArw-YobN6Xrn/s640/mavilaughing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP2PCFv-vNnzE0hkia5b-Ibm4vzsyZfMB9A_iHQvPNHr_NPNA0syJsstDNZXdT_1TcreGu17wdUvTi5_kssKUFGYmWwDVhYSTNTxt1nCUQMU9AV9vcWFxdpd9J8TVtca5X42jbIqeGYLk3gpbahvgn7Z8aSLr-2CwePWIfmTjKjIYArw-YobN6Xrn/s320/mavilaughing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. MAVI</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Laughing So Hard, It Hurts</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Amarah, COFFEEBLACK, Kevin Long, Reggie Gordon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Amindi</p><p style="text-align: left;">Charlotte, NC native, MAVI, has gotten acclaims from everybody from Alchemist to Earl Sweatshirt in terms of writing and vocal talent. His debut album, <i>Let The Sun Talk</i>, was an impressive abstract album that was dense and filled with an aura of obscure themes of spirituality and occasional mysticism, the album conjured up similarities of other abstract gems such as the BRILLIANT <i>Some Rap Songs</i>, <i>Madvillainy</i>, <i>I Told Bessie</i>, and MIKE's beloved <i>Tears Of Joy</i>. In 2022, MAVI goes a little deeper and therefore at times more reclusive. However, his pen game remains nonetheless enthralling as one tries to decode what he's trying to paint for us on his canvas. Musically, he keeps some of the same lo-fi melodic structures that made his prior album so compelling. He shines on cuts like the mid-tempo "Doves", "Quiet On Set", "3 Left feet", and the thick "The Inconvenient Truth", where his lazy-esque delivery similar to the aforementioned Sweatshirt sounds very compatible with his musical selections. The complexity that is <i>Laughing So Hard, It Hurts</i> is also what gives it the charm it sends out in its own way. MAVI is an excellent writer with a language and left-brained aesthetic very few will comprehend, but will still make it all sound very good and carefully thought out. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZd8kaz4DzbMASL8heozIfElGuoyr2MFjYoso9US2IGKutwtTGb2aO30HuJXN9HWaKKj_z54hAKidT-Kk-OC8A1ErQiCrjXLRf1pSoE1SzJvqYvLNcb_cPXm30tA0HcYnpnIXwYQ4pTtFUo5PsSiDzJNVV-6yBvIDeINIHtCGt4A81tZtDRC-vvK1/s225/ghettogods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZd8kaz4DzbMASL8heozIfElGuoyr2MFjYoso9US2IGKutwtTGb2aO30HuJXN9HWaKKj_z54hAKidT-Kk-OC8A1ErQiCrjXLRf1pSoE1SzJvqYvLNcb_cPXm30tA0HcYnpnIXwYQ4pTtFUo5PsSiDzJNVV-6yBvIDeINIHtCGt4A81tZtDRC-vvK1/s1600/ghettogods.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. EARTHGANG</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ghetto Gods</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cardo, 1500 Or Nothin', Olu, STLNDrums, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: J. Cole, Musiq Soulchild, Ari Lennox, Cee-Lo, Nick Cannon, JID, Future, Baby Tate</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dreamville's eclectic duo, EARTHGANG splashed upon the scene in the latter half of the past decade with EPs and mixtapes that caught the ear of J. Cole and had a promising buzz with them in their home of the A. Their fruitful debut full-length Dreamville debut, <i>Mirrorland</i>, was an album that had Outkast-esque energy and filled with a spirit of fun, trippiness, and spaced out vibes that made for a charming debut. Things get a little more serious this time around with the sophomore effort, <i>Ghetto Gods</i>. While the love of Atlanta and the culture is still representative here, they include more matters such as socio-economic matters, politics, and mental health within the Black community. The duo of Olu and WowGr8 do a good job with the balancing act here and with cuts like "All Eyes On Me", "American Horror Story", and "Strong Friends", being in-depth with sad and pressing matters within our community. However, other less deep cuts like the bouncy JID, J. Cole-collaborated "Waterboyz", the Future-assisted "Billi", and the very tongue-in-cheek Musiq Soulchild-assisted "Amen" make things a little more light-hearted in nature. Make no mistake about it, EARTHGANG is a duo that will continue to keep your attention and<i> Ghetto Gods</i> prevails in showing they're artists that celebrate life while educating the importance of preservation as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZV5KUYLcc-EreTAiSRu1lYYxAA43fsfVTB5_S1vcL04eLNrA7PRajZJ2xq4LuuROTjZTlvE36pXD1m4QhZnPWWS7XfktJptAdEojTP2QjRAYCaGanSQQ6USUC9XUxaGOwwHZMxVmjGmM46ifjRN_h2zsHd6qB_33TbykvEu77IZdxqcTxdNSmLk8/s640/driveintheater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZV5KUYLcc-EreTAiSRu1lYYxAA43fsfVTB5_S1vcL04eLNrA7PRajZJ2xq4LuuROTjZTlvE36pXD1m4QhZnPWWS7XfktJptAdEojTP2QjRAYCaGanSQQ6USUC9XUxaGOwwHZMxVmjGmM46ifjRN_h2zsHd6qB_33TbykvEu77IZdxqcTxdNSmLk8/s320/driveintheater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">6. Curren$y</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drive-In Theater Pt. 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Theolonius Martin, Harry Fraud, Kino Beats, Trauma Tone, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Fendi P, Rob49, Premo Rice, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier in 2022, Curren$y delivered the just outstanding collab album with The Alchemist, <i>Continuance</i>. While he did put other another project or two in 2022, it was his fourth quarter effort that people had been raving over almost as much as <i>Continuance</i>. He delivered <i>The Drive-In Theater Pt. 2</i> and once again it shows the true talent Spitta has within his pen game. Over some overall fantastic boardwork by the likes of Harry Fraud, Thelonious Martin, and Kino Beats, Curren$y spits about his usual flashy lifestyle, money, and the streets with his usual brand of witty, yet sharp, lyricism. He shines on cuts like "Vintage Luxury", "All My Cars", and "Sun Storm" where he brags about his riches and his hustle in very Curren$y fashion, but he makes it sound damn good. The former Cash Money-affiliate has proven himself a mainstay within southern hip-hop, and with this mixtape, once again, he shows why he's one of the most valued commodities in not the south, but all of hip-hop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6IRNr5BrmjE0B9dwEdtEXqMs2AFmOWFUsAzCK1TkaH-1Y47Lw3Tr5fue3FystJosfN1cNULVX0e8xs8E2OZkmXfnMH0e-1-VF2PIGcUuRS-VVG7YbT5_psIV5xfLSacI69wr4gehcxKDXC3bmTqHfBHXTwm4fuSR4V7eKlCqSnhS4pTg0e1UcNNe/s600/vinyldaysCD_600x.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6IRNr5BrmjE0B9dwEdtEXqMs2AFmOWFUsAzCK1TkaH-1Y47Lw3Tr5fue3FystJosfN1cNULVX0e8xs8E2OZkmXfnMH0e-1-VF2PIGcUuRS-VVG7YbT5_psIV5xfLSacI69wr4gehcxKDXC3bmTqHfBHXTwm4fuSR4V7eKlCqSnhS4pTg0e1UcNNe/s320/vinyldaysCD_600x.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">5. Logic</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Vinyl Days</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, 6ix, Exile, DJ Premier, DJ Khalyl, Tae BEast, T-Minus, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Action Bronson, Royce Da 5'9", Blu, Like, RZA, AZ, Curren$y, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Repping the DMV is somewhat polarizing emcee Logic. After his many year within the mixtape circuit, primarily from his <i>Young Sinatra</i> series, he dropped a very promising Def Jam debut in 2014, <i>Under Pressure</i>, and showed just how much talent he had to display. His occasional double time, rapid-fire delivery mixed with sharp and focused lyricism put him on people's radars. He followed that up with <i>The Incredible True Story</i>, which was a bit more accessible but still a great and worthy follow-up album. Once <i>Everybody</i> hit in 2017, he was becoming guilty of crossing over into the pop category and showed with flat lyricism and production that definitely aimed for more of a radio-friendly appeal (even though the suicide number cut was a highly important and poignant track on the album). From here, there were efforts that were decent at best (<i>Bobby Tarentino II</i> and <i>YSIV</i>) to not good whatsoever (<i>Supermarket</i>, <i>Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind</i>). He announced his "final" album with <i>No Pressure</i> in 2020, in which it was a triumphant return to form that we hadn't heard from him since <i>Incredible True Story</i> at the most. However, in 2022, he "returned" with his final Def Jam album, <i>Vinyl Days</i>, and good grief what a way to go out. This is more or less a love letter to the days of hip-hop he grew up to, and there was no shortage of first class lyricism and production boardwork here. Guests are a plenty here and at times it almost seems like a compilation album more than a Logic full-length, however, everyone came to play on the mic and Logic hung with them all. From the bumping texture of "Tetris" to the boom-bap elegance of "Orville" and the neck-snapping title track with Preemo on the cuts, this may legitimately be the album we've been waiting on from him for all these years, and <i>Vinyl Days</i> does an excellent job of making people second guess his talent, penmanship, and straight up writing him off as corny. This is the most focused and cohesive we've ever heard him and we hope there's more of this to come.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDZsSfVZpMbbwPGYqGX6OLyuJzVkb0LDd1Zv5zqpQz8VtKTMwtQ5qIZuSFb15E4vFtXJAv7wd6pEBC_ipOucnD6lHBJ0ZyfWhrhf7WE1HhFnAyys5rquzM1UJXIWzhl2tMJX5Y4fPXtrxB43BlqtTgn5oQdKwm9vmMa7OFSgqMmpnYz-LZtsuQ6GG/s640/currensycontinuance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDZsSfVZpMbbwPGYqGX6OLyuJzVkb0LDd1Zv5zqpQz8VtKTMwtQ5qIZuSFb15E4vFtXJAv7wd6pEBC_ipOucnD6lHBJ0ZyfWhrhf7WE1HhFnAyys5rquzM1UJXIWzhl2tMJX5Y4fPXtrxB43BlqtTgn5oQdKwm9vmMa7OFSgqMmpnYz-LZtsuQ6GG/s320/currensycontinuance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Curren$y & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Continuance</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Babyface Ray, Boldy James</p><p>New Orleans native, and former Cash Money-affiliate, Curren$y, is among the hardest working emcees out. He has over two to three dozen efforts between full-length albums, EPs, and mixtapes plus tends to be a featured artist on several emcees projects as well throughout your average year. In the first half of 2022, Curren$y reunited with <i>Covert Coup</i> and <i>Carrollton Heist</i> collaborator, The Alchemist, with <i>Continuance</i>. While many rave over the two aforementioned projects, and rightfully so, this is every bit as great if not more so, as both Al and Spitta have raised their respective crafts up two notches since these projects. Cuts like "Kool & The Gang", "The Tonight Show", and the Boldy James-assisted "No Yeast" are as ridiculous of cuts as one could imagine as Uncle Al puts together some of the mellowed-out production one could have for Curren$y, as this production is almost custom made just for him. In another benchmark project for both guys, <i>Continuance</i> is another stellar example of the talents these respective men possess and it's clear these two together just can't miss.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl9YyF603jP8ugta4e2LChSN3_tcGUXcjouf5rF88ZODvx1237GPJUqZ1a7NwrvP7a2ZwbnM_-oAi8055X00XKC-PlhSZXZSr3Z_Xke6MwhJyNUnxtJFPl_dsls_l2jTjCyvUhx1xBASh57_vZkfKeV43yP7XZTl1xnN3T68CG4lzH3nTbgDKl5uk/s1000/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry-1650563806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl9YyF603jP8ugta4e2LChSN3_tcGUXcjouf5rF88ZODvx1237GPJUqZ1a7NwrvP7a2ZwbnM_-oAi8055X00XKC-PlhSZXZSr3Z_Xke6MwhJyNUnxtJFPl_dsls_l2jTjCyvUhx1xBASh57_vZkfKeV43yP7XZTl1xnN3T68CG4lzH3nTbgDKl5uk/s320/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry-1650563806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Pusha T</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's Almost Dry</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kanye West, 88-Keyz, Pharrell Williams, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Kanye West, No Malice, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, Pharrell, Lil Uzi Vert, Don Toliver, Labrinth</p><p style="text-align: left;">Virginia's favorite coke rapper, Pusha T, has been relatively low key since his outstanding 2018 offering, <i>DAYTONA</i>. The Kanye West-crafted EP was among the single best albums of that entire year as well as his single best album apart from his brother, (No) Malice as The Clipse. As the years went on, especially in 2021, he warned us that he was working on the best album of his career, and when 2022 came, he assured us it was worth the wait. From the first single, the Kanye & 88-Keys-produced, "Diet Coke", we had a feeling he was not playing. He soon after dropped the album, <i>It's Almost Dry</i>, and yes, yes ladies and gentlemen, it was absolutely worth the wait. Almost exclusively put together sonically by Kanye and Pharrell, this album is bleak in texture, but contains some of the best lyricism in Pusha's whole discography, as well as Kanye and Pharrell showing their asses tremendously in terms of production. From cuts like "Dreaming Of The Past", "Just So You Remember", and "the Jay-Z-assisted "Neck & Wrist" are hard, damn hard, and Pusha glides over these tracks with ease and expertise. Many are arguing about which is the better album, but the truth is both are Grammy nominated and both are Pusha's best works. This met every expectation one could imagine and showed why Pusha is among the in-demand and go-to emcees of his generation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLO-ZHLnhhWTKlK4i344YgQWS7s8Dp5OLuhSXxJCTVAqIRP2gX-zr2KUxzrigIfWpnJ5vXIPgqkC3kzdpVAG4HyUjGqu0rQ8vk1LMuciBCAjZnANNk6GH6-0YMdWlToOGxNG5t-KgVsuUUYxCB4EQn9SHpYf_f9Vz_lqWOlMbx8KKVfiK6Wgukpt0/s1280/denzelcurrymelt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLO-ZHLnhhWTKlK4i344YgQWS7s8Dp5OLuhSXxJCTVAqIRP2gX-zr2KUxzrigIfWpnJ5vXIPgqkC3kzdpVAG4HyUjGqu0rQ8vk1LMuciBCAjZnANNk6GH6-0YMdWlToOGxNG5t-KgVsuUUYxCB4EQn9SHpYf_f9Vz_lqWOlMbx8KKVfiK6Wgukpt0/s320/denzelcurrymelt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Denzel Curry</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Robert Glaspar, Karreim Riggins, Kenny Beats, Cardo, JPEGMafia, Dot Da Genius, DJ Khalyl, Kal Banx, Powers Pleasent, Thundercat, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Robert Glaspar, Bridget Perez, Saul Williams, Slowthai, T-Pain, 6LACK, Rico Nasty, JID, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We take a trip to Miami and put the focus on Denzel Curry, who has amassed a cult-like following over the years thanks to albums such as <i>ZUU</i>, his collaborative effort with Kenny Beats, <i>Unlocked</i>, and especially his biggest breakout album, <i>TA1313OO</i>. His rowdy yet partially trippy style of rap has him among the most seen and talked about amongst his current peers in the game. However, he did a virtual complete left turn with his 2022 offering, <i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i>. This is without question his most ambitious project to date, as he blends jazz, soul, trap, and live instrumentation with this album, as well as quite possibly being the most poignant and honest album he's released. From the opening cut with the Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Robert Glaspar on "Melt Session #1", we can tell there's a new musical and thematic direction here, and this is continuous throughout the album. Gone for the most is the rah-rah Denzel typically presents that occasionally lets you in and more fully embraced is his need to be reflective and vulnerable over some of the best and most musically soulful production he's ever rapped over. Whenever you have a production team that consists of the likes of Thundercat, Glaspar, Karreim Riggins, and Dot Da Genius on board, you know this will be a musically interesting, yet very intriguing, ensemble, and this met and surpassed expectations. Denzel's latest has set a new benchmark for his career and with <i>Melt My Eyez...</i>, Curry has shown a maturity that we can very proud of.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7x3c3OWe_pxRDNlm_a7ZCfteIT_sROaXZuCODTPKyaye9pGzfOzoh0uS9jV4F-Rx5Pc4J3EWOkQxhgA4B1umq843uOnKT1HePcpVUvTwIFuZZgt8e7TjTL-LXA7W8ZbtnT0_xxcZ4h8idEvjQx2VIB_gGWEe8UziilShoOO60RvnsIdoUure7YKG/s500/theforeverstory.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7x3c3OWe_pxRDNlm_a7ZCfteIT_sROaXZuCODTPKyaye9pGzfOzoh0uS9jV4F-Rx5Pc4J3EWOkQxhgA4B1umq843uOnKT1HePcpVUvTwIFuZZgt8e7TjTL-LXA7W8ZbtnT0_xxcZ4h8idEvjQx2VIB_gGWEe8UziilShoOO60RvnsIdoUure7YKG/s320/theforeverstory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">1. JID</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Forever Story</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Benji, Monte Booker, BADBADNOTGOOD, Cardiak, KAYTRANADA, DJ Khalyl, Hollywood Cole, James Blake, Thundercat, Khrysis, Childish Major, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dreamville's most incredibly talented star not maned J. Cole is Atlanta's JID, who already had quite the impressive discography coming in, in terms of his pre-Dreamville mixtapes, and his major label efforts, <i>The Never Story</i> and <i>DiCaprio 2</i>. With <i>DiCaprio 2</i> having been released in 2018, it was definitely time for a new JID album, and the anticipation was building for the unofficial sequel to <i>The Never Story</i> and dear Lord did we get it in the form of <i>The Forever Story</i>. JID basically arrived into even more of a legitimate threat within the hip-hop game regardless of what sector of the country he represents. His rapid-fire, melodic, style adaptive approach to delivery as well as his tremendous pen game has him among the best young cats around. every track here feels fresh, inspired, and hungry. He's more honest and transparent here than on efforts in the past, especially his love and need of family. His themes of hustling, struggling, the love of his family, and how far he's come in his career and life makes the listener intrigued with every word that he spits. He also isn't afraid to stand toe to toe with the likes of legends such as Lil Wayne and Yasiin Bey on the cuts "Just In Time" and "Stars" respectively. Technical talent mixed with ever improving lyricism has JID on another level here and <i>The Forever Story</i> is an example of his continued growth as an emcee, artist, and a young man.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Megan Thee Stallion- <i>Traumazine</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bun B & Cory Mo- <i>Mo Trill</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bun B & Statik Selektah<i>- TrillStatik 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">EST Gee- <i>I Never Felt Nun</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Big K.R.I.T.- <i>Digital Roses Don't Die</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>6 Ring Champ</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rapper Big Pooh- <i>To Dream In Color</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Latto-<i> 777</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The south came and showed up in 2022 with overall damn good releases. While variety does tend to suffer in terms of a bunch of standouts musically and in artistry, albums such as the ones mentioned here offered everything from fun, club vibes to street-lore and introspection. Everything here does deserve at least some sort of listen and going into 2023, let's see if the south can provide more of the same energy with higher levels of artistry and bits of substance. Time will tell. Until next time folks!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-20010071409286014632022-12-28T10:34:00.001-08:002023-02-12T13:51:43.887-08:00Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEWqZJN5TcNG2YrT0-727CvegyGnsqUQanU7yD8Fq4Ocn1CHZ5r6OJ7wzCV0iO2djW-W9B4fmSLCf0dyLQVACjNpOG95DUy59KIasF7kfMEoG6jTom6Swae4z1elRkpEdLK24XSooCbdqBXrrn9LDs1cYkuoOsf3yqbv41kU2EByo2jnakupZJkSA/s1980/2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1980" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEWqZJN5TcNG2YrT0-727CvegyGnsqUQanU7yD8Fq4Ocn1CHZ5r6OJ7wzCV0iO2djW-W9B4fmSLCf0dyLQVACjNpOG95DUy59KIasF7kfMEoG6jTom6Swae4z1elRkpEdLK24XSooCbdqBXrrn9LDs1cYkuoOsf3yqbv41kU2EByo2jnakupZJkSA/s320/2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Here we are again folks! At the end of another hip-hop year and WHAT a year it's been. Stellar efforts from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Roc Marciano, and Black Thought kept people talking, while more slept-on releases like Denzel Curry, Domo Genesis, Quelle Chris, and Meyhem Lauren rocked every bit as hard the aforementioned releases. We saw another crazy Griselda year with Conway, Benny, Gunn, Rome Streetz, and Armani delivering monstrous efforts to further show their dominance in the streets, while TDE made somewhat of a comeback with the aforementioned Kendrick (with his last TDE album) and Ab-Soul, while Dreamville gave us excellent albums from EARTHGANG and JID. Because this was such an enormous year of fantastic albums, this isn't the usual twenty-five best. This isn't even forty best. This is the FIFTY best albums of the year. Let's waste no time. Let's get to it!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDi__bRtZqP_Swaq4fFedJ9ZbOFu8gDpSGEiLvAkLYXsMWCbBbHqyYPbGQ3v7RVtDSwL0IjP86ER7iozMItoHDTPGPObanvK3HCcW8U1mSuXnGAU2odT0nS9pB0JJG9H7H0wXb8daMd7ejhlTks3uVu5zByHEH_j8AZxh4FUFTUu3dQQ97MoYpH8mm/s450/cordae.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDi__bRtZqP_Swaq4fFedJ9ZbOFu8gDpSGEiLvAkLYXsMWCbBbHqyYPbGQ3v7RVtDSwL0IjP86ER7iozMItoHDTPGPObanvK3HCcW8U1mSuXnGAU2odT0nS9pB0JJG9H7H0wXb8daMd7ejhlTks3uVu5zByHEH_j8AZxh4FUFTUu3dQQ97MoYpH8mm/s320/cordae.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">50. Cordae</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From A Bird's Eye View</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy, Raphael Saadiq, Jake One, Dem Jointz, Beat Butcha, Vinylz, Cardiak, Hollywood Cole, Boi-1nda, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Stevie Wonder, Freddie Gibbs, Gunna, Lil Wayne, H.E.R., Lil Durk, Eminem, Roddy Rich</p><p style="text-align: left;">The DMV's Cordae first got his solo shine on away from his YBN crew with 2019's <i>The Lost Boy</i> with overall favorable results. Eventually more of a buzz came from guest appearances and such to where the anticipation for a second album started to grow. In early 2022, he dropped <i>From A Bird's Eye View</i>, and for the most part, expectations were met. Having a lyrical and musical maturity beyond his young years, he brings forth the likes of the iconic Stevie Wonder on his equally iconic harmonica on "Champagne Glasses" to Raphael Saadiq's excellent production on the smooth-sounding "Jean-Michel". He likewise cooperates with contemporaries like Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, and Freddie Gibbs and holds court with them. Cordae is a very talented young emcee with a classic album within him, and with <i>From A Bird's Eye View</i>, he shows he's another step closer to discovering just how great he can become.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetLeHREoY77A3lXa6liQ0VB7h3A2ibAOi8wRqy24fVH7GvNlS_3j-qPILIC-1KBGnBZk9aMYxwSU8XfEsqm0XnE14rXM56ZlJDLLk3-4AZZxxFWFH1HG7igwG7V3QsT3YcPjOCNkrNUSbqG09lTeIW8m-0Z1ddvvLnwUAf85vgbq70N6poWdRnLKE/s600/peaceflygod.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetLeHREoY77A3lXa6liQ0VB7h3A2ibAOi8wRqy24fVH7GvNlS_3j-qPILIC-1KBGnBZk9aMYxwSU8XfEsqm0XnE14rXM56ZlJDLLk3-4AZZxxFWFH1HG7igwG7V3QsT3YcPjOCNkrNUSbqG09lTeIW8m-0Z1ddvvLnwUAf85vgbq70N6poWdRnLKE/s320/peaceflygod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">49. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Peace "FLY" God</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib, Don Carrera, Conductor Williams, Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Estee Nack, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: left;">Griselda had yet another stellar year as they continue to deliver crazy release after crazy release. The head honcho of the label was definitely among them. Buffalo's favorite son, Westside Gunn, dropped two high quality projects in 2022. The first one being his mixtape teaser for what would end up being <i>10</i>, <i>Peace "Fly" God.</i> Although not a very long affair is this project, this was still an album filled with Gunn's all so familiar love affair with soulful production complete with wailing vocal loops from the likes of Madlib (his contribution on the cut "Horses On Sunset" puts this among the best non-single cuts all year), Conductor Williams, and relatively unknown producer, Don Carrera. His usual blend of aesthetic style mixed with street glory is on full display and the results had the "Flygod" giving us something of an appetizer for what was to come later. As for this in itself, another formidable release from one of the most intriguing emcees/businessmen/curators in hip-hop today</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF8OdwpNMQfzD8uEMMSwfmCVaW5HIn_xJWT2xb_MpcFNY6Y5YlYV9kfpMa6trpJo5ngSV_gQv_lQsUQQssUqEPNleZvX9ThfHeUFQfBSTb6n55Cwuep0bw37n8wWlfosENYDbP8NRIwaMqJQDXIYKusGLlQ7xXquBXm3z25jCeJNFcOt9ioBFs7FB/s640/thelastremnants.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF8OdwpNMQfzD8uEMMSwfmCVaW5HIn_xJWT2xb_MpcFNY6Y5YlYV9kfpMa6trpJo5ngSV_gQv_lQsUQQssUqEPNleZvX9ThfHeUFQfBSTb6n55Cwuep0bw37n8wWlfosENYDbP8NRIwaMqJQDXIYKusGLlQ7xXquBXm3z25jCeJNFcOt9ioBFs7FB/s320/thelastremnants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">48. Che Noir</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Last Remnants EP</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: 38 Spesh, Tricky Tripps, Fruition, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Ransom, Elcamino, 38 Spesh</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fresh off the dope <i>Food For Thought </i>album that got released earlier in the year, Buffalo's own Che Noir dropped <i>The Last Remnants</i>, which is said to be some loosies from the aforementioned album. This project, in some aspects, is either as dope as <i>Food For Thought,</i> or even better. Noir is quite the introspective emcee but also just as much a storyteller, and this TRUST emcee ranks among the best to represent modern day NYC hip-hop. With guests like Elcamino, Benny and her TRUST affiliates Ransom and 38 Spesh, Noir shines and shows her excellent pen game with precision. The results are a top to bottom dumb dope project from one of the reigning queens of Buffalo.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88B5qyAMCwuTO-UEQ0rdPNu7Yf5WywUuVOtgVQyXGeVxT4MmJQX-6Q0pyyoLhmGWZ4DPujNHnmOIGip-6BV-yOyju4033SnmjV2GBVWY3mhlB1ssVQW8UHkZrPkMZ7NK1F-vr6Era2Xx1kbHvG8Wpeg6Ysp1CnrAVTYM7mCuFIUVq8dCO70OglQNW/s1024/snoop_bodr.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1024" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88B5qyAMCwuTO-UEQ0rdPNu7Yf5WywUuVOtgVQyXGeVxT4MmJQX-6Q0pyyoLhmGWZ4DPujNHnmOIGip-6BV-yOyju4033SnmjV2GBVWY3mhlB1ssVQW8UHkZrPkMZ7NK1F-vr6Era2Xx1kbHvG8Wpeg6Ysp1CnrAVTYM7mCuFIUVq8dCO70OglQNW/s320/snoop_bodr.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">47. Snoop Dogg</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Bacc On Death Row</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy, Nottz, Battlecat, Don Cannon, Soopafly, Hi-Tek, Bink!, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Nas, T.I., Sleepy Brown, October London, Nate Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, The Game, Dababy, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The legendary Snoop D-O-double G has had quite the prolific career. With his all time classic, <i>Doggystyle</i>, still serving as his flagship landmark, other albums such as <i>Paid The Cost To Be The Boss,</i> <i>The Blue Carpet Treatment</i>, <i>R&G</i>, and more recent releases like <i>I Wanna Thank Me</i> and 2021's From <i>The Streets To The Suites</i> exhibit his penchant for creating infectious cuts that are equally embraced by the radio, the clubs and the streets. In 2022, he came full circle as a businessman by purchasing the very label he debuted on, the infamous Deathrow Records. The first release from the new Deathrow was his own offering, the appropriately <i>Bacc On Death Row</i>. This is as fun of a Snoop album as you can imagine from the fifty-plus year old Long Beach icon. This also ranks among his most complete bodies of work as well, showing love to east coast melodies with the likes of Hi-Tek, Nottz, and Bink! to sonically contribute as well as appearances from the likes of Nas and Wiz Khalifa. He also brings things right back to his beloved west coast with the likes of legendary producer Battlecat, longtime Snoop affiliate Soopafly, and Grammy Award winning producer, the it-dude of the moment, Hit-Boy. This is truly one Snoop's most enjoyable albums to date and shows that the OG of LB is still the boss.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3rj_2cDt5tuDUKDuuchwKICpXV4omTrnBCDl2rmldGCrW2TW0dQ6sgJwAlSf1tN8iVCpAIEymrj0ZRaSI7RLCcyhwcuvJSDXHpDhpBNzPf8COPTNXMzwCWy0XzgyIU4Tm5UTOwIReawJ9dzKLNuo3nYNReUHTLbna5BRsUoxrzLnbWOwNF7kq6-L/s600/Smino-%20Luv%204%20Rent.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3rj_2cDt5tuDUKDuuchwKICpXV4omTrnBCDl2rmldGCrW2TW0dQ6sgJwAlSf1tN8iVCpAIEymrj0ZRaSI7RLCcyhwcuvJSDXHpDhpBNzPf8COPTNXMzwCWy0XzgyIU4Tm5UTOwIReawJ9dzKLNuo3nYNReUHTLbna5BRsUoxrzLnbWOwNF7kq6-L/s320/Smino-%20Luv%204%20Rent.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">46. Smino</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Luv 4 Rent</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Monte Booker, DJ Dahi, Kal Banx, Phoelix, Childish Major, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: J. Cole, Lil Uzi Vert, Phoelix, Lucky Daye, Fatman Scoop, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The St. Louis-born, Chicago-raised Smino is among today's interesting and intriguing emcees. His ability to blend funk, soul, and melody within his style conjures up images of fellow emcees like Kendrick, Saba, and Chance The Rapper. His new album, <i>Luv 4 Rent</i>, is a unique yet excellently crafted effort that shows his versatility as an artist and writer. Cuts like "Ole Ass Kendrick", "Curtains", and "Garden Lady" shows off his talent to adapt to any type of element within the music and can evoke his own way and style into it. Although not quite an album one would necessarily define as "conventional", he's also not a "conventional" artist. He's multi-talented and knows what works for the season, and <i>Luv 4 Rent </i>is an album that will challenge your definition of what today's hip-hop is. This is definitely music you feel.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqmdpSAsv3JuLW3OC-bzmEJ_D9akHKJmPUvyCefSKXB0Eq1jGyAocq_FD0A1AjEoe6qCOfSSnOCYBPmcbrhDqD5xBCxgj5bLdhHvyCN5nq-fmFR7LfqyPNT-J31A7DK7pyVbGgTyet8FKqgHU8nh5npBPxgjyNCnnMXFPQGQuqmVVY5wBDZNNuMDy/s1200/duckczn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqmdpSAsv3JuLW3OC-bzmEJ_D9akHKJmPUvyCefSKXB0Eq1jGyAocq_FD0A1AjEoe6qCOfSSnOCYBPmcbrhDqD5xBCxgj5bLdhHvyCN5nq-fmFR7LfqyPNT-J31A7DK7pyVbGgTyet8FKqgHU8nh5npBPxgjyNCnnMXFPQGQuqmVVY5wBDZNNuMDy/s320/duckczn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">45. Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Duck CZN: Tiger Style</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Tha God Fahim, Nicholas Craven, Sahdugold</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Juju Gotti, Your Old Droog</p><p style="text-align: left;">The ever enigmatic, yet tremendous, emcee Brooklyn's Mach-Hommy showed us in 2022 that he still is among the best of his craft with even the likes of Jay-Z paying attention to him. Among his multiple efforts this year, one of his standouts involved him and frequent collaborator, Tha God Fahim, <i>Duck CZN: Tiger Style</i>. There's always that great special chemistry between them that goes back since their post-Griselda days. Production here is excellent from Fahim as well as Sahdugold and the always crazy Nicholas craven. Hommy and Fahim are a great duo, regardless of if Fahim is rhyming or not, and anything from them together is almost a sureshot knockout.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVotkVk6344EfGwAd7b93cJrs3EcVXTp2HsataE-o3ECnEVU3rtp0LtgAXlyVcGixXzqobcXUJ4apDaaQyXNPOa8yd8yQe2qTKOpc9Soz9w1L9inZYBSkcC1VdWUoRg6pfAcIKjdoK96Nux8yLRT1yB3AmLpT2vGkUOFI7Hhj7tdel7lr0B8xwcuEP/s640/driveintheater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVotkVk6344EfGwAd7b93cJrs3EcVXTp2HsataE-o3ECnEVU3rtp0LtgAXlyVcGixXzqobcXUJ4apDaaQyXNPOa8yd8yQe2qTKOpc9Soz9w1L9inZYBSkcC1VdWUoRg6pfAcIKjdoK96Nux8yLRT1yB3AmLpT2vGkUOFI7Hhj7tdel7lr0B8xwcuEP/s320/driveintheater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">44. Curren$y</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drive-In Theater Pt. 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Thelonious Martin, Harry Fraud, Cookin Soul, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jade Angelle, Blu, Fendi P, Premo Rice, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier in 2022, New Orleans' own Curren$y delivered a gem of an album with often-time collaborator Alchemist for <i>Continuance</i> (see later), and as par for the course for Spitta, that wasn't the only project for the year. In fact, he dropped a surprise mixtape near year's end in the form of <i>The Drive In Theater Pt. 2</i>. Over mostly smooth and jazzy production from the likes of Thelonious Martin, Harry Fraud, and Cookin' Soul, Curren$y delivers his usual form of luxurious, yet street, rhymes in such laid-back form meshes well over this production. Curren$y is considered one of the underground's most beloved emcees, not to mention his CRAZY work ethic. While it lacks a certain charisma that previous works like the <i>Pilot Talk</i> series, <i>Weekend At Bernie's</i>, <i>Covert Coup</i>, and <i>Hot August Nights</i>, <i>The Drive-In Theater Pt. 2</i> can easily be considered another win for Spitta.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyip61XKSTXkW_eeLV8WZ2G14G13O_TGLxMWBdT0pjkdbRMAldVRw9-tCwMlNMyrUcH6f5cclzKHiDKO_3K6THNi1i6HMHn-7Y_AT9uM58mqdQEUCSkny4jRzSzL3rx93xK6y9XwEpPA0U3s2f8XNf5CDjIyp5qQ-GCo7Z4VkbnDrGF5N2y2GQogqn/s1200/yodwave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyip61XKSTXkW_eeLV8WZ2G14G13O_TGLxMWBdT0pjkdbRMAldVRw9-tCwMlNMyrUcH6f5cclzKHiDKO_3K6THNi1i6HMHn-7Y_AT9uM58mqdQEUCSkny4jRzSzL3rx93xK6y9XwEpPA0U3s2f8XNf5CDjIyp5qQ-GCo7Z4VkbnDrGF5N2y2GQogqn/s320/yodwave.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">43. Your Old Droog & Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>YOD Wave</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mach-Hommy, The Game, Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: left;">We just talked about Mach-Hommy and Fahim, but another part of that crew is Your Old Droog. The Ukranian-American has among the most consistent work rates and quality output in the game. Among his best work this year is his collaboration with Canadian beatsmith Nicholas Craven for <i>YOD Wave.</i> Although an EP, this bangs top to bottom with some of the beats all year from Craven, and they mesh extremely well for Droog. His nasal-infused style and tactful, yet witty, lyricism still has people in astonishment that at one time people though this was Nas before Droog was physically revealed. Although looking back, it could be considered in the "what the hell were we thinking" pile, what's undisputed is Droog's tremendous mic talent and with Craven supplying him his often time hypnotic production, Droog's consistency continues.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g5ghaOW8msBZfJsRF0DUEa2dk_Njh1OLRctILRLm0iq2VXJqzjk6dlg9shsCHCX_xvlkYegF1SwYKd8_czds4DAooeHsUQanMcOAylIGhtbDKYTQvnovs9CFqV_NDbFllm-xGAw5IWZ4oGNbx9l5T16AM5tTKjHX0rr_oluukZtxrFxYhYVuyAl_/s640/highervibration.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g5ghaOW8msBZfJsRF0DUEa2dk_Njh1OLRctILRLm0iq2VXJqzjk6dlg9shsCHCX_xvlkYegF1SwYKd8_czds4DAooeHsUQanMcOAylIGhtbDKYTQvnovs9CFqV_NDbFllm-xGAw5IWZ4oGNbx9l5T16AM5tTKjHX0rr_oluukZtxrFxYhYVuyAl_/s320/highervibration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">42. Kid Abstrakt</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Higher Vibration</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Phoniks, Emapea, Midan, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">Los Angeles native, Kid Abstrakt, is one that's under most people's radars, and honestly shouldn't be. With a throwback to west coast easy going acts such as People Under The Stars, Jurassic 5, and Pharcyde, Abstrakt is a very mellow emcee who's often times very PG with his his content and lyricism. In 2018, he delivered his debut, <i>Daydreaming</i>, complete with jazzy production and laid-back rhymes. He returned in 2020 with <i>Jazzy Vibes</i>, which was a tad more street sounding, but still heavy with jazzy production and easy going undertones. He returned in 2022 with his EP, <i>Higher Vibration</i>. Filled with more of the same themes of family, God, and trying just to make it in life through positivity and optimism, Abstrakt is definitely an emcee that one could listen to around their parents or children, as his PG stylings make his brand of hip-hop very comfortable yet still very legit.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6116gqwyEpXCn4HgjLWVr2vmg214l_ESLNy_IQmwYSzwHtxWlXqv8yXknVuin7-pnop5bkM6iJr-rWaK2CZBBR2ZrTuMsmATPQs2Wf4kYDAZGhWuSDFglix60ZmksiNK1xJRGSJNUhGl55fo32BP2VS5jEr_mdFwRUJBLKc8B-8vI4WVQROzndtbT/s640/ramonapark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6116gqwyEpXCn4HgjLWVr2vmg214l_ESLNy_IQmwYSzwHtxWlXqv8yXknVuin7-pnop5bkM6iJr-rWaK2CZBBR2ZrTuMsmATPQs2Wf4kYDAZGhWuSDFglix60ZmksiNK1xJRGSJNUhGl55fo32BP2VS5jEr_mdFwRUJBLKc8B-8vI4WVQROzndtbT/s320/ramonapark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">41. Vince Staples</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramona Park Broke My Heart</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Beats, DJ Dahi, DJ Mustard, Cardo, Tommy Parker, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ty Dollar $ign, DJ Mustard, Lil Baby</p><p style="text-align: left;">Long Beach rhymer, Vince Staples, is among the new generation emcees carrying the west in his own way. Albums such as <i>Hell Can Wait</i>, his full-length debut <i>Summertime '06</i>, his self-titled offering and <i>The Big Fish Theory</i> all revealed his talented writing abilities and storytelling knack. With <i>Ramona Park Broke My Heart</i>, Staples reaches more into his introspective bag and insightful lyricism on cuts like "DJ Quik", "The Blues", and "Mama's Boy". However, it's the phenomenal cut, "When Sparks Fly" that shows him at his absolute best describing a love affair between a gun and "her" owner in what could seriously be considered one of the best non-single cuts all year and definitely among the best of his career. Arguably his best and most complete work since <i>Summertime '06</i>, <i>Ramona Park</i> is a testament to his ability to bring you into his world and his complex nature effectively.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBht-mnHZGUZiLyUKZYSwFo1DJjBk0RHzoAV8o9kLceUUNg_sY7-hBbbhRI-im91j-cpJGUcLA8Q30k9EmGs3k1TLz039gSTpn9BG4ocbDnpII6lkNn7RPFnXED-YzrL0tmVXJb8DqQ9qQwE6lOxIkidXLBW44HpfrDEV2d-jl3J9o-qio_U7ChPhb/s500/ransom_vdon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBht-mnHZGUZiLyUKZYSwFo1DJjBk0RHzoAV8o9kLceUUNg_sY7-hBbbhRI-im91j-cpJGUcLA8Q30k9EmGs3k1TLz039gSTpn9BG4ocbDnpII6lkNn7RPFnXED-YzrL0tmVXJb8DqQ9qQwE6lOxIkidXLBW44HpfrDEV2d-jl3J9o-qio_U7ChPhb/s320/ransom_vdon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">40. Ransom & V-DON</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Chaos Is My Ladder</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: V-DON</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Lloyd Banks, Eto, 38 Spesh, J. Arrr, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Jersey rhyme animal, Ransom, is another emcee that often delivers multiple projects a year. The TRUST affiliate is among the most prolific emcees going, and often times to tremendous results. Among his best works this year is the recently released effort with acclaimed producer VDON, <i>Chaos Is My Ladder</i>. VDON's brand of brooding boom-bap matches nicely with Ransom's no-nonsense style and his gifted pen game. This album is definitely up there with previous Ransom gems such as his <i>Director's Cut</i> series with Nicholas Craven, <i>Heavy Is The Head</i>, <i>Se7en</i>, and his recent collab with now-Griselda artist, Rome Streetz, <i>Coup De Grace</i>, and this nearly twenty year mic veteran is finally starting to get the respect he's been working hard for.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR7VJG6elKNY50RIBT8dXBeRL_uVMx09eGjQxNgg0FWIBtQlSsZK7az7aOIQ_jjiUorLMZwlmgl6GBYDJbdx0QVrZ3vUDXNukTOIsQ1r_gxl_9ouSA4sYuo1rFrRH3BbBIz9sL8MFB86CFukJ7cmzO8SJ5ZP_2zTx8uVuIIjChyo7Hjy5TyqGZpCN/s300/muggs-gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR7VJG6elKNY50RIBT8dXBeRL_uVMx09eGjQxNgg0FWIBtQlSsZK7az7aOIQ_jjiUorLMZwlmgl6GBYDJbdx0QVrZ3vUDXNukTOIsQ1r_gxl_9ouSA4sYuo1rFrRH3BbBIz9sL8MFB86CFukJ7cmzO8SJ5ZP_2zTx8uVuIIjChyo7Hjy5TyqGZpCN/s1600/muggs-gold.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">39. DJ Muggs & RIGZ</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Gold</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Rome Streetz, Meyhem Lauren, Big Twins, Mooch, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Of course no year would be complete with a Muggs project or two. We started the year with the legendary DJ/producer collaborating with NYC rapper, Rigz, with <i>Gold</i>. The underground emcee is part of a collective known as Da Cloth, and he and Muggs presented a surprising (although not so surprising simply because Muggs can bring some of the best out of anyone) knocker of a release. Whole most above the subterrain have minimal to no knowledge of Rigz or Da Cloth, Muggs shined a light on the talent of this young man, and that more eyes and ears need to pay attention to this collective. Filled with the grit and aggression of the streets of NY, much like he did with the likes of Eto and Hologram, Muggs has shined a light on this previously slept on emcee. After peeping this project, let's hope we get more projects from Da Cloth on a bigger level.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_O-yHq3irEdkZgShuFmlot36okDgPonu7seZCgXfem-LrMZrkwHljTv1lVxJxSVFf67QC6vkgSbDBu2Tu0vsHb6xaQ5R3byfzgKTPXGrfxlYPH-vdUPxqP3PrvzWOHb4eNv3C8GVFlKfG2-KfIVcozSCCrdA79tLBjTGgpb3SEGL6mikBN3fYhUM/s637/fewfoodthings.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="637" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_O-yHq3irEdkZgShuFmlot36okDgPonu7seZCgXfem-LrMZrkwHljTv1lVxJxSVFf67QC6vkgSbDBu2Tu0vsHb6xaQ5R3byfzgKTPXGrfxlYPH-vdUPxqP3PrvzWOHb4eNv3C8GVFlKfG2-KfIVcozSCCrdA79tLBjTGgpb3SEGL6mikBN3fYhUM/s320/fewfoodthings.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">38. Saba</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Few Good Things</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, daedaePIVOT, Phoelix, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Krayzie Bone, 6LACK, Smino, Black Thought, G Herbo, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Chicago emcee, and Pivot Gang member, Saba, presented one of the most compelling, melancholy, and complex albums of the past twenty years in 2019 with the otherwise INCREDIBLE <i>Care For Me.</i> His style has often been compared to the likes of Smino or Kendrick Lamar in terms of his melodic style, his ability to turn on and off his double time spitting, and his intimate honesty, as this was painfully apparent in <i>Care For Me</i>. He returns in 2022 with <i>Few Good Things</i>. Although not nearly as much of a soundtrack to anxiety, depression, and grief like <i>Care For Me</i> was, this is however a reflection of his humility and how he finds value in the little things in life and what self fulfillment looks like. With guests such as Smino, fellow Chicago native G Herbo, and legends Krayzie Bone and Black thought guesting, Saba continues to show his promise to the masses with triumphant albums like this. You gotta know his late cousin/best friend/fellow Pivot Gang member, John Walt, is smiling down heavily.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhJXzZSEhRTjy5z6iVxFRSr6S4W3BH7ST9VOEsECDbURAHrbyycL8Fe-REXez90kn05HYPpK_f0Vb3cYPeOWABagIhq7rcPR-pQThecwKbC8UySK_opT3UuooIKG4-7rFgSOGv6S2OaVp_GZQBuwiyCzHY5vHF_Y820D4jUd2g2aHUD3Mq0jSv54Y/s880/languish-arts.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhJXzZSEhRTjy5z6iVxFRSr6S4W3BH7ST9VOEsECDbURAHrbyycL8Fe-REXez90kn05HYPpK_f0Vb3cYPeOWABagIhq7rcPR-pQThecwKbC8UySK_opT3UuooIKG4-7rFgSOGv6S2OaVp_GZQBuwiyCzHY5vHF_Y820D4jUd2g2aHUD3Mq0jSv54Y/s320/languish-arts.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A5zEgw-LuNeWhNzqemrPDJ8E5BoNEpOrwsU74vXIFFnx4FWxUpjmRhbgnZ_nDbg_ScTc6vKT_5-wf9ZrZD3w6mn5FL9WoXApZPHf9gR55WOI0S290PGDUSHP73hl48b_PNt9mOO1ey2YL9wMbAIUR3ootOAMMmR2A_QxanVZBIreIz6YCln-liSP/s320/Ka-Woeful-Studies.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5A5zEgw-LuNeWhNzqemrPDJ8E5BoNEpOrwsU74vXIFFnx4FWxUpjmRhbgnZ_nDbg_ScTc6vKT_5-wf9ZrZD3w6mn5FL9WoXApZPHf9gR55WOI0S290PGDUSHP73hl48b_PNt9mOO1ey2YL9wMbAIUR3ootOAMMmR2A_QxanVZBIreIz6YCln-liSP/s1600/Ka-Woeful-Studies.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">37. Ka</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Languish Arts/Woeful Studies</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, AniMoss, Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Chuck Strangers, Joi</p><p style="text-align: left;">Among hip-hop's most revered penmen is Brownsville's Ka. His style of wisdom and jewels disguised in cautionary stories and grim realities is as acclaimed as any other emcee you'll come across outta NYC. More of an elder statesman trying to school the young and lost more so than wanting to brag about how many robberies he can pull off or how many guns he blasts, he has written some of the game's most impressive efforts such as <i>Grief Pedigree</i>, <i>Honor Killed The Samurai,</i> <i>Descendants Of Cain</i>, and especially <i>The Night's Gambit</i>. This year, he seemingly dropped two albums at the same time with <i>Languish Arts</i> and <i>Woeful Studies</i>. Both albums are extremely similar in style and approach, and like most of his prior efforts, makes you feel you're sitting on a park bench in the winter cold and dense fog in New York writing down all the bleak and melancholy you're observing. It's hard to tell which is better, as this draws out like one continuous album instead of two separate albums, but regardless, Ka is a master of his craft and continues to show he's as poetic as he is insightful.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnYIfgqcJYUWnqnCnzi7vSF_gak3vho9-OldvZ32zWZXUwMKKobgg6KXTUSvNSc3BHjwBmFRvawJ4vQ1T7DoLZi6etkaLJqPHZlNBNN1Fr0GPWqaQUH_gYPNcVzf3Z6B6LFNQ_9ipK2Y1m2wXpPxv6-6P6erll38QxhnFbvJjSpMMk-KmIWmb3zB9/s225/ghettogods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnYIfgqcJYUWnqnCnzi7vSF_gak3vho9-OldvZ32zWZXUwMKKobgg6KXTUSvNSc3BHjwBmFRvawJ4vQ1T7DoLZi6etkaLJqPHZlNBNN1Fr0GPWqaQUH_gYPNcVzf3Z6B6LFNQ_9ipK2Y1m2wXpPxv6-6P6erll38QxhnFbvJjSpMMk-KmIWmb3zB9/s1600/ghettogods.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">36. EARTHGANG</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ghetto Godz</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Olu, Phoelix, 1500 Or Nothin', STLN Drums, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Musiq Soulchild, Cee-Lo, Nick Cannon, JID, J. Cole, Ari Lennox</p><p style="text-align: left;">Eccentric, yet tremendously talented, Atlanta duo, EARTHGANG dropped perhaps their most well-balanced effort to date, <i>Ghetto Gods</i>. With the theme of the album mostly centering on the issues of the Black community in often times unique approaches, Olu and WowGr8 deliver their brand of funk, jazz, soul, and overall eccentric musical inspirations. A little more stripped away than the more upbeat previous work, <i>Mirrorland</i>, this explores subjects such as poverty, socio-political issues, and mental health within the Black community. Honest, yet at times also very fun, EARTHGANG is a great reflection of modern Atlanta and they'll likely continue to keep elevating themselves.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o7CkF0T1ilPm_qEVY2AG11WD-z2cLS9TLTjc5jwOT_DCL3FcphG0AeCQLWTYpIkCT344ec7Fj_PpDTVcGiF3pTuoKiiAdRe4YDuKUYUTQ0pF6ix7RcpfV6AGCVLU5HEDIuMhSgDmia9Y6jXB6qIchEvsyfGHoRc75sEiT6dyUXbEEuNFVRbfloJe/s700/flyanakin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o7CkF0T1ilPm_qEVY2AG11WD-z2cLS9TLTjc5jwOT_DCL3FcphG0AeCQLWTYpIkCT344ec7Fj_PpDTVcGiF3pTuoKiiAdRe4YDuKUYUTQ0pF6ix7RcpfV6AGCVLU5HEDIuMhSgDmia9Y6jXB6qIchEvsyfGHoRc75sEiT6dyUXbEEuNFVRbfloJe/s320/flyanakin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">35. Fly Anakin</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Frank</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib, artist, Evidence, Like, Lastnamedavid, Sycho Sid, Jay Versace, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Big Kahuna OG, Nickelus F, henny L.O., others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Mutant Academy is a crew based primarily out of the DMV area, and one of its founders is Fly Anakin. Although homie spits like he's a genuine New Yorker, Anakin has his own style nonetheless and delivered quite a dope effort in <i>Frank</i>. Tremendous production from in-house producer Sycho Sid and more veteran producers like Madlib, Evidence, and Like, Anakin does quite well over these excellent soundscapes. His penmanship isn't necessarily brilliant, but it doesn't need to be here. His ability to keep the listener engaged to his every rhyme. Here's to expecting more from him and the rest of his crew, in which much like the aforementioned Da Cloth, underground obscurity won't be in their long term, and more and more will get to know them and we will likely get more bangers like this one.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9r5OpeeCkmi7C9pNLvS8yNohR6u2hEG1TfSO5aoPEsLVu5vIcsa4BDVDYllh8tzZJw3txK27DaB3-m5bvtWeO0Xe9T0xUBDbsUQFnplhYyw0yqrNNDa4gPT8sgO9SqdJ29SW_OhH_po9ToKdBr-B6mGDNMh8CQSP8IEFfJ_5APnOPEPid2v2cJI6/s1200/boldy_craven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9r5OpeeCkmi7C9pNLvS8yNohR6u2hEG1TfSO5aoPEsLVu5vIcsa4BDVDYllh8tzZJw3txK27DaB3-m5bvtWeO0Xe9T0xUBDbsUQFnplhYyw0yqrNNDa4gPT8sgO9SqdJ29SW_OhH_po9ToKdBr-B6mGDNMh8CQSP8IEFfJ_5APnOPEPid2v2cJI6/s320/boldy_craven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">34. Boldy James & Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Fair Exchange, No Robbery</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Gue Wop</p><p style="text-align: left;">We've already covered Craven with his work with Droog on YOD Wave, however, his best work of the year was still to come. Craven's niche of hypnotic, often times drumless, production was mastered incredibly with arguably the in-demand emcee in the game today, Detroit's Boldy James, with <i>Fair Exchange, No Robbery</i>. It can be argued what is the best Boldy effort this year, with him shelving out numerous efforts this year alone, but truthfully, this album provides possibly the best argument. His brooding monotone and his street-filled lyrics over Craven's masterful production is on full display here in awesome fashion. You can easily add Craven to the list of producers Boldy has tremendous chemistry with such as Alchemist, Real Bad Man, and Jay Versace with this effort. As we wait with epic anticipation for his reported album with lost Dilla beats, <i>Drug Dilla</i>, as well as efforts with Alchemist, Harry Fraud, and VDON, this one is among the best collabs he's recently done.