Tag Archives: Albums

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Grafh Reenlists 38 Spesh to Produce His 4th LP “God’s Timing” (Album Review)

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Queens emcee Grafh linking back up with 38 Spesh for his 4th LP. Coming up in 2003 off his debut mixtape The Bang Out, he went on to release 7 more tapes before dropping his first full-length album Autografh only a few years later continuing that with a total of 10 mixtapes & an EP. The sophomore effort Stop Calling Art Content produced entirely by the late DJ Shay & released through Benny the Butcher’s very own MNRK Music Group imprint Black Soprano Family Records as well as his TCF Music Group debut Art of Words would become his most acclaimed material to date, so I didn’t expect less going into God’s Timing.

“Language” begins by jazzily calling out those who ain’t gang like they say they are whereas “Fight for Love” featuring Method Man takes the soulful boom bap route instrumentally getting in their hardcore shit lyrically. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” featuring 38 Spesh himself displays a back-&-forth chemistry between the 2 accompanied by a rugged beat just before “Roc-A-Fella Chain” featuring Freeway, Memphis Bleek & Peedi Crakk turns the jazz rap influences up paying homage to the Roc La Familia Dynasty.

Papoose joins Grafh for the grimy “Straight Shooter” reminding that you’re either legit out here or you’ve never had any losses whatsoever leading into “Take Risk” featuring Dre Island & Vado aggressively explaining that one has to take risks out where they from. “Glory” featuring Wretch 32 has possibly the weakest hook on the album despite the mature subject matter, but then “Remember Who You Are” featuring Jim Jones incorporates an organ talking about staying true.

“Coolin’” has a slicker vibe to the beat providing a calming & charming smoker’s anthem while the groovy “Poetry” touches on raunchier subject matter. “Right Now” featuring Talib Kweli returns to the boom bap not giving a fuck if the radio plays them due to their nasty styles while the rhythmically produced “Bullet Proof” featuring Don Paul & Dope Gang Porter talking about running this shit. “Give Praise” ends the LP with a dusty gospel flip talking about giving praise to God.

Even if I came away enjoying this a little less than I did Stop Calling Art Content & Art of Words, I can still say that I enjoyed a good amount of what I heard & hope that Spesh continues working with Grafh as much as possible. Only a select few of the guests miss the mark, but most of them throughout God’s Timing stick the landing & match Grafh’s level of penmanship scored by the mostly traditional boom bap production that made Spesh as big as he is of a beatsmith in the underground.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Big B Lets Everyone Know He’s OK on 8th LP “Wellness Check” (Album Review)

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Everyone’s favorite Vegas hooligan Big B is back for his 8th LP. Starting out as the frontman for 187, he would go on to join OPM following the demise of 187 & become a household name for the infamous California powerhouse Suburban Noize Records just a couple years later. His first 3 solo albums High Class White Trash, White Trash Renegade & More to Hate would become some of my favorite releases that the label has ever put out. Last we heard from B was during the pandemic when he dropped his comeback album Welcome to the Club & since reuniting with Michael Bradford on Members Only roughly 16 months ago, it’s only right for a Wellness Check.

After the titular intro, the first song “Time” is a fun boom bap opener to the Vegas Hooligan’s first full-length in 4 talking about life moving as fast as it is whereas the lead single “Sidecar” featuring G. Love, Peachole & Special Sauce goes reggae-pop embracing the boundless journey of life & extends the invitation to like-minded souls to partake in joy & fulfillment. “Loser” takes the pop rap route aesthetically explaining that someone’s gotta lose in order for someone else to win prior to the stripped-back “Further” talking about being unsure as to where he’s going & that it can’t be like last time.

“Broke AF” featuring the Common Kings dabbles into pop punk territory explaining that it really isn’t that much of a crime to enjoy yourself every once & a while leading into the electronic dance/hip hop hybrid “Fuck You” revolves itself around a breakup being done with a woman who wasn’t by his side giving him nothing but broken promises. “Slow Down” featuring The Aggrolites & The Debonaires assures over horns that they ain’t got time for nobody’s bullshit whatsoever just before the rap rock joint “F.2.T.F. (Foot 2 the Floor)” talks about doing the best with the cards he was dealt.

