Welcome to our Rap Weekly number 41. It is a format where we bring you all the hot news from the scene, all new releases, clips, and announcements that you should not miss. Today’s news feed is filled to the brim: Jay Worthy and Roc Marciano release an album full of legendary guests, Ransom and Craven once again offer something that hasn’t been done before, and the legendary DJ Muggs reveals details about the Soul Assassins 3 album. What albums and music videos have been released last week? That and much more can be found by scrolling down.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Jay Worthy, a rapper from Vancouver, has projects with Alchemist, Larry June, Harry Fraud, and DJ Muggs. Last year he released three great records; this year he slowed his pace a bit and took his time with the album release. He was planning something rather special. His new record, Nothing Bigger Than The Program, was completely produced by Roc Marciano, who shared a precise verse on the track Wake Up.
Roc Marciano did his job perfectly; the record features subtle beats full of lilting samples, piano, and minimal drums. This gives Jay Worthy plenty of space, which he fills with celebratory lyrics about his success or reminiscing about his cruel past. Throughout the album, you will find a lot of guests, including a legend. Guest appearances include Bun B, A$ton Matthews, Jay305, Kokane, Ab-Soul, A$AP Ant, Kurupt, Da$h, and Bart Oatmeal. That last name doesn’t ring a bell? Bart Oatmeal is the rap alias of professional basketball player Baron Davis, who makes his debut on this record. Does he plan on continuing his rap career? Let’s see. The album is very atmospheric, highlighted, for example, by the bone-chilling sing-along chorus by Kokane on the track The Plug. Jay Worthy and Roc Maricano have done what they do best and created a great album that listens to itself.
NEWS
Ransom and Craven once again offer something that hasn’t been done before
Ransom and Nicholas Craven released the fourth installment of their joint Director’s Cut Scene series on May 26, this time exclusively on the EVEN platform. You can purchase the album digitally for the amount of your choice, with a $5 minimum. Purchasing the album leads to several benefits, such as being entered into a drawing for a Survivor’s Kit. The album features guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Che Noir, Nick Grant, Crooked I, and many more. Prior to the actual release of the record, the artists released a video for the pilot track, Rise Of the Machines, proving their uniqueness once again. Of course, that wasn’t enough; the video was accompanied by a short ten-minute film in a post-apocalyptic vein. The duo of Ransom and Craven once again offer something that hasn’t been done before. Their collaborations always enrich hip-hop culture.
Legendary DJ Muggs reveals details about the Soul Assassins 3 album
A few days ago, the legendary DJ Muggs announced that the highly anticipated Soul Assassins 3 album is in the process of being mastered and will likely be released on July 28. Furthermore, he outlined that there are a lot of tracks on the album, and it is possible that he will release it as a double album. We’re incredibly excited for his next gem, as the tracks released so far include Check In w/ Jay Worthy, Metropolis w/ Method Man & Slick Rick and Street Made w/ Freddie Gibbs & Scarface are unbelievably great, and we honestly can’t imagine what else Muggs has in store for us.
The stellar producer of the current wave of underground music, Sadhugold, will be behind the mic on the new album
The star producer of the current underground scene, Sadhugold, has prepared his debut rap album for us. Finally, we get to hear him in all his glory behind the microphone. He produced the album completely by himself, except for three tracks, one of which was produced by EETS and the other two by Brainorchestra, who we will also hear behind the mic on the album. The next and last guest on the album will be Wiles Martyr. Sadhugold also took care of the cover of the album, which he created with his own hands without Photoshop or other help. As Sadhugold has already demonstrated, for example, on the track Wild Acres from the Cloyd album, he is as good behind the mic as he is at making beats. We’re putting our hand up for Sadhu to add another masterpiece to his discography. The album will only be released on vinyl through the Copenhagen Crates label.
BEST RELEASES
Lee Scott – There is a Reason For Everything
One of our favorite British artists, Lee Scott, is back in full force with his next album, There is a Reason For Everything, which he produced entirely by himself. You won’t hear a single guest on the album, but you can hear some rare background vocals provided by King Kashmere. The project has been freely available for a few days now on the artist’s YouTube channel or for purchase on his Bandcamp. As of today, it is finally available on all streaming platforms, so don’t wait any longer; dive in and let yourself ride the waves of this gem.