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPiAy8UeAHTcEowf542wevhugWo_mwFn3GB426K3JnFwi4sjf6RYR-i97c8hfpYy1dv8-LhEEMKD158ZJ77cd_FQqDSWPuT6pnLBudzN1yz05HxEkCo1EZ-4Z98YHPnXi7PTNpeMsLeTG9rVo_p-BmI_tklLNY5g3Y09tsQnAKpSFujQWRfeWkN2Q/s1200/cocodrilloturbo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPiAy8UeAHTcEowf542wevhugWo_mwFn3GB426K3JnFwi4sjf6RYR-i97c8hfpYy1dv8-LhEEMKD158ZJ77cd_FQqDSWPuT6pnLBudzN1yz05HxEkCo1EZ-4Z98YHPnXi7PTNpeMsLeTG9rVo_p-BmI_tklLNY5g3Y09tsQnAKpSFujQWRfeWkN2Q/s320/cocodrilloturbo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">33. Action Bronson</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Cocodrillo Turbo</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, Daringer, Roc Marciano, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Roc Marciano, Hologram, Meyhem Lauren</p><p style="text-align: left;">Ah! The notable Queens emcee/chef/one-time AEW wrestler Action Bronson is an interesting artist. Building a respectable discography with dope efforts such as Dr. Lecter, his Blue Chips series, <i>Rare Chandeliers</i>, <i>Mr. Wonderful</i>, and <i>Only For Dolphins</i>, it was only right for him to present his 2022 offering in the form of <i>Cocodrillo Turbo</i>. His witty rhymes are once again prevalent here, but this is arguably his most focused project since <i>Blue Chips 2</i>. Over fantastic production mostly from frequent collaborator Alchemist and Griselda's go-to Daringer, Bronson's humor and wit are now more balanced with straight up concentrated lyricism. Nothing astounding or wheel reinventing, but it doesn't have to be with AB. One of the game's most beloved and comical emcees delivered another dope one that may be as tasty as his dishes.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTWPTBzJ-5a4WjbwTZjIXwWlx-m0BsjNP7Y8wXZ8Z_vV-9Yv3PnIwdiv7tYYgaS97XBPzjxzCc57oNfpFwRtM8jONEBXkml6_Wu-rCxdpB2Zx4Qm-IN-a-CvDv2dCEOapwpgzry-E6mZGCvAOweHSz6z5SKY7nfQs2HM9qdiow9P39FsC1aPTf6hy/s640/woods-church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTWPTBzJ-5a4WjbwTZjIXwWlx-m0BsjNP7Y8wXZ8Z_vV-9Yv3PnIwdiv7tYYgaS97XBPzjxzCc57oNfpFwRtM8jONEBXkml6_Wu-rCxdpB2Zx4Qm-IN-a-CvDv2dCEOapwpgzry-E6mZGCvAOweHSz6z5SKY7nfQs2HM9qdiow9P39FsC1aPTf6hy/s320/woods-church.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">32. billy woods & Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Church</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Messiah Muzik</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Fat Ray, AKAI SOLO</p><p style="text-align: left;">Among the most fascinating emcees in the game today is NY native, billy woods. His discography contains some of the most exemplary efforts of the past decade with incredible works such as <i>Today I Wrote Nothing</i>, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, <i>Hiding Place</i>, <i>Known Unknowns</i>, and <i>Anger Management</i>. This doesn't even include his work with ELUCID as the powerful duo, Armand Hammer, who presented one of hip-hop's most exceptional releases with The Alchemist in <i>HARAM</i>. Seen as an astounding writer, billy woods' work ethic in bringing us in his chaotic sense a world and social structure gone mad, he delivers to us two unbelievable offerings. The first one was <i>Aethiopes</i> (see later), and the second was <i>Church</i>. This album was sonically orchestrated with frequent Armand Hammer collaborator Messiah Muzik and the results are grade A. Although a little more accessible in sound and content than the bleak and heady nature of <i>Aethiopes</i>, it doesn't make this album any less potent. Mr. Woods (or woods as he stylizes his name) is as left-brained as you can imagine on here, as he uniquely goes the introspective route on this release and shows more of a vulnerable side than we're overall used to from him. Sonically, Messiah Muzik brings perhaps his best overall work that we've seen from him and this album from woods stamped his flag as one of modern hip-hop's true greats.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmnbJ0EI78d_YoEoyxailJu73OxArIzIM5qUZi81BP0_miVhI9sJbIenAZUDnQNa4ftj1E9_6iyDk_OOB7ubHYKK4AhtaBNdtI-CbJy0DbQsG81aNCnaTT2ExmVxP57fwxSfdmKMqwib1BHxbAD0I0piMnXKIbJwu9eJMtc01XxMG8GaRHMDVpzXx/s640/coti2_banks.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmnbJ0EI78d_YoEoyxailJu73OxArIzIM5qUZi81BP0_miVhI9sJbIenAZUDnQNa4ftj1E9_6iyDk_OOB7ubHYKK4AhtaBNdtI-CbJy0DbQsG81aNCnaTT2ExmVxP57fwxSfdmKMqwib1BHxbAD0I0piMnXKIbJwu9eJMtc01XxMG8GaRHMDVpzXx/s320/coti2_banks.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">31. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Course Of The Inevitable 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, Mr. Authentic, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Vado, Tony Yayo, Jadakiss</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Boy Wonder. The Punchline King. Whatever you refer to Lloyd Banks as, in these cases, they could very well be accurate. The former G-Unit soldier has only gotten better since his days with Fifty and with last year's first solo full-length offering in over a decade <i>The Course Of The Inevitable</i>, he showed he was back hungry and back razor sharp. Many said it was a return to "mixtape" Banks, who has been often times revered for his ferocity on the mic and with the pen. He follows up last year's offering with the sequel in <i>Course Of The Inevitable 2</i>. Not much changed here except Lloyd may be in his lyrical bag even more here. Over mostly menacing production from the previously unknown Cartune Beatz (from whom Banks got some of his best work from on <i>COTI</i>) and Mr. Authentic among others, the Queens native properly balances the hardcore of the streets with the occasional radio-sounding cut such as "Fell In Love". However, for the most part, Banks chokes you his ability to show why he's among the most prized emcees in the game, and why he was likely the MVP of G-Unit. Now that those days are behind him, expect more of this type of heat from Mr. Banks, if not even better, which based upon these last two offerings, may be hard to do in itself.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AIhvaKtamDYNJcmQ1yF0mLHNYrADdKFZK0GZOv_dkG_hztx10cDSEGyo-hfSvMZhDY7QS0r4Z1AGhpECYKunG-1zUbpdiSRPkshzbpzqeSiy5sVQvVeaWSqlkbsDuuY2JfjpmR1W6qtmsIVagZV-fRs-xF88dAaLlekRmPbCo4OEJ_rZh26xiaPa/s1200/nothankyou.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AIhvaKtamDYNJcmQ1yF0mLHNYrADdKFZK0GZOv_dkG_hztx10cDSEGyo-hfSvMZhDY7QS0r4Z1AGhpECYKunG-1zUbpdiSRPkshzbpzqeSiy5sVQvVeaWSqlkbsDuuY2JfjpmR1W6qtmsIVagZV-fRs-xF88dAaLlekRmPbCo4OEJ_rZh26xiaPa/s320/nothankyou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">30. Little Simz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>No Thank You</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Inflo</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">The UK's Little Simz has emerged as one of the single brightest stars from that part of the world and has presented some of the game's most acclaimed and revered albums such as the 2019 Mercury Prize winning, <i>Grey Area</i>, <i>Stillness In Wonderland</i>, and especially the 2022 Mercury Prize winning <i>Sometimes I Might Be An Introvert</i>. A few weeks away from the end of 2022, she dropped this year's offering in <i>No Thank You</i>. Raw and honest as always, this album is more of what we had heard from Sometimes...and then some. With mostly very layered production similar to what you would hear from the likes of thrilling albums like <i>My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy</i>, <i>Late Registration</i>, or even Kendrick's most recent, <i>Mr. Morale & The High Steppers,</i> Simz is a little more about self-affirmation, vindication, and a confidence that was seemingly in discovery on most of her prior albums. A few of her cuts here like "X", "No Merci", and "Silhouette" are so filled with pride and self-evaluation that you continue to hear Simz' growth as a woman even moreso than an emcee. Choirs and dramatic soundscapes run this album enough for her to come away making the listener root for her and cuts like "Broken" are as vulnerable as it gets and it takes courage that be that self aware. With <i>No Thank You</i>, she's less has evolved from a young woman holding on to life's hurts and trying to find her way through and out of her complexes to showing strength, faith, and a rebirth of a woman who's not gonna stand for what the world and society dish out to her. This is another profound victory lap for this exceptional artist.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVuv5UpSukA6g836DfFOdlnpMhSOwScpHzpYbSUNkQbCs7FsHaD_ofGtgpipsn3MlRuiyO4GmHOQ65Aj9Op3ECQPnH6qRzUg8GT9u0y8yIjxY-pR6L-u-b3-3Tq9qHFO7cskcfykfAeEfVZbWQkntlMiMGrDW0DQHQ60DFjeHhsurjoIRoRwWwodF/s600/vinyldaysCD_600x.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVuv5UpSukA6g836DfFOdlnpMhSOwScpHzpYbSUNkQbCs7FsHaD_ofGtgpipsn3MlRuiyO4GmHOQ65Aj9Op3ECQPnH6qRzUg8GT9u0y8yIjxY-pR6L-u-b3-3Tq9qHFO7cskcfykfAeEfVZbWQkntlMiMGrDW0DQHQ60DFjeHhsurjoIRoRwWwodF/s320/vinyldaysCD_600x.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">29. Logic</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Vinyl Days</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, 6ix, Exile, Tae Beast, T-Minus</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Royce Da 5'9", Blu, Like, DJ Premier, Action bronson, Curren$y, RZA, AZ, The Game, Russ, Wiz Khalifa</p><p style="text-align: left;">Logic is one polarizing emcee. The DMV native has been at times very heralded for his punchline lyricism, and other times, his CORNY punchline lyricism. Whatever the case, Logic is very talented and when at his best, among the best around. His major label debut in 2014, <i>Under Pressure</i>, was quite the dope debut and showed fans what they were in store for in the future. He followed it up with<i> The Incredible True Story</i> and it was overall as great of a sophomore offering. When you include the next album, <i>Everybody</i>, which definitely had more of a pop-esque feel to it, Logic was a very mentioned artist, mostly on the good side. However, releases such as <i>Bobby Tarentino II</i>, <i>Supermarket,</i> and <i>Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind </i>were met with very negative reviews and truthfully, rightfully so. He returned to form on <i>No Pressure</i> with arguably his best overall album since his his debut. Well, that was until this album dropped. Logic went back to his purely hip-hop roots with his own love letter to hip-hop, <i>Vinyl Days</i>. On this lengthy album, Logic took the gloves off here and lyrically went into his bag here. Over the most excellent boom-bap we've ever heard him spit over, this was one for the backpackers at heart and those that feel he wasn't worth the acclaim with some of his previous work. Logic gave a huge smack in the face those critics and presented the album we've been waiting for from him in spades. Although his quite numerous guests like Royce Da 5'9", Action Bronson, Blu, Russ, and several others, this feels almost like a compilation album. In any case, Logic knocked <i>Vinyl Days</i> out the park here and we can only hope his future projects will be searing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf9c150zdSdKkOMsYoPuiAsXGnGAlKIsR-VOWlLvXYcxSBUaOJi5ak3iSc3agp9TUik_0f1BDj9dsPNIJAaKoj6EFM8L0lgRogR8mn3fpFUvv8Krm5GZ9inlkToKK4_7Vb_hlnMolN9SLFkMsIzvXvfEOeQ7nAhSjcF07rpAU5KXh_9iOY0uWU6sL/s600/Armani-Caesar-The-Liz-2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf9c150zdSdKkOMsYoPuiAsXGnGAlKIsR-VOWlLvXYcxSBUaOJi5ak3iSc3agp9TUik_0f1BDj9dsPNIJAaKoj6EFM8L0lgRogR8mn3fpFUvv8Krm5GZ9inlkToKK4_7Vb_hlnMolN9SLFkMsIzvXvfEOeQ7nAhSjcF07rpAU5KXh_9iOY0uWU6sL/s320/Armani-Caesar-The-Liz-2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">28. Armani Ceaser</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Liz 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Camouflage Monk, Denny LeFlare, BEatking, Sovren, Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Kodak Black, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">While the first lady of Griselda is emcee/poet Keisha Plum (hopefully album soon), Armani Ceaser is the first woman of the camp to put out material to the masses. She debuted on the mainstream scene with her 2020 offering, <i>The Liz</i>, and it was clear the Buffalo-turned-NC resident was not here for games. With the clear sass of contemporaries such as Megan, Latto, and Saweetie, mixed the street diva approach such as Remy, Kim, and Foxy, and you have a young up-and-comer that's nothing to play with. She finally delivered the sequel to her debut in the form of <i>The Liz 2</i>. More focused and even sharper than her debut, Ceaser emerges as even more of a budding star than before. Although she mostly spits over some trademarked Griselda-esque sounds, she also has cuts for the radio and the strip clubs alike, and no folks, they don't miss. Equally talented in her spitting and even her singing vocals, Ceaser is a definite star blossoming and with this release, she'll be very easily mentioned as one of today's in-demand emcees. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdezBsBA4DyiXosoOx46jlWBdm0RC64RECoX2zuJ7nnQe3KX6IXuXgiHG0UcwerZNgw58JE1ifLp_2QBbv0ulxjs9wYy21tFYWUlIas5v1k8mw_JhiGPO2nNfsGM53h-BAtWu_jXK4qinzbC2nv-R_WiV8M6fmro7N3f4w30LbYwxy6Vqcn2kN50LQ/s600/Earl-Sweatshirt-Sick.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdezBsBA4DyiXosoOx46jlWBdm0RC64RECoX2zuJ7nnQe3KX6IXuXgiHG0UcwerZNgw58JE1ifLp_2QBbv0ulxjs9wYy21tFYWUlIas5v1k8mw_JhiGPO2nNfsGM53h-BAtWu_jXK4qinzbC2nv-R_WiV8M6fmro7N3f4w30LbYwxy6Vqcn2kN50LQ/s320/Earl-Sweatshirt-Sick.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">27. Earl Sweatshirt</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>SICK!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, BlackNoi$e, Navy Blue, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Zeelooperz, Armand Hammer</p><p style="text-align: left;">The ever enigmatic Earl Sweatshirt is truly a rare breed. The Cali native is such a near genius-level emcee and yet there's still an allusiveness about him. The former Odd Future cat has delivered some unbelievable efforts in past years such as <i>Earl</i>, <i>Doris</i>, the very dark <i>I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside</i>, <i>Feet Of Clay</i>, and especially the brilliant, avant-garde sounding tale of grief and self-exploration through it, <i>Some Rap Songs</i>. After rumors of a lost Alchemist-assisted album that we still have yet to find, as well as features on albums from the likes of Armand Hammer, Mach-Hommy, Boldy James, Wiki and Navy Blue, it was time for him to drop his 2022 offering in the form of <i>SICK!</i> The album starts with the moody Alchemist-blessed "Old Friend", and definitely picks up from there. Earl's pen game, much the likes of billy woods or Ka, need to be studied like a textbook at master craftsmanship writing at times. This is evident on cuts like "God Laughs", "Fire In The Hole", and "2010", in which we see Earl trying to organized his chaos and confusion in the midst of a crippling pandemic yet is more open in a more free way than we've seen him. Earl has crafted another unforgettable piece of music and will continue to make it onto your favorite rapper's favorite rapper's lists.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHkcSBR214WBPLIfec56a1cBCnw-Ub8_1p1BAa6AqFr-qD8LdJfwQz4bxBcJ2gqqK1IT9pEUpcg9Ydbrb4VZ5EHTGnCYESAiynGghuvrlhFZyHBGrgPw4yc9pY3ztdWCzq8Vf7bOQZevewNtzDsf2IeG01s0nCo6G8Bf1SVObYLPuMEKe8VVqbOL3/s2048/gibbs-sss.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHkcSBR214WBPLIfec56a1cBCnw-Ub8_1p1BAa6AqFr-qD8LdJfwQz4bxBcJ2gqqK1IT9pEUpcg9Ydbrb4VZ5EHTGnCYESAiynGghuvrlhFZyHBGrgPw4yc9pY3ztdWCzq8Vf7bOQZevewNtzDsf2IeG01s0nCo6G8Bf1SVObYLPuMEKe8VVqbOL3/s320/gibbs-sss.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">26. Freddie Gibbs</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>$$$ (Souls Sold Separately)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist, James Blake, DJ Paul, DJ Dahi, Hit-Boy, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Madlib, KAYTRANADA, Sevyn Thomas, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: DJ Paul, Kelly Price, Scarface, Jadakiss, Big Sean, Offset, Pusha-T, Rick Ross, Anderson.Paak, Raekwon, Moneybagg Yo, Schoolboy Q</p><p style="text-align: left;">What a year for ole Gangsta Gibbs. Between beefing with Benny The Butcher to getting beat up and having his supposed chain snatched to other potential gigs such as television roles and a possible, we stress that, R&B album, Gibbs has been in the news this year. However, we've mostly been clamoring for his major label debut, and we finally got it. The album, <i>$$$ (Souls Sold Separately)</i> is perhaps his most cohesive body of work since the exceptional, <i>Bandana</i>, and shows his undoubted star appeal. The Grammy Award-nominated emcee from Gary, IN had a bigger budget for this album, and it showed in the production from the likes of Alchemist, James Blake, Dahi, Hit-Boy and producer-in-crime Madlib. However, don't let the fact that this sounds like his most accessible album fool you. This is still Gibbs at his finest. Cuts like "Open Hearted", "Blackest In The Room", and Decoded" remind you of just how technically gifted of an emcee he is and how he can go off on the mic like not too many of his contemporaries can. While seen as more grandeur in nature in sound, Gibbs has nonetheless delivered another career-high achievement and if this is in fact his last supposed album, he went out on a damn high note.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitW3ifvCaPNZjXquQ2VUTJi4POrf4snmtk5u4qe9vUZNpvxmDot2vcfIV6TczDrwWaR2kF797XNj5L6jfLtTV0IvFY0IG6YTZR6vrasoQYRR1CBMi-vnf22dzvYTLGX986fbz786bsU173ZrAR3t5ezjDqkQCvWy0M-olTd2zPtdBGOqO82aNEzdR/s1400/realness2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitW3ifvCaPNZjXquQ2VUTJi4POrf4snmtk5u4qe9vUZNpvxmDot2vcfIV6TczDrwWaR2kF797XNj5L6jfLtTV0IvFY0IG6YTZR6vrasoQYRR1CBMi-vnf22dzvYTLGX986fbz786bsU173ZrAR3t5ezjDqkQCvWy0M-olTd2zPtdBGOqO82aNEzdR/s320/realness2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">25. Cormega</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Realness 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist, Havoc, Sha Money XL, Large Professor, Harry Fraud, STREETRUNNER, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Havoc, Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: left;">Queensbridge's own Cormega has been known to have a fairly excellent discography to go along with his insightful and honest street narratives. His debut album, <i>Testament,</i> was initially shelved by Def Jam but Mega ended up regaining the masters to it and fans were elated to hear how major of an album that remained to be. What ended up being his debut retail album was <i>The Realness</i>, which knocked every bit as hard as <i>Testament </i>and people were able to truly hear what Mega Montana had to offer the game. The former Firm member was laser focused and had a decent chip on shoulder with industry turmoil and friendship fallouts heavy on him. Follow up albums like <i>The True Meaning</i>, <i>Legal Hustle</i>, <i>Born & Raised</i>, and the Large Professor-produced <i>Mega Philosophy</i> further showed the Mega to be an importantg piece of NY hip-hop. Nearly a decade after Mega Philosophy comes the sequel to <i>The Realness</i> with <i>The Realness 2</i>. Minimal are his odes to guns, drugs, revenge, and beefs and way more included are odes to being wise and just general elder statesman gems that the younger generation needs to especially pay attention to. It's always excellent to hear a man mature and grow old with wisdom, especially on the mic, and Mega has done that. He even reunited with his once friend-turned-enemy-turned friend again, Nas, on the bangin' Alchemist-crafted cut "Glorious". Top to bottom, this is not only a very worthy sequel to an already fantastic "debut", but it may even better just in terms of gems and pearls that even older cats can learn from and shows it's always cool to grown and mature.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSToRc4hrYOkwUf2DVhMUwk0saTlUEA1KnnjfCdlVIaWop2AB1OTWSwmdYRF2zdUsJMIgcHyXGq3KNcXdz0NvUZDMZPER9QY5sZa8OiNw4Vkvl6fL5qIBYU67PCoajbhclO3F9wtuANCbuXvao0Q31cy1Si6olTGvv0c_sheOBbnDOfRb3XJG29U7n/s1200/aethiopes-woods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSToRc4hrYOkwUf2DVhMUwk0saTlUEA1KnnjfCdlVIaWop2AB1OTWSwmdYRF2zdUsJMIgcHyXGq3KNcXdz0NvUZDMZPER9QY5sZa8OiNw4Vkvl6fL5qIBYU67PCoajbhclO3F9wtuANCbuXvao0Q31cy1Si6olTGvv0c_sheOBbnDOfRb3XJG29U7n/s320/aethiopes-woods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">24. billy woods & Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Aethiopes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ELUCID, Quelle Chris, Boldy James, Denmark Vessey, El-P, Breeze Brewin, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we covered the profound dopeness that was billy woods' second contribution to 2022, <i>Church</i>. However, his first offering, <i>Aethiopes</i>, edges the two albums out in every single way. This album isn't as accessible sonically as <i>Church</i> is, and with Preservation's atmospheric production, it's actually very brooding and filled with woods' usual content of a fucked up society, the illuminati, governmental control, and overall the decay of humankind in such honest and poetic fashion. The pen game of billy woods is damn near unmatched in today's subterranean hip-hop other than possibly the likes of Ka, Roc Marci, or his Armand Hammer partner ELUCID and it shows in incredible fashion here. Easily among his top albums ever, <i>Aethiopes</i> is another example of why billy woods is low key one of the most brilliant and penmanship heavy emcees walking the planet today.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAXrK6yDlNvJDWu3OZRvgYGESSUmP12PBlH-9mQwGIthyLo4bYrMFZBR2E6I0lnBzXyu6KIAZVlqzA-mdDlxJ1flSi_6JIROvAEw64Xc3f0HQiUDjH-qqgk3uT3JhIL2STW12T2BMcr-J0C7N3vr_H31cXqbtuK3MfYso3fIJXTujMBDmSo4dPmEq/s700/deathfame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAXrK6yDlNvJDWu3OZRvgYGESSUmP12PBlH-9mQwGIthyLo4bYrMFZBR2E6I0lnBzXyu6KIAZVlqzA-mdDlxJ1flSi_6JIROvAEw64Xc3f0HQiUDjH-qqgk3uT3JhIL2STW12T2BMcr-J0C7N3vr_H31cXqbtuK3MfYso3fIJXTujMBDmSo4dPmEq/s320/deathfame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Quelle Chris</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>DEATHFAME</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Chris Keyz, Knxwledge</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Cavalier, Pink Siifu, Denmark Veessy, Navy Blue, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of hip-hop's most eccentric, yet absolutely talented, emcees out here is Detroit's Quelle Chris. His unique pen game is only matched with his quirky views on society and his life in general. However more times than not, there's a method to his madness, and albums like <i>Innocent Country</i>, <i>Innocent Country 2</i>, <i>Guns</i>, <i>Niggas Is Men</i>, <i>Ghost At The Finish Line</i>, and his collabo album with his Wife, the incomparable Jean Grae, <i>Everything's Fine</i>, Chris returns with another tremendous addition to his already impressive discography, <i>DEATHFAME</i>. With Chris, frequent production collaborator Chris Keyz, and Knxwledge providing the soundscapes here, <i>DEATHFAME</i> tackles mostly the ups and downs of success and failures. Definitely a cohesive and well put together effort, it peaks with the fabulous collab cut with Pink Siifu and MoRuf, "The Sky Is Blue Because The Sunset Is Red", in which all these emcees deliver great bars over a hypnotic piano loop provided by Chris and Knxwledge. Quite possibly among the top two or three projects of his career, Quelle Chris is among the most intriguing emcees to emerge from the D and with <i>DEATHFAME</i>, although its aesthetically very challenging and complex, it opens up Chris in a way that provides us with his commentary of how simplicity is often times the road less traveled.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn5RjWQyv0dMIJA58chw_IEs7TfHWDi0l3Du4A98fRgv-rMfqoysI-9NfscP7ZKtVio4MREgoqdVhUNGYoeXh5qBWoEWEqqg1q3ejrXKhd5A0_-2etLAh2uUkBggLIrWj-A41UCwbJFDCtbvUjr20AAg1xeM8Kx6B2nyV21r5fL2qIAeq7jsPZvP3/s3000/Ab-Soul-%20Herbert%20.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn5RjWQyv0dMIJA58chw_IEs7TfHWDi0l3Du4A98fRgv-rMfqoysI-9NfscP7ZKtVio4MREgoqdVhUNGYoeXh5qBWoEWEqqg1q3ejrXKhd5A0_-2etLAh2uUkBggLIrWj-A41UCwbJFDCtbvUjr20AAg1xeM8Kx6B2nyV21r5fL2qIAeq7jsPZvP3/s320/Ab-Soul-%20Herbert%20.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">22. Ab-Soul</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Herbert</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Premier, Sounwave, Tae Beast, Boi-1nda, Beach Noi$e, Hit-Boy, DJ Dahi, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jhene Aiko, SiR, Punch, Big Sean, Russ, Joey Bada$$, Lance Skiiwalker, Zacari</p><p style="text-align: left;">Seen as the "introspective thinker" of the TDE camp, Herbert Stevens IV, otherwise Ab-Soul, is a complex yet extremely talented emcee that highly assists in making TDE be such a revered household presence in hip-hop. His latest effort comes in the form of <i>Herbert</i>, a painfully honest album that reflects upon life, grappling with stardom, and self-awareness with brutal frankness. Gone are the historical, spiritual, and socio-political references typically accounted for in his raps, and included are moments of despair, optimism at points, and his ability and need to progress more with his life. This may be none more evident than the cut "Do Better", which was recorded before an admitted suicide attempt in 2021. While we are all very glad the attempt didn't succeed, it also gave him a newfound fire with very dope cuts like "Bucket", "Moonshooter", and "FOMF", while hammering down on the Preemo-powered "Gotta Rap". Although <i>Control System</i> remains his most revered piece of work (which contains arguably the most emotionally jarring tribute cut one can imagine in "The Book Of Soul"), <i>Herbert</i> fits right in with the rest of his overall bumping discography. While we are fans of Ab-Soul, let's keep hoping the man behind Ab-Soul keeps seeking peace he so desperately is trying to find.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMfnWTFNtgJwAOZqFcgSTeStKqOdL89g3Ov5fJitjqLd79Asj3RhVZ24VE48f90IiWBhrDxSfR8LEbVoAvM0fPJ6RgurR3G4gXdbDHMvBKJoTgeN1_PWNoM3ZkTjCHnTUurXHkW3U6H0uI0ZwArrU2zhdgfhdSWXJ93dzgUGPTZqyQ7WiY4VTD8sH/s640/costofliving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMfnWTFNtgJwAOZqFcgSTeStKqOdL89g3Ov5fJitjqLd79Asj3RhVZ24VE48f90IiWBhrDxSfR8LEbVoAvM0fPJ6RgurR3G4gXdbDHMvBKJoTgeN1_PWNoM3ZkTjCHnTUurXHkW3U6H0uI0ZwArrU2zhdgfhdSWXJ93dzgUGPTZqyQ7WiY4VTD8sH/s320/costofliving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">21. Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Cost Of Living</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Apollo Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Evidence, Rashid Hadee</p><p style="text-align: left;">When one mentions impeccable and undefeated producers in hip-hop right now, it's hard to not include Detroit's Apollo Brown in the conversation. For over a decade, Apollo has been supplying heat with his brand of soulful samples and thumping percussion, very similar in approach to the likes of 9th Wonder, and he has collaborated with the likes of O.C., Guilty Simpson, Planet Asia, Joell Ortiz, Che Noir, Journalist, Skyzoo, and Locksmith for overall blistering efforts. Of course his own compilation albums of <i>Grandeur</i> and <i>Sincerely Detroit</i> remain in rotation as well with being phenomenal efforts themselves. This time around, he assists up-and-coming Chicago emcee, Philmore Green, with <i>Cost Of Living</i>. This is a rather moody, somber, and melancholy effort that painfully illustrates the pressures and hardships of modern-day life over some of the most flawless Apollo production heard to date. Greene's minimal optimism coupled with Apollo's unbelievable makes this a big win for both. Cuts like "Steep Life", "Free" and "Nice To Meet You" are some examples of how excellent of a pen game Greene has and how Apollo needs TODAY to be mentioned among the best producers of the past decade and beyond. This is a top to bottom feeler and serves among the best Apollo projects ever.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdNqJNOn7jY1hsORykUsj2va3NnytjojPXkZOlYFnHNPOKg2b6Z_pjZMXXCVToQBXf9Z-mycOPf6yJc2Qcr91ENxbnhM9rf4g2ATpWDek1fU3e9hvybY5ShYOkYGTH39DFg_Pu-UHmAfvXWyxH_BPJ1yW4aBVxFYV_9v_gvPJE2boR2iNOPd-GFja/s300/blackvladimir.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdNqJNOn7jY1hsORykUsj2va3NnytjojPXkZOlYFnHNPOKg2b6Z_pjZMXXCVToQBXf9Z-mycOPf6yJc2Qcr91ENxbnhM9rf4g2ATpWDek1fU3e9hvybY5ShYOkYGTH39DFg_Pu-UHmAfvXWyxH_BPJ1yW4aBVxFYV_9v_gvPJE2boR2iNOPd-GFja/s1600/blackvladimir.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. Meyhem Lauren & Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Black Vladimir</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Elcamino, Flee Lord, Hologram</p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens shooter, Meyhem Lauren, is known for his collaborations with the likes mostly with Action Bronson and Hologram, but also frequently guests efforts within the Griselda camp. His efforts with DJ Muggs, <i>Gems From The Equinox</i> and <i>Members Only</i>, as well as the very dope collab with veteran producer, Buckwild, <i>Silk Pyramids</i>, were all flammable efforts for the tough-talking Lauren, but it's his latest collaborative effort that may be his best effort yet. He gets assisted by Griselda's go-to producer, Daringer, for <i>Black Vladimir</i>. Daringer's brand of grimy, atmospheric, mid-90s noir-style production lines up perfectly with Lauren's style of hustling, luxurious fly shit, and gunplay all throughout this album. His Freeway-sounding vocals set off cuts like "Nigerian Vegetables", the Conway-assisted "Red Pesto", and "Chicken Chinese", and instantly puts you in the nostalgia of the thugged-out nineties just like Griselda has done and done so very well. This musical marriage of Meyhem and Daringer needs to continue as <i>Black Vladimir</i> is as rugged and screwfaced of an album as you can get from Lauren.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipEsG-_8WNgwCgLIKprAVb8ycKr_Wkf06_16hf4-lbFOgH2PqlZIIZkXVkQ4IaeBFVSE2Fs1WMwIc7nU3_GljqMk_CtF0sWaWg-2dGw3lOebef6n2yk7Vd_XESpj_wkZ0nSgr0rNCJYom-0yJ6ZuxUYew9TH3pO_Iur3ojtGSSedL8xCiKMotQ-Jg/s640/awon-seven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipEsG-_8WNgwCgLIKprAVb8ycKr_Wkf06_16hf4-lbFOgH2PqlZIIZkXVkQ4IaeBFVSE2Fs1WMwIc7nU3_GljqMk_CtF0sWaWg-2dGw3lOebef6n2yk7Vd_XESpj_wkZ0nSgr0rNCJYom-0yJ6ZuxUYew9TH3pO_Iur3ojtGSSedL8xCiKMotQ-Jg/s320/awon-seven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. Awon, Seb Zilner, & ANTITHESIS</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Seven Pt. III</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Seb Zilner, ANTITHESIS</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">VA emcee Awon has been acclaimed in the underground for many years. His efforts with producer Phiniks, such as <i>Return To The Golden Era</i>, are pretty widely revered for their simplistic approach to their style of boom-bap. Nothing complicated, just beats and rhymes. No gimmicks or anything. This year, Awon was responsible for two efforts: one of which was <i>Infinite Wisdom</i> (pretty dope album there as well), but perhaps his better album of the two is the EP <i>Seven Pt. III</i>. He gets assistance from producer Seb Zilner and pianist ANTHITHESIS for what makes out to be quite the enjoyable listen. Awon's sharp lyricism over engaging, melodic production. Not conscious. Not gangsta. Just good ole fashion rhyming from this talented VA rhymer, and you can sleep if you want to. This album has more intelligence with it than most of your run of the mill hip-hop dominating today's landscape.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iK0nwDtKOcJYdAT6byGitMoNdfJ1sqVXv0IUhgO-zVkdHemigFk5MbJL5gqQiJa2PAYCKLy0OxBBfCeBcBwor9x_UcovxtmOvBCO_5buW7N7j3GxYl4qnQmQ1ZQKfZByPE_CuoQ6M5c0kSuD0EDaNGwIwulb_eAQs9uKLNkKhMVAzP6Yat_Q5oQ4/s300/domogenesis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iK0nwDtKOcJYdAT6byGitMoNdfJ1sqVXv0IUhgO-zVkdHemigFk5MbJL5gqQiJa2PAYCKLy0OxBBfCeBcBwor9x_UcovxtmOvBCO_5buW7N7j3GxYl4qnQmQ1ZQKfZByPE_CuoQ6M5c0kSuD0EDaNGwIwulb_eAQs9uKLNkKhMVAzP6Yat_Q5oQ4/s1600/domogenesis.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. Domo Genesis & Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Intros, Outros, & Interludes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Boldy James, Navy Blue, Remy Banks</p><p style="text-align: left;">Former Odd Future member, Domo Genesis, has a fairly dope discography. The talented Cali native has acclaimed projects such as his fantastic collab album with The Alchemist, <i>No Idols</i>, as well as his debut full-length album, <i>Genesis</i>, and other mixtapes. His latest offering comes in the form of another collaboration. This time with emcee/producer Evidence for <i>Intros, Outros, and Interludes</i>. As we know from his work with his former Dilated Peoples group, Evidence is as strong on the boards as he on the mic, maybe even moreso. His production work on this album is among the best boardwork he's done in his career. His use of chopped up samples, somewhat psychedelic overtures, and neck-snapping boom-bap has always been impressive and combining this with Domo's dope pen game makes for wonderful results. Genesis is clearly an emcee that has had his growing pains in his career and his life and he observes it all through his own unique lens with tremendous focus. While his previous works were still pretty much him finding out who he is, he's made much larger steps in the direction he sees with this album. Domo and Evidence presented a knocker with this one.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT7ijzRXIybbXZCZstyL7zr5DzNVldJz9y_nmA2rWp1qHEFDr8CETzyBVUuo5VgIIA0dyCG7GUsM7084upwPq3IoxsoApcf7syqsZWbJxz7_LhUaGqPAnkpB76FMKW-5Z52pJKbfHn1v4DLvWB1G69t_oytMgwVXAofUdg11I4LpkcKWgAqckriQ0/s650/Westside-Gunn-10-1666965230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT7ijzRXIybbXZCZstyL7zr5DzNVldJz9y_nmA2rWp1qHEFDr8CETzyBVUuo5VgIIA0dyCG7GUsM7084upwPq3IoxsoApcf7syqsZWbJxz7_LhUaGqPAnkpB76FMKW-5Z52pJKbfHn1v4DLvWB1G69t_oytMgwVXAofUdg11I4LpkcKWgAqckriQ0/s320/Westside-Gunn-10-1666965230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>10</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare, Pete Rock, RZA, Swizz Beats, Flygod Jr, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Armani Ceaser, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Stove God Cook$, Rome Streetz, Jay Worthy, Busta Rhymes, Run The Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Estee Nack, DJ Drama, Black Star, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Label boss. Curator. Rapper. Businessman. Wrestling fixator. All these titles and more belong to Alvin "Westside Gunn" Worthy. The Buffalo emcee put the home of the Bills on the hip-hop in more wide fashion with the help of fellow Griselda-mates Conway and Benny. Over the years, he's assembled an array of talent such as Armani Ceaser, the MUCH in-demand Stove God Cook$, Compton's Jay Worthy, and heavy street favorites Rome Streetz and Boldy James. However, Gunn isn't done with the mic either. He has among the best discographies in all of hip-hop, and his latest offering is no different. Closing out his famed <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> mixtape series, he concludes it with the appropriately titled, <i>10,</i> in reference to his tenth and last edition of the series. Does he end the series off in dope fashion? The answer is a profound yes! He starts with the down-south trap sounds of "Flygod Jr." with west coast artist, Doe Boy. This joint is special because this was crafted by his son of the same name, Flygod Jr. and shows Gunn's versatility over 808 traps. With the anticipation of his only known southern artist YNBilly on the horizon, this may be a good indicator of what to expect in terms of expanding Griselda south of the Mason-Dixon Line. From there, Gunn floats over knocking production from the likes of his in-house team of Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare, and Daringer. In terms of who he invites to this closeout, legends such as Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, Black Star, and Run The Jewels all show up and represent damn well. However, it's the closing pose cut, "Red Death" with practically the entire roster over a menacing Alchemist banger. It can be argued which <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> album is the best of the series. What can't be debated is that <i>10</i> has to be at least mentioned among the very best of them, if not THE best. It'll be interesting to see where the "flygod" goes next (hopefully we can get that <i>Michelle Records</i> project next year), but needless to say Gunn is among the cultural shifters of the past decade and anywhere he goes or anything he does, eyes will be on him, and you can bet it'll be crazy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lWwJXKFr4DpnU4be6V365OHxz53Se4W8zf5GQ6fk44Z8Z_-Qq9G_3_tI9c63Ydc12L2hBXgU5TsIIXJgLM4WZRoRwXp_e8CGNazGbVI1QHAkmVOUxUa6irC5UvbGdFJ-ej0hhYXLlVK7MaggWyYU3-eVZdBReB2nC8nqmmRwSxSdl2gzAY5B3m6n/s640/currensycontinuance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lWwJXKFr4DpnU4be6V365OHxz53Se4W8zf5GQ6fk44Z8Z_-Qq9G_3_tI9c63Ydc12L2hBXgU5TsIIXJgLM4WZRoRwXp_e8CGNazGbVI1QHAkmVOUxUa6irC5UvbGdFJ-ej0hhYXLlVK7MaggWyYU3-eVZdBReB2nC8nqmmRwSxSdl2gzAY5B3m6n/s320/currensycontinuance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. Curren$y & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Continuance</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Babyface Ray, Havoc, Boldy James, Larry June, Styles P, Wiz Khalifa</p><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier, we shined a light on the New Orleans emcee's late entry mixtape, <i>The Drive In Theater Pt. II</i>. As dope as that project was, his earlier project of 2022 was even crazier. The former Cash Money emcee reunited with Alchemist to provide us with <i>Continuance</i>. Most likely an homage to their incredible <i>Covert Coup</i> album of 2010 and their equally acclaimed 2016 offering, <i>The Carrollton Heist,</i> this album reminds us of how magical they can be together (we also won't forget the incredible effort these two did with Freddie Gibbs for the effort <i>Fetti </i>either). Over some truly mesmerizing, melodic production from Uncle Al, Spitta is damn near flawless lyrically. He presents a presence of confident charisma over cuts like the jazzy "Kool & The Gang", "The Tonight Show", and "No Yeast", while also showing his impressive lyrical stylings over other great cuts like the Styles P-assisted "Whale Watching" and "the opener, "Half Moon Mornings". While Alchemist has been having the run of his career over these past few years, Curren$y continues to show versatility with his pen game. Basically put, <i>Continuance</i> exemplifies their chemistry (ahem!) once again and the result is another career benchmark in both guys careers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNx7btxQKoRF2E_jR52sADI1J-XXGNXnW6tWiY79kqU5nNcUaCAtJTpdFl1_N0qyUB2z3oWLllH60-6Ar_UVl7ODRhp-9-EJW13wpWb86D-o2cMW0jIKG7Cc_QmX8z1EV6BnN_EwYwaRMWkroanNNoqfRX9jr29e8ROLJDShQ4eEXL-aQY97ti-ZI/s316/Tana_Talk_4_by_Benny_the_Butcher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNx7btxQKoRF2E_jR52sADI1J-XXGNXnW6tWiY79kqU5nNcUaCAtJTpdFl1_N0qyUB2z3oWLllH60-6Ar_UVl7ODRhp-9-EJW13wpWb86D-o2cMW0jIKG7Cc_QmX8z1EV6BnN_EwYwaRMWkroanNNoqfRX9jr29e8ROLJDShQ4eEXL-aQY97ti-ZI/s1600/Tana_Talk_4_by_Benny_the_Butcher.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tana Talk 4</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Diddy, J. Cole, 38 Spesh, Boldy James, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: left;">Out of the proverbial three-headed monster of Griselda (Gunn, Conway, Benny), it's been said Benny The Butcher may be the star of the bunch. With an appeal that puts him among NYC greats and legends such as Jay, Biggie, Nas, Prodigy, and Kool G, Benny's undeniable ability to bring you into his world of hustling and gunplay brings chills to those that have needed this type of gangsta shit since the nineties was done. His 2018 debut full-length album, <i>Tana Talk 3</i> was heralded as this generation's <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, and that's supremely high praise. From there, he's dropped knocking efforts such as <i>The Plugs I Met</i>, <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i>, his collab with Grammy winning producer extraordinaire Hit-Boy, <i>Burden Of Proof</i>, and <i>Pyrex Picasso</i>, along with other mixtapes and collab efforts. It was clear his star appeal was climbing steadily, but the streets were in need of the fourth installment of his <i>Tana Talk</i> series. The result was indeed <i>Tana Talk 4</i>, and much like his previous entry, this one shows a burgeoning legend. With Daringer and Alchemist manning the boards just like <i>TT3</i>, he blazes over cuts like "Back 2X" with Stove God, "Uncle Bun" with 38 Spesh, his DOPE unofficial sequel to Biggie's legendary "10 Crack Commandments", "Ten More Crack Commandments" (with a special appearance at the end ironically enough with Diddy speaking), and the lead single "Johnny P's Caddy" featuring a surprising appearance from J. Cole who blisters this cut himself. Whether it's moving bricks and pies or letting people know what happens when you cross him like an idiot, Benny scored big with this album. With his BSF/Griselda/Def Jam debut coming in 2023, the spotlight is on Benny to take Griselda and his BSF crew to new heights. However with <i>Tana Talk 4</i>, it's clear his building stardom hasn't changed what he does with a fork yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX0fzaUUo8n24Xd91MhXvE0YqgnmiqgY7O7FhyaS-Mu7H2q_J3832ROKNJnRoRVGCTG-PSTKfhX9UUMtWqCRfWQejZA2EV1f8qxe0TOa4r0EdXUwJaN2JHkP5vGpXyAELqJ-0RwcXDhrgCnuGduDZqOYg7Nj0iCo4-jiTtMbOYIjFwJ34cyuax8IO/s316/Joey_Badass_-_2000_(artwork).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAX0fzaUUo8n24Xd91MhXvE0YqgnmiqgY7O7FhyaS-Mu7H2q_J3832ROKNJnRoRVGCTG-PSTKfhX9UUMtWqCRfWQejZA2EV1f8qxe0TOa4r0EdXUwJaN2JHkP5vGpXyAELqJ-0RwcXDhrgCnuGduDZqOYg7Nj0iCo4-jiTtMbOYIjFwJ34cyuax8IO/s1600/Joey_Badass_-_2000_(artwork).jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Joey Bada$$</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>2000</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Chuck Strangers, Rahki, Kirk Knight, Statik Selektah, Sean C & LV, Cardiak, Mike WILL Made It, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Diddy, Larry June, Chris Brown, Westside Gunn, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been five years since we've had a whole full-length from Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$. His 2017 endeavor, <i>All AmeriKKKan Bada$$</i>, dropped to lots of acclaim and him being into more socio-political themes and a more expanded sound. However, the emcee/actor brought it back to the essence with the sequel to his breakout mixtape from a decade ago, <i>1999</i>, <i>2000</i>. Much like <i>1999</i> was a vivid look into the world and the life of a then seventeen year old talented rapper with the old soul of a nineties NYC rapper, <i>2000</i> has him more mature lyrically and content-wise but relating it to present day times. While we still see him living in the moment on cuts like the opening cut "The Baddest", the Westside Gunn-assisted "Brand New 911", and "Welcome Back" with Chris Brown on vocals. However, the Pro Era representative also shows his clear vulnerability on cuts like "Head High" and "Written In The Stars". The albums climaxes with the very tearful ode to best friend and fellow Pro Era founder, Capital Steez, "Survivor's Guilt", which also has him eulogizing his cousin/road manager and reveals just how much he still grieves both of their deaths in gutting fashion. While some tracks on here sound like they're meant for crossover appeal, others sound almost as powered for the streets as <i>1999</i>. Mr. Bada$$ is a highly skilled emcee that, along with the likes of Griselda, Roc Marci, and Action Bronson, has brought back a certain aura for NYC hip-hop and <i>2000</i> shows him as an ever important voice in modern day NY hip-hop</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvIqqkU_jrI_TicpJrjpWH1VqI4fcMvyttMaPMDp62O6vDk5R1yg910m-9EsVsp_b-0fbbinHE5ByEJoN6ZyDQRHljHOEfMow4qm8qBdwdJukxzcgEuKwrlSA9oFMpNGY2WShfFMKg4arHHvfXjvKFYzYlsGOnQXKiZDBYXAV9IyZeBqH4Pcmr4MX/s1000/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry-1650563806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvIqqkU_jrI_TicpJrjpWH1VqI4fcMvyttMaPMDp62O6vDk5R1yg910m-9EsVsp_b-0fbbinHE5ByEJoN6ZyDQRHljHOEfMow4qm8qBdwdJukxzcgEuKwrlSA9oFMpNGY2WShfFMKg4arHHvfXjvKFYzYlsGOnQXKiZDBYXAV9IyZeBqH4Pcmr4MX/s320/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry-1650563806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Pusha T</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's Almost Dry</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, 88-Keyz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Pharrell, Kanye West, No Malice, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Lil Uzi Vert, Don Toliver, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">As formerly one half of the duo Clipse, with brother (No)Malice, Pusha T has been knocking out dope effort after dope effort since his solo debut, <i>My Name Is My Name</i>. The now former President of Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music has been in the kitchen delivering more than potent follow-ups like <i>King Push: Darkest Before Dawn</i>, and especially the epic Grammy nominated offering, <i>DAYTONA</i>. After a four year absence, Pusha dropped his highly anticipated, <i>It's Almost Dry</i>. Mostly produced solely by Kanye and Pharrell, this album, while not breaking any new ground in his coke rap arena, has him coasting over arguably the best production of his solo career. Cuts like "Dreaming Of The Past", "Open Air", and the Jay-Z assisted, "Neck & Wrist" are classic Pusha and once again shows why he's among his generation's best, yet slightly underrated, emcees. While delivering an album an album that could match or even outdo <i>DAYTONA</i> would've been quite the feat for the average emcee, Pusha delivers a mighty blow with <i>It's Almost Dry</i> to where this definitely can be in the argument of Pusha's best album.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZavMWfA8zlBAAXZ9PPmINzr4dTm2CNxO0ht63z30QI3L9oey1wEq2HVDquhxJgl0vUkAkK7LXCnoqPUF6QjVM9vpByO2hdx4rwgo8BU5oemHEdlRf8PRKPh1fYaUS58JiduWjtEY7muAgQnL1jEHPyB6gLv1H22H5t5qdB4qXLmoMMRVi0LZRr1R/s600/Phife-Dawg-Forever.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZavMWfA8zlBAAXZ9PPmINzr4dTm2CNxO0ht63z30QI3L9oey1wEq2HVDquhxJgl0vUkAkK7LXCnoqPUF6QjVM9vpByO2hdx4rwgo8BU5oemHEdlRf8PRKPh1fYaUS58JiduWjtEY7muAgQnL1jEHPyB6gLv1H22H5t5qdB4qXLmoMMRVi0LZRr1R/s320/Phife-Dawg-Forever.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Phife Dawg</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Forever</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: J Dilla, Nottz, 9th Wonder, Khrysis, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Q-Tip, Posdnous, Little Brother, Darien Brockington, Redman, Illa J, Rapsody, Lyric Jones, Busta Rhymes, Maseo, V-Rich, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The hip-hop community was hurt and deeply saddened by the loss of one of its dopest emcees, Phife Dawg. The legendary "Five Foot Assassin" was the perfect supplemental emcee to Q-Tip in A Tribe Called Quest and this b-boy at heart was one of the best at his craft. Due to complications from Diabetes in 2016, his mic was put down for good. However, before he passed, he was in the process of completing his sophomore solo album in <i>Forever</i>. His debut, <i>Ventilation: Da LP</i>, was a dope effort and showed how much he could shine without Tip on the mic for a full album. With Forever, this posthumous album has him ripping up cuts like the Redman and Busta Rhymes assisted "Nutshell", "Only A Coward", and the ode to forgiveness from his lady "Sorry". Guests like Rapsody, Maseo of De La Soul, and Illa J also lend their hand in making these cuts fit the mold of the vision that Phife and business partner, DJ Rasta Root, had in mind. The tribute cuts of the previously released, "Dear Dilla" with Q-Tip doing the hook that ended up having him tribute both Phife and Dilla and "2 Live Forever" with Posdnous of De La Soul, Little Brother, and Darien Brockington both signify how much Phife meant to everyone he touched, whether as a friend or a fan. Malik Taylor was an emcee's emcee. The type that was about no gimmicks, just a pad, a pen, and a mic. If this is the only posthumous project we get from him, we will always respect and appreciate his gift to us and both he and Tribe will live on...well...forever!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BV6njz_BQ5njGs6aAzIsC2lSHSvfo5KciYu5rjQnzeJDS1ASDfQCuR75Os7yHnpkgNagJeyHuNmT9RLq_0LWZacITW8BbJuH2H0FzQ3NqoN92NgR1pwGBYudKriuoCOOK3zXBW3WvdJeoqK9Ytc18D4JHN0dmBdAsnBadvCOHnTLslMma2uEHyNW/s1400/kissthering.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BV6njz_BQ5njGs6aAzIsC2lSHSvfo5KciYu5rjQnzeJDS1ASDfQCuR75Os7yHnpkgNagJeyHuNmT9RLq_0LWZacITW8BbJuH2H0FzQ3NqoN92NgR1pwGBYudKriuoCOOK3zXBW3WvdJeoqK9Ytc18D4JHN0dmBdAsnBadvCOHnTLslMma2uEHyNW/s320/kissthering.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. Rome Streetz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Kiss The Ring</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Conductor Williams, Camouflage Monk, Denny LeFlare, The Alchemist, Sovren, Sahdugold, Green Lantern</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Armani Ceaser, Boldy James, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens-raised, Brooklyn bred underground phenom, Rome Streetz, has been an in-demand rapper for the better part of a decade now. With previous mixtape efforts like his <i>Noize Candy</i> series caused stirs in the streets, as well as other efforts like his debut, <i>Streetz Keep Calling Me</i>, it was his collaborative efforts with the likes of AHNKLEJOHN (<i>Genesis 1:27)</i>, Futurewave (<i>Razor's Edge</i>), DJ Muggs (<i>Death & The Magician</i>), and Ransom (<i>Coup De Grace</i>) that made the heads anticipate more from him. When it was reported that Gunn had signed him to Griselda, it was off to the races, and his official Griselda debut, <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, was dropped, and GOTTDAMN did it deliver. With WSG as the curator as always, he gave Rome an album that was very Griselda-esque in nature, and that's a great thing. His brand of street narratives and gritty rhymes blend in perfectly with the land that made Gunn, Conway, and Benny. Blistering cuts like "Big Steppa", "Tyson Beckford", "Soulja Boy", and "In Too Deep" are among the best cuts Rome has ever presented to the masses with their menacing, chilling production mostly handled by the Griselda in-house team. While he and Armani are like a new aged Bonnie & Clyde on "Armed & Dangerous", he also describes the life of a hustla that didn't end well on the Alchemist-crafted "Long Story Short" and keeps you in suspense upon every word he spits. Pound for pound, <i>Kiss The Ring</i> is one of the hardest debuts in recent memory and Rome Streetz, if you didn't know who he was before, has arrived and formally invites you to know him because he's not going anywhere.