Peachole returns for the upbeat track inspired “Shinjuku Hotel” providing a dedication for his people rather than his peers while the summery “Drugs & Alcohol” reminds y’all exactly how he feels about both of those things. “2 Choices” featuring Merkules was a fun, party-starting choice of a 2nd single explaining that there’s no time for excuses since the bullshit will be useless in the end while “Fallin’” dabbling with trap acknowledging that he’s said he’ll never change, but he just might have to.

“Sparks” nears the end of the Wellness Check mixing hip hop & reggae explaining that everything will be ok & not wanting to see this person run away tonight sticking by their sides putting in as much effort to making it right as possible while the final single “Pretend” featuring Killer Mike embraces rap rock once again telling people to live their lives as much as they can due to the fact that some really don’t know what happens when we’re not here anymore. “Simple Song” concludes B’s first album in 4 years throwing it back to the Welcome to the Club having a duct-taped broken heart & a 5th of whiskey when it falls apart.

Surrounded by organic inspiration, Big B lets the world who knows him as a recording artist that he’s doing great & for those who wrote him off, he’s here again to say a few things & celebrate where he is now. Not only does it serve as a multi-dimensional narrative about B’s current station in life intentionally crafting a hodgepodge of musical styles dipping into realms of hip hop, punk, acoustic songwriting, ska & harkens to a signature SoCal sound that simultaneously evokes a sense of ease, nostalgia & forward motion.

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Raz Fresco & DJ Muggs are Living in “The Eternal Now” (Album Review)

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada emcee/producer Raz Fresco enlisting west coast veteran DJ Muggs for what I’m pretty sure is his 16th proper full-length solo LP. I’ve been familiar with the guy since my high school years at this point whether it be some of his features or his own extensive discography including the Magneto Was Right mixtape series, the Futurewave-produced Gorgeous Polo Sportsmen album, the Nicholas Craven-produced Boulangerie album, the Cake beat tapes, the Gia…À La Carte collab EP with Estee Nack or more recently the Cookin’ Soul produced Bakin’ Soul & the Daniel Son collab effort Northside. Further continuing the acclaim of the latter 3 received, The Eternal Now seemed like there was a high chance it could surpass them since Muggs been on a roll producing projects for other artists in recent memory & helping bring the best out of them.

The title track sets the tone of what’s to come from the jazzy instrumental to the lyrics letting everyone know exactly what they’re living in at this very moment whereas luxuriously “Memory Lane” talks about people spending too much time reflecting & being nostalgic, which I wholeheartedly agree with. “Look What You Made Me Do” goes full-blown boom bap examining the darkest side of Raz’ mind prior to the orchestral “Smoke & Mirrors” talking about the game being as cold as it is.

“Blood Money” strips the drums completely feeling alive whenever the sun touches him just before the “Ghost of Garvey” featuring Gritfall & The 6th Letter finds the trio over a crooning sample flexing that they brought back Marcus Garvey’s spirit. “King Tubby” makes a turn into drumless territory once again feeling like he wants to cry for the people sometimes due to the cruelness of the world leading into “Blow Up the Spot” returning to the boom bap talking about having a nickel for every time he called out a poser for trying to be official.

Starting the 2nd leg, “Fake Beef” ruggedly warns that y’all can catch the smoke similarly to Terrell Owens & keeping the gates of Hell open reserving Heaven for the best while the dustily jazzy hybrid “World Peace” talks about the game plan trying to be taking land with their names on the building. “Pan’s Labyrinth” strips the drums once more discussing a trapped king trapped in faun’s elaborate & confusing structure while “Big Soul Assassins” returns to the boom bap representing the titular Soul Assassins collective.

“Staircase Stories” nears the end of The Eternal Now if you couldn’t tell by the title unearths his own tales from the staircases over a raw beat with an acoustic-sounding drum pattern & I found the rock sampling throughout “50 Bop” to be quite interesting allowing Raz to spaz the fuck out on the mic to the point where I can say it’s my favorite track here. “Spooky” closes the LP hopping on top of a drumless jazz sample calling himself Professor X with his mind.