Al-Doe & Spanish Ran – Holy City ZOO
The duo Al-Doe and Spanish Ran have prepared one of the hardest albums released this year. In addition to the productions, Spanish Ran also took care of the mix and master, and after listening to the record, it is quite clear that he handles all these disciplines with bravado. His beats are full of chaotic sounds that masterfully evoke a sense of paranoia. Al-Doe delivers some of the coldest bars you’re likely to come across in the current scene. The rapper himself has confided that this record is very special to him, and one of the main reasons is that it’s the first project he’s recorded completely sober. Ab-Soul was also involved in the actual process of making the record and is the only guest on it. Al-Doe and Spanish Ran are very unique artists who love to experiment, and they brought the essence of something new with this record as well. This is a must for any hip-hop lover.
Mally Abstract & Caleb Scalzo – TWIST OF FATE 3
Producer Mally Abstract and rapper Caleb Scalzo bring us the third installment of their TWIST OF FATE series. This is the longest episode to date and the only one to feature a guest appearance from HowFly. If you liked the previous two episodes, you’ll love this one. Both artists are trying to crystallize their work to perfection, and they are getting closer to it with each episode. This follow-up is in a similar vein to the previous two albums, yet it feels much purer and more sublime. The productions are light and atmospheric, and some have rather subdued drums, which we like very much. Caleb can handle every beat and sounds totally confident everywhere. TWIST OF FATE 3 is a really good project. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the song SHAPESHIFTER.
Mr Brady & BudaMunk – Art
Mr Brady and BudaMunk have teamed up to bring us their Art. We could register their first connection in 2020, when they released their joint album Tainted Scrolls of Mr Buda and realized their own chemistry. There’s a greater sense of experimentation with production on the new record, and Brady himself sounds more confident behind the mic. In addition to him, we hear names like Abstract Rude, LMNO, J.Lamott, and more on the record. BudaMunk creates unique productions where he tests mixes of different sounds, changing tempos during the beats, and putting his distinctive signature in the spotlight, which we appreciate. With his dark voice and phlegmatic flow, Brady navigates these chaotic productions with complete ease. It’s certainly not a record for everyone, but those who like experimentation and the unusual like we do will certainly like the project.
BA PACE & NoMreWrds – UNCLE!
BA PACE aka BOOMANSANTO! is a rapper from the Bronx and a total discovery for us. Together with producer NoMreWrds they release the great EP UNCLE!. As they state themselves, the productions display an endless series of flowing loops in which BA PACE coolly, calmly, and, most importantly, focusedly imparts his wisdom of New York life to the listener. Outside of him, we hear names like BLK RMBRNDT, and POTHEAD on the record. We may not have known about PUBLICHOUSING NYC until now, but after this release, we automatically fell in love with them. This NYC style is a balm for our ears, plus each artist is incredibly unique. Be sure to look up the names mentioned and listen to their discographies from start to finish. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so here is the video for EVIL AND JESUS.
ANOTHER DOPE RELEASES
Bub Styles & Retrospec – Ramble Raps, Vol. 2
Doza the Drum Dealer – When The Rabbit Got The Gun 4 (Side A)
Rory – I Thought It´d Be Different
Slik Jack – TEN TOES IN MY TIMBOS
Rome Mallory & Larrin – Eclectic Soule
Jords – DIRT IN THE DIAMOND
Wazasnics – Bizarre Expo
Eric Right & BKRSCLB – Ube Cake
Gritfall & BKRSCLB – Indian Milk Cake
ALS & BKRSCLB – Caramel Sheet Cake
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
jaH-Monte Ogbon and SadhuGold are unbeatable together.
SharpKnel jumped on the billy woods bus, and it’s one of the best songs of the year.
LOOK DAMIEN! shows that he is just as precise behind the mic as he is when making beats.
Hus Kingpin takes you on stage in a new video.
Odd Holiday tease their great album L.I.S.A.
ANOTHER DOPE VIDEOS
RIM X FINN – RIM X FINN NO ASSEMBLY
Bub Styles x Retrospec – CASKET SUIT (feat. Sauce Heist & Dot Demo)
O finess & The Musalini – Purse First
King Kashmere & Alecs DeLarge – The Essence
Rasheed Chappell – Show You How
Kapitol P Feat Benny the Butcher – 100 Miles
Swizz Beatz – “Take ‘Em Out” feat. Jadakiss, Benny The Butcher & Scar Lip
Loveboat Luciano x Fuego Base – WILD CHILD
And that’s it all the important news on the scene from the last week. What caught your eye this week? Let us know on Instagram or Twitter. You can expect another one next Monday. It’s going to be really interesting, so don’t miss it.