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBHmJl29Dj0tBpmxVa49NnbHqM6aw0DiAO4G8X0wrc5Z8-mh2uCWAxKJMm8R1FvPL9xOd7Uw7PEtO9d7lfAHO3Xle_wURk2JNX7aQfq7tJebauULJfGldBySlDMMAWv076Ru4d-XCclwcEFkrId_r30L3AYPhhM220Z7d6XAitrkrOHfPLqEJloqE/s640/hiphop50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBHmJl29Dj0tBpmxVa49NnbHqM6aw0DiAO4G8X0wrc5Z8-mh2uCWAxKJMm8R1FvPL9xOd7Uw7PEtO9d7lfAHO3Xle_wURk2JNX7aQfq7tJebauULJfGldBySlDMMAWv076Ru4d-XCclwcEFkrId_r30L3AYPhhM220Z7d6XAitrkrOHfPLqEJloqE/s320/hiphop50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. DJ Premier</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hip-Hop 50: Vol. 1</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Joey Bada$$, Nas, Remy Ma, Rapsody, Lil Wayne, Slick Rick, Run The Jewels</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hip-Hop as a culture and an artform will be fifty years old come 2023, and as a salute to the culture, various producers and beatmakers will compile compilation EPs with guest artists to present their own love letters to hip-hop. The first to drop is the ever legendary DJ Premier. Anytime there's a Preemo project, the streets are immediately tuned in, and anticipation was definitely high after it was announced he was responsible for the first installment in the <i>Hip-Hop 50</i> series. With Preemo's signature scratches and boom-bap, cuts from Joey Bada$$ ("Lettin' Off Steam") and longtime collaborator Nas ("Beat Breaks") sound custom made for them. Meanwhile, the b-girl aesthetics of the Remy Ma and Rapsody collab cut, "Remy Rap" is for the ladies that show the importance of how much they have contributed to this artform with Remy and Rapsody delivering sizzling bars. The remaining cuts with Run The Jewels ("Terrible 2s") and a surprising collab between Lil' Wayne and the timeless Slick Rick ("The Root Of All") both demonstrate Preem's ability to craft knocking production and it being enough to bring the beasts out of damn near everyone that touches the mic and attempts to glide the beat. DJ Premier is an icon of this game and he has set the bar with this first installment of <i>Hip-Hop 50</i>, that will see later installments from the likes of Hit-Boy, The-Dream, Swizz Beats, No I.D., and Mike WILL Made It. This will be a truly fun series to show how hip-hop has impacted every genre and sector of the world, and Preemo just gave heads a blueprint of the future of this series.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgmD6CBLtMIk1EyggKi_wBzrDTKYLUiJ6gZKA2-k1W29e5ltBw7mrVhyunkjyf7NRSoMFmY9E2BwVIikpx5ksL26_WDyqVvgNAXbfps7uclFBBWK7MZdQuVQR_BiVhEyXsoZvjS_gLM5UqtF6nqem06ETusmX1rlcL9hb2C9JqtOt6E1ce-DUJ2jG/s600/Roc%20Marciano%20&%20The%20Alchemist-%20The%20Elephant%20Man's%20Bones.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgmD6CBLtMIk1EyggKi_wBzrDTKYLUiJ6gZKA2-k1W29e5ltBw7mrVhyunkjyf7NRSoMFmY9E2BwVIikpx5ksL26_WDyqVvgNAXbfps7uclFBBWK7MZdQuVQR_BiVhEyXsoZvjS_gLM5UqtF6nqem06ETusmX1rlcL9hb2C9JqtOt6E1ce-DUJ2jG/s320/Roc%20Marciano%20&%20The%20Alchemist-%20The%20Elephant%20Man's%20Bones.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Roc Marciano & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Elephant Man's Bones</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Action Bronson, Ice-T, Boldy James, Knowledge The Pirate</p><p style="text-align: left;">Has there been anyone within the past decade that has brought NYC the type of underground resurgence that Roc Marciano has? He started the past decade in 2010 with his debut, <i>Marcberg</i>, and was immediately hailed as an instant classic with thumper after thumper, and his follow-up, <i>Reloaded</i>, was even harder, as people were comparing these two albums to the likes of Mobb Deep's classics, <i>The</i> <i>Infamous</i> and <i>Hell On Earth</i> in terms of thunderous breakout and the follow-up that made as much of an impact. From there, Marci has dropped fantastic efforts such as <i>Marci Beaucoup</i>, <i>Rosebudd's Revenge</i>, <i>RR2: The Bitter Dose</i>, his Muggs collab <i>Kaos</i>, <i>Behold A Dark Horse</i>, and <i>Marcialago</i>. However, anticipation was building as Uncle Al announced he was collaborating with him and it finally dropped with <i>The Elephant Man's Bones</i>. From tracks they've don e together such as <i>Reloaded</i>'s "Flash Gordon" to the <i>Greneburg </i>EP with Alchemist and Oh No as Gangrene linked with Marci for a KNOCKOUT EP, one can kinda imagine the magic these two would have for a whole project, and the result is arguably Marci's project in years. Alchemist provided Marci with the production of his career (as Alan The Chemist tends to do with artists, ask the likes of Armand Hammer). Marci sounds as refreshed as we've ever heard him. He sounds even more cocky, yet deliberate and psychological, on here with cuts like "JJ Flash", "Deja Vu" the absolutely elegant sounding title track, and "Quantum Leap". His ability to be as vivid with his Ron O' Neal meets Nino Brown person a is at times fascinating when done right, not to mention his wit and humor on most tracks. Al's usage of 80s synth mixed with a snapping drum lick on the humorous assisting with Action Bronson, "Daddy Kane", is a fun cut that still has its undertones of <i>Dolemite</i> within it. Simply put, this album is special. Marci and Al is a union that hip-hop needs to have had a long time ago and the results of their first full album together is one that we'll be going back to over and over again these next few years for sure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SeFDqNjSKXaPtF28SiWjMZmnjdf_UFLv_z89WjtCLD4QivqLt7dGrcGJC_kGK8f5fCvUS4weWj4EdpLOUaBAyVyfATHV8ES0tpPc2G1TfeQBDqjhu8_SAQJJ8W_ZECzBM2LsHTUO1UzKLAza4DTrUy-d-Mfdtl3L1qHGzFdw_UPLziN9c7DYnDhO/s1280/drillmusic.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SeFDqNjSKXaPtF28SiWjMZmnjdf_UFLv_z89WjtCLD4QivqLt7dGrcGJC_kGK8f5fCvUS4weWj4EdpLOUaBAyVyfATHV8ES0tpPc2G1TfeQBDqjhu8_SAQJJ8W_ZECzBM2LsHTUO1UzKLAza4DTrUy-d-Mfdtl3L1qHGzFdw_UPLziN9c7DYnDhO/s320/drillmusic.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. Lupe Fiasco</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Drill Music In Zion</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Soundtrakk</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Nayirah, Ayesha JAco</p><p style="text-align: left;">Lupe Fiasco is considered one of the best of his style of rap. His intelligent and insightful lyricism has been the catalyst for albums such as his classic debut, <i>Food & Liquor</i>, its equally incredible, <i>The Cool</i>, the exceptional <i>Tetsuo & Youth</i>, and the very engaging, yet slightly overlooked and heavy, <i>DROGAS Wave</i>. The Chi-town native also has had some efforts such as <i>Lasers</i>, <i>Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album</i>, and <i>DROGAS Light</i> that although ambitious enough to keep your eyes and ears on him, didn't fare up as well as the other aforementioned ones. However, earlier in the year, his producer Soundtrakk promised Lupe's next album would be "<i>Illmatic</i>-esque". Stating things like that means you have to have practically a new holy grail of hip-hop with this effort. With his eighth album, <i>Drill Music In Zion</i>, he's not incredibly far off. Fiasco spits conscious and at times cautionary rhymes over some of Soundtrakk's best produced work. With him tackling areas such as the sabotaging, from a cultural and artistic standpoint, of hip-hop, the trickery of consumerism, and the need for us as a people and a community to rise up from the facades of what we're faced with, he's a very needed voice and speaks with passion and a bit of pessimism. Cuts like "Ms. Mural", "Precious Things", "Naomi", and the closer "On Faux Nem" are so in tune with the dangers of commercialism and how certain styles of our artform are poisonous and likely contributing to the tragedies of our culture like a frustrated and concerned parent. Over mostly jazzy boom-bap and slick melodies, Soundtrakk gave Lupe a fitting musical backdrop for every single cut on this effort. Is this album the new <i>Illmatic</i>? I'd say not, but is it in the conversation for his best album ever? One could definitely make that argument. Gone are the themes and concepts of heady material that he's mostly been known for and now included are just him speaking from his heart and doing so in such brutally honest fashion. Definitely among the most important albums of the year, Lupe has constructed a phenomenal album needed for times as this.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCbucD3GfsXw-oSeW-fi-qCDFtPNkwIBmTBIGYjhFkvXg3vvAAOvFWbjuTZzQ-V7uaWrFaVbfyKUwnucpVH8PkQR70Ht2cEfTg8bVrKc6z7WhUVW1Pv4KQWJlISE5bHX-8B_-ZhtHsuDNfDiu5YCpGLcqh8cqVkOAq_IQ4-bYvzL8j-Vr5-LkhB3y/s600/Black-Star-Yasiin-Bey-Mos-Def-Talib-Kweli-No-Fear-of-Time-2022.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCbucD3GfsXw-oSeW-fi-qCDFtPNkwIBmTBIGYjhFkvXg3vvAAOvFWbjuTZzQ-V7uaWrFaVbfyKUwnucpVH8PkQR70Ht2cEfTg8bVrKc6z7WhUVW1Pv4KQWJlISE5bHX-8B_-ZhtHsuDNfDiu5YCpGLcqh8cqVkOAq_IQ4-bYvzL8j-Vr5-LkhB3y/s320/Black-Star-Yasiin-Bey-Mos-Def-Talib-Kweli-No-Fear-of-Time-2022.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. Black Star</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>No Fear Of Time</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of hip-hop most treasured pure hip-hop albums possibly of all-time dropped in '98 when Brooklyn's Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli came together as Black Star nd dropped <i>Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star</i> to universal acclaim and praise. For over two decades, heads wanted a follow-up to that magical album. Twenty-four years after their debut, they finally give us what we've been waiting for in the form of <i>No Fear Of Time</i>. Before we get started here, yes, this isn't solidly mixed as this was reportedly done on the road with Madlib and not much time to do proper mixing so it does sound...for lack of a better term bootleg at times. However, the spirit of this album, with the evil genius himself, Madlib, sonically crafting this effort, is as solid as it gets. Times have changed for both men within their professional and personal lives as this album is a little heavier in content and admittedly at times the chemistry is a tad off, or at least not as cleverly meshed as their debut, but with this being their first album in over twenty years, some slack may be needed to cut. The brilliant "Loop Digga" blessed them with some of his trademarked style of jazz meets avant-garde style production on cuts like "So Be It", "The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing", and especially "Sweetheart, Sweethard, Sweettod" which are all as soulful as they are excellent backdrops for Black Star for these particular cuts. Those looking for a sequel of their debut will be disappointed, but as a stand alone album, this was a great return for two modern hip-hop legends and an equally legendary producer. Their brand of socio-political commentary and community uplifting is as poignant now as it ever was musically as well as off the mic. As excellent as this album is, imagine if this album were to have been crafted with more time? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66q33_58jam7yY3xq5yZP1HX6j-3X3w2B3dfKcFcaCbDXQrYRLTWVV5PSHmC_oHbnAFED-X_VHamLe3cKCVseXAx3f8yxBXzJtE3w8uHmngav7UUUBN1f1V-oR7JEbtNRVCdcJvr0xWn_Psu_iROeU5wvfJ9azLchpIJWsYCv1-NM2sl7hLytV42z/s1280/denzelcurrymelt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66q33_58jam7yY3xq5yZP1HX6j-3X3w2B3dfKcFcaCbDXQrYRLTWVV5PSHmC_oHbnAFED-X_VHamLe3cKCVseXAx3f8yxBXzJtE3w8uHmngav7UUUBN1f1V-oR7JEbtNRVCdcJvr0xWn_Psu_iROeU5wvfJ9azLchpIJWsYCv1-NM2sl7hLytV42z/s320/denzelcurrymelt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Denzel Curry</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Robert Glaspar, Karreim Riggins, Thundercat, Kenny Beats, DJ Khalyl, Dot Da Genius, Kal Banx, Powers Pleasent, JPEGMAFIA, Cardo, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Young Florida rapper, Denzel Curry, is primarily known for his energetic, rah-rah style raps much like most of today's generation of rappers. His infectious energy has bled over with occasional glimpses of transparency and honesty with dope albums such as his debut, <i>Imperial,</i> his collab with producer Kenny Beats <i>Unlocked</i>, <i>Zuu</i>, and especially his breakout album, <i>TA1313OO</i>. Psychedelic mixed with energetic trap is mostly the sound of young Curry. He wanted to mix it up a bit in 2022 and the resulting album, <i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i>, is an effort most didn't see coming. Transparent, vulnerable, and self-aware, this album really has him expanding his artistry lyrically and musically. Aiming for more of an overall jazzy sound and lush arrangements within the production, Denzel goes full grown man with this album that also reflects his maturation as an artist. From the jump, he has Grammy Award-winning jazz composer/producer Robert Glaspar for the opener, "Melt Session #1" and we can already have a sense of the musical and lyrical direction he's trying to go towards. While other cuts like "Walking", "John Wayne", and T-Pain assisted "Troubles" don't stray far from his typical style and sound of rap, it's other cuts like the Saul Williams, Bridget Perez assisted "Mental", "The Worst", and "Angels" that are beautifully put together and so honest with his thoughts on these cuts that it almost sounds like a new beginning for Mr. Curry. Denzel Curry has made a career album with <i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i>, and quite truthfully stands as his most ambitious work to date in every capacity.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLAd4jSwETalFcpyUWgGSkFYRvD2oTtVI5CW05Y9FjFq29U7U_j29IP0urM-H60OQ6Twpt_cc6x15iRKR4HDC0vvLoEDc0aQi_ymG2ITbSgDB_AsI6w_8j6wPlpny21yfTVya6vLVhIod69EfXsf_jZD3xOPX9anMGrGrNoYaIlylnBOcIzdWVawA/s640/kd3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLAd4jSwETalFcpyUWgGSkFYRvD2oTtVI5CW05Y9FjFq29U7U_j29IP0urM-H60OQ6Twpt_cc6x15iRKR4HDC0vvLoEDc0aQi_ymG2ITbSgDB_AsI6w_8j6wPlpny21yfTVya6vLVhIod69EfXsf_jZD3xOPX9anMGrGrNoYaIlylnBOcIzdWVawA/s320/kd3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Nas</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>King's Disease III</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: N/A</p><p style="text-align: left;">As if this man needs an introduction. Nasir Jones has done it again folks. Like a fine wine, Nas gets better with age seemingly. The man that made the greatest rap album of existence in <i>Illmatic</i> makes it look easy nowadays. These last few years, since 2020 especially, has seen a career resurgence like we've never seen before for someone near fifty years of age. After the intriguing, yet admittedly very rushed, letdown that was the Kanye-crafted <i>Nasir</i>, he linked up with (at that time) Grammy nominated producer Hit-Boy to deliver 2020's <i>King's Disease</i>, and the album was a very promising return to the Nas of at least the <i>Life Is Good</i> days with overall very dope production. From there, he dropped the near-classic sequel <i>King's Disease II </i>in 2021 and was lyrically fully recharged and focus as we've heard from him in years over some of the best Hit-Boy production to date, only to follow that up with a surprise album around the holidays with <i>Magic</i> that was more stripped down but was equally as crazy. It was clear Nas was back and back with a vengeance. After winning the Grammy for <i>King's Disease</i>, both Nas and Hit-Boy absolutely knew they were on to something special. After <i>KD2</i> and <i>Magic</i>, the anticipation was on for <i>KD3,</i> and guess what folks? They delivered in grand fashion. Nas and Hit-B oy presented <i>King's Disease III</i> in perhaps the most varied production of the series plus <i>Magic</i>. The always wise and painfully intelligent emcee spits like he's in his twenties again and damn near for the fun of it. Hit-Boy's sounds vary from slightly trap-esque sounds to boom-bap to west coast synths to soulful slickness, and Nasir sounds incredible over all of them. Take for instance his NASTY sampling of The Five Heartbeats "A Heart Is A House For Love" with Eddie King Jr squalling and put a snappy drum lick underneath (YES GOD!). Nas fit that production like hand-in-glove. Picture this all over the album. Nas has always been arguably the most gifted emcee of his or any generation, but <i>KD3</i> reminds us that he hasn't let up one single bit, in fact, he's more dangerous than ever before as he's a ton more mature, a ton more wise, and a ton more sharp. Along with Hit-Boy, they may be the best emcee-producer pairing in all of hip-hop today.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYLrPnmGWwOPjXG9JAK4isFPngitczsyc0JaGquNGlvnRQ3QSF5p5WMvaxd4C6hk19fegmiqyVDU9K2m3zIp7zDP64QRKU1kVPDQxQe47Gy2fWUwcFUivup_0wdOeGervjvte61Y7v0YqiQu5z7ta0jjHGjpxBBuCM5zK6AGCcrX-SbSnSw5Vn7MY/s1599/Pearce-Kendrick-Lamar-MrMorale-Site.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1599" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYLrPnmGWwOPjXG9JAK4isFPngitczsyc0JaGquNGlvnRQ3QSF5p5WMvaxd4C6hk19fegmiqyVDU9K2m3zIp7zDP64QRKU1kVPDQxQe47Gy2fWUwcFUivup_0wdOeGervjvte61Y7v0YqiQu5z7ta0jjHGjpxBBuCM5zK6AGCcrX-SbSnSw5Vn7MY/s320/Pearce-Kendrick-Lamar-MrMorale-Site.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Kendrick Lamar</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, DJ Dahi, Black Noi$e, Sounwave, Bekon, Boi-1nda, The Alchemist, Pharrell Williams, DJ Khalyl, FnZ, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Baby Keem, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, BLXST, Sampha, Kodak Black, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">If there's one thing we can say about Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, it's that the Compton emcee is among the most gifted emcees with a pen possibly ever. His unique insight on the world and his own life is both courageous and engaging. From his excellent <i>Section.80</i> mixtape to his major label debut, the unforgettable <i>good kid, M.A.A.D. City</i>, its follow-up, the breathtaking and jarring <i>To Pimp A Butterfly</i>, the phenomenal <i>Untitled. Unmastered</i> to the massive <i>DAMN</i>, Kendrick has been that reluctant star that's a generational talent. Anytime we hear of a full project from him on the way, the world pays very close attention. After five years since <i>DAMN</i> got released to the masses, he finally drops<i> Mr. Morale & The High Steppers</i>. This twenty track double release is a roller coaster of emotions more than any album he's done. Dealing with subjects like depression, anxiety, confronting trauma, and his own complexity, Kendrick has clearly gone through it on this effort. From the moment we get into the opener, "United In Grief", we are on a ride. With enjoyable cuts like "Die Hard", "Rich Spirit", and "Crown" that are dope bumpers in themselves, there are far other cuts that exhibit the stunning nature of his brilliant concepts combined with spitting his own type of diary on the mic. The cut, "We Cry Together" with actress Taylour Paige is startling. A depiction of an extremely toxic relationship that reaches cringy status but is reflective of so many relationships within our community behind closed doors. Also cuts like "Auntie Diaries" and "Mother I Sober" tackle homosexuality, homophobia, family secrets and how family tends to deal with all their issues in such sad and poisonous ways. These ways and these images helped shape Kendrick to the man he would end up becoming and prompting brutal self examinations within himself. Production is mostly soulful, occasionally jazzy, but with elements of trap, 808 synth, and funk, which Kendrick does amazingly well. His need to be a better partner to his woman (who does a great job narrating a portion of the album) and to his family has him tackling these hard truths. The acceptance of his flaws and faults is exhibited on the great cut "Savior", while other cuts like the engrossing "Count Me Out" sees him reaching into his confessional, yet proud, bag for anyone who doubts him in life. Kendrick's newest epic is definitely his most ambitious, but also is most intriguing. For <i>Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers</i>, Kendrick is showing us what's in his raw, unfiltered mirror and although it's not for the faint of heart at times, from a concept level or a lyrical level, it's his most brave attempt at stripping everything down to where he's "nobody's savior", but he's as human as everyone else.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJakPC8s-o7CMtGP30MNRqEGe-4__8o9qPTEKqFe7FNSpUaEZbPgpUjLaaKw5lxrf_WU_NcEyYCsKE00leXUYdVqZj2ykMmlt3csvZNnC2qzVXowlALjKaKqjmby99oUcnXFYW5k9pfmifpxJ8Ho-e1KPIau0_6dk8LF7aD0mTvmxriF2IGzhYDLVg/s500/theforeverstory.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJakPC8s-o7CMtGP30MNRqEGe-4__8o9qPTEKqFe7FNSpUaEZbPgpUjLaaKw5lxrf_WU_NcEyYCsKE00leXUYdVqZj2ykMmlt3csvZNnC2qzVXowlALjKaKqjmby99oUcnXFYW5k9pfmifpxJ8Ho-e1KPIau0_6dk8LF7aD0mTvmxriF2IGzhYDLVg/s320/theforeverstory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. JID</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Forever Story</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Monte Booker, DJ Dahi, Thundercat, Khrysis, Childish Major, Cardiak, DJ Khalyl, KAYTRANADA, Hollywood Cole, Christo, BADBADNOTGOOD, Elite, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ari Lennox, Kenny Mason, Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Baby Tate, Johnta Austin, EARTHGANG, Lil Durk, Yasiin Bey, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Atlanta's JID is skilled. Very highly damn skilled. From his writing to his rapid-fire delivery, JID is arguably the most talented emcee on the roster of Dreamville who's name isn't Jermaine Cole. His debut album, <i>The Never Story</i>, was a very dope inkling into what we would be in for, and <i>DiCaprio 2</i>, was every bit as great and further displayed his ability to keep us in tune just thanks to his penmanship. With more and more people tuning in to JID and catching on to his burgeoning stardom. He went for the gusto with his 2022 offering, <i>The Forever Story</i>. A subsequent extension of <i>The Never Story</i>, this album is on another level. While slightly more in-depth and introspective, he still boasts a great deal of how he belongs in this game and brings humor, wit, honesty, and pride over some of the most ambitious, yet bumping, production of his career courtesy of the likes of Dahi, Monte Christo, Khrysis, and others that has him comfortably handling his business in styles ranging from melodic to rapid-fire to even him letting out some crooning vocals on the cut "Sistanem". Family is a big part of what makes up the man behind JID, and cuts like the aforementioned "Sistanem", Bruddanem", and "Kody Blu 31" are very reflecting of it. More vulnerable and personal than on albums past, he lets us in while being fearless about doing so. Other cuts like the surprising yet hot collab with Yasiin Bey, "Starz", the funky collab with labelmates EARTHGANG, "Can't Punk Me", and the sizzling "Raydar" are more examples of how JID is not only an excellent visionary, but how versatile of an artist and lyricist he can be. JID's ambition on <i>The Forever Story</i> is telling for the future, and shows how far he can go as an artist. As incredible as this album is, he's till scratching the surface on how amazing he's GONNA be.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_ObpbRkrcdGHBH_kBO3IniN6SvP2YOyGlh6uNNlwGrox-PLY2UnQKJWl4pcIEAtS0kjDyQ-3e0fh-vwMGKD6DpwB_aTdeWdenPcEkzAWsYgLvPk3lX1E4ZnrSNddOi2bjRvxdEF7JYhkV-LeHQvZJu4k8VqzfBTIiXN8g6sfLTrdtulnGjnvYOk/s600/cheatcodes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="600" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_ObpbRkrcdGHBH_kBO3IniN6SvP2YOyGlh6uNNlwGrox-PLY2UnQKJWl4pcIEAtS0kjDyQ-3e0fh-vwMGKD6DpwB_aTdeWdenPcEkzAWsYgLvPk3lX1E4ZnrSNddOi2bjRvxdEF7JYhkV-LeHQvZJu4k8VqzfBTIiXN8g6sfLTrdtulnGjnvYOk/s320/cheatcodes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Black Thought & Danger Mouse</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheat Codes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Danger Mouse</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Raekwon, Joey Badass, Russ, MF DOOM, A$AP Rocky, Run The Jewels, Kid Sister, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought, is seen as one of the most technical emcees on the planet. The longtime lead emcee of The Roots has been revered from everything from his penmanship and delivery to his his breath control on the mic, which is an underrated and underappreciated skill to have. Thought has never been known to not perfectly glide over a beat and make the cut shine instead of the track shining for him. Over the past few years, the Philly rhyme animal has been collaborating with producers such as 9th Wonder, Sean C & LV, and Salaam Remi for his dumb dope <i>Streams Of Thought</i> series. While we wait on the next Roots album in 2023, we were blessed with an album that had reportedly been a long time in the making and release. He got together with Grammy Award winning producer and half of Gnarls Barkley, Danger Mouse, to bring forth <i>Cheat Codes</i>. For the unaware or sleeping, Danger Mouse is a producer that has worked with the likes of artists ranging from Beck to Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Gorillaz to A$AP Rocky and the late, great MF DOOM for the simply tremendous, <i>The Mouse & The Mask</i>. In fact it's his first hip-hop album since '05 with the aforementioned <i>Mouse & The Mask</i>. Black Thought is a scientist over this eclectic, yet exquisite, production from Mouse. He technically constructs his lyricism to Mouse's varied sounds of 70s psychedelic, 80s synth, dusty drums, and moody production. Nothing extremely conceptual here, just Thought blazing cuts like "Sometimes", the title track, and "No Gold Teeth" and even with cohorts on this album such as Run The Jewels (can we please get an RTJ/Danger Mouse collab album PLEASE?), Conway The Machine, A$AP Rocky and Raekwon, he stands ten toes in with them to where he still reminds them who owns the track, in spite of great lyrical performances by each of the prior mentioned and more. There's even a cut that features a posthumous verse from MF DOOM as DangerDoom reunited on the dazzling "Belize" and the thought of BT and DOOM as a duo brings shivers and brings to mind "What would've happened if they would've done a whole project together?" The occasionally spooky, moody, dusty, psych production mixed with crispy drums and organ sounds of Mouse are the muse for Black Thought's intrinsic lyricism to produce a phenomenal album in <i>Cheat Codes</i>. This is hip-hop that belongs for both the purist and curious of the culture that extends beyond the current trends we see today. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat65LGqFNCOue9uelpVqKJ8-K1_LqLBKtM8aNsOTtM-hj2nk60UCLi_hyHottLLJReOLP9ta5k4oOIg1Gq__5cCKA19tg2MJWZ0V3LejKIKZvhA6Qqgc6cMgAuQQriHZoq1yNIKU_tA_UvZ1YuLZz3XnQKvRe0GUQsl2I2WyqG3-x_-TLQW2wzEVk/s600/Conway-the-Machine.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat65LGqFNCOue9uelpVqKJ8-K1_LqLBKtM8aNsOTtM-hj2nk60UCLi_hyHottLLJReOLP9ta5k4oOIg1Gq__5cCKA19tg2MJWZ0V3LejKIKZvhA6Qqgc6cMgAuQQriHZoq1yNIKU_tA_UvZ1YuLZz3XnQKvRe0GUQsl2I2WyqG3-x_-TLQW2wzEVk/s320/Conway-the-Machine.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Hit-Boy, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Beat Butcha, Bink!, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, T.I. Novel, Jill Scott, Beanie Sigel, 7xvedagenius, Jae Skeeze, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">While Griselda has clearly had another stellar year of releases (see earlier for Benny, Armani, Rome, and Gunn), there was one effort that was the true standout above every other Griselda effort, and that distinction goes to Conway The Machine. The forty year old Buffalo native has progressively earned more and more of a following. Since his breakout mixtape, <i>Reject 2</i>, Conway has been on more and more radars. With other projects such as <i>The Blakk Tape</i>, <i>Look What I've Become</i>, <i>Reject On Steroids</i>, and the most recent full-length <i>From King To A God</i>, Conway has not only been evolving as a lyricist, but also as an overall artist. He finally hits his zenith with his Griselda/Shady 2022 offering, <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>. He promised this would be his best album, and boy does he live up to this statement. While still incorporating his threatening guntalk on cuts like the Beanie Sigel-assisted "Lock N Load", the obligatory WSG/Benny/Conway cut "John Woo Flick", and the very eerie Alchemist-blessed "Piano Love", it's the more introspective moments that are truly the calling card here. On the cut, "Stress", this cut is jarring just in terms of how in detail he goes of what causes his depression and how he deals with it all. Raw and very honest, Conway exposes his mind and heart in a manner that anyone could likely relate to. Similarly on "Guilty", he goes in just as honestly and with the melancholy title track, he goes into the day he got shot and nearly killed in what some have referred to as "The Cow Pt. 2", which is a cut on Gunn's <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 4</i> and what was called the verse of his career and rightfully so. The frankness and emotion in this cut is wrenching, especially when his mother makes an appearance at the end of the cut. Other cuts such as the T.I.-assisted, Hit-Boy constructed "Wild Chapters", the surprising Jill Scott collaboration (she spits here y'all) "Chanel Pearls", and the damn menacing "Drumwork" featuring his artists 7XVETHEGENIUS and Jae Skeeze are all indicative of Conway's mixture of gunpowder and tears on this exceptional album. The most complete and defining album of his career, Conway has finally arrived with <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i> and has this generational album to show for it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & Big Ghost LTD- <i>What Has Been Blessed Can't Be Cursed</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Kool G. Rap- <i>Last Of A Dying Breed</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">redveil- <i>Learn 2 Swim</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Black Soprano Family- <i>Long Live DJ Shay</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Czarface- <i>Czarmageddon</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mach-Hommy & Tha God Fahim- <i>Dollar Menu 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir- <i>Food For Thought</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Jay Worthy- <i>What They Hittin' 4?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Flee Lord- <i>Prey For The Evil 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne & Stu Bangas- <i>My Life Iz A Movie</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne- <i>Beautiful Payne 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne- <i>If Cocaine Could Talk 7</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom- <i>No Rest For The Wicked</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Nicholas Craven- <i>Craven N3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">V-DON- <i>Better Than $$$</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">38 Spesh- <i>7 Shots</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">38 Spesh & Harry Fraud- <i>Beyond Belief</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RZA as Bobby Digital- <i>Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim & Your Old Droog- Wolf Of Wall Street 2: The American Dream</p><p style="text-align: left;">Jay Worthy & Harry Fraud- <i>You Take The Credit, We'll Take The Check</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog- <i>YOD Stewart</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog- <i>The Shining</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog- <i>YODney Dangerfield</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog- <i>The YODfather</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Smootvth & Machacha- <i>Subcriminal Thoughts</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">AJ Suede & Televengel- <i>Metatron's Cube</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elzhi & Georgia Anne Maldrow- <i>Zhigeist</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>6 Ring Champ</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">IAMGAWD- <i>Murder Castle</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elcamino & Camouflage Monk- <i>Walk By Faith, Not By Sight</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Prodigy- <i>The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book Of Heroine</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jermiside- <i>The Overview Effect</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">ELUCID- <i>I Told Bessie</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Nyce Da Future & Eto- <i>Forever Mobbin</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Apathy & Stu Bangas- <i>King Of God, No Second</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Open Mike Eagle- <i>Component System With The Auto Reverse</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">MAVI- <i>Laughing So Hard It Hurts</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Marlowe-<i> Marlowe 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Sadistik & Kno- <i>Bring Me Back When The World Is Cured</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Futurewave- <i>Mr. Ten08</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Boldy James & Real Bad Man- <i>Killing Nothing</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bun B & Statik Selektah- <i>TrillStatik 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jeezy & DJ Drama- <i>Snofall</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Coast Contra- <i>Apt. 505</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bloodmoney Perez & Messiah Muzik- <i>Second Hand Accounts</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">ShrapKnel<i>- Metal Lung</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vinnie Paz- <i>Tortured In The Name of God's Unconditional Love</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha Musalini & 9th Wonder- <i>The Don & Eye</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha Musalini & Khrysis- <i>Pure IZM</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hus Kingpin; <i>Bjorkingpin</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bun B & Cory Mo- <i>Mo Trill</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Termanology & Statik Selektah- <i>Start 2 Finish</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rapper Big Pooh- <i>To Dream In Color</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">MIKE- <i>Beware Of The Monkey</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Duke Deuce- <i>Memphis Massacre 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">As a bonus, I've decided to include twenty of the best cuts of 2022. Whether singles or non-album cuts, these are cuts that, if you haven't peeped them already, you need to do so ASAP. Here we go...in no particular order!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">1. Conway The Machine- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHbQUzkhFAk">Stress</a>" (production: Daringer)</p><p style="text-align: left;">2. Benny The Butcher feat. 38 Spesh- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgDPNeC4xGI">Uncle Bun</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">3. Nas- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmjKiQLPQ4I">Legit</a>" (production: Hit-Boy)</p><p style="text-align: left;">4. Little Simz- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T4q06XDjlI">Broken</a>" (Production: Inflo)</p><p style="text-align: left;">5. Westside Gunn feat. Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ygp_nO_onc">Science Class</a>" (production: Swizz Beats)</p><p style="text-align: left;">6. Curren$y & The Alchemist- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh7vK3n6Zew">Kool & The Gang</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">7. Earl Sweatshirt- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRA4zbSR8V4">Old Friend</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">8. Prodigy- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrzKGEixdI4">Walk Out</a>" (production: DJ Premier)</p><p style="text-align: left;">9. Denzel Curry feat. Bridget Perez, Saul Williams- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtRv1xAkPkQ">Mental</a>" (production: J Gramm & Mike Hector)</p><p style="text-align: left;">10. Benny The Butcher feat. Diddy- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN9fByQRU5M">Ten More Crack Commandments</a>" (production: Daringer)</p><p style="text-align: left;">11. Joey Bada$$- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMe80LEeQcE">Survivor's Guilt</a>" (production: Rahki)</p><p style="text-align: left;">12. Che Noir feat. 38 Spesh, Ransom- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Z57539Y3s">Table For 3</a>" (production: artist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">13. Conway The Machine- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxkDQjFEuss">God Don't Make Mistakes</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">14. Armani Ceaser feat. Westside Gunn- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwwbBiMFBrI">Paula Deen</a>" (production: Camouflage Monk)</p><p style="text-align: left;">15. Rome Streetz- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llq5CEjlgJs">Long Story Short</a>" (production: The Alchemist)</p><p style="text-align: left;">16. Lupe Fiasco- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cusyJRNX7YU">Ms. Mural</a>" (production: Soundtrakk)</p><p style="text-align: left;">17. Quelle Chris feat. MoRuf, Pink Siifu- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPGJafOUrXc">The Sky Is Blue Because The Sunset Is Red</a>" (production: artist & Knxwledge)</p><p style="text-align: left;">18. Vince Staples- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Un0nhTbzMk">WHEN SPARKS FLY</a>" (production: Frano)</p><p style="text-align: left;">19. Kendrick Lamar- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GhhVHpPR_M">Count Me Out</a>" (production: artist, Sounwave, & DJ Dahi)</p><p style="text-align: left;">20. billy woods & Preservation- "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e4g5L36hAI">Remorseless</a>" (production: Preservation)</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As you can see (and hear), 2022 was one of the best years within past several. Incredible releases from several artists, and don't get it fooled, there were plenty of others that dropped excellent material that deserve to get heard. As for 2023, efforts from Skyzoo, Schoolboy Q, Rapsody, Che Noir, J. Cole, Oddisee, Meyhem Lauren, Curren$y and NUMEROUS projects from Boldy James leave plenty of room for 2023 to be every bit as flames as 2022 has been. Keep your ears to the streets and your eyes on the right sites to stay up to date on the latest and upcoming releases. Until next year folks!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-20043490011987971052022-11-24T13:17:00.000-08:002022-11-24T13:17:00.961-08:00Best Griselda Releases (updated)<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVYwW-lS4oasKPGVppxZbRQicHvZJrK9JawaFP4lQ7QvFtqii2Rkpr_usglaCB1WhmaFhDJKq0k_Jg2qfw6HyiFI6U97NNo1_TTpfguqI6dN74JWD3IBRYq6Gl_5aqJV1SMqJMu6MDqEBdnvzkQfX3t4sswc9ZeUdWPVIKdPhBKrWQ0uRAY3UkHpg/s640/640px-Griselda-records-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="640" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVYwW-lS4oasKPGVppxZbRQicHvZJrK9JawaFP4lQ7QvFtqii2Rkpr_usglaCB1WhmaFhDJKq0k_Jg2qfw6HyiFI6U97NNo1_TTpfguqI6dN74JWD3IBRYq6Gl_5aqJV1SMqJMu6MDqEBdnvzkQfX3t4sswc9ZeUdWPVIKdPhBKrWQ0uRAY3UkHpg/s320/640px-Griselda-records-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>It comes as no surprise that Griselda has become arguably the most in-demand and consistent crews/labels in all of hip-hop. For over a decade, the Westside Gunn-founded label has become synonymous with raw- street-heavy NYC hip-hop that takes people back to the 90s with the likes of Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang. Along with the likes of Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, and newer additions such as Armani Ceaser, Rome Streetz, and Boldy James, Griselda has been on the heavy momentum bubble at the very least since 2016, but over these past four years especially, Griselda has carved their own niche on hip-hop that will be talked about for years to come. With that being said, let's get into the (updated) top 25 Griselda releases to date. LFG!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflIEQdv4nNmArIJvbahx1-e1f1Ma25QClym-kMYM8AJ_RPC2JiJG3liF1TNVi_rh6eO6Ob9RysKmkRHQyajSwbeh8cqcpNdbGqTq_57SlMJmH551W2mIejPUgokuKgG1uzIyREdsJsIddzlqHVoa0xjNd2jJyLfJcVZwJNMkyzenXKqyTjoP6BnPv/s250/lulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="250" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflIEQdv4nNmArIJvbahx1-e1f1Ma25QClym-kMYM8AJ_RPC2JiJG3liF1TNVi_rh6eO6Ob9RysKmkRHQyajSwbeh8cqcpNdbGqTq_57SlMJmH551W2mIejPUgokuKgG1uzIyREdsJsIddzlqHVoa0xjNd2jJyLfJcVZwJNMkyzenXKqyTjoP6BnPv/s1600/lulu.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">25. Conway The Machine & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>LULU</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Schoolboy Q, Cormega</p><p style="text-align: center;">We start off with "The Machine" of the crew, the always verbally and lyrically assertive Conway and his much anticipated collaboration with one of hip-hop's most prolific and engrossing producers, The Alchemist, for their album, <i>LULU</i>. Filled with Uncle Al's hypnotic boom-bap, Conway's aggressive lyricism is an excellent matchup and the results became another win for both guys. While only clocking in at seven tracks, there's zero filler here and it ranks among both men's knockouts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAe97SijL3oqwxYnD9iL_huzOMwThs5D1PNuzBsOCJ-O7QwgfZ5QEaOVvUPNJHDPBBjPUWI5o9BkKcTjG4sH6GLliHL5rB0VFZ2Dau4ixZIOA9dVzOBcMmjEfUQP_HWV_FuYqTJOwZ4a5u-59x-YirOyAW0w6zLUaKZVA-QY6uqq7tNSzHSFRfMs9/s500/peaceflygod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAe97SijL3oqwxYnD9iL_huzOMwThs5D1PNuzBsOCJ-O7QwgfZ5QEaOVvUPNJHDPBBjPUWI5o9BkKcTjG4sH6GLliHL5rB0VFZ2Dau4ixZIOA9dVzOBcMmjEfUQP_HWV_FuYqTJOwZ4a5u-59x-YirOyAW0w6zLUaKZVA-QY6uqq7tNSzHSFRfMs9/s320/peaceflygod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">24. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Peace FLY God</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Madlib, Conductor Williams, Don Cerrera</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Estee Nack, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: center;">As a precursor to what was supposed to be Gunn's <i>MICHELLE RECORDS</i>, his "mixtape" Peace "FLY" God developed its own heavy buzz and the result was ten tracks of that classic heat from the "Flygod". The majority of production was handled from relatively unknown producer, Don Cerrera, but his brand of vocal loop-heavy production fits into the style that Gunn elegantly does mic work over. This was also a clear showcase for Griselda's next-in-line Stove God Cook$ and underground NY emcee Estee Nack throughout most of the project. However, it was hip-hop production vanguardian, Madlib, that provided arguably the two most incredible beats on the album with "Horses On Sunset" and "Open Praise", but still WSG floats all over each track he's on and this was a great addition to his discography.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwWaWW18HLO5GK8FmPre6zO3HT5_AL9rAEkh1hNzyqCmgF1kXRQxu20FXTcpnb3FxyNqeE3ekF2gFdyn9a65uncQlvbg2T4tvBGV7EqAPwHGVzigZoKkUAL_jyP8n5zSe4B0E4akAtf5bdpCt-I0bNt_xH1UP2_IIBxwbGUUe0wZc6MPv_4ObzF5Q/s600/Armani-Caesar-The-Liz-Tape-Griselda.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwWaWW18HLO5GK8FmPre6zO3HT5_AL9rAEkh1hNzyqCmgF1kXRQxu20FXTcpnb3FxyNqeE3ekF2gFdyn9a65uncQlvbg2T4tvBGV7EqAPwHGVzigZoKkUAL_jyP8n5zSe4B0E4akAtf5bdpCt-I0bNt_xH1UP2_IIBxwbGUUe0wZc6MPv_4ObzF5Q/s320/Armani-Caesar-The-Liz-Tape-Griselda.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Armani Caeser</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Liz</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: JR Swiftz, Denny LeFlare, DJ Premier, Camouflage Monk, AniMoss, STLNDRMS</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;">Buffalo native-turned NC resident, Armani Ceaser, became Griselda's first female hip-hop artist and delivered well with her debut, <i>The Liz</i>. With her style of an elegant thug mistress on the mic, she had many bringing back thoughts of Kim and Foxy with her style and image. Over mostly hard, Griselda-esque production (save for a couple of down south trap cuts), Armani showed she could hold her own as the Eve amongst a bunch of Ruff Ryders. In this new generation of female rappers, Armani stood amongst the most watched and talked about among her peers with this album.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCEUS_RVZuP8wcMzZv_a0mbUQeMryH-N1WWWYANc0nj3GG9KGnq7FSYuV0WhxJedD4wbpVxvpzVEoAP_0UVfKS0rggs5aPPiOit40jET_hn3k3Ed4WjKs3mYIuSsQEEYVh5Sv588R2bq1wG-d0rN7WitgwoErJUPhE6eNk4GZzq1cHHnkyf8QlbWx/s939/look_what_i_became.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="939" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCEUS_RVZuP8wcMzZv_a0mbUQeMryH-N1WWWYANc0nj3GG9KGnq7FSYuV0WhxJedD4wbpVxvpzVEoAP_0UVfKS0rggs5aPPiOit40jET_hn3k3Ed4WjKs3mYIuSsQEEYVh5Sv588R2bq1wG-d0rN7WitgwoErJUPhE6eNk4GZzq1cHHnkyf8QlbWx/s320/look_what_i_became.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">22. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Look What I Became</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Statik Selektah, DJ Muggs, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Elcamino, Jim Jones, Dave East</p><p style="text-align: center;">In the build to his Griselda/Shady full-length album, <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>, The Machine dropped a couple of projects with this one being the first one. This EP showed even more progression from his prior mixtape, <i>G.O.A.T</i>. plus slightly more varied production and subject matter. From his haunting Alchemist-blessed opener, "No Women, No Kids" to his R&B-tinged triumph "You Made It", this was a dope project from Con and the best was yet to come</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXW9U3UaIkGjS0fTe-IVu19X5iwgt4EBW-YrclNh69RBaCZq4ereKJKx02v6JXCQ8LduZvU-vobXfdQoSzNGWGpV17Zo8LO1L9e2cgKVy_HvyQFgsofjp7o4uCpPtIANoWFUTkPKFInnHn1efJOQu4EwJM0d4tNpWBvxGpf8nkENj-Sv5r3vePeGQ/s500/hommy_hbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXW9U3UaIkGjS0fTe-IVu19X5iwgt4EBW-YrclNh69RBaCZq4ereKJKx02v6JXCQ8LduZvU-vobXfdQoSzNGWGpV17Zo8LO1L9e2cgKVy_HvyQFgsofjp7o4uCpPtIANoWFUTkPKFInnHn1efJOQu4EwJM0d4tNpWBvxGpf8nkENj-Sv5r3vePeGQ/s320/hommy_hbo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">21. Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>H.B.O. (Haitian Body Odor)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Camouflage Monk, Roc Marciano, Knxwledge, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Brooklyn-by way of Haiti-emcee, Mach-Hommy is typically categorized as a very enigmatic and allusive emcee. He doesn't, if not rarely, grants interviews plus we really don't know much about his upbringing or history. What we do know about Hommy is that he's a very gifted emcee and we see that especially during his initial Griselda run with his album, <i>H.B.O. (Haitian Body Odor)</i>. A definite banger of an album, Hommy shows his knack for storytelling as well as a thug's thinker, cuts like "Band Anna", "Fresh Off The Boat" and especially the knocking "Bey Six" exhibit Hommy's ability to eloquently riding the beat and show his excellent talent. Trust me, you'll see him again on this list.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1TswGZeBBJhWR8_TYNJNsxc_Xe532GHZCEC3EcyWdH8wn10a-k1V7n0emkHlbfhJ9Kn-XYJUvPqBgQu5Tsog11qQ1LawAjvOtFfr8-xnvG3amxwq-q3ZjYM6QbhIAv6epgkT5Ejw2vA2gfbQAm_xA_A2YUu74b1OyMqHkyqTeiyvJeLzdLWs5hZ2/s320/Westside_Gunn_-_Who_Made_the_Sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1TswGZeBBJhWR8_TYNJNsxc_Xe532GHZCEC3EcyWdH8wn10a-k1V7n0emkHlbfhJ9Kn-XYJUvPqBgQu5Tsog11qQ1LawAjvOtFfr8-xnvG3amxwq-q3ZjYM6QbhIAv6epgkT5Ejw2vA2gfbQAm_xA_A2YUu74b1OyMqHkyqTeiyvJeLzdLWs5hZ2/s1600/Westside_Gunn_-_Who_Made_the_Sunshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">20. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Who Made The Sunshine</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, Just Blaze</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Armani Caeser, Elcamino, Estee Nack, Flee Lord, Stove God Cook$, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Slick Rick, Jadakiss, Smoke DZA</p><p style="text-align: center;">Gunn's first and only Griselda/Shady full-length effort, <i>Who Made The Sunshine</i>, is easily among the most unfairly underrated albums within his entire discography. Capitalizing off the critical success of his previous work, <i>Pray For Paris</i>, this is more of the grimy style we had become accustomed to with him. Stellar cuts like "Ocean Prime", the Black Thought-assisted "Ishkabibbles", and the ominous "Butcher & The Blade" (named after the well-known AEW tag team that ironically are natives of Buffalo, or at least Blade is) bring back the grittiness of what he's known for. While the slightly cringeworthy duet with Armani Ceaser "Liz Loves Luger" (an homage to the tragic relationship between the late wrestling icon, Miss Elizabeth and her then boyfriend, fellow wrestling legend, Lex Luger) serves as unnecessary filler, the album overall is a great follow to <i>PFP</i> and should be ranked higher within his individual discography than it is.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniuquFqyqVfUU_nNtZ2BMRnrqHDlyU6MS_c0SunnFEmEzSr6tQ2lpesXjn3MbiTA5ToPACn8ch4A3iXHTXctxtzrV2Sh3kD61IiItv0AZjRzXC_4enYeOtXlsP0gv4uWBaphr3equdB5bd44rvI7WrNdKlySt1XyHUBhuEW7TA8RcdaU7bWniuz6a/s640/Boldy-James-The-Versace-Tape-1597416852.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniuquFqyqVfUU_nNtZ2BMRnrqHDlyU6MS_c0SunnFEmEzSr6tQ2lpesXjn3MbiTA5ToPACn8ch4A3iXHTXctxtzrV2Sh3kD61IiItv0AZjRzXC_4enYeOtXlsP0gv4uWBaphr3equdB5bd44rvI7WrNdKlySt1XyHUBhuEW7TA8RcdaU7bWniuz6a/s320/Boldy-James-The-Versace-Tape-1597416852.