Raz has already been having a Hell of a 2024 from Bakin’ Soul to Northside & surely enough, The Eternal Now reaches past Bakin’ Soul as the best full-length album in his entire discography yet. DJ Muggs’ production ranges from boom bap to drumless, jazz rap & rap rock giving a glimpse of the Toronto emcee keeping the same energy lyrically that he’s kept since the last couple projects of his that I previously covered.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Flee Lord Talks Being “Raised in the Sand” (EP Review)

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Queens, New York emcee Flee Lord is back with his 18th EP. Coming up in 2017 as protege of the late Prodigy, he has since become known for building up a massive discography for himself in the last 5 years. This includes the Loyalty or Death: Lord Talk trilogy produced by GodBlessBeatz, the Loyalty or Trust duology produced by 38 Spesh, the DJ Shay-produced Lucky 13, the Buckwild-produced Hand Me My Flowers, the Pete Rock-produced The People’s Champ & the Havoc-produced In the Name of Prodigy, the DJ Muggs-produced RAMM£LLZ££, the Roc Marciano produced Delgado. Last time I covered him was his 4th proper full-length album Ladies & Gentlemen which was followed by 2 more LPs 2-3 Zone & Full Court Press, but Raised in the Sand peaked my interest even more.

The title track starts off with a hypnotic boom bap instrumental talking about drawing a clear vision in the booth with his pen whereas “Hate When You Rich” produced by Harry Fraud works in a drearier loop with kicks & snares addressing those who envy his bread stacking up. “Snakes in Disguise” is an organ/boom bap crossover that DJ Green Lantern cooked up calling out those in the streets who’re literally snakes in disguise prior to “Pay the Price” swaps the organs out with a piano explaining that it takes to business with him. 

V Don gives “Where’s the Love?” a soulful vibe telling y’all to get yours, lay low & stay out the way leading into “Ice Water 2” featuring Roc Marciano serving as a drumless sequel to “Ice Water” by Raekwon featuring Cappadonna & Ghostface Killah laced with the help of Mephux. Lord Mobb Music in-house producer Ghost Dave jumps behind the boards for the rap rock flavored “Lord’s Work” featuring Mummz & Trizz getting on their street shit just before “Brother 4 Life” soulfully talks about loyalty over Pounds448 sampling soul music.

“Skipping Out the Bank” featuring Pounds448 himself starts the final moments of Raised in the Sand by jumping on top of horns together literally skipping out the bank in the midst of everyone in their lives who’re jealous of them stressing out even further due to the fact & “Get Yours” ends the EP telling the homie to pass him a drink & given that he doesn’t do it very often, he’s in the mood to celebrate right now keeping the beat exuberant yet dusty at the exact same time.

Flee’s last couple albums were good, but I haven’t found myself enjoying a project from him this much since Delgado. Needless to say, what we have in front of us is the best EP that the guy has put out in 3 years. The production is a cut above 2-3 Zone & Full Court Press, I like that the amount of guests are toned down in comparison & Flee Lord himself tells everyone what it was like for him being Raised in the Sand.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Valid Shows His Serbian Roots Again Throughout 4th LP & “Plum Brandy” Sequel “Peach Brandy” (Album Review)

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This is the 3rd full-length solo LP from Detroit emcee Valid. Introducing himself properly in 2015 with Reach High, he would follow it up in 2019 getting more personal on the sophomore effort Mihajlo which I personally would recommend to anyone as the best place to start for anyone who wants to get up on Valid’s music & eventually the Plum Brandy EP only 9 months later. He & Stretch Money formed Bill & Isiah over a year ago putting out an acclaimed & only 5 months since his debut mixtape The Bronko Tape, we’re now being treated to Peach Brandy as the main course.

“Peach Killer” is a classy boom bap opener to the album talking about letting the cosmos control his destiny whereas “There He Is” works in pianos along with more kicks & snares referring to himself as the motherfucker that those doubted most. “1 of a Kind” kinda has a jazzier boom bap quality to the beat so he can talk about the life he living ain’t like anything else just before “Places” hooks up a solemn sample setting out to reinvent in the renaissance city.

