On Thursday, January 30th, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, and Landon Wordswell took over the house at the Paramount in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Talib Kweli is currently on tour with some close friends, and he brought the energy to LA with a powerful performance. The crowd was left in awe as Kweli served up classic tracks from Black Star, Reflection Eternal, and selections from his solo catalog. He also surprised the audience by bringing out special guests Planet Asia, Psycholes, and MC Bxb.
Skyzoo, co-headlining this tour and hailing from the NYC underground, delivered an immaculate performance, performing hits from his recently released project Keep Me Company, as well as selections from his previous catalog.
Florida native Landon Wordswell kicked off the night on the tour. A rising East Coast artist, Landon is currently touring with Talib Kweli and has recently signed with First Gen Rich, under Skyzoo’s label. He also dropped a project in collaboration with producer Es-K.
Lynwood native MC BXB is an up-and-coming rapper in the LA underground scene. Rapping since childhood and contributing to freestyles on their platform, BXB is now making waves with his new project Mr. IDGAF. Known for his high-energy live performances, MC BXB is leaving his mark on the culture and getting the crowd hyped.
Fresno, California veteran Planet Asia back with 38 Spesh to produce his 12th EP & a sequel to one is his best EPs in recent years Trust the Chain. Emerging as 1/2 of the duo Cali Agents, he would also go on to have a very successful solo career & has made a lengthy yet consistent discography for himself. This includes The Grand Opening, The Medicine, the DJ Muggs-produced Pain Language, Abrasions, the Apollo Brown-produced Anchovies & Sardines backed by Mello Music Group, the Evidence-produced Rule of 3rds & the Snowgoons-produced U.Z.I. (Universal Zeitgeist Intelligence). Now with the 1-year anniversary of Sardines approaching in a few weeks, Trust the Chain II is finally here.
“Checking Traps” sets the tone of what’s to come with a rich instrumental talking about the whole team out here getting fat whereas “Inertia” takes a cloudier route expressing his gratitude to be alive serving a purpose. “Crumble Cake” works in some pianos preparing everyone for the poisonous arrows that have yet to be unloaded, but then “BBQ” goes head-on boom bap talking about bringing out the drink & partying.
Starring the EP’s other half, “Players & Dons” has a blaxploitation flare to the beat telling us the difference between the 2 types of people while the sample-driven “Illuminati Money” by the General Monks featuring Klass Murda calls out everyone on their weirdo shit. “Upscale” featuring A Plus tha Kid & The Musalini brings a bluesier vibe to the table refusing to do deals with bitches in the field & “Greatness” ends Trust the Chain II peacefully brushing off that he’s on some fake shit.
Of the small handful of projects that Asia has given us in the last 11 months, Trust the Chain II easily stands as his best of 2024 so far surpasses last month’s God’s Timing or even last weekend’s Mother & Gun as my personal favorite from the TCF camp. Spesh’s production is more consistent than some of the Fresno emcee’s output in these last 8 months, the features are toned down significantly & the dude himself sounds as focused as he was on the predecessor 5 years ago.
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his new project, G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career; and his first project in 15 years. G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is now available.
“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new project, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH)is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known, not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards, coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for, alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” Rakim declared.
The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
Living Legends drop a legendary collaborative effort with “The Return” Remix, produced by Statik Selektah. The high energy single showcases the lyrical prowess of 16 esteemed emcees from across the planet. From the introspective verses of The Grouch and Eligh to the raw energy of Chino XL and Aesop Rock, each artist leaves an indelible mark on the track, creating a tapestry of diverse styles and perspectives.
“The Return” Remix features verses by The Grouch, Planet Asia, Eligh, Chino XL, Aesop, Twigy, Luckyiam, Blu, Del The Funky Homosapien, Kool Savas, Scarub, 2Mex, Sunspot Jonz, Aesop Rock, Bicasso, and Vast Aire. It’s dope to see all these artists on the same track proving the underground will always survive the test of time.
In the realm of underground hip hop, a persistent stigma once haunted the community: the notion that artists inevitably grow old and lose relevance. Yet, today’s industry paints a different picture, with top-tier artists thriving well beyond their thirties. Despite media narratives, age no longer defines success in this genre. Enter Planet Asia, a shining example of an artist consistently reinventing himself with each project.
Hailing from Fresno, California, the legendary MCPlanet Asia continues to cement his legacy with his latest offering, “No Retirement.” This collaborative album spans 13 tracks, entirely produced by the esteemed LA super-producer group, Local Astronauts. “No Retirement” serves as a testament to how iconic MCs maintain relevance in contemporary hip-hop.
The album opens with poignant words from the late Nipsey Hussle, emphasizing the significance of independence, setting the tone for Asia’s lyrical prowess. Tracks like “Incognito” and “Deadly Dialogue” showcase his unwavering command of the mic, delivering hard-hitting verses that resonate with listeners.
Standout moments include “Cigar Lounge” featuring Washeyi Choir, “Cognac,” and “Easy On The Pedal” featuring Jay Worthy, where Planet Asia seamlessly navigates smoother, sample-heavy beats, showcasing his evolution in sound. Additionally, tracks like “Watch Out” and “Already Know” demonstrate his ability to captivate audiences with electrifying performances.
“No Retirement” is a meticulously crafted body of work that transcends generational boundaries, appealing to both traditional hip hop purists and enthusiasts of the genre’s contemporary wave earning a rating of 9/10. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of hip hop over its 50-year history, with artists like Planet Asia leading the charge into a promising future.