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">19. Boldy James & Jay Versace</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Versace Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Jay Versace</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Keisha Plum, Elcamino</p><p style="text-align: center;">Detroit native Boldy James first made waves with his collaborative effort with Uncle Al with <i>M1CS</i> (<i>My 1st Chemistry Set</i>) and it made a lot of folks raise their eyebrows at him. Their follow-up, <i>The</i> <i>Price Of Tea In China</i> was as great if not better than his debut. However, Gunn signed James to Griselda in 2020 and delivered <i>The Versace Tape</i>, his collaborative effort with comedian-turned-producer, Jay Versace. Boldy glides over mostly impressive production from Versace and manages to hold your attention. James has the type of mic talent where can truthfully excel over practically any type of production, but the assistance of Versace is quite underrated and with cuts like "Maria", "Brick Van Excel", and especially the very impressive reworking on Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady", "Monte Christo", these two need to work on more projects together.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nbClt4BYaq75HoXkRz9obQAsrt4yl21yuv7anz0iLP7tGf7GfWwMNXCSmDBJhWw68r1XNWqsNIf6iSPNzVe2CcbB4FZjG6OFLJou0YIKhzHYgW-RECL-RSpa04vQsWmRxqm-KS2hh16AUBBg6azYhRtNnPt4mxxV5tWAbkGdjiluLDEQkdg0ZYoy/s192/conway_goat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="192" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nbClt4BYaq75HoXkRz9obQAsrt4yl21yuv7anz0iLP7tGf7GfWwMNXCSmDBJhWw68r1XNWqsNIf6iSPNzVe2CcbB4FZjG6OFLJou0YIKhzHYgW-RECL-RSpa04vQsWmRxqm-KS2hh16AUBBg6azYhRtNnPt4mxxV5tWAbkGdjiluLDEQkdg0ZYoy/s1600/conway_goat.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">18. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>G.O.A.T.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Styles P, Royce Da 5'9", Prodigy, Raekwon, Benny The Butcher, Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;">In what was often referred to as a full-length album rather than the mixtape it actually was, Machine's <i>G.O.A.T. (Grimiest Of All Time)</i> was an even more overall violent and bleak effort than his heralded <i>Reject 2</i>. Remorseless yet highly impressive in nature, <i>G.O.A.T</i>. has no introspective or vulnerable tracks here. However there are tracks of violence, street narratives, and convincing threats to those that cross him. Excellent guest verses from the likes of Lloyd Banks and Prodigy along with his Griselda-mates of Gunn and Benny shows how much Conway can go toe to toe with anyone you put with him. From the menacing "Bullet Club" to the ominous "Bishop Shot Steel", Machine goes for his here and highly succeeds.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PLx9hWSXpdmWaGeLiOY_a_qe9y9TAhIGC6cKH5o5OWD7X0vZtifLl-y5R04DpBv1EpJlif3Gr8mwNVU3jAFd4Olg27L3-e8dNvclFuMRc1GkghM_ycqFIA6PKZwpDByGSx5OoHo-BLyM6kKADz3DJqwyYL8OEcblXWWk35xdlRsdK8ZMn1gEDm_s/s316/Prayers_for_paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PLx9hWSXpdmWaGeLiOY_a_qe9y9TAhIGC6cKH5o5OWD7X0vZtifLl-y5R04DpBv1EpJlif3Gr8mwNVU3jAFd4Olg27L3-e8dNvclFuMRc1GkghM_ycqFIA6PKZwpDByGSx5OoHo-BLyM6kKADz3DJqwyYL8OEcblXWWk35xdlRsdK8ZMn1gEDm_s/s1600/Prayers_for_paris.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">17. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Pray 4 Paris</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, DJ Muggs, Tyler The Creator, DJ Premier, Conductor Williams, Camouflage Monk, Jay Versace, Beat Butcha</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Joey Bada$$, Billie Esco, Tyler The Creator, Boldy James, Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Wale, Joyce Wrice</p><p style="text-align: center;">Westside made a case for his most commercially-sounding release to date with this offering. Even while stating that this has a more "commercial" sound to it, don't get it twisted folks. This is still Griselda, which means it's as street as it can get. Think of <i>FLYGOD</i> as <i>The Infamous</i>, <i>Supreme Blientele</i> as <i>Hell On Earth</i>, and <i>Pray For Paris</i> as <i>Murda Muzik</i>. Mobb Deep's fourth album was their most commercial album in terms of sound and sales, but was still very Mobb-like in every way. This is Gunn's <i>Murda Muzik</i> if you will. Very polished and crisp production and mixing make this sound like his most accessible album to date. It's arguably his most elegant sounding album in its most Griselda way. Contributions by the likes of Joey Bada$$, Tyler The Creator, Wale, Uncle Al and even the illustrious Preemo on "Shawn vs. Flair" help make this album among this absolute best and put more people on to him than ever before at that time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxlwZz4c-sS2cYdlKeqw_Cx5y2TVfkELIu2IA7Pz-ZRWe-UjADgKxVXLNDLQZmgqVDXp_95LA451wkLxwcrgk6gwhEd-fjb1fKJxvJNw-5ftMyMxA7bemp0g9PPACLmfGFzLgBTfJKbJj18m6uzIDCjwA2CmeCt1CTwdCQwOLjrimF0ZuFRCMuT8z/s800/burdenofproof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="800" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxlwZz4c-sS2cYdlKeqw_Cx5y2TVfkELIu2IA7Pz-ZRWe-UjADgKxVXLNDLQZmgqVDXp_95LA451wkLxwcrgk6gwhEd-fjb1fKJxvJNw-5ftMyMxA7bemp0g9PPACLmfGFzLgBTfJKbJj18m6uzIDCjwA2CmeCt1CTwdCQwOLjrimF0ZuFRCMuT8z/s320/burdenofproof.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">16. Benny The Butcher & Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Burden Of Proof</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Freddie Gibbs, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Dom Kennedy</p><p style="text-align: center;">We just mentioned how <i>Pray For Paris</i> was Gunn's most accessible album, yet still as street as ever. Count the same for Benny's collaborative effort with Grammy Award-winning producer, Hit-Boy for <i>Burden Of Proof</i>. Over the past few years, Hit-Boy has become synonymous with the legendary Nas for their <i>King's Disease</i> and <i>Magic</i> efforts. Benny wisely to decided to strike while the ire was hot with H-B and constructed twelve cuts of complete heat front to back. While many have scoffed over how commercial it sounds, this is still Benny. It means that it's still undeniably street. Although cuts like "Thank God I Made It" appear too radio-friendly with the R&B hook, other cuts like the title track, "Famous", and especially "War Paint" reminds us who Benny is and why Hit-Boy can create any sonic masterpiece for anyone under the sun at the moment. While it may not possess the grit and grime of his <i>Tana Talk</i> series or even his <i>Plugs I Met</i> series, don't get it confused. This is still Benny, and he'll still convince you of what he can do with a fork.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM6hpwK3CKR7X91U4C_O-oNwdVADWRxq7Fe8xc_86_WU6FN8sTCBUrYTxHEGy_e9zxowVWyvymm92hOLrRy7Jhl-G1WP41Cp4vw9K8OJC_zdQmjs6E2abwcRXMuxsGsFObLokSPftamz5ca-VU5bF4fuz98YFsDHV-qQFgYwABAM9ezl1jpjsp3yK/s600/hermes8.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM6hpwK3CKR7X91U4C_O-oNwdVADWRxq7Fe8xc_86_WU6FN8sTCBUrYTxHEGy_e9zxowVWyvymm92hOLrRy7Jhl-G1WP41Cp4vw9K8OJC_zdQmjs6E2abwcRXMuxsGsFObLokSPftamz5ca-VU5bF4fuz98YFsDHV-qQFgYwABAM9ezl1jpjsp3yK/s320/hermes8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">15. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hitler Wears Hermes VIII</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Lil Wayne, Boldy James, Stove God Cook$, Rome Streetz, Jadakiss, Sauce Walka, Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;">What was originally a double disc set of his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> series instead turned out to be a separate set after all. We start with <i>Hermes VIII</i>. Produced primarily by Daringer and his in-house crew The Heartbreakers of Conductor Williams, underground fave Camouflage Monk, and Denny LeFlare, Gunn sounds revived and full of venom and focus on cuts like ""Peri Peri", "Spoons", and "Claire's Back". If we were to compare which Hermes tape is the best, it would likely be either <i>VII</i> or <i>IX</i>, but as a stand alone effort, this is a certified knocker and talks his shit as good as anyone else you can think of.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSvZ9urcjWdb9kFa6cqD8tU6D34ERk1CibNelmVfLMFIlHyVJIZ2NkWA9ayIHPkVyEUI00NAINdn0Wn7eGFck4XSOMFbkk-V3MP1sB0FuZOpYAMF9ieRJadjL97B63BCZ9RavEZ_0Ie8kDpx8_VKUG-fHzI1tdbfDY7vwHKWuJSTIUW0uu7G4WmiJ/s1280/reject2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSvZ9urcjWdb9kFa6cqD8tU6D34ERk1CibNelmVfLMFIlHyVJIZ2NkWA9ayIHPkVyEUI00NAINdn0Wn7eGFck4XSOMFbkk-V3MP1sB0FuZOpYAMF9ieRJadjL97B63BCZ9RavEZ_0Ie8kDpx8_VKUG-fHzI1tdbfDY7vwHKWuJSTIUW0uu7G4WmiJ/s320/reject2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">14. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Reject 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Skyzoo, Roc Marciano, Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Arguably seen as the effort that put Conway on more people's radars, <i>Reject 2</i> is an unrelenting, vengeful follow-up to his <i>Devil's Reject</i> mixtape. Raw and cold-hearted, The Machine comes with enough gunpowder, you can almost smell it through your speakers. Images of death and retaliation are brought up all over this album and marked the true beginning of an acclaimed career. With guests like Roc Marci, Skyzoo, and Hommy with him, alongside his Griselda brethren, this album was a bloody full introduction to many about grimy attitude of The Machine.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bprQ4s23zFgL9lJ11AfNkcAnV0bJsejQLNMhMnJQ-Z7TdRtfcQe-PxFomxVvQZUyfPe5mE1X8skwUKRPt8vj2U0bhKhAQ2PC2QgeejPNl5Pxu-vxYeMftRUvelfo5TYghjfT3PSwqVEWIaMcEeJRR_rBLkzUjUbmah6oXIoikXvls640nj_MGa6x/s939/plugs_i_met.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="939" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bprQ4s23zFgL9lJ11AfNkcAnV0bJsejQLNMhMnJQ-Z7TdRtfcQe-PxFomxVvQZUyfPe5mE1X8skwUKRPt8vj2U0bhKhAQ2PC2QgeejPNl5Pxu-vxYeMftRUvelfo5TYghjfT3PSwqVEWIaMcEeJRR_rBLkzUjUbmah6oXIoikXvls640nj_MGa6x/s320/plugs_i_met.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">13. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Plugs I Met (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, DJ Shay</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jadakiss, Black Thought, Pusha T, 38 Spesh</p><p style="text-align: center;">How do you possibly follow up the greatness that was <i>Tana Talk 3</i>? Enter <i>The Plugs I Met</i>. Folks, he literally mentioned the title of it from a cut off <i>TT3</i> if that ain't some shit. This EP was primarily orchestrated by Daringer and The Alchemist, the same ones that help make <i>TT3</i> such a crazy album. This almost sounds like an EP version of it. It's that dope. No Gunn or Conway here, but he does have heavyweights like Black Thought, Jadakiss and Pusha on here, as well as partner in rhyme 38 Spesh. If there was ever a companion piece to another Griselda project, <i>TPIM</i> is the perfect one for <i>TT3</i> and Benny continued to elevate his mounting fame even a little more from this dynamite effort.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2QDzi7f1-uZq3I5IxYlMCGaRgFMoD3tKT-g8bOfDTFiGnm-D7FnqimIrqpc-pEO0viKd3eNDUGFRO_Oi5Ws-EKwPPdr3NX_6Npcvt52HyNPRl1PdkZvYdZfZXlXBh8mHZF4w3QZbg_ryHxkSIl6MR7fYslXN3hBguoVpPEIzQuyeUdM5HLEVAxeT/s220/Conway_the_Machine_-_From_King_to_a_God.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2QDzi7f1-uZq3I5IxYlMCGaRgFMoD3tKT-g8bOfDTFiGnm-D7FnqimIrqpc-pEO0viKd3eNDUGFRO_Oi5Ws-EKwPPdr3NX_6Npcvt52HyNPRl1PdkZvYdZfZXlXBh8mHZF4w3QZbg_ryHxkSIl6MR7fYslXN3hBguoVpPEIzQuyeUdM5HLEVAxeT/s1600/Conway_the_Machine_-_From_King_to_a_God.gif" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">12. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From King To A God</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Hit-Boy, Erick Sermon, Havoc, Rockwilder, Khrysis, Murda Beatz</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Freddie Gibbs, Dej Loaf, Elcamino, Method Man, Flee Lord, Lloyd Banks, Armani Caeser</p><p style="text-align: center;">As we inched closer to his much anticipated <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i> Griselda/Shady full-length, he dropped another teaser project in the form of <i>From King To A God</i>. Improving off the very, very few missteps from his previous work, the aforementioned <i>Look What I've Become</i>, this album has him a little more personal and a little more assertive as well, if that's even possible. The insane jump-off single with Method Man, "Lemons" sets the tone for an album that should rightfully be considered among his top two or three albums/mixtapes ever. The deluxe edition was even harder with blistering cuts such as "Raw Oysters" and "Stefan Diggs" that contain enough venom to satisfy the those who appreciate his brand of bloodshed to the fullest. If this was his teaser project, imagine the possibilities with <i>GDMM</i>!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNbjceIp7ba_LdDIPF148vuDWV-oxHy0ukrv_jBSQ3OhjzHI8lZqGg254uBgOtVfx78xe628qfi5cdfXc5AoA4mmVzRujsm8_G8E6qORhH-GYLy7LvJy_kZDAuHPZPF-uW0_mQlds0Fdl4K98ZLocjOAUwZ_cGPdeU0VOvfRG6raPggDPwcWc2nm2/s640/liz2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="640" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNbjceIp7ba_LdDIPF148vuDWV-oxHy0ukrv_jBSQ3OhjzHI8lZqGg254uBgOtVfx78xe628qfi5cdfXc5AoA4mmVzRujsm8_G8E6qORhH-GYLy7LvJy_kZDAuHPZPF-uW0_mQlds0Fdl4K98ZLocjOAUwZ_cGPdeU0VOvfRG6raPggDPwcWc2nm2/s320/liz2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">11. Armani Caeser</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Liz 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Camouflage Monk, Denny LeFlare, Sovren, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Kodak Black</p><p style="text-align: center;">Could Armani replicate the success of her underrated debut, <i>The Liz</i>? In a word, absolutely. The form was the sequel to <i>The Liz</i>, <i>The Liz 2</i>. More polished and possible even more gritty then her previous effort, Armani stepped her lyrical stylings and even showed more of her singing abilities and demonstrated more craftswomanship with her pen game. The NC import displays more confidence in all facets here and even gets a bit more personal here as well. She's inching closer and closest to a major breakout situation, and with Gunn guiding her along the way, the stardom she's seeking, she's one more step to obtaining while not compromising what has brought her to the dance already.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDjHryVm2UAC8ZJmnBBUJPqe6pFJPVFK3tPJLEC37NTRwJtItxfEaFL8qkGnQwLXmC6GRgb3Xob_x9IIFC4vJ8Qta1cTxrI680gOcaUO1-yEJ8xPnFL8R1yk4TcnM2coo4M8bPMSE6QQl11Nktbk_-Z22PFSxGGjCVtkLdC9BJh83BjcgPdgDIH5x/s1200/mach-hommy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDjHryVm2UAC8ZJmnBBUJPqe6pFJPVFK3tPJLEC37NTRwJtItxfEaFL8qkGnQwLXmC6GRgb3Xob_x9IIFC4vJ8Qta1cTxrI680gOcaUO1-yEJ8xPnFL8R1yk4TcnM2coo4M8bPMSE6QQl11Nktbk_-Z22PFSxGGjCVtkLdC9BJh83BjcgPdgDIH5x/s320/mach-hommy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">10. Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Pray 4 Haiti</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare, Green Lantern, Nicholas Craven, Messiah Muzik, Sahdugold, Cee Gee</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;">After years of beefing with the Griselda camp, Mach-Hommy reunited with Gunn for him to executive produce under Griselda Records, <i>Pray For Haiti</i>, his Griselda piece since the aforementioned <i>H.B.O.</i> years earlier. In short, this project is arguably the best effort of his career, which spans of years of often heralded mixtapes and EPs with the likes of Tha God Fahim, Your Old Droog, and other associates. More polished and cohesive than <i>H.B.O</i>. by miles, this album, stepped up his lyrical ability and his pen game to the utmost we had heard from him at this time over arguably the best production of his career. Cuts like "Mackrel Jaxon", "Kriminal", and "The Stellar Ray Theory" are simply excellent and this Haitian-born emcee catapulted his acclaimed status even more so that stands among the elite of Griselda albums. Let's hope we get even more projects from Hommy and Griselda down the road if this is any indication of their reunited partnership will become.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFoPYJhuXRIFrt2uhLZD9FdcqHXDminKj3s8Auc45NPY1n31S7lQDa-D4zn9_Yw_U237FfbqL3UsFqnZSG6tbAs6Pi29xdxtQcu-wk-oZMoOGEeU8B0233DNCONuri9SjLNX9dp2UflCZVpGX2oFA1BFUsPtlEJPuX-E3zNR6YYQ-idD0DulzzBcH/s600/Supreme%20Blientele%20by%20Westside%20Gunn.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFoPYJhuXRIFrt2uhLZD9FdcqHXDminKj3s8Auc45NPY1n31S7lQDa-D4zn9_Yw_U237FfbqL3UsFqnZSG6tbAs6Pi29xdxtQcu-wk-oZMoOGEeU8B0233DNCONuri9SjLNX9dp2UflCZVpGX2oFA1BFUsPtlEJPuX-E3zNR6YYQ-idD0DulzzBcH/s320/Supreme%20Blientele%20by%20Westside%20Gunn.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">9. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Supreme Blientele</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Sahdugold, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Harry Fraud, Statik Selektah, Roc Marciano</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Busta Rhymes, Anderson.Paak, CRIMEAPPLE, Conway The Machine, Jadakiss, Roc Marciano, Elzhi</p><p style="text-align: center;">After the underground success of <i>FLYGOD</i>, Gunn was back with his second full length album, <i>Supreme Blientele</i> (aka <i>Chris Benoit</i>, aka <i>God Is The Greatest</i>). Taking the positives than <i>FLYGOD</i> and expanding them even more, this is a tour de force of an album. Although a bit more accessible than <i>FLYGOD</i>, don't confuse that term with anything less gutter because cuts like "Spanish Jesus", "Sabu", and the sinister "Brossface Brippler" are evidenced that WSG not only has one of the best ears for beats in all of hip-hop, but his drug-laced, street narratives are among the best out here. Among the single best albums in his own discography, the "Flygod" delivered a jackhammer of an album that brought even more attention to a label on the cusp of locking the underground in a chokehold.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl8p8syTdmTnmYseiOdPyOr_88UAUFTz5L_Y-1TQN4Isyafg3xxtJRZC5pKAPXUZbtHYKME_aKlGBhqaclNqeXOfyhWOMyfeY3gC_YP4Yiul4xmM0XJukfbY9XlVpzTnn811pqBl0CxN3Gy2t_7HqCZXaoEoaj8hQTXh12a4X-e9aVTsCGU1Xfh7a/s640/WSG-Ten-Digital-Artwork-640x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl8p8syTdmTnmYseiOdPyOr_88UAUFTz5L_Y-1TQN4Isyafg3xxtJRZC5pKAPXUZbtHYKME_aKlGBhqaclNqeXOfyhWOMyfeY3gC_YP4Yiul4xmM0XJukfbY9XlVpzTnn811pqBl0CxN3Gy2t_7HqCZXaoEoaj8hQTXh12a4X-e9aVTsCGU1Xfh7a/s320/WSG-Ten-Digital-Artwork-640x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">8. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>10</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, RZA, Pete Rock, Denny LeFlare, Swizz Beats, Flygod Jr., others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Keisha Plum, Rome Streetz, Armani Caeser, Jay Worthy, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Run The Jewels, Black Star, A$AP Rocky, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">A decade ago, Westside Gunn established his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> mixtape series to large amounts of critical acclaim. It can be argued to this day as to which one was the very best of them all, but many are stating universally that the last chapter in the series is the best one in <i>Ten</i>. Never one to compromise his style or his taste, Gunn unloads with some of the best cuts of his career with some bits of accessibility more than most of the other Hermes series, especially the tremendous posse cut "Science Class" with Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah over an atypical yet very dope beat from Swizz Beats. For those missing that mid-late nineties hard nosed NYC grimy hip-hop, Gunn has always been your go-to, but this close off album deserves its flowers, officially closing the door on one of the game's most gritty mixtape series and up there among the best efforts in 2022.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtmjuVMz1wO8tHwqE9_D4ZXY2A1W8kwdbvFE71YoLigbw7uQOtSr7MGPcGzBpPz5enryrz3qTSp-vbGXTOQXEFDzO7DAAw4xFVGNOFVum6KxZUmVnxhtWSjxTFyT5LeSZeuSZPEhFkqC986CSmHBjSlFJrZJoVax4myVlKKYqqkkGPhBefI3YZW0/s600/Benny-the-Butcher-Tana-Talk-4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtmjuVMz1wO8tHwqE9_D4ZXY2A1W8kwdbvFE71YoLigbw7uQOtSr7MGPcGzBpPz5enryrz3qTSp-vbGXTOQXEFDzO7DAAw4xFVGNOFVum6KxZUmVnxhtWSjxTFyT5LeSZeuSZPEhFkqC986CSmHBjSlFJrZJoVax4myVlKKYqqkkGPhBefI3YZW0/s320/Benny-the-Butcher-Tana-Talk-4.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">7. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tana Talk 4</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Boldy James, Stove God Cook$, 38 Spesh, Diddy, J. Cole</p><p style="text-align: center;">Critics and the streets alike have stated <i>Tana Tana 3</i> was not only Benny's coming out party, but perhaps the best album to get delivered from the Griselda camp (stay tuned). While follow-up albums such as <i>The Plugs I Met</i>, <i>Burden Of Proof</i>, and <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i> were all heavy hitters, the heads were fiending for the fourth installment of the <i>Tana Talk</i> series. In 2022, The Butcher arrived with <i>Tana Talk 4</i>, and it definitely met expectations. Although a tad more accessible than <i>TT3</i>, it's not quite as accessible as Burden Of Proof, with Daringer and "Uncle Al" back on the boards to provide crazy instrumentals for the Butcher to handle his business. His first single with J. Cole, "Johnny P's Caddy" was a precursor of what was to come. He even dared to touch Biggie's immortalized "Ten Crack Commandments" with an unofficial sequel, "Ten More Crack Commandments" with Diddy of all people providing closing adlibs. This effort continues to support Benny's claim to being among the best in the game, and with him being officially signed under Def Jam Records for his Def Jam debut in 2023, we ,may be looking at the next superstar of NYC hip-hop hands down. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuica2rN5CoMRExfRuZReXb3JNFw4EHkedAyQPSrrQ2jaO1RRP-zezwt_h8Cdp0Z5emeIAWPGR43HdeIDEXl-fBKwar8f-pB1KyBPx0MCeIErpEao79HDr_870KUZEOIiQ28SFTOv4qs1TeEPUui02rKKU5TMEqmvKPKqS7lrjJHsQEChPh8slg1h_/s372/rome-streetz-kiss-the-ring-.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuica2rN5CoMRExfRuZReXb3JNFw4EHkedAyQPSrrQ2jaO1RRP-zezwt_h8Cdp0Z5emeIAWPGR43HdeIDEXl-fBKwar8f-pB1KyBPx0MCeIErpEao79HDr_870KUZEOIiQ28SFTOv4qs1TeEPUui02rKKU5TMEqmvKPKqS7lrjJHsQEChPh8slg1h_/s320/rome-streetz-kiss-the-ring-.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">6. Rome Streetz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Kiss The Ring</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, Denny LeFlare, Sovren, Sahdugold</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Boldy James, Armani Caeser, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn's Rome Streetz has a bubble in the underground for some years now. Efforts such as his <i>Noise Candy</i> series, <i>Streetz Keep Calling Me</i>, and his collaborative efforts with the likes of DJ Muggs (<i>Death & The Magician</i>), Futurewave (<i>Razor'z Edge</i>), and Ransom (<i>Coup De Grace</i>) all made heads take notice to this emcee. Officially part of the Griselda camp now, he dropped his much anticipated Griselda debut, <i>Kiss The Ring</i>, in 2022 and good grief what a debut effort it was. Among the most impressive debuts to emerge from Griselda, Streetz sounds hungrier than on any other previous effort before on this album. Over hammer hitting, chilling production from the likes of The Heartbreakers (Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, and Denny LeFlare), Daringer, The Alchemist, and Sahdugold, Streetz has finally constructed his magnum opus and with a supposed follow up with Conductor Williams ready to drop at any moment, Streetz future has never looked brighter.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbwmDKntFXfuMbe8N-Q1pp-VtXRaxwkyIjF5WwF-R4d7WPOlVe3mYhiQ1i0u0uGiwS2ZbKWmjOIJt6mGscFEEm8UZmfKvNftYeEAQZkmkmyvnWG37rEIGSb68PhEYXLVjSnGZCOscB8I1igmdEAnaaJSNAw0Ty3cFoWsD9Ihtvyv1C0qS5r7NVwV/s600/flygod-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbwmDKntFXfuMbe8N-Q1pp-VtXRaxwkyIjF5WwF-R4d7WPOlVe3mYhiQ1i0u0uGiwS2ZbKWmjOIJt6mGscFEEm8UZmfKvNftYeEAQZkmkmyvnWG37rEIGSb68PhEYXLVjSnGZCOscB8I1igmdEAnaaJSNAw0Ty3cFoWsD9Ihtvyv1C0qS5r7NVwV/s320/flygod-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">5. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>FLYGOD</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Roc Marciano, Camouflage Monk, Green Lantern, Apollo Brown, Statik Selektah, Tha God Fahim</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Roc Marciano, Skyzoo, Action Bronson, Mach-Hommy, Your Old Droog, Meyhem Lauren, Danny Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Arguably seen as the album that truly start4ed the movement, Gunn's official debut solo offering, <i>FLYGOD</i>, marked a new resurgence in the underground capitalizing off the momentum the likes of Roc Marciano established. This album screams of that old tried and true ruggedness of NYC hip-hop and has enough dynamite to cause explosion to the speakers. We get formally introduced to Benny, Conway, Hommy, and Elcamino, while other guests such as Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Skyzoo show up to provide further power to this uppercut of an album. While subsequent efforts such as <i>Who Made The Sunshine</i>, <i>Supreme Blientele</i>, <i>Pray For Paris</i>, and <i>10</i> further cemented Gunn's place among the official gun runners of underground hip-hop, <i>FLYGOD</i> was the one showed the masses Griselda was about to be the official problem for the rap game, and they haven't let up yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7LTVhpANNWy5OcPMbTdcqW52eaSyfPx3pe358hLUSeURpgaKGZBecxbSDJJpER3OSPPJmQIv6X1Xb-RhFR_1AHmhfdGzOZYJw5PdM5DVL_2vR2Ss85FaVU8Qyd2tkYhing0LcFidonvfld8AycMyDbJNU3Ax35MFLqZIw1Fc4hfmf8ex0UY0Ggd/s600/wwcd.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj7LTVhpANNWy5OcPMbTdcqW52eaSyfPx3pe358hLUSeURpgaKGZBecxbSDJJpER3OSPPJmQIv6X1Xb-RhFR_1AHmhfdGzOZYJw5PdM5DVL_2vR2Ss85FaVU8Qyd2tkYhing0LcFidonvfld8AycMyDbJNU3Ax35MFLqZIw1Fc4hfmf8ex0UY0Ggd/s320/wwcd.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">4. Griselda</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>WWCD</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: 50 Cent, Eminem, Raekwon, Novel</p><p style="text-align: center;">When it was announced that Griselda had inked a deal with Eminem's Shady Records, the streets had a mixed reaction. While many reveled in news of a more mainstream spotlight on their brand of dirty, gritty noir NYC hip-hop, others scoffed at it thinking it would water their sound down. With <i>WWCD</i> <i>(What Would Chinegun Do)</i>, the latter thought is completely eliminated with Gunn, Conway, and Benny delivering a group album the likes of which we haven't heard as raw and grimy as this since the days of early Wu-Tang or Mobb Deep. With just in-house beatmakers Daringer and Beat Butcha at the helm, this album requires a bulletproof vest to absorb fully, as this effort is dirt under the finger nails rough. Even with appearances by Em and 50 Cent, this album never wavers in the Griselda sound, and we are all the more thankful for it. A undeniable staple and benchmark with the crew/label, <i>WWCD</i> solidified them as the ones to squeeze the rap game into submission.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTvf4b1RsczPekRtIgsPxQRmvbzcPTYQ49-s1H05nMtpGgA8ap2QT5zRI6CGImJWRwo2feVyXlkXn7-ayHKx3Ni-t7GjjcQDBQZh2H3ZX1Xp4dA84CKyNelOblq8alKxu1FjVRhJiYeNLPtjT6uPt81Dc2p5eVUdWTZZiovPoj5f01n_92UXaF_7/s1455/hwh9.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="1455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTvf4b1RsczPekRtIgsPxQRmvbzcPTYQ49-s1H05nMtpGgA8ap2QT5zRI6CGImJWRwo2feVyXlkXn7-ayHKx3Ni-t7GjjcQDBQZh2H3ZX1Xp4dA84CKyNelOblq8alKxu1FjVRhJiYeNLPtjT6uPt81Dc2p5eVUdWTZZiovPoj5f01n_92UXaF_7/s320/hwh9.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">3. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hitler Wears Hermes IX</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Denny LeFlare, Sahdugold, Conductor Williams, Jay Versace, Camouflage Monk, Beat Butcha, Madlib, Green Lantern, Nicholas Craven, JR Swiftz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Jay Electronica, Rome Streetz, Tyler The Creator, 2 Chainz, Armani Caeser, Black Soprano Family, Jay Worthy, Larry June, TF, Mach-Hommy, AZ, Stove God Cook$, Blllie Esco, Flee Lord</p><p style="text-align: center;">Originally pressed as <i>Hitler Wears Hermes VIII: Side B</i>, Gunn later revealed that this was, in all actuality, <i>Hermes IX</i>. In either case, this entry with the <i>HWH</i> series is perhaps the craziest one of them all. Packed with appearances and incredible production, Gunn curated an album guns, butter, style, and coke sells in a fashion that's starting to be damn near owned by him. This is a non-stop tour de force from beginning to end, with cuts like the raw as fuck, "Eddie Kingston," to the hypnotic sounds of the Tyler The Creator-assisted, "The Fly That Won't Fly Straight", this is an effort that had Gunn among the most in-demand rappers in the game and the result was definitely a street classic.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCoY_Mac3nw3F3iDj4XA14o0F-B1rkEQJsh44dimDW3cBZ_9YTgknx2YCg7cJFM_F8W-gb36wqRD9sE62HpKeGGd6d5GX2KESEJe1OJpdVxJ5Ro7AIDuDM0zHDk_5nicUged4CYsuJZl7z-jL6DuAHMZBLLk9yotmYpVpYBH48r_3Es-2lpFIL9Sy/s1500/gdmm.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCoY_Mac3nw3F3iDj4XA14o0F-B1rkEQJsh44dimDW3cBZ_9YTgknx2YCg7cJFM_F8W-gb36wqRD9sE62HpKeGGd6d5GX2KESEJe1OJpdVxJ5Ro7AIDuDM0zHDk_5nicUged4CYsuJZl7z-jL6DuAHMZBLLk9yotmYpVpYBH48r_3Es-2lpFIL9Sy/s320/gdmm.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">2. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Hit-Boy, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Bink!, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: T.I., Novel, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Beanie Sigel, Jill Scott, Lxvedagenius, Jae Skeeze, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have all been waiting on that ONE true album from Conway. That ONE album that would officially separate him from the pack and make him a superstar among his peers. That ONE album would be a game changer for him. We now have that album with <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>. His previous efforts of <i>Look What I've Become</i> and <i>From King To A God</i> were virtual previews of what to expect, and while they were some of his best stuff, <i>GDMM</i> is truly his career defining album. His first (and apparently only) with Shady Records, Conway peels the curtain back with his most vulnerable and personal work to date. From the depressing "Stress" to the grim autobiographical title track, and the confessional "Guilty", Conway makes his song cry in some of the personal bars he has spit since his now legendary verse on Gunn's "The Cow" from Hitler Wears Hermes 4. However, he still brings the heavy hitters with gutter cuts like the Alchemist-laced "Piano Love", "John Woo Flick", and "Drumwork". This is without question his magnum opus and arguably the best album to come from the camp and it'll be hard to outdo this massively great album from him.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0lQ44CiDosnGXp6wIBsqaWNdhFBu5hOQRkABKt8sti14nAe5S9BsmkdSMb9nPi7vejHC63iX0nRqlHRrKZFukpSwXugiTqZIq9yfEQsi3cxJ47iXA0uJvF9dHj3-vYeartD-zx8WPxZoYvRDOK0QsKY3Txwe3UbyioEep4nXlZQmoYAd7qE2jMFx/s236/tt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0lQ44CiDosnGXp6wIBsqaWNdhFBu5hOQRkABKt8sti14nAe5S9BsmkdSMb9nPi7vejHC63iX0nRqlHRrKZFukpSwXugiTqZIq9yfEQsi3cxJ47iXA0uJvF9dHj3-vYeartD-zx8WPxZoYvRDOK0QsKY3Txwe3UbyioEep4nXlZQmoYAd7qE2jMFx/s1600/tt3.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">1. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tana Talk 3</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Meyhem Lauren</p><p style="text-align: center;">Buzzing heavily with his guest appearances on cuts from his labelmates, as well as collaborative album with 38 Spesh, <i>Stabbed & Shot</i>, and his mixtape, <i>Butcher On Steroids</i>, the streets were emphatically waiting on his full-length debut, and to say it delivered would be a huge understatement. His album, <i>Tana Talk 3</i>, which is the continuation of his <i>Tana Talk</i> series, is a legit knockout of an album. Only handled production-wise by Daringer and Alan The Chemist, this is Benny possibly at his best, which is saying something considering how crazy his bars were on aforementioned <i>TT4</i>. His gritty street narratives and tales of hustling and revenge are as vivid and poignant as anything you'll hear in rap today. The aesthetics of this album have drawn comparisons to <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, which is a huge accolade considering it's the album that launched Jay-Z into our consciousness with one of the best street-hustler albums of all time. This album, with cuts like "Scarface vs. Sosa Pt. 2", "Broken Bottles", "Fast Eddie", and "Joe Pesci 38" are packed with crime-laced imagery that would make the likes of Jay, Prodigy, and Biggie all proud. Simply put, <i>Tana Talk 3</i> is likely the new <i>Reasonable Doubt</i> of our generation and its curator, Benny, just may be the new king of the NY streets just from this effort. An undisputed classic, <i>TT3</i> sits among the threshold of modern greatness so be warned, as he would say, "THE BUTCHER COMING N**GA!"</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">GXFR- <i>Don't Get Scared Now (EP)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 7</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 6</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 5</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>FLYGOD Is An Awesome God</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>FLYGOD Is An Awesome God 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn & MF DOOM- <i>WestsideDOOM</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler On Steroids</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Westside Gunn- <i>F.N.I.C.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elcamino- <i>Don't Eat The Fruit</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elcamino- <i>Walking On Water</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Reject On Steroids</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>More Steroids</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>La Macquina</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Everybody Is F.O.O.D.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Everybody Is F.O.O.D. 2: Eat What You Kill</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>Everybody Is Food 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>50 Round Drum</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>The Devil's Reject</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & Prodigy- <i>Still Hell On Earth EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine<i>- The Blakk Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher- <i>Butcher On Steroids</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher<i>- Tana Talk 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher<i>- Tana Talk</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher & Harry Fraud- <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher- <i>My First Brick</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Various Artists- <i>Conflicted OST</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As 2022 comes to a hellacious close, we can likely look forward to yet another Griselda takeover with releases like Benny's Def Jam debut, Conway's <i>Won't He Do It</i>, Gunn's <i>MICHELLE RECORDS</i>, Stove God Cook$' debut, Boldy James, Rome Streetz/Conductor Williams, YNBilly/DJ Drama, and others. Whether you like it or not, Griselda holds the throne in the streets and continuing to impact mainstream culture year to year. There's no stopping this Griselda train and it'll be an unstoppable force for the foreseeable future.</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-35499034938248049422022-07-10T09:04:00.001-07:002022-11-24T13:22:21.058-08:00Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2022...So Far<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc71wbN8Dv-4eHCOLZ3irxdHom5aBjpr-fKFOBsgYa_mQNFUqHWbqCkFBGF3k-PBR4ceintcs14vY_sF--ZozPqk2aMW_3Qxxk83Dr2IHgLDaIwIXS3NHSqBFGkDGSNQU-T4JHru4sep7ERYel7ytCnx-cOGAiUtutpwLFBmD48nGsdKRt7aGfSFiy/s1500/attachment-kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-hotsteppers-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc71wbN8Dv-4eHCOLZ3irxdHom5aBjpr-fKFOBsgYa_mQNFUqHWbqCkFBGF3k-PBR4ceintcs14vY_sF--ZozPqk2aMW_3Qxxk83Dr2IHgLDaIwIXS3NHSqBFGkDGSNQU-T4JHru4sep7ERYel7ytCnx-cOGAiUtutpwLFBmD48nGsdKRt7aGfSFiy/s320/attachment-kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-hotsteppers-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">What it is folks?! So far what an incredible year of music for 2022. When you look back on highly acclaimed years within this century, years such as 2015, 2017, and 2018 all started this great and ended up being among the best years of all-time. Just based off efforts such as Kendrick Lamar, Quelle Chris, Benny The Butcher, and Pusha T alone has people putting this year in the record books already. before we start predicting the rest of the year, let's go over twenty of the best albums so far this year. With that said, let's go!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBIT-gyRP4plAUfFmg2W7s9hjwKY8dZkmBnMztpNPf_s3n8WsihZZXh_hEKEUbsAcTnvL4ONwiOC73jI1Yzptei6D3FUV85vFMrMPgSaHZFft20-YcFYCWJ9CO1C7s5PxJSoenCoFm8VWvcRi3rk9qLbjQM6K2j67Q4VxIyuAndE6Z7QIBalP3rhA/s1000/snoop-album-bodr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBIT-gyRP4plAUfFmg2W7s9hjwKY8dZkmBnMztpNPf_s3n8WsihZZXh_hEKEUbsAcTnvL4ONwiOC73jI1Yzptei6D3FUV85vFMrMPgSaHZFft20-YcFYCWJ9CO1C7s5PxJSoenCoFm8VWvcRi3rk9qLbjQM6K2j67Q4VxIyuAndE6Z7QIBalP3rhA/s320/snoop-album-bodr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. Snoop Dogg</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Bacc On Death Row (BODR)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Battlecat, Hi-Tek, Nottz, Don Cannon, Hit-Boy, Green Lantern, Soopafly, Bink!, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Nas, T.I., The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Dababy, Nate Dogg, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The ever legendary Snoop D-O-double G is among the most prolific stars in the business. He has more than earned his place as legend and icon of hip-hop and still has the same amount of youthful enthusiasm for hip-hop as he did when he dropped his equally legendary debut, <i>Doggystyle</i>, back in '93. Now with his nineteenth studio album, <i>BODR</i>, or <i>Bacc On Death Row</i>, the new executive for Def Jam Records also now owns his former label, the infamous Death Row Records, and shows just about the same ferocity and focus as he did during his <i>Doggystyle</i> sessions. Following up his very impressive compilation album, <i>Algorithm</i>, this effort contains board work from east coast heavyweights such as Nottz and Bink! while also bringing in west coast juggernauts such as Hit-Boy and Battlecat, with the excellent return of the Natti's almost forgotten about production wizard, Hi-Tek. Along with guests such as Nas, Game, and a posthumous appearance from the late Nate Dogg, Snoop is focused yet having fun as well letting this and every other generation understand he's not going anywhere anytime soon and his O.G. status is much deserved.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkJJSIoub7ODSHQSNbuytiC7kjSgj-ebDeMOud2F7N3b-_NJfwxbzrgQaADsiwYm6BagVnm2_S_bjeag13UAOb6NdnM-9XgbUiQtH-3lFRdCuAFGQSTxLIPK_XgFAKN_nBZpAPCVdN15fCbeoRHZyggT5RNwXyttCG7ODQgD4sHRYPP60tIYGMpEn/s600/Saba-Few-Good-Things.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkJJSIoub7ODSHQSNbuytiC7kjSgj-ebDeMOud2F7N3b-_NJfwxbzrgQaADsiwYm6BagVnm2_S_bjeag13UAOb6NdnM-9XgbUiQtH-3lFRdCuAFGQSTxLIPK_XgFAKN_nBZpAPCVdN15fCbeoRHZyggT5RNwXyttCG7ODQgD4sHRYPP60tIYGMpEn/s320/Saba-Few-Good-Things.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. Saba</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Few Good Things</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, daedaePIVOT, Phoelix, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Krayzie Bone, PIVOT Gang, 6LACK, Smino, Black Thought, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Chicago's Saba delivered one of the best albums in the entire 2010 decade with 2018's incredibly dense yet therapeutic, <i>Care For Me</i>. The album explored anxiety, depression, and the challenge to move on and find a future within his life in spite of the dark clouds over him. With his follow-up, <i>Few Good Things</i>, he finds more life and has more energy than before, yet still manages to keep things in perspective in terms of appreciating the things in life that really matter. Definitely not as brooding or as heavy as <i>Care For Me</i>, the album is still, however, every bit as melodic and each track provides a lot of intrigue. With appearances from the likes of Black Thought to another legend in Krayzie Bone, Saba is establishing himself more and more as a young star to keep our eyes on. Cuts like "If I Had A Dollar" or "Stop That" are exemplary of his talent and helps define the example of what Few Good Things is all about.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3KcZQTiMt9VMKyVCXg88rHC_hjF9oTgrTXqkQNQt091WaZKUlY_3vB4elmbnst1-Xs98VqB1AFSMYAPL6qTgu5xhAB2Vks3j4m357OnzdiMM8DPC8SSpRHJOuWy3Uf0l1u2eXxPVnpieIq3AqqqHDWPzJ7tEDGRVqJno9B9MUpFs_OwP4uLgUOod/s1280/Vince-Staples.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3KcZQTiMt9VMKyVCXg88rHC_hjF9oTgrTXqkQNQt091WaZKUlY_3vB4elmbnst1-Xs98VqB1AFSMYAPL6qTgu5xhAB2Vks3j4m357OnzdiMM8DPC8SSpRHJOuWy3Uf0l1u2eXxPVnpieIq3AqqqHDWPzJ7tEDGRVqJno9B9MUpFs_OwP4uLgUOod/s320/Vince-Staples.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. Vince Staples</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramona Park Broke My Heart</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kenny Beats, DJ Dahi, DJ Mustard, Cardo, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: DJ Mustard, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Baby, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Long Beach emcee, Vince Staples, is regarded as one of the brightest emcees to emerge from the west within the past decade. His impressive debut, <i>Hell Can Wait</i>, showed the potential Vince had to become something special. Couple years later, he dropped his full length debut, <i>Summertime '06</i>, which showed Vince as the star we knew he could become. With No I.D. primarily behind the boards, Vince skated over those excellent beats from one of the best from Chicago. While other projects such as <i>FM!</i> and his most recent self-titled album dropped to mostly critical acclaim, here comes <i>Ramona Park Broke My Heart</i>, his fifth full-length album. With this album, he gets even more poignant, introspective and honest with standouts including "DJ Quik", "Player Ways", and the captivating ode of a relationship between a gun and its user, "When Sparks Fly". Vince continues to shine his ever glowing star and this album ranks among his absolute best efforts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGQvJJRg2rJ_7O3qbzIxXeD8zBC8w9eyH-iAdxg9uB3ZtdRBrfsZFzO-aQDKzc9gWDWaOjCXBTszUfTnyck84Zu7iYlmg_Cx9yZFM9ifNSNdJpLTsCmCQF6m2l3VQHKJ5bbZRAHSLO_XgUge_2JUgmUYmGdxLmZ0Veu9xHwJzgliSEOaqY9PQZNu/s600/cordae.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGQvJJRg2rJ_7O3qbzIxXeD8zBC8w9eyH-iAdxg9uB3ZtdRBrfsZFzO-aQDKzc9gWDWaOjCXBTszUfTnyck84Zu7iYlmg_Cx9yZFM9ifNSNdJpLTsCmCQF6m2l3VQHKJ5bbZRAHSLO_XgUge_2JUgmUYmGdxLmZ0Veu9xHwJzgliSEOaqY9PQZNu/s320/cordae.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. Cordae</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From A Bird's Eye View</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Raphael Saadiq, Kid Culture, Hit-Boy, Jake One, Dem Jointz, Boi-1nda, Cardiak, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Freddie Gibbs, Gunna, Stevie Wonder, Lil' Wayne, Eminem, Roddy Rich, H.E.R., Lil' Durk, Ant Clemons, others</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">NC born-Baltimore-raised Cordae got on people's radars while still with the YBN crew and put out his debut album, <i>The Good Son</i> in 2019. His boyish charm mixed with very apparent lyrical and songwriting talent put him in people's mouths as one to watch. Ditching YBN, he decided to become his own man and his own artist. With a maturity way ahead of contemporaries his age, the anticipation grew for his second album, and it finally dropped at the beginning of 2022, with <i>From A Bird's Eye View</i>. Every bit as fun and intriguing of a listen as his debut, Cordae also provides more self-reflection and honesty throughout. Combining new school and old school styles and ways, Cordae gave us quite the excellent album that continues to shows his depth and range, which is important as an artist. This release will keep highlighting what he's capable of and his best work may still be yet to come.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dDrea1wAnsQSNF5W1QPDhrvWvsmxaXaWIzuiQlWalQzNl3jPsMucn6Sv_m298_dKtw12pWknC4CZZGVI7xIzYMh1Xx9p4F2Yww7lMuZfWdKhHl7SEgIoM4XcNTcS2t_DQ2i6ENNv4lHwkwEBOZU1YrhqUBrfcvLP5vh46vH5nyASbrU1UD1IaDQc/s1000/Your-Old-Droog-YOD-Wave-1646069425.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dDrea1wAnsQSNF5W1QPDhrvWvsmxaXaWIzuiQlWalQzNl3jPsMucn6Sv_m298_dKtw12pWknC4CZZGVI7xIzYMh1Xx9p4F2Yww7lMuZfWdKhHl7SEgIoM4XcNTcS2t_DQ2i6ENNv4lHwkwEBOZU1YrhqUBrfcvLP5vh46vH5nyASbrU1UD1IaDQc/s320/Your-Old-Droog-YOD-Wave-1646069425.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. Your Old Droog & Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>YOD Wave</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Nicholas Craven</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Tha God Fahim, Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Brooklynite Your Old Droog is among the prolific and hardest working emcees out here. He drops numerous projects per year and looks to be on the same wave. Speaking of "waves", Droog collaborated with Canadian producer Nicholas Craven to release <i>YOD Wave</i>. This is some of Nicholas Craven's best work, which is saying something considering how tremendous his production work is based on previous work with the likes of Ransom, RJ Payne, Fahim, Mach-Hommy and others. Droog's Nas-sounding comparisons continue to show up frequently on here, but he stays exhibiting his great penmanship and delivery throughout this EP. As of this writing, he just dropped <i>YOD Stewart</i> and once again show why he's among people's most intriguing emcees. With <i>YOD Wave</i>, Droog maintains his impressive streak of great projects.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkhLZ5Tg5BuyEYOdmXsyRN2cl1KCcGKNILHe_5cYjG7JVNpHTKIHB4uaDB_e-bmtdHW9dZyI-K5fTvAfH-aj9OjTPiylfU0XWz90FIaspINiac304vBJJkLvkbvd8fUDnppbbaGvZPrucNq7jcN_bacm4NEEkfc8BEU6nOhYrNUq9e9pxN5NZIXza/s600/muggs-x-rigz-gold-Cover-Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkhLZ5Tg5BuyEYOdmXsyRN2cl1KCcGKNILHe_5cYjG7JVNpHTKIHB4uaDB_e-bmtdHW9dZyI-K5fTvAfH-aj9OjTPiylfU0XWz90FIaspINiac304vBJJkLvkbvd8fUDnppbbaGvZPrucNq7jcN_bacm4NEEkfc8BEU6nOhYrNUq9e9pxN5NZIXza/s320/muggs-x-rigz-gold-Cover-Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. DJ Muggs & Rigz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>GOLD</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mooch, Rob Gates, Meyhem Lauren, Rome Streetz, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">The legendary DJ Muggs has been on a career roll over the past few years, collaborating with the likes of Flee Lord, Rome Streetz, Planet Asia, Mach-Hommy, and Meyhem Lauren among others with excellent full length projects. So far, he has only delivered one full length project, but it's a crazy one. This time, he assists Rochester, NY emcee, Rigz, who represents upstate collective, Da Cloth. Muggs, as usual, brings the best out of another emcee and through this album, <i>Gold</i>, Rigz paints a vivid and unsettling view of the streets that he has embraced and that have also embraced him. With sinister sounds from Muggs, it provides the perfect score for his lyrical illustrations. Rigz will soon no longer just be a slept on underground emcee. He and his Cloth collective will be among the lips of all hip-hop heads and this album is a step in the right and promising direction.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0TrAmVTgyRLVgLHooKATEsldcVl7mjtdsxD-bqNN0Emx9TX8uarAKpD1EaBsmvmJd973uddC7ac0MFh3rZ9wrDnQESQvNIEJZO-rPBZODrWogZwG0CYlsWK09NrLk_gWlQjQxUal3JFFmThlp07cqAW_P0eZkPf2ofFrafOMjT1fXrGE4G0cnqA4/s1280/Action-Bronson.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0TrAmVTgyRLVgLHooKATEsldcVl7mjtdsxD-bqNN0Emx9TX8uarAKpD1EaBsmvmJd973uddC7ac0MFh3rZ9wrDnQESQvNIEJZO-rPBZODrWogZwG0CYlsWK09NrLk_gWlQjQxUal3JFFmThlp07cqAW_P0eZkPf2ofFrafOMjT1fXrGE4G0cnqA4/s320/Action-Bronson.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Action Bronson</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Cocodrillo Turbo</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, Daringer, Roc Marciano, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Conway The Machine, Roc Marciano, Meyhem Lauren, Hologram</p><p style="text-align: left;">Queens emcee Action Bronson has shelled out a pretty decent discography over the past decade. The emcee/chef/author/new workout guru has been one of the more intriguing talents to come out of NY. Heads have been somewhat glued in to him since his debut, <i>Dr. Lecter</i>. Since then he has dropped good to great efforts such as his collaboration with Alchemist, <i>Rare Chandeliers</i>, <i>Blue Chips</i>, the damn good sequel <i>Blue Chips 2</i>, his major label debut, <i>Mr. Wonderful</i>, and the most recent <i>Only For Dolphins</i>. He now delivers his seventh full length album, <i>Cocodrillo Turbo</i>. Primarily produced by Alchemist and Daringer (save a couple of tracks produced by himself), this is Action in his most focused in some years. Lyrically, Bronson is hungry (no pun intended) and within the album, this is a very cohesive project. Assisted by the likes of Meyhem Lauren and Conway The Machine, Bronson has delivered arguably his best work in a minute and here's to hoping we get more of the Bronson to come.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe5RZGT5UI8PW1nccNho7KfceTp-KSH0eAYVFjkW5wnx1C87T1diMWWT7mrcP3FQseIqH2yM3KWbet4OreodzTgky6txeXaWVTHxIkep2ASMqsEZCEJyRWVo_iG-Jm3UdT_2BaD49p92Grw8QuEEhaRbIBNJei1jrQs1FAJbdVye1MSDoZDqIPhjI/s600/Fly-Anakin-Frank.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe5RZGT5UI8PW1nccNho7KfceTp-KSH0eAYVFjkW5wnx1C87T1diMWWT7mrcP3FQseIqH2yM3KWbet4OreodzTgky6txeXaWVTHxIkep2ASMqsEZCEJyRWVo_iG-Jm3UdT_2BaD49p92Grw8QuEEhaRbIBNJei1jrQs1FAJbdVye1MSDoZDqIPhjI/s320/Fly-Anakin-Frank.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Fly Anakin</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Frank</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Evidence, Madlib, Sycho Sid, Like, Lastnammedavid, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Henny L.O., Billz Egypt, Big Kahuna O.G., Pink Siifu</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the undergrounds more bubbling crews is the Mutant Academy. Hailing from the DMV, the crew consisting of Koncept Jackson, Big Kahuna O.G., Henny L.O., and Fly Anakin is a dope crew of emcees and producers (Sycho Sid, Unlucky Bastards, Ewonee) that have made noise for some years. After dropping some mixtapes and EPs over the years, Anakin drops his solo debut, <i>Frank</i>, and this cat dropped a damn good debut on us. With beats that range from grimy to soulful, Anakin delivers talent and foresight all on this album. With beat work from the likes of Madlib, Evidence, and in-house producers Sycho Sid and Lastnamedavid, Anakin provides his unique mic abilities to create quite the impressive debut solo album.