Bill & Isiah link back up for “9 to 5” hopping over a vocal flip to brag that it be looking like they selling dope when their music careers are taking off in actuality leading into the celebratory “May 6” talking about how his circle wasn’t even supposed to make it & engaging in a gangsta ass tradition. “Never Question” goes into pop rap territory tackling themes of romance, but then “The One Who Decides” brings some strings in the picture & some of his most captivating storytelling yet.

“Plush” featuring Boog Brown gives off a more playful tone aesthetically encouraging everyone to put ‘em up high while “Sci-Non-Fi” turns the jazz influences back up confessing that he feels like he’s in a weird place making it look like he in space. “Cigareta” featuring Jon Connor & Philmore Greene returns to the boom bap reminiscing as they smoke up remembering those who can’t be here while “Stara Škola” featuring BARS, Frenkie, Ghet, LD Pistolero, Random & Struka comes through with a Serbian hip hop posse cut.

Starting the encore of Peach Brandy, the song “Nirdala” groovily talks about everyone chasing cash & success in the the midst of the never-ending battle between good & evil while the penultimate track “This Day” blends vibraphones along with kicks & snares trying to stay optimistic even when he isn’t in the best place mentally. “Graycious” lastly ends the LP with a bit of a west coast homage from the funky instrumental to the Zapp-inspired background vocals feeling gracious.

In case you didn’t know, everything that made Plum Brandy the heartfelt EP in Valid’s discography showcasing his Serbian roots with a heavy amount of ex-Yugoslavian samples makes it’s way onto Peach Brandy & even taking it a step further than the predecessor a month before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of his Serbian heritage is being re-explored in a bigger, full-length capacity allowing himself & the producers to do more with the cards that’re dealt in comparison to The Bronko Tape’s raw homage to Bronko Lubich.

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Ant of Atmosphere Announces Debut Album “Collection of Sounds: Volume 1”

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Anthony Davis, known as Ant and one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Atmosphere, is set to release the first volume of his solo instrumental series, “Collection of Sounds: Volume 1,” on September 6th via Rhymesayers Entertainment. The album, a testament to Ant’s extensive experience and skill as a producer, includes singles like “Leather Soul” and “That Old Bongo Joint,” showcasing a diverse range of influences.

Reflecting on his music career, Ant notes the influence of his father, a passionate collector of funk, jazz, and soul records, which sparked his early love for music. Growing up in a military family, Ant’s exposure to various cultures across the United States and abroad enriched his musical palette. Despite challenges, he nurtured a dream of making a mark in music, a dream realized through decades of success with Atmosphere and now through his solo work. “Collection of Sounds” not only highlights Ant’s versatility but also represents his audacious vision of creating a four-volume instrumental project. Fans can pre-order the album and exclusive merchandise at atmospheresucks.com and rhymesayers.com.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Trizz & MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. Seven Release Their 2nd Classic “Cavi En Cursive” Exclusively Through Bandcamp (Album Review)

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This is the 6th full-length LP from Los Angeles emcee Trizz. Picking up a microphone at the age of 9, it wasn’t until his late teens where he properly introduced himself to a wider audience in the form of his debut mixtape Suicide with No Note followed by New West & The Right to Bear Arms before being taken under the wing of Sacramento horrorcore veteran Brotha Lynch Hung by signing to Madesicc Muzicc for a brief period of time. He would later go on to drop 5 more tapes, 5 full-lengths, 5 EPs, 5 collab projects with Chuuwee, 1 with Flashy B, another with Sahtyre & another with Ouija Macc all within the last decade. Much like the critically acclaimed Baseline Cavi, he & former Strange Music in-house producer MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. Seven are sticking together for Cavi En Cursive.

“Calligraphy” starts up the Baseline Cavi sequel on some jazzy boom bap shit talking about seeing the road clear as day before even mapping it whereas “Baseline” featuring T.F takes the eerier route instrumentally reminding everyone that both of them be running shit in the west coast. “Givin’ It Up” goes full-blown g-funk to talk about how he feels like soaking it all in or livin’ it up, but then “Alpine” hooks the kicks & snares up again to portray the gangsta lifestyle.