Swedish rapper/producer Why-D connects with hip-hop luminaries Planet Asia and Masta Ace for “Poetical Warfare,” the tough-as-nails first single off Why-D’s upcoming entirely self-produced sophomore album, The Work of a Doloist.
Hailing from the city of Malmö, Why-D has been carving out his space in the underground scene for the past two decades through raw instrumentals, hard-hitting verses, and collaborations with the likes of Apathy, Reks, A.G. (of D.I.T.C.), Maylay Sparks, and others. So it’s no surprise that he’s again linking with some of the genre’s finest on “Poetical Warfare,” a lyrical jab-jab-uppercut of a track.
In addition to each emcee demonstrating his lyrical prowess, they’re actually blessed to share the same track with the late DJ Devastate, who passed away in 2018. Why-D had actually made the instrumental for “Poetical Warfare” several years ago, and reached out to his close friend Devastate to provide the cuts shortly before his passing. The track remained shelved for a while until Why-D decided to honor his late friend, and eventually linked with Planet Asia and Masta Ace because he “felt that they would fit perfectly together on this track.”
Legendary CALI AGENTS (Planet Asia & Rasco) brought it to the roof at Catach One L.A. Shouts to DJ Eyeball for this one; killed it on the ones & twos with XP The Marxman, Bronze Nazareth and Fashawn
Skyzoo performs at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
It was a dark and rainy March 5th evening, but the neon lights from Catch One’s marquee attracted the brightest emcees and Hip Hop connoisseurs to Pico Blvd. The renowned venue hosted Skyzoo’s “The Mind of a Saint” tour with supportive performances from Big Twins, Rigz & Mooch, Lenox Hughes, & Los Angeles’ Oshea Boyd.
This event was a benefit concert with all proceeds being donated to A Place Called Home in South Central, or “South LA” as the gentrified population know it. The night started off with a boom-bap soundtrack provided by DJMIKEC, while early patrons ordered drinks and consciously bobbed their heads. In the corner, there was a crew of guys in leather jackets surrounded by aromatic clouds of weed mouthing the words to every classic rap song that pumped through the speakers.
Annette LBC (of Hold You Down Entertainment, one of the promoters of the night), did her best to keep the crowd entertained and gaveaway tickets to the upcoming Rhymefest concert to a few lucky people.
Oshea Boyd performs at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
A few seconds later, she introduced the first performer Oshea Boyd. He calmly walked on stage draped in a LA Kings jersey, with a denim hat covering his braids. His smooth demeanor quickly faded away as his energetic verses filled the void that an opener is usually tasked with. Boyd’s comfortability on stage was a relief. He interacted with the crowd just as a seasoned veteran would. A brief break in his songs was compensated with an incredible acapella verse that solidified the intention of his lyrics. His quick stint on stage was closed on Boyd’s feelings of gratitude and the importance of this show. I’m looking forward to the emergence of Oshea Boyd’s career.
Lenox Hughes & Planet Asia perform at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
Next up on stage was Harlem-born & Los Angeles-based MC, Lenox Hughes. As he graced the microphone in an all black outfit with his muscles breaking out his t-shirt, his entourage hopped backstage to provide physical support. Hughes’ set made me reminisce of a rapper spitting rhymes with homies on the corner of the block – but I guess that’s what Gold Chain Music is all about. Midway through his set, he calls a special guest to join him for a song – it’s none other than Planet Asia. These two artists have chemistry that is showcased not only in the recorded form, but in the live show atmosphere as well. There was a point when Planet Asia took over DJ duties to provide music dropouts, so Hughes’ lyrics could be fully understood. The end of the set felt like a family affair as K. Burns provided vocals on “Off the Books”.
Rigz & Mooch perform at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
The New York soundscapes were on full display for the night. Rigz & Mooch added their Rochchester, NY sensibilities and Big Twins represented for Queensbridge. Mooch gave respect to the California weed that improved his performance, while Rigz showed love to the Dodgers by donning a conveted Dodgers jacket. These two performers traded verses all while keeping their energy high. Big Twins performance was brash and raw due to the self-admitted hangover, however DJ Mishaps made sure not a single soul in the audience cared.
Big Twins performs at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
All the performances thus far were a great showcase of the talent on both coasts. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves by the amount of hands in the air and “ayes” being screamed. As trumpeter Sean Taylor soundchecked his instrument, the entire crowd knew something big was about to happen. Within a minute, Skyzoo stepped to the stage while the audience came closer to embrace the headliner. His set opened with the jazzy backdrop of “Eminent Domain”, the bass of the track hit my stomach and gave my heart an extra beat.
Skyzoo performs at Catch One in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 5, 2023.
The productions of The Other Guys compliment Skyzoo’s lyrics like coffee and creamer. Skyzoo’s storytelling skills have excelled at a pace of top tier athletes. A short vocal break for Skyzoo was filled with Sean Taylor’s freestyle trumpet performance of Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s “T.R.O.Y.”. To see and hear this in a live setting was the cherry on top of this rap ice cream sundae. The Mind of a Saint is a concept album that interpolates the story of Snowfall’s Franklin Saint. Skyzoo treats the LA-based story with respect and reverence while presenting auditory content that begs the listener to engage their brain on the topics of hustling drugs, government hypocrisy, and moral empathy. I enjoy the boom-bap aesthetic and styles of the 90s, but seeing Skyzoo perform in a live setting reminded me why I fell in love with this artform. This performance got me as high as one of Franklin’s fiends, all in the name of Hip Hop.