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvgpkwgpugle5hyaUquPgVdi55BBIx7NIDgbBuXK-aGlSVCiVBcboieDgDGl56EPyrS_pd_6mmzNf7VnV52a5sX0lXzFBAzwg_F34E-TsR-4bagQm7g5baUxWhffom1DEYBBBPT3pGi4_E4U4DxWCMaSGklGP2kFgxhg5qmAatBpKLfCquwUzVU9x/s600/EarthGang-Ghetto-Gods.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvgpkwgpugle5hyaUquPgVdi55BBIx7NIDgbBuXK-aGlSVCiVBcboieDgDGl56EPyrS_pd_6mmzNf7VnV52a5sX0lXzFBAzwg_F34E-TsR-4bagQm7g5baUxWhffom1DEYBBBPT3pGi4_E4U4DxWCMaSGklGP2kFgxhg5qmAatBpKLfCquwUzVU9x/s320/EarthGang-Ghetto-Gods.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. EarthGang</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ghetto Gods</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Olu, 1500 Or Nothin', STLNdrums, Grandma, Phoelix, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Cee-Lo, Nick Cannon, Musiq Soulchild, J.I.D., J. Cole, Ari Lennox, Future</p><p style="text-align: left;">ATL representatives, EarthGang, is a very unique, yet highly talented duo. These Dreamville signees have amassed a great discography even before the major label. The duo of WowGr8 and Olu have been compared to a younger Big Boi and Andre 3000, and with albums like their 2022 offering, <i>Ghetto Gods</i>, it's not hard to see why. Capitalizing from their previous effort, <i>Mirrorland</i>, they grab various musical stylings from jazz to funk to psychadelic to reggae and they bring forth a world that struggles to maintain in the midst of subjects such as poverty, injustice, and mental illness. More melancholy than their previous works, this is an inward look at how the ills of the world has taken its toll on our psyche as a culture. while the whole album isn't this dark and serious, moments such as "All Eyes On Me" and "Strong Friends" are very poignant and become more moody. With <i>Ghetto Gods</i>, EarthGang continue to evolve into very essential and necessary for the southern hip-hop scene. Although they're still quite far away from the god-level of Outkast, they're also a much needed light, lyrically and talent-wise that made those ATLiens such stars in the first place.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh_Nn55TSOmGaD48Mli8j--3GhXylRIIn_xIPA146Ps3IP-oXXn3Y_dmaPTBovZSZAleteqdGVWjZ2v5JFGNXFU5jcCzIm_Z65T-34jjUH9Gv0Nrr36CQKo7_1BEf-6bMfi1HRR4WfFhbOAIXC2E3bOitKHX_TBBG4DcgeTI1ptf5hM0ceAHRoY-i/s600/Quelle-Chris-Deathfame.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh_Nn55TSOmGaD48Mli8j--3GhXylRIIn_xIPA146Ps3IP-oXXn3Y_dmaPTBovZSZAleteqdGVWjZ2v5JFGNXFU5jcCzIm_Z65T-34jjUH9Gv0Nrr36CQKo7_1BEf-6bMfi1HRR4WfFhbOAIXC2E3bOitKHX_TBBG4DcgeTI1ptf5hM0ceAHRoY-i/s320/Quelle-Chris-Deathfame.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. Quelle Chris</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>DEATHFAME</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Chris Keyz, Knxwledge</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Denmark Vessey, Pink Siifu, Cavalier, Navy Blue, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Eccecntric Detroit rhymer, Quelle Chris, has an underappreciated discography. A great rhymer and an equally great writer and producer, the hubby of fellow rhyme animal, Jean Grae, has amassed dope left-brained albums such as <i>Niggas Is Men</i>, <i>Ghost At The Finish Line</i>, <i>Innocent Country</i>, <i>Guns</i>, and his most recent <i>Innocent Country 2</i>. Some of his albums have had poignant overall themes with them. His album, <i>Being You Is Great, I Wish I Could Be You More Often</i> focused on self acceptance, while Guns was focused on gun violence and obsession with guns. With his latest, <i>DEATHFAME</i>, Chris focuses on the pitfalls of popularity and stardom. Part satire, part serious, it blends a melancholy aura with tongue-in-cheek humor. Production-wise, this is among his best efforts. Plenty of jazzy elements thanks mostly to himself and frequent collaborator, Chris Keyz, this is not a blissful, sunshine-sparking album. Nonetheless, Quelle Chris has delivered another excellent album done as only he can do, and does it with precise appeal. He has not failed yet.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOojzxpCjKYOkAkXwc-NLgiHcsui2-qgi5885hi3Z4D0pQHhw6irzPcxqPe4OZY84LTGNjZXplMKaUcjBWJOWglrjasVgUI9aUS0Hws5pnZeVBzIkk8E_ikRAwoi3EHBERKOIXI7K72b-9BN0Pq8zSPZQT_BgB2cOG8kyYYFh_6T1hXHJNRtl5sfIu/s600/continuance.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOojzxpCjKYOkAkXwc-NLgiHcsui2-qgi5885hi3Z4D0pQHhw6irzPcxqPe4OZY84LTGNjZXplMKaUcjBWJOWglrjasVgUI9aUS0Hws5pnZeVBzIkk8E_ikRAwoi3EHBERKOIXI7K72b-9BN0Pq8zSPZQT_BgB2cOG8kyYYFh_6T1hXHJNRtl5sfIu/s320/continuance.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Curren$y & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Continuance</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Havoc, Wiz Khalifa, Styles P, Boldy James, Larry June</p><p style="text-align: left;">Whenever you mention N'Awlin's Curren$y and his lengthy discography, many tend to mention his collaborations with arguably the most prolific producer in hip-hop, The Alchemist. Their previous effort, <i>Covert Coup</i>, showed that Curren$y delivers some of his best vocal and lyrical talent through Alan Maman. Ranked among his best albums, the thirst was heavy for another collab was thick. We did in fact get this in 2022 in the form of <i>Continuance</i>. This is easily as great as, if not better than, <i>Covert Coup</i>. From stellar cuts like "Kool & The Gang" and the Boldy Jams-assisted "No Yeast", Spitta goes for his lyrically and once again shows that he needs to be mentioned among the best within the south, as we've already been aware of how much of a work ethic he has.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvcEl35YQo2KIYaYcNZOxRkqSYV-Fi6rXLpoMNWwPSBDQC52rQFLxWREMA6WAcosZqzFFmIQD241733Zn1osxpNiqWCbVDr8NHIZF6DO2rwqwUsA5AMPpHFcBPwBIcEw3XL3leVsn4zMJrY7sWYA01vV7vdpD2bnRNHG-Pv0j81EILl5806jcIWJz/s600/Earl-Sweatshirt-Sick.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvcEl35YQo2KIYaYcNZOxRkqSYV-Fi6rXLpoMNWwPSBDQC52rQFLxWREMA6WAcosZqzFFmIQD241733Zn1osxpNiqWCbVDr8NHIZF6DO2rwqwUsA5AMPpHFcBPwBIcEw3XL3leVsn4zMJrY7sWYA01vV7vdpD2bnRNHG-Pv0j81EILl5806jcIWJz/s320/Earl-Sweatshirt-Sick.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Earl Sweatshirt</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>SICK!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist, artist, Black Noi$e, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Armand Hammer, Zeeloopers</p><p style="text-align: left;">The ever enigmatic yet tremendously talented, Earl Sweatshirt, brought forth his 2022 offering in the form of <i>SICK!</i> While it's not quite as macabre as <i>I Don't Do Shit, I Don't Go Outside</i> or as painfully personal as arguably his masterpiece, <i>Some Rap Songs</i>, this does have splatterings of his debut full-length album, <i>Doris</i>, as well as his last effort, <i>Feet Of Clay</i>. Personal, honest, introspective, and conflicting, Earl delves into his psyche over excellent production mostly from Black Noi$e. While we wait on the elusive project with hi m and The Alchemist, we will continue to enjoy any project from Earl because at this point, the former Odd Future standout can simply do no wrong.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxpHbKAqf9F7ctpmDhBi_KNlv1JZgXK_NIa2EWkmtJPg1r_guuNLZTnt-nGFZ-9FyNl7TX395OC_y4U4HvZcxLcvsJl5Wlyt_wy5rDdPpuJzFmlihjdAA_tueL8Uxt3MJhvca0DjRqwSZ2ujCBVKCcyeCfpicaHvMh_X_RJVtF3_ljl5YUJ0jXZ2Z/s600/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxpHbKAqf9F7ctpmDhBi_KNlv1JZgXK_NIa2EWkmtJPg1r_guuNLZTnt-nGFZ-9FyNl7TX395OC_y4U4HvZcxLcvsJl5Wlyt_wy5rDdPpuJzFmlihjdAA_tueL8Uxt3MJhvca0DjRqwSZ2ujCBVKCcyeCfpicaHvMh_X_RJVtF3_ljl5YUJ0jXZ2Z/s320/Pusha-T-Its-Almost-Dry.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. Pusha T</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It's Almost Dry</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, 88-Keyz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, No Malice, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, Lil Uzi Vert, Labyrinth, Don Tolliver</p><p style="text-align: left;">After the last couple of years of stating that he was constructing the album of his career, VA's own Pusha T finally delivered the goods with his new offering, <i>It's Almost Dry</i>. In the months leading up to the release, he also stated the album was the best of 2022. Was he correct? In many instances, he very well could be. Mr. Thorton sounds refreshed, hungry, and focused on this new release. While still delving into the coke rap arena, Pusha continues to make this arena sound good. With production help from Kanye and Pharrell (Mr. Williams delivering some of his darkest and menacing production work to date here), Pusha T brought forth a slam dunk of an album that lives up to the hype for the most part. Very similar to previous albums of <i>King Push: Darkest Before Dawn</i>, <i>My Name Is My Name</i>, and his most recent effort, the outstanding <i>DAYTONA</i>, Pusha elevates his lyrical game and sounds like the confident veteran that keep showing these rookies out here he's among the true blueprints of the generation.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQknTEyRGsViIS9S0aNqOZn4EBELk-kXfVigV2DPV6-c4vSxlDlEPLdo52z4NlSdljKC_O__v7qy58_Jfa00AnuK5bK8GUoWitlJ8pxW96KW70MeWzzmuY28nf8wvXI0qqWJ3dJ0HGsarUk1PAGrmbghCcaPa6ZjkIENu7q1UL1LyyxpHItbkZhINw/s2799/Black-Star-Yasiin-Bey-Mos-Def-Talib-Kweli-No-Fear-of-Time-2022.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="2799" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQknTEyRGsViIS9S0aNqOZn4EBELk-kXfVigV2DPV6-c4vSxlDlEPLdo52z4NlSdljKC_O__v7qy58_Jfa00AnuK5bK8GUoWitlJ8pxW96KW70MeWzzmuY28nf8wvXI0qqWJ3dJ0HGsarUk1PAGrmbghCcaPa6ZjkIENu7q1UL1LyyxpHItbkZhINw/s320/Black-Star-Yasiin-Bey-Mos-Def-Talib-Kweli-No-Fear-of-Time-2022.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. Black Star</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>No Fear Of Time</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Madlib</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Black Thought</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been 24 years since we last saw Brooklyn's dynamic duo, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli as Black Star and crafting music. Their debut album, <i>Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star</i>, is highly considered a hip-hop classic in practically every circle imaginable. Cuts like "Brown Skin Lady", "Thieves In The Night", and "Twice Inna Lifetime" became part of hip-hop's consciousness at that time and put themselves in conversation for best overall duos in the game, especially within underground circles. Since then, albums from both artists have been critically acclaimed and among some of the game's most triumphant releases. After much speculation, the duo reunited, along the production help of the legendary Madlib, to present <i>No Fear Of Time</i>. Constructed admittedly in hotel rooms while touring with limited resources, they pull off one hell of an album. Released through their podcast company, Luminary, one would imagine their subscriptions went up a ton just to get a peep of this excellent new album. Over exceptional Madlib production (he himself no stranger to either artist as he did Bey's famed cut from <i>The Ecstatic</i> "Auditorium" and did a whole effort with Kweli, <i>Liberation</i>), they recapture some of the magic that made them have such a following in the first place. Sure it doesn't quite the same as 25 years ago. It's not supposed to. It's 25 years ago. However, with <i>No Fear Of Time</i>, Black Star indeed does stay shining.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BzzdUit8FKhyfJ3PHwX6xN5iNHcmz3vKmc4qkmaNmaz8qk1Fd73sHE_NYBZe7ERSjJ1k3BlGJVj1Mk5yq34_txFS6aR_TwOArNXjpWjPBBfnvD6oKwi-ZbV4NGG3f8DBL-K_5RqC2q0FYWcFs6PgMgXPy8SCg-WcLCdCvw3Xn13fjyqUE9nuZA1O/s320/Denzel-Curry-Melt-My-Eyez,-See-Your-Future-Album.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BzzdUit8FKhyfJ3PHwX6xN5iNHcmz3vKmc4qkmaNmaz8qk1Fd73sHE_NYBZe7ERSjJ1k3BlGJVj1Mk5yq34_txFS6aR_TwOArNXjpWjPBBfnvD6oKwi-ZbV4NGG3f8DBL-K_5RqC2q0FYWcFs6PgMgXPy8SCg-WcLCdCvw3Xn13fjyqUE9nuZA1O/s1600/Denzel-Curry-Melt-My-Eyez,-See-Your-Future-Album.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Denzel Curry</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Robert Glaspar, Karreim Riggins, Kenny BEats, DJ Khalyl, Dot Da Genius, JPEGMAFIA, Kal Bankx, Thundercat</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Robert Glaspar, 6LACK, J.I.D., Rico Nasty, Saul Williams, Bridgett Perez, Karreim Riggins, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">Florida's Denzel Curry has quite the following over the years since his full length debut, Nostalgic 64, that put him officially on the map. Since then, efforts like <i>Imperial</i>, <i>Zuu</i>, and <i>Unlocked</i> with sought after beatmaker, Kenny Beats have further etched his name into being among the most popular young southern rappers out here today. His brand of street rap mixed with honest introspection tends to make him a standout among his peers as it is. He goes next level with his 2022 offering, <i>Melt My Eyez, See Your Future</i>, as he varies with different styles and genres on this release. Definitely more of an adult vibe then previous works, he collaborates with the likes of acclaimed Detroit drummer/producer Karreim Riggins, Grammy Award winning jazz pianist/producer Robert Glaspar, and T-Pain among many others. More ambitious than any effort he's done, he's a lot more introspective and personal than any of his previous efforts as well. Curry displays more of a maturity than a lot of his contemporary peers with this album and here's to hoping for more albums that show more of he is apart from his stardom.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVirwJczQiJC3VL3YFRyAdCNq0Re3HnsJk77-3GdfgXUpuQHdqJZG2_MwYZlNyRDh4yse6RUczM1jKvepYvqybKdJApbAgbLt7aJrSAkfb2dMCA3ZbM4SuEujQBFQtwG33g1EsKVCy-agsCbr6M_MwI2efZTWEXVm4q1nppgk05p7YexwNt8VeD9b/s600/AETHIOPES_COVER_1200.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVirwJczQiJC3VL3YFRyAdCNq0Re3HnsJk77-3GdfgXUpuQHdqJZG2_MwYZlNyRDh4yse6RUczM1jKvepYvqybKdJApbAgbLt7aJrSAkfb2dMCA3ZbM4SuEujQBFQtwG33g1EsKVCy-agsCbr6M_MwI2efZTWEXVm4q1nppgk05p7YexwNt8VeD9b/s320/AETHIOPES_COVER_1200.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. billy woods & Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Aethiopes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Preservation</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Denmark Vessey, ELUCID, Quelle Chris, Boldy James, Breezely Brewin, El-P, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the most intriguing emcees in the underground is NY's billy woods. Really gaining notoriety with his album, <i>History Will Absolve Me</i>, he started gaining more recognition with other efforts such as <i>Known Unknowns</i>, his highly acclaimed collab with producer Kenny Segal, <i>Hiding Places</i>, and <i>Today, I Wrote Nothing</i>. Of course he also shines alongside fellow emcee, ELUCID, as one half of highly acclaimed duo, Armand Hammer (their Alchemist-assisted album, <i>HARAM</i>, was one of the single best albums of 2021). He now shows up in 2022 with another producer-assisted alum. This time with Preservation (previously worked with the likes of Roc Marciano, Ka, Yasiin Bey, Aesop Rock and others) and he delivers <i>Aethiopes</i>. His style of unorthodox lyricism meets non-stop almost spoken word poetry-like delivery has him painting bleak views of society and social structures over Preservations minimalist yet atmospheric production. Masterfully an abstract emcee of the highest caliber, woods has once again knocked out an incredible piece of work that can be argued as his best.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbFBQ3zwKADgu3QLa94Foa8MoysV2ciEmZ6U0o7w42XvlbMYmZfzY62F7gIUPWYLFjOuMMaHXFrIU5GMTLFjsNxhS16DeYvPat3qafl6RflkQZBEJWEUqUOMF-IgclAGknW_OyRpKONTlKezLH9IM5ZC3Ce8reXlqeSt_59zKuDTVZnJUsmsJiTgz/s3000/Conway-the-Machine.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbFBQ3zwKADgu3QLa94Foa8MoysV2ciEmZ6U0o7w42XvlbMYmZfzY62F7gIUPWYLFjOuMMaHXFrIU5GMTLFjsNxhS16DeYvPat3qafl6RflkQZBEJWEUqUOMF-IgclAGknW_OyRpKONTlKezLH9IM5ZC3Ce8reXlqeSt_59zKuDTVZnJUsmsJiTgz/s320/Conway-the-Machine.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist, Hit-Boy, Beat Butcha, Bink!, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jill Scott, T.I., Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Keisha Plum, Novel, Beanie Sigel, Rick Ross, Lil' Wayne, Lxvedagenius, Jae Skeeze</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the cornerstones of Griselda has been Conway The Machine. The buffalo emcee has played as crucial of a role to Griselda's ascent as his brother and cousin (Gunn and Benny respectively). His discography is near flawless and his last effort, <i>From King To A God</i>, was as hard-hitting of an album as you could get from The Machine in 2020. However, when it was announced that Gunn and Conway would have one album deals through Shady Records, heads were immediately intrigued to what would come from them. Conway often stated this was the album of his career, and with <i>God Don't Maker Mistakes</i>, he has just that on his hands. As great as the aforementioned <i>From King To A God</i> was, this is even better than that. Way more personal and introspective than anything he's ever done, this is the most complete effort Conway has delivered and serves as arguably the best (or at least top 2 or 3 albums) within the entire Griselda discography. Over crazy production from the likes of Alchemist, Hit-Boy, Daringer, Bink and Beat Butcha, Conway has officially arrived with this album. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbRksINApRP4_MCHw4sJHTCxoenV-oH4SPYqRFo546jvIrmGFa5DYJKjqZEXmqI57FPOHJbbtcSNVtxZNopmobP9QvedL-CkSiX88DRKqzjtd8kknXXq3Jih_99HgmtMvFTT5hSe5j7jl2wsI4x4NkrGMg6wnJvNjjvM-lScuSJM3dpXi-buW6Pwr/s600/Benny-the-Butcher-Tana-Talk-4.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbRksINApRP4_MCHw4sJHTCxoenV-oH4SPYqRFo546jvIrmGFa5DYJKjqZEXmqI57FPOHJbbtcSNVtxZNopmobP9QvedL-CkSiX88DRKqzjtd8kknXXq3Jih_99HgmtMvFTT5hSe5j7jl2wsI4x4NkrGMg6wnJvNjjvM-lScuSJM3dpXi-buW6Pwr/s320/Benny-the-Butcher-Tana-Talk-4.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tana Talk 4</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, J. Cole, Diddy, 38 Spesh, Boldy James, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: left;">Staying on the Griselda train, Benny The Butcher has emerged as the star of GXFR. His 2019 offering, <i>Tana Talk 3</i> was compared to a new generation <i>Reasonable Doubt,</i> and for good reason. A modern classic that further propelled Griselda to more critical acclaim, the pressure was on to deliver hard with the 4th installment of the <i>Tana Talk</i> series. After dropping efforts such as his equally nuts EP, <i>The Plugs I Met</i>, his Hit-Boy collaboration, <i>Burden Of Proof</i>, his collab with Harry Fraud, and <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i>, the time had come to work on <i>Tana Talk 4</i>. Does it measure up to his exceptional street classic,<i> TT3</i>? Damn right it does. With Daringer and Alchemist providing all the boardwork here, this is a menacing project filled with street narrative, coke-laced rhymes and occasional personal stories of him struggles. As focused as ever to help Griselda take over the entire game, Benny is the rightful star of the crew, and who knows, he may also be the first to give Griselda its first Platinum plaque in the future. By all means, as he would say, for all up and coming street emcees, "The Butcher coming N**GA!"</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm36O8V5lH_yyC6ZMeQxY0wCgVeCZ3u_GZ-qQo_5b0JRAY1mwfL1BZYz0kf0DNAk_hv7ckO8GZdzshZdL8EuleDJ_G2vRgwutDhwHi6TIg7LGKF8pbRdHGcI_L_Trlvzh27UtLtEZb6THCQ7PLd6YcmONS46PuFIMm8KEO9UqQwSsLnmPbJEfQaTf/s600/Phife-Dawg-Forever.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm36O8V5lH_yyC6ZMeQxY0wCgVeCZ3u_GZ-qQo_5b0JRAY1mwfL1BZYz0kf0DNAk_hv7ckO8GZdzshZdL8EuleDJ_G2vRgwutDhwHi6TIg7LGKF8pbRdHGcI_L_Trlvzh27UtLtEZb6THCQ7PLd6YcmONS46PuFIMm8KEO9UqQwSsLnmPbJEfQaTf/s320/Phife-Dawg-Forever.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Phife Dawg</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Forever</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Dilla, Nottz, 9th Wonder, Khrysis, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Redman, Illa J, Posdnous, Little Brother, Dwele, Rapsody, Darien Brockington, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Dwele, Lyric Jones, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of this generation's saddest passings was in the form of A Tribe Called Quest's beloved and revered "Funky Five Footer" Malik Taylor aka Phife Dawg. The legendary emcee unfortunately succumbed to complications related to his much publicized Diabetes in 2016. However, he left behind some material for his fans and thankfully his estate has much obliged to release his posthumous album, the long-awaited <i>Forever</i>, and it was absolutely worth the wait. This albums reeks of his incredible brilliance as an emcee. Over some simply fantastic production from the likes of 9th Wonder, Khrysis, and even a contribution from another late, great hip-hop icon, J Dilla, Phife shows such a grown man maturity on this release. As an elder statesman even before his death, his "Bust off on your couch, now you got Seamen's Furniture" as was on "Electric Relaxation" is replaced with God, family, love of his wife, and critiquing hip-hop as an artform and a culture. This could easily be a tearjerker of an album if this wasn't such a fire release. While your average posthumous release can be hit (Gangstarr's <i>One Of The Best Yet</i>, Big L's <i>Big Picture</i>) or miss (Biggie's <i>Born Again)</i>, this could be considered one of the most complete posthumous hip-hop albums you'll ever come across. Long live the "Funky Five Footer".</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqI1EK7Nh1F8bNwMiSw1L1RaTIVfVm-YVsXU5mmuVMCiS4Y7IFmjjbVsXV6Q7knRxBFP8XZ9XwuRZSs-d8kJrL2yRRfi_EB8IDfcglJXcjP8Zk3WavEBicJAIOHu8dYaLKjG7BpfzDUdoO97XssasnzG4skVc2j_TOxtZA19Wq_w5PtxJGAKC-nDW1/s1500/attachment-kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-hotsteppers-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqI1EK7Nh1F8bNwMiSw1L1RaTIVfVm-YVsXU5mmuVMCiS4Y7IFmjjbVsXV6Q7knRxBFP8XZ9XwuRZSs-d8kJrL2yRRfi_EB8IDfcglJXcjP8Zk3WavEBicJAIOHu8dYaLKjG7BpfzDUdoO97XssasnzG4skVc2j_TOxtZA19Wq_w5PtxJGAKC-nDW1/s320/attachment-kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-hotsteppers-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Kendrick Lamar</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Pharrell Williams, Sounwave, DJ Khalyl, DJ Dahi, Boi-1nda, Baby Keem, Beach Noise, The Alchemist, Bekon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Kodak Black, BLXST, Ghostface Killah, Summer Walker, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Beth Gibbons. Amanda Reifer, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">What can be said about Kendrick Lamar Duckworth that hasn't already been said about him? Visionary. Generational. GOAT of his generation. These would all accurately apply to him. From his very promising debut, <i>Section.80</i>, to his major label classic debut, <i>good kid, M.A.A.D. City</i>, to perhaps the greatest album of the 2010s, <i>To Pimp A Butterfly</i>, to the Pulitzer Prize winning follow-up <i>DAMN</i>, Kendrick subsequently can't lose. Anticipation has been at epic levels since <i>DAMN</i>, and when he announced his fifth album, <i>Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers</i>, the frenzy started to happen. Once his promo single/video "The Heart Pt. 5" dropped, immediately we knew King Kendrick was back. Does it live up to the hype? Yes and then some. This double album divides between his dealing with his anxiety and depression points and his need to almost be a god-like savior to other people to examining his growth as a man even if going through tumultuous waters, this is as honest of an album as we've ever heard from him. While, at times, it's not an easy listen (the VERY controversial "We Cry Together"), it has moments of triumph and self-artistic/personal maturation. Seemingly, each album since <i>good kid</i> has showed him elevating as an artist and a man, conceptually and realistically. This is another album that will resonate, not just within our culture, but within music for decades to come. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Czarface- <i>Czarmageddon!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Che Noir- <i>Food For Thought</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne- <i>Beautiful Payne 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne- <i>If Cocaine Could Talk 7</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom- <i>No Rest For The Wicked</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Nicholas Craven- <i>N3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">V-DON- <i>Better Than $$$</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RZA as Bobby Digital- <i>Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- <i>Wolf Of Wall Street 2: The American Dream</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Kid Abstrakt- <i>Higher Vibration</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tha God Fahim- <i>6 Ring Champ</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elzhi & Georgia Anne Maldrow- <i>Zhigeist</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">AJ Suede & Televengel- <i>Metatron's Cube</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Smoovth & Machacha- <i>Subcriminal Thoughts</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Termanology & Paul Wall- <i>Start 2 Finish</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">IAMGAWD- <i>Murder Castle</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elcamino & Camouflage Monk- <i>Walk By Faith, Not By Sight</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jermaside- <i>The Overview Effect</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bun B & Cory Mo- <i>Mo Trill</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">At the time of this writing, albums from ELUCID, Lupe Fiasco, Westside Gunn and Logic hadn't dropped yet, but do understand, after peeping all their albums, they would be in top five for sure. Also stay tuned for projects from Nas, The Game, another Soul Assassins project from Muggs, Joey Bada$$, PRhyme, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, J.I.D., Freddie Gibbs, Rapsody, Lloyd Banks, the Griselda crew, and Cormega among many others That being said, this year has been thunderous as it is and it's exciting to see what's next in 2022. Stray tuned for more craziness!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-89768401632580483992022-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:002022-01-02T11:32:34.658-08:00The Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2021<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1tv4zKJGJz5mnoT4Zwvw5BFdXDzFPW43DjC-aU61LGrJ3nTCHeOIDjnXLT1Tav893cRKl5MRpminY8hUJDo2XspIrPTahsKvRFbCd9aXptLQKR_ZYp2cokaQSsCJyUK5F8gSvQIoFrllpYQec0AM4iyRhxLbm0QDCsaSvbjXSus32z7wn_muoYO6q=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1tv4zKJGJz5mnoT4Zwvw5BFdXDzFPW43DjC-aU61LGrJ3nTCHeOIDjnXLT1Tav893cRKl5MRpminY8hUJDo2XspIrPTahsKvRFbCd9aXptLQKR_ZYp2cokaQSsCJyUK5F8gSvQIoFrllpYQec0AM4iyRhxLbm0QDCsaSvbjXSus32z7wn_muoYO6q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What a year for hip-hop. This was a year filled with exceptional releases that far outweighed any release that was poor or underwhelming. We had seminal releases from the likes of Skyzoo, Nas, and Little Simz to albums that should've gotten way more notice such as Navy Blue, Evidence, and Rita J. Once again, Griselda pretty much dominated the year with tremendous release after tremendous release, and we saw the triumphant return after six years of TDE's Isaiah Rashad. Not to mention, producers such as Alchemist, Hit-Boy, and Muggs were quite prolific this year and delivered some of the year's best offerings. This was a fun year sonically and lyrically. Definitely among the best on recent record. With that being said, let's get into the thirty best albums of the year. Be forewarned: this will cause controversy as there are MANY albums that could've made this list. If your favorite isn't on the list, be sure to check for them on the Honorable Mentions section. Now that that's out the way, let the discussion begin!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlhw6BxH-y98A9tMu2q6kRSGcqxaoQ13Ap-XtD1AouzkohmWSXbHB6cIArmVvvDTX7YrJhb2PiRBca_88xuViqTh20eM3zFn0667mGluu5Bdlof-A1c931xWblmN053Qcsvc8VDjAbHChD7ppxvYsIHlcyu7YYkmUg5c1V07qYOFJCdlasFDauhd_B=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlhw6BxH-y98A9tMu2q6kRSGcqxaoQ13Ap-XtD1AouzkohmWSXbHB6cIArmVvvDTX7YrJhb2PiRBca_88xuViqTh20eM3zFn0667mGluu5Bdlof-A1c931xWblmN053Qcsvc8VDjAbHChD7ppxvYsIHlcyu7YYkmUg5c1V07qYOFJCdlasFDauhd_B=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">30. Navy Blue</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Navy's Reprise</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Evidence, Stoney Ellis, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Demajhiae</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fresh from Cali comes Navy Blue, an emcee that's been making more and more noise over the past few years, especially with his collaborations with Earl Sweatshirt. With his steadily growing fan following, he dropped out of the...ahem...blue, <i>Navy's Reprise</i>, the follow up to 2020's <i>Song Of Sage: Post Panic!</i> This album definitely picks up where <i>Song Of Sage</i> left off, only with more eclectic yet soulful sounds on this release. Standouts such as "Peach Cobbler", "Shine" and especially the rather dope "Ritual" all exemplify Navy's penmanship and his ability to draw you into his world of introspection and endurance with great results.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY2mOlf-bmXSlgmjx8ov2cRg6RXuj6dM52z94EEO6GAbO4R37yv3P_61v5_hsBgwy-A49hJf9AucritO2Io37I1dkH2oL9o9fcxRv6kbgrvUI6XfwMOyoaECMf1fQq25k6LeuPDXQNpluxnUqi2-7DBQZxUQ7_kuUbf4DXmGOBhSN6vm144snnNW0-=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY2mOlf-bmXSlgmjx8ov2cRg6RXuj6dM52z94EEO6GAbO4R37yv3P_61v5_hsBgwy-A49hJf9AucritO2Io37I1dkH2oL9o9fcxRv6kbgrvUI6XfwMOyoaECMf1fQq25k6LeuPDXQNpluxnUqi2-7DBQZxUQ7_kuUbf4DXmGOBhSN6vm144snnNW0-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">29. Rita J</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The High Priestess</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Neak, Rashid Hadee</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Neak, Rashis Hadee, Slot-A, Cher Jay, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Chicago emcee, Rita J is no rookie to this rap thing. She has put out efforts before with her last one being 2020's <i>Black Koala</i> with Raashan Ahmad and it was met with lots of critical acclaim. Now in 2021, she returned with her solo effort, <i>The High Priestess</i>, an album filled with celebrated highs and depressing lows, and we as the listener are with her through every stage of it all. Taking time off between her multiple efforts to put her all into every project, this album gets intensely personal at times, but we also pay attention to her healing process as well. Cuts like the important "Real Men Cry Too", "Mad As Hell", and "Reality" are all cuts that we see her inner most thoughts and feelings and this is definitely a project that needs to peeped a lot more.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrizyCNn1BVgp6Fceb6m50ULTvonCmc7jKab0ACdP8DzDZzsyrNcLbXeZHl1cA9cqy9js2iaTbt0xv_TG9r4pmS2_hS3FL54ADmdb0FATBBXau24uXfPdeumRyu9DPwLNpqNk9G8CmD7qQdaCZ04VW9SzdUaO2CO2IcAoSGPICLi8gkCOncWqAcwEr=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrizyCNn1BVgp6Fceb6m50ULTvonCmc7jKab0ACdP8DzDZzsyrNcLbXeZHl1cA9cqy9js2iaTbt0xv_TG9r4pmS2_hS3FL54ADmdb0FATBBXau24uXfPdeumRyu9DPwLNpqNk9G8CmD7qQdaCZ04VW9SzdUaO2CO2IcAoSGPICLi8gkCOncWqAcwEr=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">28. Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Unlearning Vol. 1</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, Nottz, Khrysis, Sebb, Daringer, Mr. Green, Animoss, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Boldy James, Conway The Machine, Navy Blue, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Longtime west coast emcee/producer Evidence has been a fixture in the west coast underground since the early start of the century with his Dilated Peoples groupmates. From his debut album, the simply excellent <i>Weatherman LP</i>, we knew Evidence had the talent and lyrical ability to hang and bang with anyone within the west coast upper echelon to go beyond the underground. Albums later such as <i>Cats & Dogs</i> and <i>Weather Or Not</i> continued to show his ability to put out very dope material enough to keep him in the talk of best artist from Cali. In 2021, his offering is <i>The Unlearning Vol. 1</i>, which in terms of theme-wise, is showing his honesty and sincerity much like his aforementioned efforts. Among the standouts are the Alchemist-blessed "Better You", "All Of That Said", and "Talking To The Audience", all of which show how true to this game Evidence, but even more so, how true to himself he is. Evidence has delivered another great addition to his already impressive discography with The Unlearning Vol. 1 and one can only hope he continues this roll he's on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7545--eUDssy1tOCth-pemPZ2XZs1v7roobDZOU0VF3rEeS6bovmc1AXhwUukkb8I5rIjqRnv5_300oBxDrYxkACA1nTjgTjg4RjddVFigO36NrxiDou8Dqbr0r78Ecaxwa6YEos4PuESzqLtSev67gJJUXQNWZwQFbYm1eJbyKwOfK5c1csEz0U=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7545--eUDssy1tOCth-pemPZ2XZs1v7roobDZOU0VF3rEeS6bovmc1AXhwUukkb8I5rIjqRnv5_300oBxDrYxkACA1nTjgTjg4RjddVFigO36NrxiDou8Dqbr0r78Ecaxwa6YEos4PuESzqLtSev67gJJUXQNWZwQFbYm1eJbyKwOfK5c1csEz0U=s320" width="256" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">27. Magna Carta</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>To The Good People</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Dougie Do</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Cara Bishop, Juju Bae, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Austin, TX duo Meggz Kelli and DJ/producer Dougie Do combine to be Magna Carda, a neo-soul-esque hip-hop duo that just makes feel good, yet honest, hip-hop. Their latest album, To The Good People, is almost a throwback of sorts to excellent live instrumentation-old-school spirited hip-hop albums like <i>Do You Want More?!?!?!</i>, <i>Like Water For Chocolate</i>, or <i>Black On Both Sides</i>. Kelli is no slouch on the mic whatsoever and her lyrical abilities are impressive on this effort, and along with Dougie Do's nice arrangements sonically, show the chemistry these two possess to pull off quite the intriguing album. For longtime local fans of theirs, this is a step up from releases of theirs such as <i>Coffee Table Talk</i> and its sequel. For those of us just now getting their ears glued to these two, this album is quite the introduction.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmLfOSzhRkVhB-XZZ-3qNIqXSVNJzWB1HWuZxJwZkvHbjNlWqToZHhLPgogcicWhevdk6YaoG1OmlME0qVJm0JpbmKcVja7Rhfak9M8XSfBDArnEzJk-Av-jyNaBM-tGJnMhPyotOayADx3KIe1WHdprZsNu4EUtATXp8UB22jw5PGrOo0BUvuRQto=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmLfOSzhRkVhB-XZZ-3qNIqXSVNJzWB1HWuZxJwZkvHbjNlWqToZHhLPgogcicWhevdk6YaoG1OmlME0qVJm0JpbmKcVja7Rhfak9M8XSfBDArnEzJk-Av-jyNaBM-tGJnMhPyotOayADx3KIe1WHdprZsNu4EUtATXp8UB22jw5PGrOo0BUvuRQto=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">26. Dark Lo & Havoc</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Extreme Measures</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Havoc</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Styles P, Vado</p><p style="text-align: center;">Dark Lo is an emcee from the mean streets of Philly. The same Philly that houses legends such as Beanie Sigel, Black Thought, Will Smith (do NOT front like Fresh Prince still can't work), Bahamadia, and Eve. His brand of grit and grime has been felt in Philly's underground for some time but now he's gotten up with the legendary Havoc of Mobb Deep to deliver <i>Extreme Measures</i>. After the last few years of obscurity, in part due to the death of his longtime rhyme partner Prodigy, Hav reemerged from the shadows first on Conway's cut "Juvenile Hell" from <i>From King To A God</i>. Since then, he's doing here and there stuff, including with protege, Nyce for his EP. However, Dark Lo over some of Hav's signature dark, atmospheric boon-bap makes for a hand in glove pairing. Giving old Mobb images, Lo and Havoc presented quite the banger for an album and I'm sure we will hear more from these two together one way or another.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnANI-HY03VZvb43CIKB4HrMoAE6QHDZTE6OJO2V_tTq3-876wLW8FB8cvTyFaqGC77d-c7gePEA1w7-Cf12E8ABhzjctZu8MtB7g0-s1UmE6qKJ-O5-Ffz4PeO478Z23AbHfo_fMr83YLub8qPJHJXYc8ikkTppBQH7XpjkDpcf6d_Sw7zG6oe9lt=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnANI-HY03VZvb43CIKB4HrMoAE6QHDZTE6OJO2V_tTq3-876wLW8FB8cvTyFaqGC77d-c7gePEA1w7-Cf12E8ABhzjctZu8MtB7g0-s1UmE6qKJ-O5-Ffz4PeO478Z23AbHfo_fMr83YLub8qPJHJXYc8ikkTppBQH7XpjkDpcf6d_Sw7zG6oe9lt=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">25. Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Balens Cho</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Conductor Williams, Nicholas Craven, Messiah Muzik, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">What a year for Mach-Hommy. Aside from reuniting with Westside Gunn and Griselda earlier this year, and dropping quite the stellar effort in <i>Pray For Haiti</i>, he also delivered his own independent effort near year's end with <i>Balens Cho</i>, which is Kreyol for 'Hot Candles'. With longtime associate, Nicholas Craven, doing the majority of the boards, this album feels and sounds like the appropriate follow-up to <i>Pray For Haiti</i>. The sounds provided by Craven, Messiah Muzik, and especially by Conductor Williams on the eargasmic self care cut, "Self Luh" makes this album sound like <i>PFH2</i> almost. Hommy goes different routes, in terms of subject matter. As was jus mentioned, he goes the route of explaining the dangers of taking care of yourself on "Self Luh", while also exploring the space programs from Africa on "Magnum Bands Remix" and the struggles his father had to endure to make money on "Wooden Nickels". Whether concentrating on self care, history, mythology, or just being introspective, Hommy is that ever intriguing emcee that people can't enough of. Even Hov has him on his radar.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZFryKoRWnEfJeWfnugFEtMkgQLjfR39S_7ROeIrFk9M1bqZILikZXFOCpUgeE5iAu-Ijib_CG5jY5618yK5vCY5j8_wRHiyeIJbL46Hfyv32w8YgkabnDWKT89ayzS4fAwjm-uGhwKowKmlaKVVU9skv5trcev_dj_2vvjatfLYXTSkgYzmSVze4=s300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZFryKoRWnEfJeWfnugFEtMkgQLjfR39S_7ROeIrFk9M1bqZILikZXFOCpUgeE5iAu-Ijib_CG5jY5618yK5vCY5j8_wRHiyeIJbL46Hfyv32w8YgkabnDWKT89ayzS4fAwjm-uGhwKowKmlaKVVU9skv5trcev_dj_2vvjatfLYXTSkgYzmSVze4" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">24. Snoop Dogg</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Nottz, Battlecat, Rick Rock, Hi-Tek, Soopafly, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Benny The Butcher, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Usher, Method Man, Redman, Eric Bellinger, Mount Westmore, Mary J. Blige, Larry June, Ty Dolla $ign, Fabolous, Dave East, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Ever the renaissance man, the legendary Snoop D-O-double G returns once again. It was announced earlier this year that he had accepted a position within the iconic Def Jam Records family as an executive. With that, one of the first orders of business was to bring forth a compilation album that contained his vision of artists entitled <i>Algorithm</i>. One of his first signed artists was none other than Griselda pillar, Benny The Butcher (be on the lookout in 2022 for his highly anticipated <i>Tana Talk 4</i> under BSF/Griselda/Def Jam Records), who shows up on the thumping collab with Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes on "Murder Music". However, this is one compilation that has a variety of sounds and genres. Funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop all get greatly represented on this album, and with excellent production contributions from the likes of Rick Rock, Soopafly, Nottz, and Battlecat among others, this is one of the better Snoop, or Snoop-associated, albums we've heard in a while. Although his previous 2021 effort,<i> From The Streets To The Suites</i> was fun enough to enjoy, the assembly of artists on <i>Algorithm</i> make this a good gumbo that thoroughly digest all the great nutrition this album has to offer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYFTGTB5gYJFK_9m1qgf8ekw5fgwwr5DptF6F50S4AxuGMymNj1c5DTRQv2XQRJQ05vgmI7kqUkMtxgo3MweKQYr-6roPSQ7RKdbdr3_1wXxZJWHbgViHhAUFDvWJwJ7V4zWQML5P8_pJ73qFgfSdafekQSkjYsBxR3T-hqFA0E91l5O3fSPCuSS3=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYFTGTB5gYJFK_9m1qgf8ekw5fgwwr5DptF6F50S4AxuGMymNj1c5DTRQv2XQRJQ05vgmI7kqUkMtxgo3MweKQYr-6roPSQ7RKdbdr3_1wXxZJWHbgViHhAUFDvWJwJ7V4zWQML5P8_pJ73qFgfSdafekQSkjYsBxR3T-hqFA0E91l5O3fSPCuSS3=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">23. Benny The Butcher</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Plugs I Met 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Harry Fraud</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Fat Joe, French Montana, Jim Jones, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">After dropping one of the finest offerings of 2020 with his collaborative album with Hit-Boy, <i>Burden Of Proof</i>, he came in 2021 with his offering with hitmaker Harry Fraud on <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i>, the sequel to his 2019 monster EP, <i>The Plugs I Met</i>. Giving off what appears to be almost like an old gangster-movie feel on wax, Benny delivered the goods on this piece that is not quite as radio production friendly as <i>Burden Of Proof</i> was (no disrespect intended to Hit-Boy, as that album went hard in the paint production-wise). Fraud, who also delivered quite the dope albums with Dave East and Curren$y in 2021, handed Benny a soundtrack that was very easy for his persona to lace over, and he did just that. Considered the star of the Griselda crew, this cat is quickly becoming among the single most elite emcees in hip-hop, and if <i>TT4 </i>is as hard as we think it will be, best in the game will be his next accolade.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4eMCAo5oLzWjK2dKgL4pzwtHDGK_c3N3Vq8dHWvilh3Irlmy2L97MFiavJTJaAPaP_3qt6DKSUirS_ukuj_M2T6iueToc0XlH3Zl4N61a2PyKuxm7-sDjqJWq6z1uZfoae5TRoqdwTztjwDmx4K9WF4IMxGGQcefDkdYYlCil49a_GmZHd1F8tkxf=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4eMCAo5oLzWjK2dKgL4pzwtHDGK_c3N3Vq8dHWvilh3Irlmy2L97MFiavJTJaAPaP_3qt6DKSUirS_ukuj_M2T6iueToc0XlH3Zl4N61a2PyKuxm7-sDjqJWq6z1uZfoae5TRoqdwTztjwDmx4K9WF4IMxGGQcefDkdYYlCil49a_GmZHd1F8tkxf=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">22. Planet Asia & Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Rule Of Thirds</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Evidence, Rome Stereetz, Domo Genesis</p><p style="text-align: center;">Longtime west coast underground heavyweight Planet Asia has quite the prolific catalogue under him. Albums such as <i>Black Belt Theater</i>, <i>Mansa Musa</i>, <i>Anchovies</i> with Apollo Brown, <i>Jewelry Box Sessions</i>, and many, many other releases have all demonstrated his penchant for being a dumb dope emcee and one that should be considered an elder statesman in the game. In 2021, he reunited with Evidence to deliver <i>Rule Of Thirds</i>. They collaborated before on one of PA's best moments, <i>The Medicine</i>, but this album may just eclipse that effort, as dope as that was. Ev has definitely evolved musically and PA has evolved with his pen as well, and it shows all over this hot as fish grease album. Standouts like "Live From The Kremlin", "Take It Lightly" and the first single "1984" all demonstrate their chemistry as PA eats over those tremendous Evidence sounds and the results put this album among the top of his most recent efforts</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqAr_b6bOLu5av8IXG44xGxR0HDOr5UOJoLUJHdGIlrC4em0dInJtXge26QKpAICI3tKIf2QWaX5bvI6rJAM4OXX9cebm8BfjxHwVwUJ_vc9IN5WBPlcsjFQjwNCTviLi-JetqLvLECYqUVgmM9jjmXvF_cAPNsbok3gQBKwHMK2xFGtGwjDQL_3Ym=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqAr_b6bOLu5av8IXG44xGxR0HDOr5UOJoLUJHdGIlrC4em0dInJtXge26QKpAICI3tKIf2QWaX5bvI6rJAM4OXX9cebm8BfjxHwVwUJ_vc9IN5WBPlcsjFQjwNCTviLi-JetqLvLECYqUVgmM9jjmXvF_cAPNsbok3gQBKwHMK2xFGtGwjDQL_3Ym=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">21. Apollo Brown & Stalley</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Blacklight</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Apollo Brown</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz</p><p style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be 2021 without an Apollo Brown offering, and this year he assisted Ohio-native and former Maybach Music emcee, Stalley. Apollo has this way with his production of bringing some of the best out of an emcee and handing them some of their best work. Artists he's collaborate with for whole projects such as Joell Ortiz, Locksmith, Guilty Simpson, Hasaan Mackey, Che Noir, and especially Skyzoo have all greatly benefited from his assistance. In the case of Stalley, he's another notch on an extensive belt. With their debut collaborative project, <i>Blacklight</i>, Stalley delivers quite possibly the best music of his career, and a confidence we've wanted to hear from him since his release from Rick Ross' house. Honest and personal, Stalley brings us into his world with guts and not much to lose. With <i>Blacklight</i>, we definitely applaud him for doing so and for Detroit's monstrous producer to assist in the sonic handywork to allow him to spit his heart out over some of the most soulful sounds you'll hear all year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXShs2gXN0fLb8aB14pUAhNO3CXt2clQDqm8Zphn1iWm9UfVmM4jwqA-lgVWKrsR5DBrUoI-L5hn42JhQCir_oDR7fN6P_fsnJ2BWR7C7cBOIALovhD-iEFJkHlAhWgHz6M7XyB8od0SlRIlc-B6ifZ37CQdY5ReV0yseeQUR6FnADPKskd1Q8KI_C=s300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXShs2gXN0fLb8aB14pUAhNO3CXt2clQDqm8Zphn1iWm9UfVmM4jwqA-lgVWKrsR5DBrUoI-L5hn42JhQCir_oDR7fN6P_fsnJ2BWR7C7cBOIALovhD-iEFJkHlAhWgHz6M7XyB8od0SlRIlc-B6ifZ37CQdY5ReV0yseeQUR6FnADPKskd1Q8KI_C" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">20. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Course Of The Inevitable</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, Mr. Authentic, Illatrackz, The Olympickz others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Benny The Butcher, Ransom, Vado, Sy Ari Da Kid, Styles P</p><p style="text-align: center;">Once seen as "The Boy Wonder" of G-Unit, Queens rhyme animal, Lloyd Banks reemerged on the scene like new strands of COVID with his first full-length album since 2010 when he dropped <i>The Hunger For More 2</i> while still a part of G-Unit. Folks, eleven whole years! That's not to say he's been quiet or anything as he's been dropping several mixtapes such as his <i>All Or Nothing</i> series and his <i>Halloween Havoc</i> series. This year, he dropped <i>The Course Of The Inevitable</i>, and one would think he would pull out the production stops and get contributions from the likes of Alchemist, Preemo, Statik Selektah, Daringer, and who knows who else. Nope. Instead production work was done by relatively unknown beatmakers such as The Olympickz, Cartune Beatz, Illatrackz, and Mr. Authentic. For what it's worth, they handled theirs on the production tip. Lyrically, the "punchline king" sounds as hungry as ever before, with a definite chip on his shoulder. He brings his A-game on cuts like on the Benny-assisted "Formaldehyde", "Pain Pressure Paranoia", and "Death By Design", and guests like the aforementioned Benny The Butcher, Styles, and Freddie Gibbs help him on this journey. This is easily as great as his debut album, <i>The Hunger For More</i>, and shows he's just as potent without G-Unit as he was with them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyCz0BXKWcqTiNL_7HHZU-Fna3YPaOslgUmFYWqwTx6_XxlmHxroJXI1WAfFlTd82opWsz16bpPV5nbY-ZgGqBGNFIE-ArF3wQOJK3eorMgXoLAhgzcb8hU5cqLRWpoIb49LR07dzaueu698fm0BWFRC5R9tiMpxLQgScPEuyi6CCgggTlYf4YIPTB=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyCz0BXKWcqTiNL_7HHZU-Fna3YPaOslgUmFYWqwTx6_XxlmHxroJXI1WAfFlTd82opWsz16bpPV5nbY-ZgGqBGNFIE-ArF3wQOJK3eorMgXoLAhgzcb8hU5cqLRWpoIb49LR07dzaueu698fm0BWFRC5R9tiMpxLQgScPEuyi6CCgggTlYf4YIPTB=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">19. Ransom & Rome Streetz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Coup de Grace</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: V-DON, Nicholas Craven, Animoss, others, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Two guys that have had quite the discography this year have been Jersey's Ransom and Brooklyn's Rome Streetz. Ransom has put out a few efforts this year such as his excellent <i>Se7en</i> EP and his collab with enigmatic producer Big Ghost LTD, <i>Heavy Is The Head</i>, and his collab with Nicholas Craven, <i>Crime Scenes</i> along with guesting on albums from the likes of Lloyd Banks, 38 Spesh, and several others. Streetz, on the other hand, got picked up by Griselda, but along the way, he delivered his tremendous collab with DJ Muggs, <i>Death & The Magician,</i> his album with fellow underground heavyweight, AHNKLEJOHN, <i>Genesis 1:20</i>, and up-and-coming producer Futurewave, <i>Razor's Edge</i>. It was only right for these two dope emcees to get together, and boy ndid they ever. Their debut collab effort, <i>Coup de Grace</i>, is as hard as nails as you would imagine it to be. While getting gritty and ugly with cuts like "Rooftop Sermons" and "Silent Murderers" to vivid storytelling cuts like the cinematic "Claudine" with Che Noir, this album is a knockout and definitely reflects both emcees styles of murda music. Here's hoping for more from these two together sooner than later.