Pomona Drey & Traffic join Trizz for the funky, boom bap hybrid “Curb Service” serving music to the fiends like crack addicts leading into the smooth “Figure 8z” talking about cruisin’ down Baseline bangin’ his own music in the whip. “Type Shit” featuring 2Eleven emphasizes a darker atmosphere further keeping the kicks & snares in tact talking about the shit they be on just before “Broken En 2” samples “Walk on By” by the late Isaac Hayes assuring he’s still getting it even though he ain’t rich.

“Arrogant” switches gears into trap territory with some g-funk undertones so he can talk about wearing his arrogance with pride starts the 2nd leg of Cavi En Cursive while “Moonlight” jumps over drumless jazz loop expressing how good it feels to be high in the sky. “Cream” featuring Blu returns to the boom bap once again to be all about the bread like the almighty Wu-Tang Clan while “O & a Half” featuring Flee Lord breaks down the lives they live on top of a mellow beat.

Brotha Lynch Hung reconnects with his protégé for “Truth Sells” brings the kicks & snares back as both of them talk about their imperfections having to study & learn the game while the syrupy “Fighting Temptations” details the depression that he goes through time to time. “Free Fall” nears the end of the LP with another jazzy boom bap instrumental looking to mediate since he be overthinking & “Die for Something” featuring T.F soulfully closes Cavi En Cursive trying to get money & profiting.

It’s already to the point now where I can say that Baseline Cavi has already cemented itself as my favorite album that Trizz has put out & the sequel here is almost as great from top to bottom. Even if it has a bit more features than the predecessor did couple years back, 7’s production has a heavier west coast vibe in the midst of demonstrating his range from boom bap & trap to drumless & jazz rap excellently suiting Trizz’ west coast gangsta lyricism no differently than last time.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Rufus Sims Drops “Loyalty: Birth of Super Rufus” Album, First of Two Part Series

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Rufas Sims, hailing from West Side Chicago, has unleashed his latest album, “Loyalty: Birth of Super Rufus“, first of a 2 part series. Produced by the visionary Billionaire Boyscout, this album marries fiery fentanyl flows with ill hybrid hip-hop trap soul sound beds, creating a dynamic listening experience that challenges conventional norms. Sims’ lyrical prowess shines through as he navigates themes of loyalty, street authenticity, and personal evolution, making each track a testament to his artistic growth and unyielding dedication to his craft.

Billionaire Boyscout innovative fusion of genres provides the perfect canvas for Sims to paint his vivid narratives, questioning and affirming the loyalty of the real ones across the globe. The album stands as a bold statement in today’s underground hip hop landscape, pushing boundaries and setting new bar standards.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Constant Flow (CF 201) Drops New Project “Fun House” (Album Review)

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Nelson Morales, aka Constant Flow 201 (CF201), is a Dirty Jerz (New Jersey) native who rose to prominence in the East Coast underground hip-hop scene. The East Coast emcee recently dropped his latest project titled “Fun House.” This album follows his previous project, “ASYLUM,” which was released back in February. The album is primarily produced by Speedy Babyy. CF is known to be part of the Rebel Armz faculty alongside AKIR, Hasaan Salaam, Chino XL, and Immortal Technique.

CF201 is back again with another lyrical sensation. He is no stranger when it comes to his fast and passionate lyrical delivery. “Fun House” delivers a dark lyrical tone with metamorphic themes. With vivid punchlines and complex storytelling wordplay.

The “Funhouse Intro” starts off with raw lyrical hardcore vague verses, with the inclusion referencing horror flicks. “Sunrise” “layers” and “Siesta” leads toward that fast-flow conscious sound. CF is adept at delivering fast and intricate rhymes. “Doctor” continues with accelerated rhymes combined with Spanish delivery. “Eminent Domain” concludes with CF reinstating the theme of the Album on how the Funhouse is not always circus.

Score: 8/10

Keep up with CF on Spotify

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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The MC Type & Pen Pointz Embark on a Wild Ride Through Satirical Hip Hop in “Lucky Silverback”

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Get ready for a musical adventure unlike any other with The MC Type and Pen Pointz’s new album, “Lucky Silverback“. Featuring collaborations with hip hop heavyweights like Sage Francis, Louis Logic, P.O.S, and Blueprint, this album is a satirical masterpiece that can be best described as “Atmosphere meets South Park.”

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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