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjczX8Rj69WoUcY0ODfdFGDXI4KewBShz8gXH0mgqfV2kbguxJrr9ZyH5HyAPnYgc8HsgO3KIIpf3uNpg-mpHOFet_-Qvd_nLY4r7jLkjHaEkx0qeKZ2tS_AM2vc5od5SkhBatO3oW8GNiddEE13pfVedHcG9OafXlk-DV6Z3ZcLa4HWJz_sH_bRvy=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjczX8Rj69WoUcY0ODfdFGDXI4KewBShz8gXH0mgqfV2kbguxJrr9ZyH5HyAPnYgc8HsgO3KIIpf3uNpg-mpHOFet_-Qvd_nLY4r7jLkjHaEkx0qeKZ2tS_AM2vc5od5SkhBatO3oW8GNiddEE13pfVedHcG9OafXlk-DV6Z3ZcLa4HWJz_sH_bRvy=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">18. J. Cole</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Off-Season</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Timbaland, Boi-1nda, T-Minus, Frank Dukes, Tae Beast, Jake One, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Lil Baby, 6LACK, Bas, 21 Savage, Morray</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fayetteville Grammy Award winner Jermaine Cole is looked upon as one of the most influential emcees of his generation and for great reason. Since his debut album, <i>Cole World: The Sideline Story</i>, Cole has been among the forefront of emcees looking to raise the bar for the game, along with putting Fayette-nam on the map. Every single album of his has gone platinum plus and he continues to deepen his legacy with his latest offering, <i>The Off-Season</i>. J. Cole has swam in the waters of conscious rap mixed with backpack rap in the past, especially with <i>4 Your Eyez Only</i>. However, he went the trap route for the highly conceptual, K.O.D. With <i>The Off-Season</i>, the chip on his shoulder has reappeared and he's rhyming with a velocity to remind people of his presence in the rap game. This is evident on the first cut, "Amari". This is also apparent in the backhand slap, "Applying Pressure", where he kindly reminds up literally of his impact in the game and addresses his haters quite passionately. While we can appreciate conscious Cole, we occasionally need shit-talking Cole, and throughout this album and along with great production choices, <i>The Off-Season</i> ranks among his best achievements to date.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglSriUZKTD_9imsmRSVwU99UwdnYbiTV1Prx8Khzil55c5UDFC9JT87usTALY3oKulwg0pABmd-G7zVT9OWSL_qNVcpU2eZ1NSXgk0xMKDBdx-AtCsjfbmK0W_L4zemvN-ygFJX_FgVX5siqFfJHj5l1KwW-KqqdfKtrFC0PExncInyR5QRwYkHNd6=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglSriUZKTD_9imsmRSVwU99UwdnYbiTV1Prx8Khzil55c5UDFC9JT87usTALY3oKulwg0pABmd-G7zVT9OWSL_qNVcpU2eZ1NSXgk0xMKDBdx-AtCsjfbmK0W_L4zemvN-ygFJX_FgVX5siqFfJHj5l1KwW-KqqdfKtrFC0PExncInyR5QRwYkHNd6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">17. Your Old Droog</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>TIME</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Budgie, Edan, Quelle Chris, 88-Keyz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, Blu, Elzhi, Mick Jenkins, Wiki</p><p style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn's Your Old Droog has racked up quite the prolific discography of his own. Since his dope debut in 2014, he has developed a steady fan base and he ends up dropping a project that gets regularly bumped. This one-time vocal comparison to Nas has shown he's a certifiable emcee in his own right. Just in 2021, he has dropped four projects and all have been hot. Perhaps the best of all of his efforts this year has been <i>TIME</i>, an album that partially explores days of his youth as well as his time coming up in hip-hop, but it also turns out some of these cuts are four or five years old. The subject of 'time' is varied here. From the musically captivating "The Magic Watch" that is a time travel-esque cut depicting him in three different events in his life to "Please Listen To My Jew Tape" that explores his not-so-easy journey into just getting respect in hip-hop, much less trying to make it in general, this album shows how precious 'time' is. Lyrically, YOD is as on point as he's ever been. He displays his penmanship in excellent detail over every track on this effort. With <i>TIME</i>, YOD drops another entire slapper on us, and it's only further blessed by having an appearance by the late, great MF DOOM phones in to co-sing the talents of this young emcee.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigRpVf_QKVuHpeHf-2wcNbN3LSw3IxPasLoHhXLBf4AJJOvmzIXAeBqXSMPCL99HL9jwEiOepJCSfOR-SFw4LomKoXx8vEffPhiPJ5mRj0tqTJnwEuG_aWLvelriSgD6zuVpu8MVdpfp58HHt3BA7z0gNopfGVNzhJH2e04ntd2yirZ42och3Rv81u=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigRpVf_QKVuHpeHf-2wcNbN3LSw3IxPasLoHhXLBf4AJJOvmzIXAeBqXSMPCL99HL9jwEiOepJCSfOR-SFw4LomKoXx8vEffPhiPJ5mRj0tqTJnwEuG_aWLvelriSgD6zuVpu8MVdpfp58HHt3BA7z0gNopfGVNzhJH2e04ntd2yirZ42och3Rv81u=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">16. Mumu Fresh</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Babies II: Queen Of Culture</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, DJ Dummy</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Baltimore-born, Philly-bred wonder woman known as Mumu Fresh dropped one of the most Blackity-Black efforts one could ask for earlier this year with <i>Vintage Babies II: Queen Of Culture</i>. This album is filled with soul mixed with social and political commentary that, although at times, is uncomfortable, is delivered from a place of tough love and wanting to see us better and higher. Resembling a Mother Earth figure of sorts, Mumu's transcendent wisdom is splattered all over this album. Not to mention her incredible talent of her pen game, her lyricism, and her singing vocals. The Grammy-nominated artist has delivered an album very much needed in today's society for us Black people. Very comparative to the likes of Georgia Anne Maldrow's <i>A Thoughtiverse Unmarred</i> or even Lauryn Hill's timeless <i>Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill</i>, <i>Vintage Babies II</i> is healthy and nourishing food for the soul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0OMxILAMwL34m1m8dULtPth1Of3xaAs2j9QJ_JLRzkTnVa2nCOldOL5HJ45QGEM9BnxFs6_Aaab-BwM2YwX71JdcYf1CWLzAlZ8iCr4QCMNLZFb4jz1JIf5-VpItvD3AHW4I4W-N0g3RiDRHb5O0E76GJohiyC0RR0WHx6yEULD6TObr2t_Hkcv3Y=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0OMxILAMwL34m1m8dULtPth1Of3xaAs2j9QJ_JLRzkTnVa2nCOldOL5HJ45QGEM9BnxFs6_Aaab-BwM2YwX71JdcYf1CWLzAlZ8iCr4QCMNLZFb4jz1JIf5-VpItvD3AHW4I4W-N0g3RiDRHb5O0E76GJohiyC0RR0WHx6yEULD6TObr2t_Hkcv3Y=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. Khrysis</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Hour Of Khrysis</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Mumu Fresh, Evidence, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, Away Team, Problem, Sa-Roc, Rapsody, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Among the most acclaimed, yet underrated producers out there is Durham, NC-bred, 9th Wonder protege, Khrysis. Responsible for work with the likes of Masta Ace, Little Brother, Elzhi, Rapsody, Sean Price, Heltah Skeltah, Jean Grae, and Conway The Machine, Khrysis finally delivered his own full-length effort, <i>The Hour Of Khrysis</i>, to get his own spotlight on him. We are very familiar with his beyond dope boardwork, but it's not often we get in tuned with mic abilities, but he shows he's not afraid to go for his as well, and has been off and on for years. Joining on this voyage are the likes of Mumu Fresh, Pharoahe Monch, Evidence, Rapsody, Sa-Roc, and undisputed legends such as Busta Rhymes and De La Soul and all glide nicely over Khrysis' thumping production. There's even an Away Team reunion with partner in crime, Sean Boog on the standout "The Return". Sonically, this is defintely among the most boom-bap worthy albums you'll hear this year, and with these acts and more assisting him in establishing his legacy, Khrysis has been patient for too long, now the title of best overall producer within the past fifteen years must one way or another include him somewhere in the conversation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYbqVAnVJjZ1wnWajvTXdndudywfGW0q6VJ9wO6qULsSQ8MJ00Q0sv7AzXusPw_keP3ujUc9hkknjdw8GJ4LmJq4n6I1sDKXy8vfbQSeWpBKyIxZcqJ2SIbH1acC8yqB7i-fEu2DLiSPyavaFwzR8kHK7CgBqr-_2C3bpnA7AfJ0VJk-EP12GWpn3X=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYbqVAnVJjZ1wnWajvTXdndudywfGW0q6VJ9wO6qULsSQ8MJ00Q0sv7AzXusPw_keP3ujUc9hkknjdw8GJ4LmJq4n6I1sDKXy8vfbQSeWpBKyIxZcqJ2SIbH1acC8yqB7i-fEu2DLiSPyavaFwzR8kHK7CgBqr-_2C3bpnA7AfJ0VJk-EP12GWpn3X=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Boldy James & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Super Techmo Bo</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: ICECOLDBISHOP</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yet another great year for Detroit's own Boldy James. In 2020, he dropped his prized album album with The Alchemist, <i>The Price Of Tea In China</i>, but also his acclaimed efforts, <i>Manger On McNichols,</i> <i>Real Bad Boldy</i>, and <i>The Versace Tape</i> were met with tremendous praise as well. In 2021, he dropped two excellent projects, both of which came once again with The Alchemist. The first one was <i>BO JACKSON</i>, which was outstanding in itself (see later), but then they hit us once again near the end of the year with <i>Super Techmo Bo</i>, an equally crazy EP that sounds like an extended version of <i>BO JACKSON</i>. The sinister yet golden sounds of "Uncle Al" once again highly compliments the monotone, yet deliberate, style of Boldy. Gritty and street as always, Boldy and Al deliver another killer effort and based just upon how 2021 was for them together, 2022 could just as crazy and maybe even more so. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDB1TlgKghKHAyFHSNWOt9t-TnMROtLtGQWFZLKRSFxefZb9F577g8dJ_c-BBQYCpLNj68LYvFfPOsa5lfZvVs5N9rQakUGtMfhYxqkkT4LEtcb2PYC16XRO2ssUKT23cpdn-W6dvUuB7VbN4AODYqB3cDST4aSeyNI5B8EajL9IgYbw9imz-efTqO=s980" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDB1TlgKghKHAyFHSNWOt9t-TnMROtLtGQWFZLKRSFxefZb9F577g8dJ_c-BBQYCpLNj68LYvFfPOsa5lfZvVs5N9rQakUGtMfhYxqkkT4LEtcb2PYC16XRO2ssUKT23cpdn-W6dvUuB7VbN4AODYqB3cDST4aSeyNI5B8EajL9IgYbw9imz-efTqO=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. DJ Muggs & Flee Lord</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramellzee</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Crimeapple, Meyhem Lauren, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Over the past four or so years, Far Rckaway, Queens native Flee Lord has been putting out heat after heat. The former Prodigy student is known for grimy delivery and his Lord Mobb crew. Getting co-signs from the likes of Griselda, Roc Marciano, 38 Spesh and others, he has delivered efforts alongside the likes of the aforementioned 38 Spesh, Pete Rock, Eto, and last year's excellent effort with Havoc, <i>In The Name Of Prodigy</i>. This year, he gets assistance from legendary producer DJ Muggs for <i>Ramellzee</i>. It can be argued that this may be the most complete Flee effort to date. The instrumentals Muggs provides for him one hundred percent match the grimy style of Flee, in all its atmospheric and dark melodies. Cuts like "Eatin' Never Stressin'", "Driver's Seat", and "45 In My Pocket" are as great and fitting for the album as you can want from Flee. This is yet another benchmark in the already hall of fame worthy career of Muggs and another example of why Flee was Prodigy's protege.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqmrOmPXEnFm4CDC5bs6bzcz0cT-Qce2K2xf8jRdkIRqcmz6AoeXMYdlEd8SF7aXpCFaD0ozpD4SG7tlhsuHvGJDUCiZ5rs1Qvm1xGjwduUTBQYuOxXvj5NKrvlDL0-xOUs4Yw46Nfz6OT79S1S65s5rESdpNSkaVeJY4zZ8tVslPvC5804qDkwC2=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqmrOmPXEnFm4CDC5bs6bzcz0cT-Qce2K2xf8jRdkIRqcmz6AoeXMYdlEd8SF7aXpCFaD0ozpD4SG7tlhsuHvGJDUCiZ5rs1Qvm1xGjwduUTBQYuOxXvj5NKrvlDL0-xOUs4Yw46Nfz6OT79S1S65s5rESdpNSkaVeJY4zZ8tVslPvC5804qDkwC2=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf- Side A</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Camouflage Monk, Denny LeFlare, Conductor Williams</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Stove God Cook$, Mach-Hommy, Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">This was yet another Griselda year. The Griselda crew started off with the dope Conflicted soundtrack at the beginning of the year, along with Conway's <i>La Maquina</i> and Benny's aforementioned <i>Plugs I Met 2</i>. After long last, head honcho Westside Gunn dropped his greatly anticipated, <i>Hitler Wears Hermes 8</i> effort. Built as the final installment of his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> series, he wanted to go all out, making it a double release. The first release, billed as <i>Side A</i>, is quite the knockout all on its own. With soundscapes from Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, and Denny LeFlare (whom he refers to as The Heartbreakers), Gunn brings his usual high-pitched, grimy lyrical style with him and provides the grittiness we've come to fully expect from him. Although the majority of this album is very feature heavy, especially from upstart Stove God Cook$ being on numerous cuts, this is definitely a WSG effort. If you were highly impressed with <i>Side A</i>, stay tuned...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAxauYjtNxmyFQ7A49XTuiWYS-ovmbmMCAiS2VM8KoyoOre7ApDCGSNwNo2anH6eT4Beq8UFOVjlUFeseBtA2ao9XdvvFgGiouus2tuOMg-r3_ecP2-zrTL-T6GqVhLz8A74jyv4SERk0EjJxc-KmambON4GTY-FyzvRPr4XoaiNrF-BZm_ZtmrHIX=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAxauYjtNxmyFQ7A49XTuiWYS-ovmbmMCAiS2VM8KoyoOre7ApDCGSNwNo2anH6eT4Beq8UFOVjlUFeseBtA2ao9XdvvFgGiouus2tuOMg-r3_ecP2-zrTL-T6GqVhLz8A74jyv4SERk0EjJxc-KmambON4GTY-FyzvRPr4XoaiNrF-BZm_ZtmrHIX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">11. Little Simz</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes I Might Be Introvert</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Miles James, Inflo, Jakwob</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Cleo Sol</p><p style="text-align: center;">British rapper, Little Simz, has been quite the critical darling over the last few years with highly acclaimed albums such as <i>Stillness In Wonderland</i> and especially her exceptional <i>Grey Area</i> album of 2019. She delivered perhaps her best achievement thus far in <i>Sometimes I Might Be Introvert</i>, an even more honest and personal look into the world of Little Simz, and her vulnerabilities. Musically, this is a step up for her even more so then <i>Grey Area</i>. Showing her ability to be personal, yet showing her ability to also overcome her odds, both personally and professionally over mostly highly layered and cinematic-style live instrumentation, Simz hits on every single cylinder. A career best for her, Simz is another step closer to being a star not just in the UK, but across the pond here in America as well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzK3KbswNBf6c1QQ7o9vSRwVxSunFXnFd5V8tziOyg_NZXtzd0ze9m1PUwxGY39g_bQE5qhAsDtVDdatQOgSnA0D5O066ogz69aE_aJJ7Cd_1dCJpdcrTKV9nnh5d84SB9BHhsfpTjKqnuyMZnch8cmv8U3KmsbXAPKEAqjcVKE41gOths45oBAoX=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtzK3KbswNBf6c1QQ7o9vSRwVxSunFXnFd5V8tziOyg_NZXtzd0ze9m1PUwxGY39g_bQE5qhAsDtVDdatQOgSnA0D5O066ogz69aE_aJJ7Cd_1dCJpdcrTKV9nnh5d84SB9BHhsfpTjKqnuyMZnch8cmv8U3KmsbXAPKEAqjcVKE41gOths45oBAoX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Boldy James & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>BO JACKSON</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Curren$y, Earl Sweatshirt, Roc Marciano, Benny The Butcher, Freddie Gibbs, Stove God Cook$</p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier we reviewed and gave props to the second collaboration of 2021 between Boldy James and The Alchemist for their blistering EP, <i>Super Techmo Bo</i>. The project, however, somewhat serves as an extension of their previous 2021 project, the stunning <i>BO JACKSON.</i> Capitalizing off their...ahem...chemistry from previous efforts like <i>My 1st Chemistry Set</i>, <i>BOLDFACE</i>, and <i>The Price Of Tea In China</i>, BO JACKSON may be even a little more gritty than the aforementioned efforts. Boldy's highly street-laced narratives over Alchemist's unbelievable boardwork makes these two one of the best emcee/producer marriages in hip-hop currently going.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2-dkA7w7cHOPIHVQTP6A46rnVJX-7f09QB7qxj_-YUE--ktnI_dsZKYuaQbqZxE3reMzgcVplozNkSj9XEDy3ppedhHp_3nD-7Uk5wpD0WfHGaTIEB5EbpAaky8afZPv4s8HIS3CFcKuh7pZz3FqL-JNjjmatXc4KoDkfX3juFP6CsTs8FRYhzW98=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2-dkA7w7cHOPIHVQTP6A46rnVJX-7f09QB7qxj_-YUE--ktnI_dsZKYuaQbqZxE3reMzgcVplozNkSj9XEDy3ppedhHp_3nD-7Uk5wpD0WfHGaTIEB5EbpAaky8afZPv4s8HIS3CFcKuh7pZz3FqL-JNjjmatXc4KoDkfX3juFP6CsTs8FRYhzW98=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. Tyler The Creator</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Call Me If You Get Lost</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Jay Versace, Jamie XX</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Lil Uzi Vert, Jay Versace, 42 Dugg, Youngboy NBA, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Grammy Award winner, Tyler The Creator is an interesting artist. The former Odd Future lead guy has become quite the intriguing emcee whom we have seen grow from deliberate shock emcee to artistic juggernaut. His Grammy nominated, <i>Flower Boy</i>, was one of hip-hop's most fascinating albums of 2017, stripping down his public shock and awe-type persona and displaying an introspective vulnerability that we hadn't seen before and was refreshingly welcomed. The 2019 follow-up, <i>IGOR</i>, won a Grammy for Best Rap Album and many feel rightfully so. The album was a risk-taking conceptual album that continued his need to get deeper into his personal side through synths, elements of funk to go alongside the R&B/Neo-Soul vibes from <i>Flower Boy</i>, and him singing virtually throughout the entire project. In 2021, he delivered what many consider to be his absolute best hip-hop centered effort with <i>Call Me If You Get Lost</i>. This is almost like a good gumbo of <i>Flower Boy</i>, <i>IGOR</i>, previous stuff like <i>GOBLIN</i> and <i>Cherry Bomb</i>, and some whole new elements that put Tyler under a microscope again to be an outside the box artist. Balancing between vulnerability, romance, shit-talking, and braggadocio, Tyler knocks it out the park with yet another highly ambitious release and solidifies Tyler as among the best artists, regardless of genre, of his generation. Bar none.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVcfxBHQ-r5j-w-y4jRkoA0xaozFo4VYL7hG7B9ehQFaYuUQo2KpPZffhl8UuFPWmRFgl6nEuJJ5uWr2ap5EiJgbwUH9uPt713U12WYBbyYW_r49b4rKtdMq4Rwa394KSagwFFhG1CdKHmo86mjHyOcCvrR9v9wdMHf0S9_fEs9u-PoIo3KiemiV6A=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVcfxBHQ-r5j-w-y4jRkoA0xaozFo4VYL7hG7B9ehQFaYuUQo2KpPZffhl8UuFPWmRFgl6nEuJJ5uWr2ap5EiJgbwUH9uPt713U12WYBbyYW_r49b4rKtdMq4Rwa394KSagwFFhG1CdKHmo86mjHyOcCvrR9v9wdMHf0S9_fEs9u-PoIo3KiemiV6A" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. Isaiah Rashad</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The House Is Burning</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hollywood Cole, Kar Bannx, Kenny Beats, Beat Butcha, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jay Worthy, Lil Uzi Vert, Duke Deuce, SZA, 6LACK, Smino, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">One of the most exciting moments of 2021 was the return to the game of TDE's southern representative, Isaiah Rashad. After a six year hiatus due to personal issues such as addiction, Zay did enough teasing with new music and finally dropped his LONG awaited follow-up to his dynamite full-length debut <i>The Sun's Tirade</i>, <i>The House Is Burning</i>. This album finds Zay fresh and renewed with a vigor we truthfully hadn't really heard before. When the first single, "Lay Wit Ya", dropped, we knew this was a fired up Zay, and we were very glad of it. As the album proceeds, he gets personal, honest, and overall in a newfound space in his life. Musically this album is more lush and diverse than the overall dark and dense nature of <i>Sun's Tirade</i> or even his debut effort for TDE, <i>Cilvia Demo</i>. Rashad is walking in the potential we saw him in with <i>Cilvia</i> and <i>Tirade</i>, and with albums like this, more greatness is in store for him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6rAh8JZmoFVJPERsYu1U5d2YXnUy3c9V0T85CuAS3Pua6KGaVHfCTCMJmcmflurzAGj5NcXC-Zj2TRhV-swjhqteOlagWDhPop0vFznZ0Ab8x8SCc4DLiX2dzU52Y2ddnW0Wcz-Hw9nqd0g6GC7W-pKZFH67MROHUW6gkaQMNEjLycGWHPV9g6quI=s220" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6rAh8JZmoFVJPERsYu1U5d2YXnUy3c9V0T85CuAS3Pua6KGaVHfCTCMJmcmflurzAGj5NcXC-Zj2TRhV-swjhqteOlagWDhPop0vFznZ0Ab8x8SCc4DLiX2dzU52Y2ddnW0Wcz-Hw9nqd0g6GC7W-pKZFH67MROHUW6gkaQMNEjLycGWHPV9g6quI" width="220" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. Nas</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Magic</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: A$AP Rocky, DJ Premier</p><p style="text-align: center;">What a past few years for Nasir Olu Bin Dara Jones. The "God's Son" emcee has delivered some of his most fantastic music we've heard from him in years thanks to his newfound musical relationship with highly talented west coast producer, Hit-Boy. In 2020, they dropped <i>King's Disease</i>, which was met with a lot of critical acclaim and was considered one of Nas' best recent efforts. It even gave him his first ever Grammy win for Best Rap Album. He followed that up with the EXCELLENT <i>King's Disease 2</i> and one would wonder, "How the hell do you follow that up?" The answer came out of the blue in the form of a Christmas present called <i>Magic</i>. This EP knocks in the same fashion their prior collaborations do. Although a tad more stripped down and more raw-sounding than <i>KD2</i> and the original, <i>Magic</i> is another tremendous exhibition of one of the greatest emcees of all-time over production that fits him hand-in-glove. While <i>KD2</i> is easily an easy candidate for Album Of The Year, <i>Magic</i> simply continued where <i>KD2</i> left off, and while we look forward to <i>KD3</i>, this is a damn solid teaser to it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6xXc-l7X9eMZJMLAlnF7VQ4yAzBDEMMexkayGwqlmY14ZsOCKdGAcRf8IhKHjA_I6IVPcsirxvgPwkpXNXM1FRZSWh1xL_OG68PF7s-5S0FD40RaFldkMgt6X3Qnh4xEFwe2pA8ma0iFx7sEiAgW9BoHp3XcqG-4mZO3EJyVgCADERdR2m6lpMCY=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6xXc-l7X9eMZJMLAlnF7VQ4yAzBDEMMexkayGwqlmY14ZsOCKdGAcRf8IhKHjA_I6IVPcsirxvgPwkpXNXM1FRZSWh1xL_OG68PF7s-5S0FD40RaFldkMgt6X3Qnh4xEFwe2pA8ma0iFx7sEiAgW9BoHp3XcqG-4mZO3EJyVgCADERdR2m6lpMCY=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Curren$y & Harry Fraud</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Regatta</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Harry Fraud</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Jay Worthy, 2 Chainz, Styles P</p><p style="text-align: center;">New Orleans rapper Curren$y is quite the prolific and busy emcee. Known for his multiple projects per year, Spitta has been among the most underappreciated emcees around. In mid 2021, he promised several different collaborative albums with distinctive producers. One of them being one of the year's most in-demand producers, Harry Fraud, <i>Regatta</i>. Already known for his work throughout the year with the likes of Benny The Butcher and Dave East, Fraud presented Curren$y with some of his best cooked-up beats of the year. Curren$y also serves up great lyrical treats with this EP. Guests such as Styles P, 2 Chainz and Jay Worthy assist the former Cash Money artist along this mission. With other efforts with Ski Beatz and The Alchemist forthcoming, this was a great chapter in the already dope discography of Spitta. Easily one of his best efforts.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizUx242r842YiTHGqZP_4S_Q-Z5lWeehnHflPx-KWB6-r3FLRlg4l1xKF9M8bcNIRq2H6t9IuKbznNTpuqYNIjj2eLToNK6y-Md3YEpw162c7Pa6pTh2eVfkMk8VDYV6HyqU5pGyYemfCLCoONyOocaFyrgpg0Ckv37KqIs-jXQspi-9p4Qjr-K6r2=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizUx242r842YiTHGqZP_4S_Q-Z5lWeehnHflPx-KWB6-r3FLRlg4l1xKF9M8bcNIRq2H6t9IuKbznNTpuqYNIjj2eLToNK6y-Md3YEpw162c7Pa6pTh2eVfkMk8VDYV6HyqU5pGyYemfCLCoONyOocaFyrgpg0Ckv37KqIs-jXQspi-9p4Qjr-K6r2=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Mach-Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Pray For Haiti</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Conductor Williams, Camouflage, Tha God Fahim, Nicholas Craven, Denny LeFlare, Green Lantern, Sahdu Gold, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Westside Gunn, Tha God Fahim, Keisha Plum</p><p style="text-align: center;">Haitian-born, New York-bred emcee Mach-Hommy is one of hip-hop's most mysterious emcees. With a mask over his face way before it became the unfortunate norm to do in our society today, he also isn't a huge fan of interviews as well. Known in the underground for his classic, <i>H.B.O</i>. under the Griselda flag, he's another artist that has an enormous discography filled with mixtapes and EPs. Early in the year, the streets were buzzing about the issues being squashed between Mach Hommy, Tha God Fahim, and Westside Gunn. Very quickly we were anticipating music between them, and wishes were quickly filled and realized with news of Hommy delivering his first album under Griselda since the aforementioned <i>H.B.O</i>., <i>Pray For Haiti</i>. Simply put, this is a new benchmark for Hommy. This is an album for newfound fans of his. For those that have heard of Hommy but wanted to know what the hype was all about. Cuts like "Murder CZN", "The Stellar Ray Theory", and "Marie" are next level Hommy, lyrically and musically. Going back and forth between English and his native tongue of Creole, his talent and penmanship is quite intriguing. This may easily be Hommy's best effort ever, which is saying something considering how impressive his discography already is.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29WtIzRiyA-c_dtb8W1PEWuSbOiq9nidwUiqFNM4f44X5s4tP-JxQ37K6q1ahQFBAofS9EC1ZXJVIjMAJfLEHBvhOP9JpYHGeUM_mOl7mhnuCGgISyD0Z2BjRzmNjvCMz90RV5o_MxyMLK5Q4vNTbY_pxwSX77nOnXLtOJyF6drQae3llncCod-mZ=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29WtIzRiyA-c_dtb8W1PEWuSbOiq9nidwUiqFNM4f44X5s4tP-JxQ37K6q1ahQFBAofS9EC1ZXJVIjMAJfLEHBvhOP9JpYHGeUM_mOl7mhnuCGgISyD0Z2BjRzmNjvCMz90RV5o_MxyMLK5Q4vNTbY_pxwSX77nOnXLtOJyF6drQae3llncCod-mZ" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. Westside Gunn</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf-Side B</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist, Camouflage Monk, Conductor Williams, JR Swiftz, Denny LeFlare, Daringer, Sahdu Gold, Jay Versace, Green Lantern, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: AZ, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, ROme Streetz, Armani Ceaser, Boldy James, Larry June, Jay Worthy, Tyler The Creator, 2 Chainz, Stove God Cook$, Mach-Hommy, Flee Lord, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier, we gave props and kudos to Side-A of Westside Gunn's <i>Hitler Wears Hermes </i>album. As dope as <i>Side-A</i> was, however, it's <i>Side-B</i> that's the story. This is perhaps the most knocking Gunn album to date. His knack for fashion and style mixed with coke and guns with his high-pitched, nasal flow makes the Griselda head honcho stand out among most of his peers. From top to bottom, this album knocks and then knocks some more. Tracks like the Tyler The Creator-assisted, "The Fly That Doesn't Fly Straight", "Eddie Kingston" with Rome Streetz and the BSF/Flee Lord-assisted "Celine Dion" are all classic Gunn and will not disappoint fans whatsoever. While <i>FLYGOD,</i> <i>Supreme Blientele</i>, <i>Who Made The Sunshine</i>, and his <i>FLYGOD Is An Awesome God</i> mixtape series (his <i>HWH</i> series more or less put Griselda on the map) have built his fanbase up to this point, this is the type of album that will expand his fanbase even more and make even more eyes get set upon Griselda. Gunn is a star, and one should expect Griselda to become not just the most dominant label in the streets, but the most in-demand label in all of hip-hop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-FW-FOvR4xZcYK-hA7_iqG7xlS0Sgw6klUInMiZI4sJ-ygD5af5xyOnbiH48zl53LYQIA6uHE4XQgpaOtj7TUm_xGx9w6YsG9fhbPhccKW9TJbfbTnLYeOFdtdy-MlOffYCq38bJVrIcAWZiVxVJnvOWJJx4UwZDNI2O7qrQ2-5NtkMGZAdsvRfFD=s3838" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="3838" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-FW-FOvR4xZcYK-hA7_iqG7xlS0Sgw6klUInMiZI4sJ-ygD5af5xyOnbiH48zl53LYQIA6uHE4XQgpaOtj7TUm_xGx9w6YsG9fhbPhccKW9TJbfbTnLYeOFdtdy-MlOffYCq38bJVrIcAWZiVxVJnvOWJJx4UwZDNI2O7qrQ2-5NtkMGZAdsvRfFD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>HARAM</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Earl Sweatshirt, Quelle Chris</p><p style="text-align: center;">One of the underground's most interesting duos is Armand Hammer. Underground critical darlings, Elucid and billy woods are strong enough on their own (check woods' stellar discography), but then once they came together for Armand Hammer, jeez Louise! Their brand of socio-political commentary and armageddon-esque themes have garnered them a cult following. However, they reached next level when it got revealed front-runner for Producer Of The Year, Alchemist, was working with them, the anticipation was high for their debut collaborative album, and did it deliver! Their debut collab effort, <i>HARAM</i>, may truthfully be Alchemist's best boardwork all year, and that's saying a mouthful considering how crazy he's been this year. If you're familiar with their prior outings of <i>ROME</i>, <i>Race Muzik</i>, <i>Shrines</i>, and <i>Paraffin</i>, picture these incredible efforts with an Alchemist touch. That's what you get with <i>HARAM</i>. The subject matter doesn't really stray too far from what they know best, but these themes over Al's production is borderline perfect. It's not wrong to label this album one of Alchemist's most prized efforts, but it's also not wrong to call <i>HARAM</i> Hammer's best effort to date. Let's just hope there will be a <i>HARAM 2</i>, because albums like this need to be updated every single year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhztrxixdfWsiFbfqMmMz0LCLTdusAsUxoiSdGtg0BDJ9xloFW_zJj_U8KqEXwvhuo0IKISmtVJz1QhDAt3DYyV2bBN_i2PvQNZ2Ml_kkMBtnZ2Gu3EGJLBVA5wgNT2GcrQ02v--B5c-dqYywdGoSGUMgnUBwzRVR8civtOyCIJqk2cfNp6eJmRMq-G=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhztrxixdfWsiFbfqMmMz0LCLTdusAsUxoiSdGtg0BDJ9xloFW_zJj_U8KqEXwvhuo0IKISmtVJz1QhDAt3DYyV2bBN_i2PvQNZ2Ml_kkMBtnZ2Gu3EGJLBVA5wgNT2GcrQ02v--B5c-dqYywdGoSGUMgnUBwzRVR8civtOyCIJqk2cfNp6eJmRMq-G=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Nas</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>King's Disease 2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG, A-Boogie Wit A Hoodie, Charlie Wilson, BLXST, Hit-Boy</p><p style="text-align: center;">Following up <i>King's Disease</i> was a hard task. Nas and Hit-Boy delivered one of Nas' best albums since <i>Life Is Good</i> and showed how cohesive they could be together. Not to repeat, this album gave Nas and Hit-Boy their first Grammies. When it was announced a sequel was coming, immediately fans were wondering if they could repeat their...ahem...magic. The answer was a profound yes, and then some. With <i>King's Disease 2</i>, he continues his theme of empowering Black men and showing them as kings that are worth more than what society makes them to be, but also expand into how to come up in the game. Tackling issues such as investing, overcoming odds and upbringings, but also showing humility and gratitude. This is even more of a grown man's album than the first one. An album filled with jewels, introspection, and honesty, Nas and Hit-Boy presented an album for today's young Black man to eat and digest properly. Perhaps the album's most newsworthy moment is the appearance of the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill, as they reunite for the first time since '96's "If I Rule The world" from Nas' outstanding, <i>It Was Written</i>. Simply put, Ms. Hill still got it on that microphone and with her pen game on "Nobody". It's been argued by some people that this is his best album since <i>Stillmatic</i>. That's not a reaching statement or argument. This is a new benchmark for Nas and his career. As for Hit-Boy, Nas has brought him more notoriety than ever and in turn has supplied him with some of the ebst production of his career. By the way, will Nas and Hit-Boy repeat with another Grammy? Will <i>KD3</i> set an even higher bar? 2022 will supply the answers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ3cYu4CMd4ugrDF9K0Bb_emuAy4jLmUhK9kZbpSRTY5u51Xd5bXm2Q2fTH5t1903NX1RudKGkCmidTFXXWf8eAVTVMYO3k1BKsAxjD0D6Tt4ZLgm6WEMVrjFi1lXU1m0U18UE9KjoP35UkoRYah0JWnm4JtGciMoAabm6PVyBcUyi9_GYl2ehWQxm=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ3cYu4CMd4ugrDF9K0Bb_emuAy4jLmUhK9kZbpSRTY5u51Xd5bXm2Q2fTH5t1903NX1RudKGkCmidTFXXWf8eAVTVMYO3k1BKsAxjD0D6Tt4ZLgm6WEMVrjFi1lXU1m0U18UE9KjoP35UkoRYah0JWnm4JtGciMoAabm6PVyBcUyi9_GYl2ehWQxm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Skyzoo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All The Brilliant Things</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: STLNDrums, Marc Infinit, Thelonious Martin, JR Swiftz, Kenny Keys, J57, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Guests: BJ The Chicago Kid, Raheem Devaughn, Blakk Soul, others</p><p style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn's own Skyzoo has among the most stellar discographies in all of hip-hop. Every single album, EP, mixtape of his is highly acclaimed. Since his '09 full-length debut, <i>The Salvation</i>, Skyzoo has shown himself to be an emcee's emcee, quite possibly on your favorite emcee's favorite emcee list. Highly intelligent and a clear lover of Jazz music, Skyzoo mixes his love of jazz with classic NYC boom-bap and displays his gift with the pen with relative ease. Following up his unbelievable 2019 offering, <i>In Celebration Of Us</i>, he delivers <i>All The Brilliant Things</i>, an album that focuses on issues in the hood such as integration, hustling, and gentrification. Cuts like "Bed-Stuy Is Burning" and the knocking "Free Jewelry" show his awareness and insight to the ills of the hood beyond just a drugs and murder level. He also professes showing love to people while they're still here with "Bodega Flowers" and other cuts like "Plugs & Connections", "I Was Supposed To Be A Trap Rapper", and "St. James Liquor" demonstrate Sky's fantastic lyrical abilities and knack for dropping introspection and dimes for the listener to take with them throughout that particular album. Sky may not be the most known emcee on a mainstream level, but he can outshine your average mainstream emcee with ease, and with albums like <i>In Celebration Of Us</i>, Skyzoo has constructed quite possibly the album of his career and among the most intelligent albums of the entire year. The album title is appropriate considering its author is as brilliant as the 'things' he mentions.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Kanye West- <i>Donda</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine- <i>La Maquina</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & Big Ghost LTD- <i>If It Breathes, It Bleeds</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh- <i>Trust The Sopranos</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Smoovth & Giallo Point-<i> Amongst Wolves</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dave<i>- We're Alone In This Together</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Various Artists- <i>Griselda Presents Conflicted OST</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Flee Lord & Roc Marciano- <i>Delgado</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Big Boi & Sleepy Brown- <i>The Big Sleepover</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Alchemist- <i>This Thing Of Ours</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Alchemist- <i>This Thing Of Ours 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- <i>Tha YOD Fahim</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hus Kingpin- <i>The Firm</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hus Kingpin- <i>Portishus</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Beneficience & Confidence- <i>Stellar Mind</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Awon & Phoniks- <i>Nothing Less</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Czarface & MF DOOM- <i>Super What?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">L'Orange & Nahmir Blade- <i>Invisible Everything</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Hologram- <i>The American Dream</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Crimeapple-<i> Cartagena</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs- <i>Winter 2: Nightmare Before Christmas</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Rome Streetz- <i>Death & The Magician</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Apathy- <i>Where The River Meets The Sea</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom- <i>Se7en EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dave East & Harry Fraud- <i>Hoffa</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Blu & Surplus- <i>Starcastle EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom & big Ghost LTD- <i>Heavy Is The Head</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">RJ Payne- <i>Leatherface 3: There Will Be Blood</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">1982- <i>The Summer EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vince Staples- <i>Vince Staples</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Injury Reserve- <i>By The Time I Get To Phoenix</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">AZ- <i>Doe Or Die 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dr. Dre- <i>GTA: The Contract EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ka- <i>A Martyr's Reward</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bobby Sessions- <i>Manifest</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Lewis Parker- <i>Frequency Of Perception</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Common- <i>A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">GRIP- <i>I Died For This?!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Damu The Fudgemunk- <i>Conversation Peace</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Blu- <i>The Color Blu(e)</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">IAMGAWD- <i>Hell's Angels & Heaven's Demons</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benji- <i>Smile, You're Alive</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Joell Ortiz- <i>Autograph</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Styles P & Havoc- <i>Wreckage Manner</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Styles P- <i>Ghosting</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Gowe- <i>Jazznight</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Knowledge The Pirate- <i>Hidden Treasures</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Remedy- <i>Remedy Meets Wu-Tang</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Talib Kweli & Diamond- <i>Gotham</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Eternia & Rel McCoy- <i>FREE</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ty Farris- <i>No Cosign, Just Cocaine 4</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog- <i>Space Bar</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rick Ross- <i>Richer Than I Ever Been</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Russ- <i>Chomp 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Arrested Development- <i>For The FKN Love</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">D Smoke- <i>War & Wonders</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Abstract Mindstate- <i>Dreams Still Inspire</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Musalini- <i>No Squares In My Circle</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Vinnie Paz- <i>Burn Everything That Bears Your Name</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rome Streetz & AHNKLEJOHN- <i>Genesis 1:27</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Rome Streetz & Furutewave- <i>Razor's Edge</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Asun Eastwood & Finn- <i>The S.O.U.L.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">M.A.V. & Hobgoblin- <i>Angels & Demonz 3</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Wiki- <i>Half God</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">JPEGMAFIA- <i>LP!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">OC From NC- <i>The Black Phillip Tape</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Lute- <i>Gold Mouf</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Da Butcher- <i>Underground Crown</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Pink Siifu- <i>GUMBO</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dark Time Sunshine- <i>LORE</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">McKinley Dixon- <i>For My Mama & Anyone That Looks Like Her</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Atmosphere- <i>WORD?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mick Jenkins- <i>Elephant In The Room</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Gift Of Gab- <i>Finding Inspiration Somehow</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Without question, this was a great year of hip-hop and one that should remembered among the very good years within this century. Will 2022 repeat this same year's same success? Only time will tell. With releases from the Griselda camp (most notably Conway's <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i> and Benny's <i>Tana Talk 4</i>), Nas & hit-Boy's <i>King's Disease 3</i>, Redman, Earthgang, J.I.D., Saba, Megan, Method Man, Czarface, The Game, Flee Lord, Roc Marciano, Rapsody, the very highly anticipated return of Kendrick Lamar, and possibly a whole new Dr. Dre album, 2022 may easily have a crazy year within hip-hop just like we just saw in 2021. Let us be confident that new career benchmarks will get reach, new standard bearers will be heard, and new artists will showcase their potential to be stars. Will see you next year all! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-12621742139892068842021-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:002021-08-28T10:45:08.586-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: The Blueprint<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFud0R5vGNVI2sNP6OsGgWoBzIfQ02kQyTU1B1F3QKCKQvawmAzKprTYsBGr5RX64545WjjlXR12hBDdoqxphgqVxe_r8Q_OhnrZrgXUH-wZEMvwdwgrZEX71d1KE3OlzQw04ns4DGEaw/s1400/blueprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1400" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFud0R5vGNVI2sNP6OsGgWoBzIfQ02kQyTU1B1F3QKCKQvawmAzKprTYsBGr5RX64545WjjlXR12hBDdoqxphgqVxe_r8Q_OhnrZrgXUH-wZEMvwdwgrZEX71d1KE3OlzQw04ns4DGEaw/s320/blueprint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What's happening kind folks! Moving on to our next twentieth anniversary salute is an album that has long been revered as one of hip-hop's most complete albums. A star making album in every sense of the term, this album was a blistering reminder of this artist's stranglehold on the top of hip-hop seemingly at the time. From the moment Prodigy and Nas were on blast on that Hot 97 Summer Jam screen, the first shot was let off and what came was an album that was the most polished and cohesive of his career. Ladies and gentlemen, we salute Jay-Z and his fifth album, <i>The Blueprint</i>. </p><p>Many hardcore Jay enthusiasts are quick to state (and rightfully so) that his debut, <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, is his true magnum opus. Much like Nas with <i>Illmatic</i>, <i>Reasonable Doubt</i> was, in fact, a moment in time for Hov. There's no one hundred percent guarantee an artist can reach levels that are that high in terms of critical and street appeal. However, an artist can move forward and strive to make another high level of classic acclaim for another effort. Nas did it with <i>Stillmatic</i>, <i>It Was Written</i> and his latest amazing effort <i>Kings Disease 2</i>. With Jay, it was arguably <i>Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life</i>, his third album that sold over four million units at the time. Then, he dropped one of hip-hop's most scathing disses in "The Takeover", and it set the stage for album number five, <i>The Blueprint</i>. At best, every single cut on the album is a hit. A certifiable hit. You've more than likely heard every cut on the radio at some point before and after its release. Each cut reflected where Jay's status was at the time. There were no street tales of hustling and surviving. This was more or less a celebration of his status as hip-hop's biggest deal. </p><p>While <i>Reasonable Doubt</i> was very street-laced, this was absolutely for the radio and clubs, with topics that were moreso about his luxurious lifestyle, the hate he received, and just enjoying life. Obviously, "Takeover" set the tone, but once his official first single, "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" made it on to the airwaves, it was clear he was beating his chest as the biggest star in the game, but other cuts like "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Jigga That Nigga", and "Hola Hovito" were as perfect for Jay as any cut we've ever heard from him. The Just Blaze-scorcher "U don't Know" could've likely fit in on <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, as it's among the hardest cuts Jay has ever presented to this very day. However, the second half of the album is a bit more reflective. "Ain't No Love" addresses hate and jealousy he's experienced on his way to the top. Meanwhile, the title track is arguably the cut with the most feeling, as he reminisces about his youth all the way to his stardom saluting everyone from his mother to his brother to Jaz-O. Over a hypnotic Blaze beat, he goes deeper than the majority of this album, however "Song Cry" goes even deeper with "Song Cry", as the wailing sample of this cut makes this song bring more of a melancholy vibe to it as Jay reflects on regrets and homies he misses. Among the most introspective cuts of his career. We move on to the much talked about "Renegade", where Nas so eloquently stated that "Eminem murdered him on his own shit" on his retaliation cut "ether". Jay did indeed get outshined by a red hot Eminem, but was still an impactful cut during this era. </p><p>With other cuts like "The Ruler's Back", "Never Change", and "All I Need", this was the complete Jay-Z album. This incorporated everything that made Jay what he was in 2001. The streets of <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, the commercialism of <i>In My Lifetime Vol. 1</i>, and the crossover appeal of <i>Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life</i> were all represented here and then some. He was at the top of his game lyrically and stylistically. The board work Kanye and Just Blaze did here was nearly perfect, especially for Jay. Likewise, Bink, Timbaland and Trackmasters (whatever happened to them?) provided bumping boardwork for Jay to deliver over. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukucArWkyf1tdXi5KU1jtR1eR_ukjw5lEgEnqtJIrRZAGzbWJ2aCiFHFhytrJxfor17b_qwLYh5LkadoXzfsadwXPIS8jZD8sE4rUxoLJf3q8o45eAVX5eL9vRVX0axqWexG7hU-Useg/s640/jay-z-the-blueprint-back-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="640" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukucArWkyf1tdXi5KU1jtR1eR_ukjw5lEgEnqtJIrRZAGzbWJ2aCiFHFhytrJxfor17b_qwLYh5LkadoXzfsadwXPIS8jZD8sE4rUxoLJf3q8o45eAVX5eL9vRVX0axqWexG7hU-Useg/s320/jay-z-the-blueprint-back-cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>While his later discography had its share of highs (<i>American Gangster,</i> <i>4:44</i>, <i>The Black Album</i>) and Lows (<i>Blueprint 2</i>, <i>Blueprint 3</i>, <i>Magna Carta Holy Grail</i>, <i>Kingdom Come</i>), <i>The Blueprint</i> remains his all-around triumph and definitive statement that showed he was arguably the biggest star in hip-hop even in the midst of highly in-demand artists such as Eminem, DMX (R.I.P.), Nas, Snoop Dogg. His debut may still be considered by many as his absolute classic work, <i>The Blueprint</i> showed him transitioning fully from the streets to the mansion without forgetting who he was or where he came from. He may had been playing golf more than hustling, but he worked very hard to better himself and his family through <i>The Blueprint</i>. While he was at times he was an instigator and wanted to assert his status as the big dog in pretty eye-browsing ways, as a whole, if there was an album that perfectly represented who Shawn Carter was and who he was becoming, this is that album. It's clear that <i>The Blueprint</i> foreshadowed his distinction being among the true GOATs of hip-hop. Did we mention this album got inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as well? Well, if you know about all the historic recordings and albums that dwell in the NRR (<i>Illmatic, To Pimp A Butterfly, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Purple Rain, Raising Hell, Straight Outta Compton,</i> and <i>The Chronic</i> among others). To this, we salute Jay-Z's enormous triumph, <i>The Blueprint</i>, and its twentieth anniversary. Until next time!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-52225035250671460832021-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:002021-08-08T08:40:03.570-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: Life Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-TGvG-_4qkKTZaqeMtgvjO5JNK4qI3F7FOXMCQlhdd5oNof2NMP14WFUY2nuyIqqHgr5KOKBAVZv_Zkux3SVtyF1f5BCGuI-tk3No7R11JrqfKAxdaHdJ55bp41aVCSxDqHE9pjNgTM/s220/220px-LifeStory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-TGvG-_4qkKTZaqeMtgvjO5JNK4qI3F7FOXMCQlhdd5oNof2NMP14WFUY2nuyIqqHgr5KOKBAVZv_Zkux3SVtyF1f5BCGuI-tk3No7R11JrqfKAxdaHdJ55bp41aVCSxDqHE9pjNgTM/s0/220px-LifeStory.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>What's good kind people?! This next twentieth anniversary salute is for a Brooklyn emcee that caught the eyes and ears of the one and only Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Records. When Biggie died, there was a massive hole in Bad Boy over who would be the next star. After debuting on Puff Daddy's incredible debut album, No Way out, eyes were starting to get on him from the fans and critics as well. Before too long, he was on other efforts from the likes of Faith, 112, Tony Touch, Mase, and the much shamefully forgotten about group, Cru. In 2000, he finally dropped his anthemic single, "Whoa", to massive praise. Eventually selling over a million units of his debut album. The gruffled-voiced emcee had arrived and we were all on notice. This salute goes to Black Rob and his debut album, <i>Life Story</i>.<br />
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While "Whoa" definitely got the club and streets ready, this was far from his only banger on here. He did have his share of radio-accessible cuts such as "Espacio", "Spanish Fly" with J-Lo and "PD World Tour", but he also had smokers that the streets would deeply appreciate, such as the previously heard cuts of "I Dare You", the cinematic "I Love You Baby", and "You Don't Know Me", as well as the Lox-assisted "Can I Live" and the reworking of Slick Rick's "Children's Story", "Thug Story". Rob's nasal-yet-gruff voiced delivery is standout on the entire album, as well as his pen game with his more vivid cuts like the aforementioned "I Love You baby" and the intriguing "Jasmine". On "I Love You Baby", he details a conniving woman who shows her hand as a double crosser, while he switches it up on "Spanish Fly" and professes his love for a Hispanic woman. His narratives may not be ground-breaking or incredibly complex, but they also fit him comfortably, and that's just fine.<br />
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This is a Bad Boy release, which means this will have several cuts on here at least for almost immediate accessibility, unlike the momentous landmark that was <i>Ready To Die</i>. Rob showed potential all through this album and made himself a star here. It wasn't an overtly commercial release like albums under Bad Boy at that time such as <i>No Way Out</i>, <i>Harlem World</i> or The Lox's debut, <i>Money, Power, & Respect</i>. This was more street than any of them, but he still knew the importance of gaining big audiences in order to achieve stardom. This definitely sounded authentic, and for the Bad Boy narrative. While his sophomore album, <i>The Black Rob Report</i>, was almost as much of a hard hitter, even without proper marketing which led to it being very highly slept on,, along with later albums <i>Game Tested, Streets Approved</i> and <i>Genuine Article</i>, this remains his best work and a definite showing of his talent. At a time where they needed the next big breakout star that was street authenticated, Black Rob came along at the right time. With <i>Life Story</i>, Robert Ross became somebody we needed to keep our eyes on, and the album was a reflection of that. We toast to Black Rob and <i>Life Story</i>. Until next time!That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-13890897741559361422021-08-08T08:31:00.006-07:002021-08-08T08:31:57.290-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: Disposable Arts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfETJE4tk-_gs7KCF9LGif3oVTuaRIqaBz3vLY-zavPHTBJeKGFUqZo-JC3PXtbad5LbYqDsveZIoo8PL5X4hXtNiZceVVKd4PKk0iXqK7h9CLuMK8SvDh67TW2Mv8e_5JQShgp7EoPWM/s300/Disposablearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfETJE4tk-_gs7KCF9LGif3oVTuaRIqaBz3vLY-zavPHTBJeKGFUqZo-JC3PXtbad5LbYqDsveZIoo8PL5X4hXtNiZceVVKd4PKk0iXqK7h9CLuMK8SvDh67TW2Mv8e_5JQShgp7EoPWM/s0/Disposablearts.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> What's happening folks! This anniversary salute big ups an album that's considered an underground masterpiece. The curator of this album is an over thirty year emcee who's been considered among the most influential emcees out in the game. Always seeking ways to innovate and come up concept to illustrate his points and narratives, this former Juice Crew member delivered an album that highlighted a young man that just got out of prison and realizes how bad his burrough of Brooklyn has become so he enrolls into the fictional School of the Disposable Arts hoping to make a better way of life than what he's been exposed to once he got out. Highly regarded as arguably the album of his career on a critical level, the artist went from previous efforts such as <i>Take A Look Around</i>, <i>Sittin' On Chrome,</i> and <i>Slaughtahouse</i>, and constructed an EXCELLENT album. This is a look at Masta Ace and his album, <i>Disposable Arts</i>.</p><p>While gaining notoriety for his aforementioned albums, he knew after being out of the game for about six years he needed to reinvent with a whole new focus for an album. Therefore, he presented <i>Disposable Arts</i>. Similar to albums such as <i>A Prince Among Thieves</i> or <i>Deltron 3030</i>, this is an album that, although have a solid collection of cuts, the album makes sense listening to it from top to bottom. From the moment his character is let out of jail, he's reminded of what put him in in the first place with the moody and somber collab with "Block Episode". From there, he explains his need to have a better life off the streets to girlfriend Lisa (played by seemingly forgotten about emcee Jane Doe), which leads to one of the more bumping cuts on the effort, the Ayatollah-crafted "Hold U" featuring the legendary Jean Grae. He later meets up with his awkward yet interesting roommate (played by the infamous MC Paul Barman) in which he verbally walks his roomie through Brooklyn on "Take A Walk". May we just add, those bars by Barman ranged from cringe-worthy to hilarious during this skit.</p><p>Getting adjusted to this new way of life for "Ace" as his roommate Paul (Barman) is very reminiscent of White Mike from The Wayans Bros. Paul helps him out with his classes and gives him the scoop on what to expect from these classes, which leads into one of the most underrated diss cuts you'll ever find in his scathing scorching of forgotten about underground emcee Boogieman and the almost forgotten-about High & The Mighty, "Acknowledge". Suffice it to say, we heard little to nothing else from either of these acts after this cut was heard. From there, the narrative wraps up with arguably one of his best cuts in his career, "No Regrets", a reflective look back at his career over a hypnotic beat provided by Domingo. </p><p>Other strong cuts like "Unfriendly Game", "Dear Yvette", and "Dear Diary" help round out a release that highlights how important Masta Ace to hip-hop. He took a fairly average concept of an ex-con finding his way back into society and wanting to get off the same streets that made him one in the first place, and some very dope hip-hop to it with an assorted cast of characters to help tell his story. Everyone on this project delivered effectively while not overshadowing Ace and the production for the most part was very suitable to each story being told. Ace sounded like he had the same hunger from his Juice Crew days and from the rather poignant album cover of him sitting in a driver's seat with no car, it was apparent this album would be the opposite of <i>Sittin' On Chrome</i> in practically every way.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkQoi_BKabWyLSt-MNykB2iv0SrIbetPPTfEFAn4v_PRGT_XDttx75mXC0bfXvx5E7oJKqLiiZnUP-QBJ9LvxB-8ninJWwgVd3kiLMFtXFGbyqBKraoJlTVkgYzZwXlTvBxys1ejg0f0/s412/image1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="412" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkQoi_BKabWyLSt-MNykB2iv0SrIbetPPTfEFAn4v_PRGT_XDttx75mXC0bfXvx5E7oJKqLiiZnUP-QBJ9LvxB-8ninJWwgVd3kiLMFtXFGbyqBKraoJlTVkgYzZwXlTvBxys1ejg0f0/s320/image1.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Later releases such as the "prequel" to this one, A Long Hot Summer, the excellent collab effort with the late MF DOOM, <i>MA DOOM: Son Of Yvonne</i>, his quite dope group album with Strick, Punchline and Wordsworth as eMC, <i>The Show</i>, <i>The Falling Season</i> and the knocking AF effort with producer Marco Polo, <i>A Breukelen Story</i>, show that Masta Ace is one of hip-hop's most respected and acclaimed emcees and it's like the fine wine theory, Ace would just get better with age. With <i>Disposable Arts</i>, this marked a whole new benchmark for the veteran emcee and still stands as his absolute magnum opus. This goes out to Masta Ace and we lift our proverbial glasses to <i>Disposable Arts</i>. Until next time folks!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-39534572828745260352021-08-02T10:46:00.003-07:002021-08-02T10:46:37.546-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: The Best Part<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDJIyymWOqum37DygwMU4IgodUwtzJ0U3uhhwn8NeuFR1esxafSsb8KsiS5c2uPXeuZ6oN9zmuW-ebCO5eVoR4NRDMfWmbaMW8qerRoRIE3KwEIgHyndDk53E7qeOe3A9f_-eycZNI2g/s220/220px-The_Best_Part_J-Live.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDJIyymWOqum37DygwMU4IgodUwtzJ0U3uhhwn8NeuFR1esxafSsb8KsiS5c2uPXeuZ6oN9zmuW-ebCO5eVoR4NRDMfWmbaMW8qerRoRIE3KwEIgHyndDk53E7qeOe3A9f_-eycZNI2g/s0/220px-The_Best_Part_J-Live.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What's going on folks?! This anniversary salute goes to an emcee that, although gets tons of love within the independent/underground world of hip-hop, most mainstream accessible fans never heard of him. Although there's a chance you may have if you ever went to a show that he was deejaying at. This former school teacher delivered a couple of singles and before long the buzz was about this emcee and the amount of writing abilities he had. Sadly, as the album was finished, label problems continuously plagued this dude with good delivery and an even better pen game. It wasn't until numerous bootlegs and internet leaks when people took notice and realized they were hearing a pure, unadulterated hip-hop album complete with a tried and true formula: bumping yet consistent production and gifted rhymes and focused rhyme structure. This album had it, and it had it in spades. Not a single moment was wasted on this album and made this emcee, once people finally heard it, among those to really keep their eyes and ears on. Ladies and gentlemen, this is J-Live and his debut album, <i>The Best Part.</i></p><p>After graduating SUNY, he transitioned into school teaching in Brooklyn. Nobody knew at the time that the man born as Jean-Jacques Cadet (later renamed Justice Allah due to his affiliation with the Nation of the Gods & The Earth) was a hip-hop student himself. Writing and hitting up talent shows while also deejaying, Cadet presented a cut called "Longevity" with a stunning B-side called "Bragging Writes" that got the NY underground scene talking. Before very long, his debut, The Best Part, was ready to go. As was mentioned earlier, label problems shelved the album a couple of times and we never thought we would be able to bask in the glory that was this album, especially when the word got out that production monsters such as Preemo, Pete Rock, 88 Keyz, Prince Paul, and the Jigmastas' own DJ Spinna would handle the sounds of the effort. Originally scheduled to be released in '97, this was not the only album at that time that had been shelved due to numerous label situations as another unforgettable debut experienced the same situation with Large Professor's <i>THE LP</i> was another victim at this time. Shame it didn't come out when it was supposed to because this would've been a gem among a time when commercialism was still in effect but crunk was starting to become the norm as well.</p><p>From the jumpoff, Live sets the tone with a lyrical smorgasbord on "Got What It Takes", then follows on the intriguing "Vampire Hunter", the KNOCKING Preemo-powered title track, and "Wax Paper" that all show his lyrical dexterities over slapping production. On "Yes", he laments "You don't want my fist in your trap, shut your mouth/I heard you got a jones for keeping up with the Joneses/only problem is all your jones is wack". There's also the next track the standout "Them That's Not", in which the tempo starts slow then increasingly speeds up until the track is at a normal mid-tempo and then slows up like it was at the beginning of the track. Unique cut with Live definitely riding the track. Another cold cut is the jazzy and mellow "Timeless", in which he gets reflective while spitting intelligent rhymes and showcasing his ability to teach and learn at the same time.</p><p>J-Live has always been one of the unsung heroes in the game and one that doesn't get enough credit for his pure hip-hop aesthetic and him never compromising. Many wanted him to join the red hot underground movement that was Rawkus Records at the time, and yes folks, he would've fit in VERY comfortably with all that superb talent associated with the label. Could you imagine him doing a cut with Last Emperor or Black Star at that time? Wow. This album, with other stellar cuts like "R.A.G.E.", "Play", and "Get The Third", remains an emcee's emcee's album.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFu1qtavGexy-AGIYCTQaPyol46Jl__xeRomvms6E8SzuX8Ih8r9kNm65LvyBmrqom8zO1ErLhnXrJ5puFt40cn7-Fu-mEV5m3g8J_5ZeuXjRF88-qQ5cVw-73kJ1PlS_5moYgePWlvg/s2048/J-Live+-+The+Best+Part+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="2048" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFu1qtavGexy-AGIYCTQaPyol46Jl__xeRomvms6E8SzuX8Ih8r9kNm65LvyBmrqom8zO1ErLhnXrJ5puFt40cn7-Fu-mEV5m3g8J_5ZeuXjRF88-qQ5cVw-73kJ1PlS_5moYgePWlvg/s320/J-Live+-+The+Best+Part+open.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>After <i>The Best Part</i>, he followed it up with an equally fantastic (in some circles even better) album with <i>All Of The Above</i> in '02 along with others like <i>Then What Happened</i>, the decent <i>The Hear After</i>, <i>S.P.I.T.</i> and other efforts since. As an entire complete album, there aren't too many that can hold this album out of position of being one of the best pound for pound albums during that time period. It had consistently dope production, dumb lyrical, good concepts, and a great feeling of just being a lover of good old fashioned hip-hop. With that, we lift our glasses to J-Live's The Best Part. Salute to this incredible piece of work. Until next time y'all!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-84980360459283729612021-07-25T09:38:00.004-07:002021-07-25T09:38:42.358-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: The Cold Vein<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcyYVHV-UbPfNw4pM-wsxjDP9C1-aKNGzU2AldpvNF4nRJwlXspEUOZTkzwA76XRQ1Bs5I5N1ybGxGYsU7ga7HpshBjpogcExZy12jj1BpjEPtERwg9Cqn4fx8FNZ22y_rAaBcasm8vI/s1500/The-Cold-Vein-1620789114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcyYVHV-UbPfNw4pM-wsxjDP9C1-aKNGzU2AldpvNF4nRJwlXspEUOZTkzwA76XRQ1Bs5I5N1ybGxGYsU7ga7HpshBjpogcExZy12jj1BpjEPtERwg9Cqn4fx8FNZ22y_rAaBcasm8vI/s320/The-Cold-Vein-1620789114.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What's happening ladies and gents?! This salute goes to an underground album that was widely considered ahead of its time. Two young emcees from Harlem and Brooklyn got up with underground juggernaut El-P to create a work that provided grim and disturbing views of NYC over some of the most dense yet layered production one could ask for. What Vast Aire and Vordul Mega provided us was something that must and needs to get talked about more when it comes to stellar and epic efforts within the turn of the century. Representing the burgeoning Definitive Jux label, they delivered an album that was slightly less about political conspiracies and apocalyptic nightmares and more so about the brooding gunpowder that resided outside their windows in Harlem, but done in such creative and thought-provoking ways. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Cannibal Ox and their album, <i>The Cold Vein</i>.</p><p><br /></p><p>At a time where albums from Nas, Jay-Z, Ghostface, Wu-Tang, Beanie Sigel and Busta Rhymes were the talk of New York during this period, there were albums that were criminally overlooked and deserved to be mentioned in the same class as the efforts from the aforementioned if not more so in a few cases. Cannibal Ox's <i>The Cold Vein</i> was damn sure one of them. The label Def Jux was just starting. With Aesop Rock's critically acclaimed debut <i>Labor Days</i> being released later that year, Def Jux was making a ripple in the underground. Before he became the sonic force behind arguably the most dangerous duo in hip-hop, Run The Jewels, El Producto was the mastermind boardsmith behind a true underground treasure in '97 with Company Flow's <i>Funcrusher Plus</i>. Aiming to provide a similar feel, he provided Mega and Aire with some of his grittiest work to this very day. Take cuts like "Iron Galaxy", "Raspberry Fields", and "Vein", that all give chills of the vivid imagery of the crime-ridden, poverty laced streets of Harlem and Brooklyn, in a way like you feel you're in the foxhole with them. </p><p>While Mega is definitely a dope emcee and shouldn't be taken lightly whatsoever, it's Vast Aire that's the Prodigy of this Mobb Deep. Considered one of the most gifted emcees around, his knack for putting unsettling pictures together through words and his rhyme scheme were completely top notch here. Not a single track did he lack on. Not a one. His delivery, lyricism, and mic charisma made him a standout during this time period. With other cuts like "The F-Word", "A B-Boy's Alpha", the only El-P mic collaboration "Ox Out The Cage", and "Atom", Mega and Aire are a tag team tour de force and continue to display their tremendous talents with a style that immediately puts a screwface on you with production to match.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4tKY7UINY4sp1nzsISFgRqX13QduolciFttjYJBxnXUnl69G4KhvFHcKbTCLf4eSO2EdqA0Dz8OIP9ndasVLuNIQRGEHYCUlt0hsuUGYax__PUMwRzwsUAzGNL15PLDXkI422D68u2s/s1118/cannibal_ox_the_cold_vein_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4tKY7UINY4sp1nzsISFgRqX13QduolciFttjYJBxnXUnl69G4KhvFHcKbTCLf4eSO2EdqA0Dz8OIP9ndasVLuNIQRGEHYCUlt0hsuUGYax__PUMwRzwsUAzGNL15PLDXkI422D68u2s/s320/cannibal_ox_the_cold_vein_back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>While it took fourteen years for them to reunite and present their second effort, <i>Blade Of The Ronin</i> (which although didn't touch the classic nature of their debut was a strong effort in its own right), they showed that they still had that tag team chemistry that made a known topic in the underground to begin with. With <i>The Cold Vein</i>, this has compared to the likes of <i>36 Chambers</i> for its rawness and grimy nature on wax, but what can't be denied is the impact this album created and how even twenty years later, not only has it aged excellently, but people that slept on it are now realizing the enormous nature of how this album should be considered among the greatest underground hip-hop albums of all time. We lift our glasses in a salute and a happy anniversary shout to Cannibal Ox and their landmark album, <i>The Cold Vein.</i> Until next time folks!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-30242076685962452352021-07-25T08:49:00.000-07:002021-07-25T08:49:17.204-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: Stillmatic<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L37bBkl9NAAvuumbVrFSaDDGCltt8fFpvQ-mrs6mUpz3SYKbkhjfznUZ4nX7sT6tcLF3GHEIz4dBC2hl5yjLUg5ao_VkHKG-6w0ccXpxLJG_zLVE3vqJbovHIlRTsr7WnKn0ihKiY4E/s1500/stillmatic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L37bBkl9NAAvuumbVrFSaDDGCltt8fFpvQ-mrs6mUpz3SYKbkhjfznUZ4nX7sT6tcLF3GHEIz4dBC2hl5yjLUg5ao_VkHKG-6w0ccXpxLJG_zLVE3vqJbovHIlRTsr7WnKn0ihKiY4E/s320/stillmatic.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What's happening folks! It's been a long time since we've done this, but what a better time than now right? It's time we give some love to very seminal albums from a very seminal year. We will start with an album that was not only considered a rejuvenation and a slightly overdue fire put back in this particular legendary emcee, but among his most prized works. This album showed a return lyrically and focus-wise an emcee heralded for crafting (arguably, although there's not an argument from this particular writer) the most influential and greatest hip-hop album to ever exist, <i>Illmatic</i>. This album also once and for all put some respect on the name of this emcee that many didn't think he had a lot left after poorly received criticism from his previous effort, <i>Nastradamus</i>, not to mention being humiliated and called out by rival Jay-Z in a VICIOUS effort called "The Takeover". This all lead to a blistering reminder of who he was in 2001. Ladies and gentlemen, we salute <i>Stillmatic</i>, the fifth album from god MC, Nas.</p><p><br /></p><p>We all know the legacy of <i>Illmatic</i>. How so many in hip-hop have been impacted and influenced from this perfect album. From lyrical structure to just raw hunger displayed all over the album, this album has been so revered, this made it to the Library of Congress for "significant cultural impact" and rightfully so. Not to mention, numerous tributes, a documentary on it, and even Michael Eric Dyson wrote an entire book dedicated to the poignancy of <i>Illmatic</i>. The question was 'How do you follow up something so perfect?" The answer lied with <i>It Was Written</i>, in which many people state was every bit as great, or better, than <i>Illmatic</i> in terms of sequencing, even better lyricism, and a conceptual masterwork as his storytelling was on full display pretty much throughout the album. This also put him into hip-hop's mainstream appeal, as was evidenced by the first single, the massively successful collab wit the "it" girl at the time, Lauryn Hill, "If I Ruled The Word", which led to three million copies sold of <i>IWW</i>. Nas was officially here. He had arrived.</p><p><br /></p><p>Attempting to silence critics of his claiming he had went too pop and didn't have his hard edge anymore (these same people must not have heard cuts like "Live Nigga Rap", Take It In Blood", "The Message", and "Silent Murda"), he delivered his third album,<i> I Am,</i> which was received with overall positive receptions with strong cuts like "NY State Of Mind Pt. 2", "Favor For A Favor", and the crazy first single "Nas Is Like", but was still venturing into pop/radio territory with cuts like the hot yet controversial second "Hate Me Now" and the unnecessary "Dr. Knockboots" so it wasn't flawless, but still considered his most underappreciated. Of course, I Am was plagued with rampant bootlegging, as the original concept was a double album called <i>I Am...The Autobiography</i>. If you go and google the actual tracklist for this effort, especially the cuts that we would later hear throughout various other projects and mixtapes, this would've been the greatest double album of all time without question. A few of those cuts made it onto his follow-up, <i>Nastradamus</i>, a good yet overall underwhelming effort, especially from the curator of the most lyrically amazing hip-hop album likely ever in hip-hop history. Things were about to turn around in dramatic fashion.</p><p><br /></p><p>In 2001, Jay-Z presented the aforementioned "Takeover", a brutal diss at Nas and Nas homie and fellow QB artist, the late Prodigy of Mobb Deep. After some reported back and forth subliminal disses between the two for supposedly a couple of years before this even all blew up in the open, "Takeover" could've been the dagger to Nas' career. Instead, this was the fire Nas needed, and in came his FEROCIOUS yet supposedly factual diss "Ether", in which he went after Jay and members of Jay's Roc-A-Fella crew. This set the stage for his much anticipated <i>Stillmatic</i>, a title that likely implied he was back to his Nasty Nas days for this album, and quite honestly, if <i>Illmatic</i> had come out in 2001 instead of April of '94, it quite likely could've sounded like this or similar...more like similar. Once we get past "Ether", we get into the first commercial single of the album, "Got Urself A Gun". From there, it's one of the best rides Nas had ever been on. He reunited with <i>Illmatic</i> producers Large Professor, L.E.S., and DJ Premier on the cuts "You're Da Man", "The Flyest" w/ several time collaborator AZ, "Every Ghetto", and "2nd Childhood" respectively for a few of the true highlights on the album. He dips into his creativity on a few cuts too. Take the cut "Rewind" for example. Nasir Jones literally told a story of a woman that set him up told from the end to the beginning, even so much as rapping the dialogue in reverse as well. Also, powerful moments such as the politically conscious reworking of Tears For Fears' most heralded cut "Everybody Wants To Rule To World", "Rule", the exceptional third single "One Mic", "What Goes Around", and the noteworthy "Destroy & Rebuild", in which he lets off on enemies such as former Firm affiliate Nature, former close friend, the aforementioned Prodigy, and friend turned very bitter rival, Cormega. </p><p><br /></p><p>This album needed to album, as Nas was somewhat at a crossroads. With the lukewarm reception to his albums of <i>I Am</i> and <i>Nastradamus</i>, along with Jay coming at him in such a public, vicious way, Nasir had to make us all remember the man many compared to a younger Rakim, and for a reason. This was a message to those that thought Jay's dissing and the criticisms were gonna define him. Nas' pen game was as sharp as ever, as was his beat selection and his ability to tap into those unique abilities that ended up making him into the legend he is now. Was it one hundred percent perfect? I wouldn't say that BUT this was easily his best effort since at least <i>It Was Written</i> and while Nasty Nas was a kid in the hood with the grown man's mind, this Nas was a full grown man with deepened ambitions to be among the true GOATs. This album brought him that much closer to that title.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCwLHgkofPdn9i_wUrq_-s8t6PBvWNSRlCkxmShweM5OCYftyUDjEoK6fJyWa7jshWBQ5FP32_VN-RnpYdgaQwSXzplRMP4eilMP4EYsatAt3OEk9ft7z5AkKR3vPNyR4Zp2IFW6pRPM/s1600/Nas-Stillmatic-Backcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCwLHgkofPdn9i_wUrq_-s8t6PBvWNSRlCkxmShweM5OCYftyUDjEoK6fJyWa7jshWBQ5FP32_VN-RnpYdgaQwSXzplRMP4eilMP4EYsatAt3OEk9ft7z5AkKR3vPNyR4Zp2IFW6pRPM/s320/Nas-Stillmatic-Backcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>With a discography that has ranged from decent to near classic with albums such as <i>Hip-Hop Is Dead</i>, <i>God's Son</i>, <i>Street's Disciple</i>, <i>Life Is Good</i>, his <i>Lost Tapes</i> compilations plus the Grammy Award winning <i>King's Disease</i> (his first by the way), Nas has more than proven his legendary, OG status within hip-hop, however it was <i>Stillmatic</i> that made people finally look at him and officially bring him into the conversation. With four million sold from this album plus his most acclaimed effort since <i>IWW</i>, the once chip-toothed Queensbridge prodigy became a full blown great by the end of <i>Stillmatic</i> if anyone was unsure before. Here's a lifted glass to the greatness that is <i>Stillmatic</i>. Until next time folks!</p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-21872556637976781862021-07-03T12:20:00.002-07:002021-07-03T12:29:40.172-07:00Top 15 Best Albums of 2021...So Far<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-NiaJZEozIVEijF9kqHYpveU4MMoqm1-EHNT6M76znGcwtnXxbjqkGb1sC4GvkRunQ77rmZmylGpYdaDFNMEbFshfXQruYmihpqyewjkQw019uylvSBIfW2b8GV_YsonXvNm2iLSzAU/s1200/skyzoo-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-NiaJZEozIVEijF9kqHYpveU4MMoqm1-EHNT6M76znGcwtnXxbjqkGb1sC4GvkRunQ77rmZmylGpYdaDFNMEbFshfXQruYmihpqyewjkQw019uylvSBIfW2b8GV_YsonXvNm2iLSzAU/s320/skyzoo-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>What's going on cats and kittens. This year has been quite a good year for hip-hop as a whole thus far. Absolutely stellar albums from the likes of Skyzoo, RJ Payne, Mumu Fresh, and those Griselda boys have made for definitely great listens. Being that this is the second year of the new decade, it's already starting off quite nice. As we are halfway through the year, as we anticipate even more and better projects to come, let's give props to those albums that have had our streaming services on fire. Let's go shall we...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFOwNIYC1gRtUGVXYimcJ_6rZJo0jnKCZ68LO6jCFV63kT090QnyishC-2vebykXzNXOCaQSP2XWxFGa48-bpqjFIGLH8qUleARg8BUwcTbssFof8YimJpGhocxHa_-cL3m43L9RwDcg/s600/Navy-Blue-Navys-Reprise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFOwNIYC1gRtUGVXYimcJ_6rZJo0jnKCZ68LO6jCFV63kT090QnyishC-2vebykXzNXOCaQSP2XWxFGa48-bpqjFIGLH8qUleARg8BUwcTbssFof8YimJpGhocxHa_-cL3m43L9RwDcg/s320/Navy-Blue-Navys-Reprise.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">15. Navy Blue</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Navy's Reprise</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Playa Haze, Like, Malik Abdul-Rahmaan, others</p><p style="text-align: left;">We start off with Cali native Navy Blue, who is a childhood friend and frequent collaborator of Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue. The former professional skateboarder-turned emcee has been steadily garnering a cult following since his previous efforts such as <i>Gangway For Navy</i>, <i>Ada Irin</i>, and especially the incredible, yet moody, <i>Song Of Sage: Post Panic</i>. His appearances on albums from the likes of the aforementioned Earl, Mach Hommy, and Preservation also got his name up for the anticipation of his latest effort, <i>Navy's Reprise</i>. Filled with introspective lyrics and poignant production, Navy's momentum into more known notoriety is building. It won't be too much longer before Navy becomes as much a household name as his childhood friend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKfslFvcECFT8hCHRDjLIqiEgvC0mv4nnGEAmvWRxDINxiWXBqOpbZcO_dXF0tzmrFXEHsePH5nZBliTDvE1kePqIIfuJ3JQBY7mbBMw-IcIB5iJHfUtqKcZbaPiRFDwXZ19mWSGD44U/s640/stellarmind.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKfslFvcECFT8hCHRDjLIqiEgvC0mv4nnGEAmvWRxDINxiWXBqOpbZcO_dXF0tzmrFXEHsePH5nZBliTDvE1kePqIIfuJ3JQBY7mbBMw-IcIB5iJHfUtqKcZbaPiRFDwXZ19mWSGD44U/s320/stellarmind.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">14. Beneficence & Confidence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Stellar Mind</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Confidence</p><p style="text-align: left;">Jersey City representative Beneficence collaborated with Boston boardsmith, Confidence, to bring us <i>Stellar Mind</i>, a back to basics approach album of great lyricism meeting equally great production. Confidence had been most known within the underground for his collaborative effort with Brooklyn underground emcee Rashad and their critically heralded album, <i>The Element Of Surprise</i>. Much like the aforementioned album, <i>Stellar Mind</i> is a back-to-basics approach with beats and rhymes and no gimmicks. There's something about simplicity in hip-hop that's very unappreciated, but once you run across it, it all feels so good, and this album exemplifies that wonderful simplicity that's occasionally needed with no bells and whistles.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7DKNuz0cW_J2XPXHXq0QPt92QSC4iwA5QS0NTJYb1OFEeeEPPmBHzGeF4TTn1ddINYwRE_U-lHA-Hs43Eod4tZyGufb5Ytp947vfCDLbKYwPahtKtxaRu_VER3RR2FUHMcDvwhUnrfw/s500/khrysis.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7DKNuz0cW_J2XPXHXq0QPt92QSC4iwA5QS0NTJYb1OFEeeEPPmBHzGeF4TTn1ddINYwRE_U-lHA-Hs43Eod4tZyGufb5Ytp947vfCDLbKYwPahtKtxaRu_VER3RR2FUHMcDvwhUnrfw/s320/khrysis.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">13. Khrysis</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Hour Of Khrysis</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist</p><p style="text-align: left;">Jersey-born, Durham-bred producer Khrysis has been putting it down under the guidance and tutelage of Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder for nearly twenty years. Contributing to stellar albums from the likes of Little Brother, Masta Ace, Rapsody, and the late, great Sean Price over the years, little people realized dude could also spit. Dabbling here and there with the mic, especially while with his partner in crime of The Away Team, Sean Boog, it was high time for Chris Tyson to finally get his own shine, and he definitely delivered. His debut album, <i>The Hour Of Khrysis</i>, is mostly a testament to his fantastic boom-bap approach to hip-hop with collaborations and features from the likes of Ruben Vincent, Evidence, and Mumu Fresh to legends such as Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, and De La Soul. Plus we were blessed with an Away Team reunion. This Grammy nominated recording engineer has been bubbling for over two decades, now Khrysis is finally exploding with his own searing lava.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzarlyuzIndnJIooh6HG4OEzMGED2UEmKmodbrpCmCbiwufayN5t9sdk6M2pUUhp6fz6reP2vDME1LGvAtrE2QoCzjq5af14LQBuf6H2rVJSHUFIdfWl1k6lP3duG5ahBjtnF8sq-oo/s1200/evidence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jzarlyuzIndnJIooh6HG4OEzMGED2UEmKmodbrpCmCbiwufayN5t9sdk6M2pUUhp6fz6reP2vDME1LGvAtrE2QoCzjq5af14LQBuf6H2rVJSHUFIdfWl1k6lP3duG5ahBjtnF8sq-oo/s320/evidence.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">12. Evidence</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Unlearning Vol. 1</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, The Alchemist, Daringer, Sebb, Khrysis, Animoss, Nottz, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Former Dilated Peoples emcee, Evidence, has long been an acclaimed artist/producer/emcee for over two decades now. Aside from his stuff with Dilated, as a stand alone emcee, he's among the most acclaimed and in-demand from the west. His debut album, <i>The Weatherman LP</i>, set the bar for his solo discography, and his follow-ups of <i>Cats & Dogs</i> and especially the knocking <i>Weather Or Not</i> were every bit as personal and blistering as his debut. He returned with his fourth full-length, <i>The Unlearning Vol. 1</i>, and it's basically more of the same from Ev, which isn't a bad thing at all. Known for his exposing his heart and soul at times on wax, he continues this off and on here, but also does so over fantastic boardwork from the likes of Griselda in-house monster Daringer, Khrysis, Animoss and his Step Brother partner, The Alchemist. Guests include Conway, Boldy James, and Navy Blue to accompany him on this journey, but as a whole Evidence does another exemplary job of bringing us into his world on his own and shows again why he's such an acclaimed artist.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSCo_TpQ0FKXTdXE4O5AXC-5SY11RfEjAoHST0AfrjnN4JcyC9VaAZTJmupqY5daO-x4qk3kDrcclTiaFLL33ub9qQfGk6QAmyynveWj97tML94y5vTcjkZPQQH2VKrFmWdzkh0EY6U/s1200/mf-doom-czarface-super-what-stream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSCo_TpQ0FKXTdXE4O5AXC-5SY11RfEjAoHST0AfrjnN4JcyC9VaAZTJmupqY5daO-x4qk3kDrcclTiaFLL33ub9qQfGk6QAmyynveWj97tML94y5vTcjkZPQQH2VKrFmWdzkh0EY6U/s320/mf-doom-czarface-super-what-stream.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">11. Czarface & MF DOOM</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Super What???</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: 7L</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The hip-hop world was rocked and saddened when we all heard of the death of underground legend, MF DOOM before the end of 2020. The legacy the metal-faced villain left behind is one of reverence and distinction. Before he left this earth, he got back up with the trio of 7L, Esoteric, and Inspectah Deck of Czarface to provide a follow-up of their first collab album, <i>Czarface Meets Metal Face</i> with <i>Super What???,</i> an album that was supposed to be released in 2020 but got delayed due to the pandemic. While Deck and Esoteric definitely brought the verbal goods on the "Czar" side, the album was clearly highlighted by the verbal greatness of the late metal-faced villain, who reminds us of how superbly gifted he was as an emcee and a talent as a whole. While we still mourn this great loss, we take comfort in hearing him one more time on an album that would unquestionably make DOOM proud of how it turned out.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXtxQjeEwiM7tv2H0H4bAzq9P9jskJnHonAOICZOc9aEHecpGnKfYSwV8yfsGuzKQnk2Ra9M1fSheMRLgaNnmO0pr8HhDMyprwde8-M4L5h1ysKdl4ypbkmApvSgcb2wtsSArrmiX_SA/s1200/yourolddroog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXtxQjeEwiM7tv2H0H4bAzq9P9jskJnHonAOICZOc9aEHecpGnKfYSwV8yfsGuzKQnk2Ra9M1fSheMRLgaNnmO0pr8HhDMyprwde8-M4L5h1ysKdl4ypbkmApvSgcb2wtsSArrmiX_SA/s320/yourolddroog.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">10. Your Old Droog</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>TIME</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: 88 Keyz, Quelle Chris, Mono En Stereo, Edan, Budgie, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Brooklyn emcee, Your Old Droog, has been among the most intriguing yet tremendously talented emcees for almost a decade now. This Ukrainan-born emcee, who at one time was very highly compared to Nas verbally, has put out consistent efforts since 2014 with his very promising self titled debut. Since then, efforts such as <i>Packs</i>, <i>It Wasn't Even Close</i>, <i>Transportation,</i> <i>Jewelry,</i> and his projects with Tha God Fahim, <i>The Wolf On Wall Street</i> and <i>The YOD Fahim</i>, have been knocking us upside our heads, and for the most part, he's definitely delivered. He scores again with <i>TIME</i>, a more introspective album from him then we've heard from him compared to the rest of his efforts. With excellent production and even a posthumous verse from the late aforementioned MF DOOM on the standout, "Dropout Boogie". With this being his fourth project within a six month period, Droog isn't slowing down any, and with this album that clearly demonstrates the valued importance of time and moments, YOD continues to take advantage of his own time in the game and one should suspect that YOD will continues to be among the most hard working emcees around.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4GojZj0OoNvBQCTtekRZf7-HJMq4AHhn6J3TkkfnTe_gGNOeuYFdxzSQEK-rxKfLDh61X0j6AAGNPBB_Ij55y8lTk0T2wsuJshx7ozQ77RZwqhVvJzn-u5IRuZjnqY7exa5-nfEx4_Y/s600/rjpayneleatherface.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4GojZj0OoNvBQCTtekRZf7-HJMq4AHhn6J3TkkfnTe_gGNOeuYFdxzSQEK-rxKfLDh61X0j6AAGNPBB_Ij55y8lTk0T2wsuJshx7ozQ77RZwqhVvJzn-u5IRuZjnqY7exa5-nfEx4_Y/s320/rjpayneleatherface.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">9. RJ Payne</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Leatherface 3: There Will Be Blood</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Havoc, Stu Bangas, Nicholas Craven, Vanderslice, Cartune Beatz, PA Dre, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Philly emcee RJ Payne is a journeyman. While many would recognize him as the winner of the MTV Battle Rap tournament as Reign Man, this battle rap legend is also an established underground artist. Drawing acclaim from the likes of Griselda, Black Thought, Pete Rock, and the late Keven Liles, Payne eventually decided to be an indie artist and starting being quite the prolific emcee, delivering over twenty projects and has been building a fanbase with each effort and/or guest spot. With his latest, <i>Leatherface 3: There Will Be Blood</i>, he presents us with his most mainstream release to date, with appearances from the likes of Redman, Apathy, and Ras Kass. Folks, Payne is a complete verbal assassin here, and over brooding and chilling production over at least the majority of the album, Payne's momentum continues to grow and eventually it won't be long before he becomes a legit household name. Now is the time to stop sleeping on RJ Payne. Don't say we didn't warn you.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7jNDsZFNZ8OHJHYTsZORdvUsVYZrl5taE7gSJ9PKqUXxtnblt5C7bxcztfdITDIcbM7CVGov_UepnC1zxMJd7bnbZtg4ceZ96MCCcTYEF9yWI0s3w3420wkhS59hjjonW-0udiQx0PQ/s224/theoffseason.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7jNDsZFNZ8OHJHYTsZORdvUsVYZrl5taE7gSJ9PKqUXxtnblt5C7bxcztfdITDIcbM7CVGov_UepnC1zxMJd7bnbZtg4ceZ96MCCcTYEF9yWI0s3w3420wkhS59hjjonW-0udiQx0PQ/s0/theoffseason.webp" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">8. J. Cole</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Off-Season</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: artist, Timbaland, Jake One, Boi-1nda, Frank Dukes, T-Minus DJ Dahi, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Grammy award winning Fayetteville emcee J. Cole is back on his bullshit. While he's been dropping off critical darlings for over a decade since his <i>Friday Night Lights</i> mixtape days with efforts such as <i>Cole World</i>, <i>2014 Forest Hills Drive</i>, <i>4 Your Eyez Only</i>, and his most recent <i>K.O.D.</i> , people and fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of mixtape Cole, and we definitely got it. His latest effort, <i>The Off-Season</i>, is filled with braggadocio reminders of his impact in the game and his influence in culture. Armed with what seems like a renewed chip on his shoulder, we haven't heard Cole this hungry in many years. Finally softening his approach to no guests appearances and not a ton of guest producers, he collabs with the likes of fellow Fayetteville native, Morray, 21 Savage, Lil' Baby, and 6LACK while having the likes of Timbaland, Frank Dukes, and Boi-1nda assist him on the boards to much success. One might expect another Grammy nod for Jermaine Cole with this one.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMVFZaMvr5P7YQv9vp8Te0UC06Z0uV8kH-ibFNmTCvKv3v9uMl2_-xUMbPIaCen6sfTkTUD6w8Ad1d3ZGiOWlkk1XyfQV1tdg8hkwlwEjsziXS3XUdNK-gBxOJLyYcI3VODZpgKcnU74/s1200/mumufresh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMVFZaMvr5P7YQv9vp8Te0UC06Z0uV8kH-ibFNmTCvKv3v9uMl2_-xUMbPIaCen6sfTkTUD6w8Ad1d3ZGiOWlkk1XyfQV1tdg8hkwlwEjsziXS3XUdNK-gBxOJLyYcI3VODZpgKcnU74/s320/mumufresh.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">7. MuMu Fresh</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Babies II: Queen Of Culture</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Dummy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dazzling Philly emcee/singer/poet Maimouna Youssef is special. While she isn't quite the household name as of yet, that will change and one would suggest fairly quickly. Having done work with the likes of The Roots and Common among others, the artist known as Mumu Fresh is among the brightest starts currently in urban music. Previous efforts such as <i>Black Magic Woman,</i> <i>The Blooming,</i> and <i>Vintage Babies</i> put her on a lot of people's radar, along with her NPR Tiny Desk performances, both solo and with August Greene. Now in 2021, she presents <i>Vintage Babies 2: Queen Of Culture</i>. This sista presents a collection of empowering, culturally invigorating cuts that, much like epics such as <i>The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill</i> or Georgia Anne Maldrow's <i>A Thoughtiverse Unmarred</i> delves both into singing and rapping almost equally, and each song, no matter which one she's doing, is one for the heartstrings, or at least one to make your bob your, snap your neck, and appreciate the artistry that exudes from this woman. Should this album be mentioned among the timeless efforts such as the aforementioned <i>Miseducation</i> or the likes of <i>Baduizm</i> or <i>Laila's Wisdom</i>, it's very, very possible. Do yourself a favor and visit this truly delightful album from one of the game's most rapidly intriguing artists out here.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR2UQRce64D0qZDJGKOw59Mc8OF-SNhW4UYG0ES-QR-2NaYA7Qu_ey08kkrXXMDiqcIVyIhCtX7SSZvnbQ2irBP6fjdH56rzpnwRgrRkQpY6C9EkEbB4U61WyXDdZmQWcLt5hiayerdY/s600/Conway-the-Machine-La-Maquina.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR2UQRce64D0qZDJGKOw59Mc8OF-SNhW4UYG0ES-QR-2NaYA7Qu_ey08kkrXXMDiqcIVyIhCtX7SSZvnbQ2irBP6fjdH56rzpnwRgrRkQpY6C9EkEbB4U61WyXDdZmQWcLt5hiayerdY/s320/Conway-the-Machine-La-Maquina.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6. Conway The Machine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>La Macquina</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Daringer, JR Swiftz, Murda Beatz, The Alchemist, Bangladesh, Don Cannon, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It wouldn't be a good hip-hop year if the momentum wasn't starting with that Griselda gang. After starting the year off with the soundtrack for <i>Conflicted</i>, The almighty Machine returned for his latest effort, <i>La Maquina</i> (Spanish for 'machine' for those that weren't aware). Since his very successful full-length album, <i>From King To God</i>, Conway has been gaining more and more momentum as a star on the rise. A big part of that involves his wanting to spit over different types of production and not be one dimensional. We clearly hear this on this release, as he ventures more over trap-styled production than ever before on cuts like "KD", "630 Tip-Off", and "Clarity" and sounds pretty damn good over them. However, he gets back to the grit and the grime with cuts like the brutal opening cut, "Bruiser Brody" and "S.E. Gang" with his Griselda brethren of Westside and Benny. In order to truly be considered among the greats in the game, one must venture outside of their comfort zone and be able to handle the various sounds and production as well as his or her rhyme schemed. Conway continues to do that and then some. While we wait with holding breath for his Shady Records debut, <i>God Makes No Mistakes</i>, he has delivered a crazy release to whet that appetite.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUmjEzRwsnF86WncOnySL5xeZj5Kr-WDNYzrFh_CjLWiGioLJGw1qI7yTihu85WU1xM0ZEi0ktYKdb34eacfl-0av2kSd9PpYYeu-TmOAlybSkkdf7S8DN3reYrRRxg4IVa0kxEJURo8/s1400/lloyd-coti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUmjEzRwsnF86WncOnySL5xeZj5Kr-WDNYzrFh_CjLWiGioLJGw1qI7yTihu85WU1xM0ZEi0ktYKdb34eacfl-0av2kSd9PpYYeu-TmOAlybSkkdf7S8DN3reYrRRxg4IVa0kxEJURo8/s320/lloyd-coti.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5. Lloyd Banks</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Course Of The Inevitable</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Cartune Beatz, Chase N. Cashe, The Olympickz, Illatracks, Mr. Authentic, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the early to mid 00s, one of the most heralded emcees throughout the period was Queens emcee and former G-Unit soldier, Lloyd Banks. Seen as the definite lyrical star of the crew, Banks' debut solo effort, <i>The Hunger For More</i> was a platinum-plus album that showed how much of a star he could become. Follow ups such as <i>Rotten Apple</i> and 2010's <i>The Hunger For More 2</i>, although weren't a potent as his debut, still highlighted his ability to be the self-professed "Punch Line King". Since then, he's fallen out of G-Unit, but his "hunger" never really ended as he has delivered pretty dope mixtapes such as his <i>All Or Nothing</i> series, <i>The Gift</i>, and his <i>Halloween Havoc</i> series. With his latest release, <i>Course Of The Inevitable</i>, this marks his first full-length release since 2010 and his first effort overall since 2016, Lloyd sounds like he hasn't lost a single step. Over bumping production from up-and-comers such as Cartune Beatz, The Olympicks, and Mr. Authentic, Banks maintains his tough guy talk but makes it sounds excellently skilled and vivid. While his G-Unit days may be far behind him, his own star power is about to shine very brightly once again with this dynamite album.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ruu2O_OKC6w1HXOLcFLWcicP275z_O9dh5FKiN9AEODMVPK8wezy5B8EQd6Em6nnQkO-XQOUWkGS-pIHSKCOtq_-tSMh1W8NTcpzVaLhCdJYpQ6t3eaFOa7R2_0UsWo12CJyPc0W6M8/s600/muggs-flee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ruu2O_OKC6w1HXOLcFLWcicP275z_O9dh5FKiN9AEODMVPK8wezy5B8EQd6Em6nnQkO-XQOUWkGS-pIHSKCOtq_-tSMh1W8NTcpzVaLhCdJYpQ6t3eaFOa7R2_0UsWo12CJyPc0W6M8/s320/muggs-flee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4. DJ Muggs & Flee Lord</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramellzee</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: DJ Muggs</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If there's been anybody more prolific of a producer over the past one to two years especially than DJ Muggs, I'd love for you to show me. The legendary Cypress Hill DJ/Producer has quite frankly been in his bag doing albums with the likes of Roc Marci, Mach Hommy, Fahim, Eto, and Rome Streetz (another tremendous 2021 offering BTW). However, with all due respect to each of the albums associated with these collaborations, the marriage between Muggs and another prolific artist himself, Far Rockaway, Queens emcee Flee Lord for their joint album, <i>Ramellzee</i> (named after fellow Far Rock native and true hip-hop pioneer of the same name). Over classic Muggs brooding and sinister production, Flee shows out over each and every track. The former Prodigy protégé has been among the most in-demand emcees in hip-hop, and with albums like this, not only will Muggs continue his already revered legacy, but Flee will continue to elevate his burgeoning stardom.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7gjKruQk4LaUnJB9rZbX3YPq4xdBkcb31ZFito1SR56BGSZ6PcXW1Q0RM5B5Pd6hdJeU0TAxat67Do41LLog5MWE7yMQ-mq-geVDtJY_u8NT0wU3zICFwkEMO1MWwAhbCv94BlZVwR0/s600/Mach-Hommy-Pray-for-Haiti.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7gjKruQk4LaUnJB9rZbX3YPq4xdBkcb31ZFito1SR56BGSZ6PcXW1Q0RM5B5Pd6hdJeU0TAxat67Do41LLog5MWE7yMQ-mq-geVDtJY_u8NT0wU3zICFwkEMO1MWwAhbCv94BlZVwR0/s320/Mach-Hommy-Pray-for-Haiti.jpeg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">3. Mach Hommy</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Pray For Haiti</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Nicholas Craven, Conductor Williams, Camouflage Monk, DJ Green Lantern, Tha God Fahim, Sahdu Gold, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Elusive and enigmatic NYC emcee, Mach Hommy, has been on the radar of everyone from Earl Sweatshirt to Jay-Z over the past several years. At one time, he was affiliated with Griselda during the early days of the label/crew. However a falling out took him out of Griselda and had him alongside Fahim, Camouflage Monk, and eventually Your Old Droog. Efforts such as his much revered Griselda-affiliated effort, <i>H.B.O</i>., <i>The G.A.T</i>., his efforts with Fahim, and his most recent efforts of <i>Mach's Hard Lemonade</i> (which attracted the attention of Jay-Z BTW), <i>Bulletproof Luh</i>, and <i>Wop Kon Joj</i>! have made Hommy acquire quite the cult following and for very good reason. Early in 2021, Hommy, Fahim, and Westside Gunn seemingly squashed any beef and it was announced that Mach would deliver an album curated by Gunn under Griselda. That album would be <i>Pray For Haiti,</i> which quite frankly is his overall best project since <i>H.B.O.</i> on practically every level. Lyrically, this has to be ranked possibly the best album so far this year alone. Furthermore, over some of the best production you'll hear all year, Hommy provides street insight, vivid storytelling, and also the ability to go back and forth between English and his Haitian Creole native tongue. With him back on the Griselda machine, Hommy is about to hit new heights and with albums like this, it won't take very long</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdRJIXjF2-BCedB17JttfxGBf9Vd2bnH4r-LEpBzLgSPtgHo1OKPxNvP52Skc57h6bVaPsQlWll1oJ1snrKI2i4VU9V2aYSuW9rOgmmtyFVa31ilWH2vI79ztLQrI0RKeWiBntOjWdKM/s2508/Armand-Hammer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdRJIXjF2-BCedB17JttfxGBf9Vd2bnH4r-LEpBzLgSPtgHo1OKPxNvP52Skc57h6bVaPsQlWll1oJ1snrKI2i4VU9V2aYSuW9rOgmmtyFVa31ilWH2vI79ztLQrI0RKeWiBntOjWdKM/s320/Armand-Hammer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. Armand Hammer & The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>HARAM</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: The Alchemist</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Underground NYC emcees Elucid and billy woods already had been achieving critical acclaim with their individual projects, but once they got together as Armand Hammer, their quest to be underground tag team champions was in sight. With their efforts of <i>Half Measures</i>, <i>Race Music</i>, <i>Rome </i>and <i>Paraffin</i> bringing them more and more acclaim and a building cult following, Armand Hammer was starting to be a commodity amongst hip-hop circles. However, things hit a new level this year when they collaborated with one of the most consistent and prolific producers of the past two decades, The Alchemist for the album <i>HARAM</i>. If the announcement of a collab of Armand Hammer and Alchemist wasn't enough anticipation, the album cover gave them even more buzz, albeit with controversy with the image of two severed pigs heads on the cover. From the moment the first track hits, you know you're in for a ride, and what a ride it is. Alchemist put together a collection of tracks perfectly complimentary to the style of Armand Hammer. Although slightly more accessible than their previous efforts, it still sounded like something Elucid and woods would perfect and they did. Folks, this album not only ranks among Alchemist's best work in years, but Armand Hammer, and their topics of black consciousness, as well as politically charged rhymes and occasional psychedelic trips, shine extremely bright here. This is a masterwork of two incredible emcees and one brilliant, legendary producer that will be mentioned among the greatest underground efforts of the past several years.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFV7p3rIpawHR6coEzQN4j0I6QyRSwAa9aXeEnuiXYRFH1gdkY8U6gpXl4T9p0KiAXpfFBBIj3RnXfqoH6pHzfqXMvQY05DoNlrXIjoHDIsRYduIr7d3O0A5GdIStuBwSSWXWTc-J2iw/s1200/skyzoo-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFV7p3rIpawHR6coEzQN4j0I6QyRSwAa9aXeEnuiXYRFH1gdkY8U6gpXl4T9p0KiAXpfFBBIj3RnXfqoH6pHzfqXMvQY05DoNlrXIjoHDIsRYduIr7d3O0A5GdIStuBwSSWXWTc-J2iw/s320/skyzoo-1.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Skyzoo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All The Brilliant Things</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Production: Marc Nfinite, JR Swiftz, Kenny Keys, King Thelonius, J57, STLN Drums, others</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Brooklyn bred emcee Skyzoo never fails to deliver stellar music. Considered to have among the most consistent and overall best discographies in all of hip-hop, Skyzoo is a prized possession within the game. His potent yet laid-back rhyme style mixed with his penchant for jazzy boom-bap hip-hop makes him quite the in demand artist. Efforts such as <i>The Salvation</i>, <i>Cloud 9</i>, <i>Music For My Friends</i>, <i>Peddler Themes EP</i>, <i>Live From The Tape Deck</i>, and the most recent <i>In Celebration Of Us</i> are all heralded albums with personal themes that all exemplify his love of stuff such as black consciousness, his youth, his love of jazz and hip-hop, and being a father. In 2020, he dropped two excellent projects in his jazz-rap album, <i>The Bluest Note</i> with jazz band Dumbo Station, and the Father's Day released EP, <i>Milestones</i>, which was a fatherly themed concept album based off Laurence Fishburne's character from <i>Boyz N The Hood</i>. Now he has returned in 2021 with perhaps his best album to date, <i>All The Brilliant Things</i>, another themed album based around Brooklyn gentrification and the ideals of the subject. With another mixture of jazz and boom-bap hip-hop Sky takes us down his borough with images of inner city struggles while also celebrating personal accomplishments and celebrations of his life and community. Skyzoo delivered yet another monster album and should be finally mentioned among the true great emcees, as his consistency has truly established him as one throughout the past decade.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Smootvth & Giallo Point- <i>Amongst Wolves</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Benny The Butcher & Harry Fraud- <i>The Plugs I Met 2</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Various Artists- <i>Griselda Presents Conflicted OST</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Conway The Machine & Big Ghost LTD- <i>If It Breathes, It Bleeds</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Rome Streetz- <i>Death & The Magician</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">DJ Muggs & Yelawolf- <i>Mile Zero</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Alchemist- <i>This Thing Of Ours EP</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tyler The Creator<i>- Call Me If You Get Lost</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- <i>Tha YOD Fahim</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim- <i>Tha Wolf Of Wall Street</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hus Kingpin- <i>Portishus</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Awon & Phoniks- <i>Nothing Less</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">L'Orange & Nahmir Blade- <i>Invisible Everything</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mach Hommy- <i>Bulletproof Luh</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">4 HRSMN- <i>The Last Ride</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Apathy- <i>Where The River Meets The Sea</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ransom- <i>Se7en</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Mello Music Group- <i>Bushido</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">As we go forward with the year, we still have rumored anticipated albums from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Rick Ross, Pusha T, Noname, Stove God Cook$, Joey Bada$$, Roc Marciano, Flee Lord, the mighty legendary Dr. Dre, and numerous Griselda efforts, 2021 looks to be among the hottest years of hip-hop this century. Last year in 2020, hip-hop had a great year, however this looks to possibly be even better. Stay tuned folks. Until next time!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-51447015652707788432021-05-15T10:30:00.004-07:002021-05-15T15:43:57.813-07:00Griselda Records: From NY's Best Kept Secret To The Most In-Demand Label in Hip-Hop<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdzv9brYlO_dHUChYd3_nTTyb9gZFvt8CgXYFnulJ-ZXKu0cZv7jD47rcdA6JGqziunpnwpikxt2Qyg92FhPrAJ7xUUlPIl12-2BQl1oHVaw7JOMj9se5W5miFhoDhxGyMK8a0ctMTC4/s750/Griselda-records-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdzv9brYlO_dHUChYd3_nTTyb9gZFvt8CgXYFnulJ-ZXKu0cZv7jD47rcdA6JGqziunpnwpikxt2Qyg92FhPrAJ7xUUlPIl12-2BQl1oHVaw7JOMj9se5W5miFhoDhxGyMK8a0ctMTC4/s320/Griselda-records-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> What's happening folks! It's been a pretty long time since we've connected but this piece may (hopefully) be well worth the wait. In this piece, we will examine a label that has become arguably the most looked upon label in the game. Who's stars aren't many, in fact only a few, but the few that are there have brought eyes back to that nineties dark, grimy New York hip-hop. Back in the nineties, gritty, brooding hip-hop from the likes of Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, and others was the primary sound, along with tales of drugs, murder, revenge, and hustling. This crew of emcees is exactly what fans of that type of hip-hop have been yearning for for years, and are emerging from the underground and becoming a tour de force in hip-hop. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacxcnbk5GcR2hybjM3e1jUs2SOELOR5qkQ1HSoFeCt_pigWQjSvpIuO_2PwyiZUR1kW_UWGBmE6r3LF3xZaPwCrijFiohpTvhqdqr4QagTvhLpPRy2L1pkO849C2xguZlGtjJCPToAQA/s1200/wsg_conway_benny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacxcnbk5GcR2hybjM3e1jUs2SOELOR5qkQ1HSoFeCt_pigWQjSvpIuO_2PwyiZUR1kW_UWGBmE6r3LF3xZaPwCrijFiohpTvhqdqr4QagTvhLpPRy2L1pkO849C2xguZlGtjJCPToAQA/s320/wsg_conway_benny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Introducing Griselda: a label and crew hailing from Buffalo, NY. Previously not really known for their hip-hop scene on a major level, Buffalo started to bubble with this crew of hardcore, gritty emcees that was looking for their city to be the next in demand city of hip-hop talent. The crew consisting of founder Westside Gunn, his brother Conway The Machine and their cousin Benny The Butcher were the foundation members of the label (along with fallen emcee/Benny's brother Machine Gun Black and their late mentor DJ Shay), which was originally a clothing company (Griselda by Fashion Rebels). They ended up bringing in fellow Buffalo emcee Elcamino, along with extended family members Tha God Fahim, Mach Hommy, and producer Camouflage Monk. In 2012, the label became official and the first tape from the crew/label was Gunn's <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> mixtape (although his first ever mixtape was 2003's <i>Flyest Nigga In Charge</i>, which was re-released for streaming in 2020). Filled with haunting soundscapes primarily from in-house Daringer, this was a local bubble point, but then came Conway's <i>Phyzikal Therapy</i>, which came just after his near fatal shooting that ultimately altered his life and career. From there came Benny's <i>1 On A One</i> (although his <i>Tana Talk</i> and <i>Tana Talk 2</i> tapes were heralded pre-Griselda) and Mach Hommy's <i>H.B.O. (Haitian Body Odor)</i> were gaining acclaim. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9928QpYiaCHV9HtOjCQrf_CpWyN3O04zkxLIEp5Mlp_IARhd7ZwBLK0t3IPC7ONSCJEYa7WO_JQgL8TTErhP6bV4oQT1npu17oWUiLiLAFNUoJO0mxv9DGDrWkugrLxpkloi_rf2_3M/s1200/flygod.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9928QpYiaCHV9HtOjCQrf_CpWyN3O04zkxLIEp5Mlp_IARhd7ZwBLK0t3IPC7ONSCJEYa7WO_JQgL8TTErhP6bV4oQT1npu17oWUiLiLAFNUoJO0mxv9DGDrWkugrLxpkloi_rf2_3M/s320/flygod.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Fast forwarding a little bit, this grinding, burgeoning label is gaining more and more steam slowly but steadily, but they still needed that one album to really make them known on a national level outside of Buffalo. Enter, <i>FLYGOD</i>, Westside Gunn's first full-length album. The album was signature WSG and Griselda, filled with a nineties, NY feel with sinister production by the aforementioned Daringer, Camouflage Monk, Apollo Brown, Statik Selektah, Fahim, and the legendary Alchemist containing brutal rhymes about the streets, hustling, and being...well...fly. Considered an underground classic, it was the sonic boom Griselda needed to start being on people's radar on a somewhat mainstream level in spite of radio single. The successes of his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> tapes was the spawn of this tremendous release, along with the equally acclaimed Conway tape, <i>Reject 2</i>, a successor to his grimy as fuck, <i>The Devil's Reject</i> mixtape. Add to this, Benny, Conway and Gunn were doing more features and more people started to speak the name Griselda. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT67KxXjd6ANrl8WprXRVXZgJ4TifP_ZWd42F0eIlp_tMUV7ImuM4GjPGbu68PlXoALSaB60e0IQot0jeGsX5XaQwY4BYcIiOW7xVWVS7-SHA4EDkMB5klXoSInHmCqlcCRREofHJ9m-0/s1200/tanatalk3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT67KxXjd6ANrl8WprXRVXZgJ4TifP_ZWd42F0eIlp_tMUV7ImuM4GjPGbu68PlXoALSaB60e0IQot0jeGsX5XaQwY4BYcIiOW7xVWVS7-SHA4EDkMB5klXoSInHmCqlcCRREofHJ9m-0/s320/tanatalk3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Efforts such as the continuing <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> series, <i>Butcher On Steroids</i>, <i>Reject On Steroids</i>, <i>The Blakk Tape</i>, and many others kept the bubble they were already developing hotter than fish grease. Gunn kept his full-length effort momentum going with the CRAZY <i>Supreme Blientele</i>. However, Benny was gaining traction more and more, especially based upon his <i>Butcher On Steroids</i> tape with Green Lantern. Thus came his official full length debut, <i>Tana Talk 3</i>, which many critics referred to as the new <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, a huge comparison as <i>RD</i> is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever created. Not to mention Conway's blazing efforts such as the aforementioned <i>Blakk Tape</i>, <i>G.O.A.T</i>., his <i>Everybody Is F.O.O.D.</i> mixtape series and <i>Look What I Became</i> kept putting this crew among the most noticed "newcomers" in rap. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB1Adg6j7TDHPMEJYaGeDWHkHGoAIwNoKO6mb6_sVaYWggMpZlHVneJdNmn5eqpXtA07vzcSpyMLGWWjmIxwYFENREX6wZ75JI6_UJWvq1nAvUSyQl2FNKvXWnAHDd9oiY65kCGYM794/s600/wwcd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB1Adg6j7TDHPMEJYaGeDWHkHGoAIwNoKO6mb6_sVaYWggMpZlHVneJdNmn5eqpXtA07vzcSpyMLGWWjmIxwYFENREX6wZ75JI6_UJWvq1nAvUSyQl2FNKvXWnAHDd9oiY65kCGYM794/s320/wwcd.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The attention they were getting attracted the eyes of Eminem, who signed Gunn and Conway to Shady Records, while Benny was focused on his Black Soprano Family squad and remaining independent through Griselda. Also, the almighty Jay-Z became a fan and signed them to a management deal through Roc Nation. It became clear these Buffalo boys were on the radar. The first release of the Griselda/Shady Records relationship was the Gunn/Benny/Conway release of <i>WWCD</i> (What Would Chinegun Do), named after Benny's fallen brother, who was also best friends with Gunn and Conway. With no samples and all original yet dark and gritty production, once again handled by Daringer and cohort Beat Butcha, the Griselda train was on a whole roll. There was no denying Griselda now. Acclaimed project after acclaimed project. However to those that thought that because they "made it" that they would stop or slow down, how foolish of a thought. They closed out 2019 with <i>WWCD</i>, but come 2020, in came highly acclaimed efforts such as Conway's breakout album, <i>From King To God</i>, Gunn's <i>FLYGOD Is An Awesome God 2 </i>and his breakout album, the immensely popular<i>, Pray For Paris,</i> and especially his Shady solo debut, <i>Who Made The Sunshine</i>, and Benny's stellar collab with west coast Grammy award-winning producer Hit-Boy, <i>Burden Of Proof</i> to keep their collective foot on haters necks. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyl0tnGd6jKqz9CgmVNEL78XPUAlullq9U0QeetJtyrGXaLTv7WbazCpBozUu9zAPl_JfR9UxW44qZluUwgLI9Dblf5GjQGlrFhyphenhyphen3T_1Qymc_t1naEieP6gs-vyPBVIJq7JhY_vSVXDo/s1132/armaniceaser.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyl0tnGd6jKqz9CgmVNEL78XPUAlullq9U0QeetJtyrGXaLTv7WbazCpBozUu9zAPl_JfR9UxW44qZluUwgLI9Dblf5GjQGlrFhyphenhyphen3T_1Qymc_t1naEieP6gs-vyPBVIJq7JhY_vSVXDo/s320/armaniceaser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>They also decided to expand the family, bringing in Detroit's Boldy James and Buffalo-bred Armani Ceaser to expose them to more mainstream appeal. Boldy was previously known for his work with Alchemist with albums such as <i>Boldface</i> and especially the much heralded <i>Price Of Tea In China</i>. His official Griselda debut was the Jay Versace-produced, <i>The Versace Tape</i>. As for Armani, the NC transplant had grown up with the Griselda members and was quietly crafting her art to one day be in that limelight, and after a couple of guest spots, she dropped <i>The Liz</i> and it was every bit a Griselda album through and through, even with some down South influence on a couple tracks. Getting more acknowledgment from their peers was becoming a major deal with more and more heavyweights such as Jay, Kanye, T.I., Rick Ross, Drake bigging up the Griselda movement. The star appeal was on the come up for this crew/label, and hasn't slowed down yet.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NdsFgY1BpK3YbazSn-e8AltAqn2pr2a-sGZNI6f0SCCzi-ZL_xes0W2RMahl0qH4aVA5cNR8sr9lNdJb3L51Ix8f4IvjtTun6L7WaIblj8sQwy9o87oPLQMIAi9_BAll3zVPd-QySBQ/s2160/griselda3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NdsFgY1BpK3YbazSn-e8AltAqn2pr2a-sGZNI6f0SCCzi-ZL_xes0W2RMahl0qH4aVA5cNR8sr9lNdJb3L51Ix8f4IvjtTun6L7WaIblj8sQwy9o87oPLQMIAi9_BAll3zVPd-QySBQ/s320/griselda3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>In 2021, so far, the label has dropped Benny's Harry Fraud-produced sequel to his 2018 effort <i>The Plugs I Met</i> with <i>The Plugs I Met 2, </i>the movie and accompanying soundtrack<i> Conflicted,</i> Conway has dropped the sizzling <i>La Maquina</i>, and we are eagerly anticipating WSG's final installment of his <i>Hitler Wears Hermes</i> series. Speculation has other releases coming from Armani Ceaser, Boldy James, a Conway x Benny project, <i>WWCD2</i>, Mach Hommy's Griselda reunion album, <i>Pray For Haiti</i>, and Conway's Shady debut offering, <i>God Don't Make Mistakes</i>. This could very well be another triumphant year for the once promising underground label that has now turned into a mainstream hip-hop juggernaut that is at the top of their game in many aspects. Releasing multiple projects in a year more than most labels deliver in two years, Griselda has officially put Buffalo on the map and is Griselda city. Credited with bringing the raw, grimy, atmospheric music back to New York hip-hop along with the likes of Roc Marciano, many nineties New York purists have rejoiced with this timeless sound they've brought back and much like Black Moon, Nas, Biggie, and Jeru did when the west was dominating and they brought the spotlight back to NY, they've effectively accomplished it as well for this generation. As time has gone along, Conway has expanded to his own label, Drumwork Records, plus Benny is just as deep with his BSF label and projects under the label, however the core is still Griselda so let's not get it fucked up. With Westside's visionary schemes to keep Griselda as the biggest force in the game (did I mention his obsession with professional wrestling has once again made hip-hop and wrestling an official marriage much like Wale and his pre-<i>Wrestlemania</i> party, <i>Walemania</i>), Conway's chip-on-shoulder attitude and grind and Benny's crossover star appeal, them along with Armani, Boldy, GA representative YN Billy, and Mach Hommy back in the field, Name another label that has the game on lock right now?</p><p><br /></p><p>Notable Griselda Albums Worth Checking Out Not Mentioned:</p><p>Conway The Machine- <i>More Steroids</i></p><p>Westside Gunn- <i>Hitler On Steroids</i></p><p>Conway The Machine & The Alchemist- <i>Lulu</i></p><p>Conway The Machine & Prodigy- <i>Still Hell On Earth</i></p><p>Benny The Butcher- <i>My First Brick</i></p><p>Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh- <i>Stabbed & Shot</i></p><p>Westside Gunn- <i>FLYGOD Is An Awesome God</i></p><p>Westside Gunn & Conway The Machine- <i>Hall & Nash</i></p><p>GXFR- <i>Don't Get Scared Now</i></p><p>Westside Gunn- <i>There's God & There's FLYGOD...Choose Both</i></p><p>Westside Gunn & The Purist- <i>Roses Are Red...So Is Blood</i></p><p>Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, & Big Ghost LTD- <i>Griselda Ghost</i></p><p>Benny-<i> 17 Bullets</i></p><p>Elcamino- <i>Elcamino</i></p><p>Elcamino- <i>Don't Touch The Water</i></p>That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-60280956631218633702020-05-14T19:16:00.000-07:002020-05-14T19:16:04.386-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: Deltron 3030<div><span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img alt="Deltron 3030 - Deltron 3030 - Amazon.com Music" height="283" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51haA%2B2I7gL._SX466_.jpg" width="320" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>What's good peoples?! This next twentieth anniversary salute goes out to one of the most unique and original concept albums in all of music, not just hip-hop, but music overall. When sci-fi meets opera and hip-hop in a triple threat match, this is the album you'll come out with. Much like the much heralded Dr. Octagon or<i> A Prince Amongst Thieves</i> before it, this album is a virtual movie. An album that belongs in the realm of old <i>Star Trek</i> easily. The production, the feel, the aura and the concept as a whole went way beyond the realms of what traditional hip-hop should've been. Much like the aforementioned efforts, this album was recognized as one of the most innovative and brilliant albums ever delivered, and has since become a cult classic. Ladies and gentlemen, this is west coast emcee Del The Funky Homosapian and producer Dan The Automator as Deltron 3030 and their self titled album. <br />
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Dan The Automator had been known up to now for his work with the aforementioned <i>Dr. Octagonecologyst</i>, as well as his collaborative project with the legendary Prince Paul, Handsome Boy Modeling School, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Obviously, his name was in tight circles. Plus later collaborations with Gorillaz would further raise his stock within music. As for Del, the famed cousin of Ice Cube was known especially for his first two very impressive albums, <i>I Wish My Brother George Was Here</i> and <i>No Need For Alarm</i>, which produced cuts like "Mista Dobalina", "Boo Boo Heads", "Catch A Bad One", "Sleeping On My Couch", and others. He also delivered a year 2000 release entitled <i>Both Sides Of The Brain</i>, which itself was a pretty good release. These two together, along with DJ Kid Koala, comprised a group of forward thinkers to create quite the musical and conceptual experience. <br />
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Del plays Deltron, a mech soldier that resides in a world where evil soldiers are out to eliminate human rights, but also want to kill hip-hop as well. Deltron is pretty jaded and disillusioned, but is out on a mission and ultimately becomes hip-hop's champion and saves the world as well. The intricate and detailed nature of this story reads like an audio comic book. Del completely hooks you in to his mission as he presents to us how serious his calling is. Automator presents him with such a haunting yet engaging soundtrack for Del to have. Cuts like "Mastermind", "Positive Contact", "Time Keeps On Slipping", and "Battlesong" are very clever and intriguing cuts that display the nature of Deltron's complex yet essential battles. Also, guests such as the esteemed MC Paul Barman, Prince Paul, Brad Roberts, Mr. Lif, and Sean Lennon all assist in this masterwork as very necessary characters that either help or try to hinder Deltron's progress. The slick part comes at the album's very end as the song "Memory Loss" throws in a bit of "Catch A Bad One", presumably to help Deltron remember Del somewhere in there. <br />
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What Deltron 3030 managed to pull off was an album that was among the most unconventional rap albums to ever exist, but also a way to show that, if done right, sci-fi rap can be cool. If Kool Keith as Dr. Octagon didn't show that, this album definitely does. This has been considered an "Alternative Rap" classic, along with the likes of all the aforementioned along with <i>Madvillainy,</i> <i>The Unseen,</i> <i>Endtroducing</i>, <i>Black Up</i>, and <i>One Word Extinguisher</i>. They delivered a sequel to the debut entitled <i>Event 2</i>. Although it was definitely a great sophomoric effort, it would be unfair to compare it to the unmistakable genius of the first effort. Del, Automater, and Koala presented an epic release that showed thinking outside the box and presenting an album for a specific type of audience can resonate into an album for the ages. We toast our glasses in salute to this unforgettable album. Until next time!That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-26295523561996651732020-05-14T19:11:00.002-07:002020-05-14T19:11:59.458-07:00Happy 20th Anniversary: The Big Picture<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img alt="Big L - Big Picture - Amazon.com Music" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pkClVet2L._SY355_.jpg" width="320" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div><br /></div>What's good my folks?! Hope everyone is straying safe during these unsure times. It's definitely trying times, but we will get through this like we do everything else, regardless of who our leadership (I use that term loosely) is. With that being said, let's continue the twentieth anniversary salutes with an album that has been considered among the most underrated albums of the current century. This was an album from an artist who had among the wittiest punchlines in all of hip-hop. A lyrical wizard, this Harlem native first blessed our ears with his superb writing ability on his debut, <i>Lifestylez Uv Tha Poor & Dangerous</i>. It featured heaters such as the Kid Capri-assisted "Put It On", "No Endz, No Skinz,", "Fed Up With The Bullshit", and "MVP" (although quite honestly the remix was the better version). The talent displayed within thast album was definitely impressive and showed what type of beast he could be on the mic. Unfortunately, tragedy occurred when he was murdered for mistaken identity in February of '99 in his own city of Harlem. While the hip-hop world was shaken from the loss of a potential star in the game, he left behind a slew of cuts promising to satisfy the taste buds of his fans plus attract new ones as well. With the help of his business partner from his label, Flamboyant Entertainment, the album that dropped was a collection of some of the best work one could ask for from an emcee of his caliber. It showed a glimpse into how bananas this young Harlem upstart was and the star he was about to be. We salute the late, great Big L and his final full-length album, <i>The Big Picture</i>.<br />
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The majority of this album was leftover cuts and B-sides, although known mixtape singles were here a lot as well. Known cuts such as the searing "Ebonics (Criminal Slang)", "The Enemy", and "Size 'Em Up" helped to propel the album from outside NYC, as most of the rest of the nation hadn't heard these dumb dope cuts. Same with joints like "Casualties Of A Dice Game" and "The Heist". What was perhaps the best example of his lyrical swordsmanship was his surprising, yet impressive, collaboration with another late hip-hop icon, 2Pac, on "Deadly Combination". Although there's no definitive story about how the track came together or if they were actually in the studio together, it's still a very strong cut. Not to mention, the ferocious "'98 Freestyle", in which he blisters the mic, and spits frequently rewindable lines like : "Get mad hoes, ask Beavis, I get nothin, but head (Butthead)". The commercial single from the album came in the form of the Miss Jones/A.G./Stan Spit-assisted single, "Holdin' It Down", Over a knocking Pete Rock production, Big L stings and delivers with lines like: "L is rap's most livest cat/I'm making stacks while you asking people 'Do u want fries with that'". Clearly, dude had a way with the pen game. Plus an incredible Premo-crafted cut with the legendary Big Daddy Kane, "Platinum Plus" made this album that much hotter.<br />
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Rumors of him being courted to sign with Roc-A-Fella at the time were heating up, as one could only imagine how crazy his stature would've been as part of the legendary Roc. Although we will never know, L was definitely an emcee's emcee. He knew the art of the quotable and the rewindable bars. Other posthumous efforts such as the acclaimed <i>Return of the Devil's Son</i>, <i>139 & Lennox</i>, and <i>The Danger Zone</i> all show how ridiculous of an emcee he was and the potential he had to be one of the top stars in the game. With <i>The Big Picture</i>, this should've been the launching pad for his quest for stardom. He had all the capabilities for that to happen. While it's been over two decades since his death, his legacy of being one of the most promising emcees of his generation remains. Harlem can forever be proud of Lamaont "Big L" Coleman. Lift your glasses and salute Big L and <i>The Big Picture</i>.That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-75829296179289442132020-02-23T18:35:00.001-08:002020-02-23T18:35:46.993-08:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: H.N.I.C.<div style="text-align: center;">
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What's going on happy people?! This twentieth anniversary salute goes out to an album that once and for all established this emcee as a seminal artist and mic handler during this time. He was already one of the most in demand emcees around with his no holds barred, chilling delivery and vivid, tough guy talk rhymes. Being one half of one of the most compelling and influential duos in all of hip-hop, Mobb Deep, he was fully saturated in acclaim already with prior albums like the unforgettable classic, <i>The Infamous</i>, its insane follow-up, <i>Hell On Earth</i>, and their breakout album, the double-platinum selling, <i>Murda Muzik</i>. It was finally time for him to step out on his own for a solo effort, and this album reminded people of why he needed to be mentioned again of why he was among the true elite in hip-hop circles. We salute the late, great Prodigy of Mobb Deep and his solo debut, <i>H.N.I.C.</i><br />
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From the moment we saw that epic image of Albert Johnson on a throne of ice with the letters 'H', 'N', "I', and 'C' carved in to the throne, we knew another quiet storm was coming soon in the form of a solo album. When the storm came, it dropped more fury with it. We got a first taste of what we were in for with the thunderous first single, the Alchemist-crafted, hook-less banger, "Keep It Thoro". P obliterated this single with lines a-plenty and bars that made us put P among the best in the first place. The second single was "Y.B.E. (Young Black Entrepreneurs)" with Cash Money Millionaire and former Hot Boy, B.G. The cut, which obviously highlighted being your own boss and making big moves, was heavily sampling Whodini's "One Love", but in all due respect to Whodini, "One Love" never sounded so gangsta. These cuts set the way for what would be an excellent album for Bandana P.<br />
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Folks, P never softened his blow not one bit on this album. While he was more of a thinking thug on this release, he was also his nihilistic best with tracks like the epic title track, "Infamous Minded", "Gun Play", and the ice-cold "Wanna Be Thugs" with partner in rhyme, Havoc. These cuts are vintage Mobb and puts you at relative ease if you were wondering if P would loosen the pressure on your neck just because he went solo. With contributors such as Rockwilder and Just Blaze providing some of the boardwork, some of the sounds on here could be heard on the radio such as the aforementioned "Gun Play", "Diamond", and "Do It", and you could add the knocking Bink-produced "Rock Dat" to the same list. However, he gets painfully serious on a couple of tracks as well. On the track, "Veterans Memorial", over a melancholy Alchemist track, he reminisces on those that were gone and how he's handling them all being gone. Very surreal stuff, especially in retrospect. It especially got real on the haunting track, "You Can Never Feel My Pain", in which he vividly details his struggles with sickle cell anemia and how the dreaded condition pushed him to depression and tending to drugs and alcohol to cope. For anyone who either suffered through it themselves or those who knew people who has suffered through it (R.I.P. to my childhood homeboy June!) this was a particularly poignant cut that resonated.<br />
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For those that wanted a complete and fluid album from P, they got it. This was a big time album and it put P as not just a sociopath with a fetish for guns and crime, but it also pulled back some of the covers to realize there was also a method to his madness as well as a source of his anger and pain. For later solo albums such as <i>H.N.I.C. Pt. 2</i>, <i>H.N.I.C. Pt. 3</i>, <i>The Bumpy Johnson Story</i>, <i>Return Of The Mac</i>, <i>Albert Einstein</i> and his final; album, the much talked about <i>Hegelian Dialectic: Book Of Revelations</i> all demonstrated his profound talent on the mic as well as being quite the storyteller, it was H.N.I.C. that made it all official. We all wanted to know how it would be like to do an effort without Hav, and we found out, and was very pleasantly pleased. Nearly three years removed from his untimely (and very questionable) death, the game hasn't been the same without P. His talent of the pen and his rhymes and knack for telling some of the most thugged out stories known to man are gone. We lift our glasses, not just to commemorate the greatness of <i>H.N.I.C.</i> and its twentieth year of blessing our ears, but to the memory of the best emcees we've ever had the privilege of hearing. He taught us what "Shook Ones" were, his put his lifetime in between the paper's lines, and taught us that there was a war going on outside no man was safe from. We toast to the memory of Albert "Prodigy" Johnson. Long live P. Long live the Mobb. Salute and rest in Him! Until next time folks!That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-44205724318255217582020-02-23T18:33:00.003-08:002020-02-23T18:33:47.395-08:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: Stankonia<div style="text-align: center;">
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What's good folks?! This twentieth anniversary salute goes to arguably the greatest hip-hop duo of all-time, definitely the most commercially successful. These two Atlanta natives transcended hip-hop and made themselves pop phenomenons throughout their careers. Selling over twenty million units combined. these two redefined how cool hip-hop can really be. On their fourth album, they capitalized off the momentum of one of the most artistically brilliant hip-hop albums to ever exist in <i>Aquemini</i>, and came back with an album filled with funk, synth, soul, and plenty of hip-hop for dat ass. This album also experimented with other sounds such as techno, psychedelic, and a bit of salsa to further expand their reach. This effort also won them a Grammy for Best Hip-Hop Album and Best Rap Performance For a Duo Or Group. This album still continues to age with grace and you still experience artistic and lyrical mastery from these tow guys. Ladies and gentlemen, we salute Andre 300 and Big Boi, Outkast, and their stellar album, <i>Stankonia</i>.<br />
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According to Dre, "Stankonia" is a (fictional) place where "you can open yourself up and be free to express anything". You can best believe when it comes to expression, these two do it as good or better than anyone else around, especially musically. Since their classic debut, <i>Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik</i>, they've established themselves of wanting to be different, thus their name. On <i>Stankonia</i>, they continue to separate themselves from the pack starting with their blistering lead single "B.O.B." The psych-techno,heavy drum cut is as left brain as you could possibly get from them, and it works with the masterful artistic and lyrical abilities of Dre and Big Boi. Complete with electric guitars, rapid-pounding drums, and deep basslines, this cut is high energy and contains enough juice to pack the floors of the club and still produce tons of sweat. The second single wasn't as fast-paced, but was nonetheless momentous with "Ms. Jackson", an apology of sorts to what's assumed to be the mothers of their baby mamas, especially the much known mother of Dre's son Seven, Erykah Badu. However, this obviously isn't where the greatness ends. It just starts from here.<br />
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The next single was prototypical Outkast, "So Fresh, So Clean". With Big Boi giving himself a lyrical kiss to his own reflection in the mirror, Dre spits about an infatuation with a woman, thus exemplifying their ever-conflicting, yet complimentary styles and visions. Beyond this was more highly infectious cuts such as "Call Before I Come", "Spaghetti Junction", "Gasoline Dreams", and the excellent "Slum Beautiful". With every cut, we see the southern charm, yet intriguing complexity between the two emcees, even more than we saw on previous releases of the aforementioned <i>Aquemini </i>and the stunning <i>ATLiens</i>. Dre and Big Boi perfect their duality with the common thread of bringing entertainment through unbelievable music and at times substantial lyrics and concepts. From reaching out to suicidal pregnant teens on "Toilet Tisha" to speaking of materialism and flash on "Red Velvet", these two continue to let the music speak for them by continuously pushing the envelope. With other cuts such as "Snappin' & Trappin'", "Xplosive", and the knocking "Gangsta Shit", it's legit hard to pick out a true favorite, as each track is unique and has a life of its own, with Big Boi and Dre like mad scientists crafted an album that, although this album has unique tastes per track, everything here flows as roughly smooth as only Outkast can do it.<br />
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Outkast's string of widely successful and monumental albums would continue with the amazing <i>Speakerboxx/The Love Below</i> commercial and critical monster and the soundtrack to their own excellent movie, <i>Idlewild</i>. Unfiortunately, <i>Idlewild</i> would be their last album together to this very day. Big Boi has found solo success with his simply unbelievable debut solo, <i>Sir Lucious Leftfoot, </i>and his follow-ups of <i> Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors</i>, and the intergalactic funk of <i>Boomiverse</i>. However, Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton created an album as succulent as a fresh pot of ribs with the skin falling off the bone. With <i>Stankonia</i>, this is what down home dirty south sounds like with some Funkadelic mixed in on occasion. This was quite the enormous album and still deserves the acclaim it's gotten over the years. We salute Outkast and<i> Stankonia</i>. With that, we lift our glasses. Until next time folks!That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-27635373837999458512020-02-11T18:29:00.005-08:002020-02-11T18:29:39.987-08:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: Train Of Thought<div style="text-align: center;">
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What's the deal homies?! This 20th anniversary salute goes to an album that is widely considered among the true great modern hip-hop albums of this new century. This DJ/emcee combo had been known from underground efforts such as <i>Lyricist Lounge Vol. 1</i>, <i>Soundbombing</i>, and <i>Soundbombing II</i>. The Brooklyn-Cincinnati pairing had quite the anticipation growing, especially once the Black Star project hit. What resulted was an album that was as fundamentally hip-hop as it was culturally substantial. We salute Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal, and their debut album, <i>Train Of Thought</i>.<br />
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Fresh off the overwhelming critical success of his effort with Mos Def as Black Star, Kweli had the heads ready and open for his debut, and in 2000, it arrived. He collaborated with longtime partner, DJ Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal, and they brought <i>Train Of Thought</i>. The album was first powered up by the thumping first single, "Move Something", but it was the infectious second single that put more people open to them. The cut, "The Blast" was an excellent cut that even highlighted Hi-Tek behind the mic as well. This was a cut that wasn't just for the fellas, as the ladies were able to do a good two step to it in the club as well. A great mid-tempo beat, along with great lyrics from Kweli and an introspective few bars from Tek made this cut a definite standout. The majority of this album is fairly introspective, but also relies on Black culture, the community, ancestry, and the human spirit. Cuts like the simply gorgeous duet with French duo Les Nubiennes, "Love Languages", "Memories Live", "Africa Dream", and the dazzling "Four Women" are so rich with culture and with self introspection that it's impossible not to get completely lost in them. Kweli's ability to grab you, yet educate you is a gift, and it's vividly displayed all over this effort.<br />
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Kweli is also an emcee, and don't ever forget that. Cuts like the Kool G. Rap-assisted "Ghetto Afterlife", the Mos Def-featured "This Means You", "Name Of The Game" and the lyrical slap-tastic collabo with Rah Digga and Xzibit, "Down For The Count" all highlight Kweli's excellent abilities to hold and control the mic, as a battler just as much as a teacher and poet. These are more rugged tracks that Hi-Tek crafts more so than the melodic, slow to mid-tempo grooves that he provides on here. Of course, there is the somber "Good Mourning" that gives the album even more of a reflective vibe as Kweli give a salute to those that have passed on. Kweli sounds absolutely hand-in-glove over Hi-Tek production, as everything Hi-Tek crafted was seemingly very appropriate for the rhymes and delivery that Kweli was presenting. This album was much cultural as it was day to day humanity, and these two pulled this off effortlessly.<br />
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Talib Kweli later delivered a thunderous solo album with <i>Quality,</i> and from there delivered other tremendous solo efforts such as <i>The Beautiful Struggle</i>, <i>Eardrum</i>, <i>Gravitas</i>, <i>Gutter Rainbows</i>, and <i>Radio Silence</i>. As for Hi-Tek, he delivered three highly enjoyable self-produced compilation albums, <i>Hi-Teknology</i> , <i>Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip</i>, and <i>Hi-Teknology 3: Underground</i>. All these albums highlighted the best out of emcees both known and unfamiliar. As for these two together, they presented one more album in <i>RPM: Revolutions Per Minute</i>, which pretty much just as hard as their debut, but make no mistake about it, <i>Train Of Thought</i> was a diamond in the ruff, with highly thought-provoking rhymes, exceptional and consistent production, and a substantial, yet honest, look at the celebratory nature of the Black experience. Not to mention, this was also just as much good ol' fashioned hip-hop for both club-goers and backpackers alike. For this unbelievable album, we give Kweli and Tek a firm salute and raise our glasses! Until next time.That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-75345577931054068032020-02-11T18:28:00.002-08:002020-02-11T18:28:18.450-08:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: Let's Get Free<div style="text-align: center;">
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What's happening beautiful people?! This twentieth anniversary salute goes to a duo who's debut album invoked images of legendary albums such as <i>It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back</i>, <i>Fear Of A Black Planet</i>, <i>Straight Outta Compton</i>, and <i>Steal This Album</i> due to themes of Black empowerment, socio-econimic divisions, the education system, health/wellness, and of course police brutality. After first making their presence felt on the AWESOME Soul In The Hole soundtrack for their track "Score (Game Of Life)" and the n again the enxt year on the Slam soundtrack with the stellar "Selling D.O.P.E.", it was time these two Tallahassee, Fl-turned-Brooklyn residents to deliver their message to the masses, and did they ever. It remains one of the most underappreciated debut albums in modern hip-hop. This salute goes to dead prez and their stunning debut album, <i>Let's Get Free</i>.<br />
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From the onset, you see the ever controversial cover art of the OSPAAAL Tricontental Conference, as well as the back cover art of a man who's back was horrifically decimated by getting presumably whipped. You already have a sense that you know what type pf ride you're about to be on. The key to m-1 and stic.man is that both emcees present militant and conscious rhymes that aren't overtly preachy. In fact, they still bring some street elements to them as well, which makes this more relatable to those on the corners or in the prisons that want emcees that they can relate to while getting educated as well. The intro alone is worth the listen, as it's a monologue by Omali Yeshitela of the Uhuru Movement ( do yourself a favor kids. Research and Google the Uhuru Movement for a sincere education in African liberation worldwide). From there, it transitions into "I'm am African", a rallying cry of sorts reminding people (Black people) of their ancestry. We are pretty familiar with the sickeningly bouncy first single "Hip-Hop" and its message of not allowing these corporations to restructure the culture. We may also be familiar with the hypnotic and slightly seductive "Mind Sex", which is an ode to loving your mate's mind as well as their body. The rest of the album is as pro-Black and afro-centric as any album we've ever been blessed to hear.<br />
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The uncomfortable realities from cuts such as "Police State", "Psychology", and "They Schools" are unsettling, but they end up being such intriguing listens as they shoot right between the eyes with facts and images of struggle, socio-ecominc inequalities, and oppression. Also, other topics such as media irresponsibility and mistrust on "Propaganda", the prison system on "Behind Enemy Lines", and how we're look at as savages on "Animal In Mind" are so vital to the central theme of this album of liberation and afro-centric education. While an album like this would've been more iconic during the conscious rap period of the early nineties, this album is especially relevant in today's times. This isn't fluff, sugarcoated material, or something to ignore. What m-1 and stic.man managed to do was to grab you by the throat and knock some sense into your heads about how much further we as a people and a community have to go. Over mostly ominous yet nonetheless excellent production, DPz presented an essential look at the world we live in and how it still really hasn't changed.<br />
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While they presented a couple follow-ups in the slightly more accessible yet still in credible <i>RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta</i> and <i>Information Age</i>, as well as a few mixtapes (especially the <i>Turn Off The Radio</i> series), <i>Let's Get Free</i> remains their holy grail and the main album that presented their message with complete power and vigor to wake the socially and culturally dead. In this Trump era, this album is even more important than it was when it was released for obvious reasons. We than stic.man and m-1 for an album explosive enough to cause another red, black, and green movement. For these things and more, we salute dead prez for an unforgettable job well done. Until next time!That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614170802421136626.post-29027614351573278472020-02-05T07:43:00.001-08:002020-02-05T07:43:02.357-08:00Happy 20th Anniversary Salute: The Marshall Mathers LP<div style="text-align: center;">
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What's happening peoples?! This 20th anniversary salute goes to a rather landmark album in not just hip-hop history, but music history. This album is among the best selling hip-hop albums of all-time and made the entire world a believer in the talent this Detroit native possessed. Following up his already massive debut from '99, <i>The Slim Shady LP</i>, which garnered over six million units in sales, this Aftermath signee knew he had to up the ante in shock value, but also in artistic and lyrical merit. He did that, and then some. This album won numerous awards, but also brought along with it tons of controversy from different artists, civil groups, and even the government. Regardless, this album became a milestone in mainstream American music and ended up selling over twenty million units worldwide. Nothing less than historic. This is the salute to Eminem and his sophomore masterpiece, <i>The Marshall Mathers LP</i>.<br />
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Following up the bizarre greatness that was <i>The Slim Shady LP</i>, Marshall Mathers wanted to unfold more layers about him, while completely getting a lot more stuff off his chest. When he first dropped "The Real Slim Shady", we almost immediately believed this would be another <i>SSLP</i>, with its references to pop figures like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and it being a fairly bubblegum-like Dr. Dre track much like "My Name Is" was. However, the second single took a much more serious turn, as he dropped "The Way I Am", a venomous middle finger to his critics and detractors that seem to like to comment on everything they didn't like about him and he addresses them and their entitlement. It was his third single that took his career and artistic abilities to another level. The ominous Dido-featured "Stan" was a Mark 45 King masterwork describing the story of an obsessed fan that ended up taking his own life. Playing the roles of both Stan and himself, this cut was as brilliant as it was dark. It was also nominated for numerous awards, and helped propel the album through stratosphere (not to mention Elton John performed the cut with Em at the Grammys of 2001) He released two other singles from the album in "I'm Back" and the simply dope "Bitch Please II", which was the sequel to Snoop's classic "Bitch Please". Now, how was the rest of the album? In a word: CRAZY.<br />
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Em definitely had a lot more emotion, anger, and aggravation with this album. While he was mostly focused on shock elements and bathroom/drug humor with his debut, this album was more serious. He still kept a lot of elements of his debut, but as evidenced with cuts such as "Kill U", the very disturbing "Kim", and the surreal "Marshall Mathers", Em wasn't fucking around with this album whatsoever. He went to the core of his imagination and his pen game to present some of the most compelling music of his career in this release. With an obsession for drugs, violence, misogyny, and homophobia (many argued), Em with many songs went there, and was unabashed about it all. If trying to subdue any sophomore slump was his goal, he obliterated it in full. Every cut here was filled with more intensity and more fearlessness than his first album, which is saying a mouthful. It's no wonder this album turned him from a superstar to a megastar.<br />
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Although he released several subsequent albums that followed, including his almost as excellent follow up <i>The Eminem Show</i>, <i>Encore</i>, <i>Relapse</i>, <i>Recovery,</i> <i>Marshall Mathers LP 2</i>, and his most recent <i>Music To Be Murdered By</i>, <i>The Marshall Mathers LP</i> became the holy grail upon which every album from him would be put with or against. None have met or even come close to measuring up to the god-level acclaim this album produced and how he asserted himself among the true elite of emcees and overall pop stars of his generation, if not of all-time. Lyrically this album was head and shoulders above anything in the game during that time and remains one of the greatest albums to ever exist in hip-hop. We salute you Em. HELL of a job. Lift your glasses. Until next time folks.That Hip-Hop Wrestling Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05458243036652915874noreply@blogger.com1