Welcome to our Rap Weekly number 43. 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: YL, the face of NYC, releases the anticipated record, Mach-Hommy is back, #RICHAXXHAITIAN is coming, and Backwoodz Studioz pulls an ace out of their sleeve. Killer Mike is the voice of Atlanta. His album features guest appearances by André 3000 and Future. This week, you’ll get some quick news that you can’t miss. What albums and music videos have been released last week? That and much more can be found by scrolling down.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
YL, one of New York’s most prominent voices, is one of our favorite artists. Few are as comfortable behind the mic and can flawlessly conquer any beat. We’ve included five of his projects in our Top 100 Rap Albums of 2022, setting the bar really high last year. This year, he took his time with his first album, enticing us with something really special. The wait is finally over with the massive Don’t Feed The Pigeons, which features 22 tracks, including three bonus tracks.
The album was released exclusively on Bandcamp, and the three bonus tracks can only be heard if you purchase a digital copy. The purchase is definitely recommended, and as you will see a few lines below, the album is really good. The album will hit streaming services in a week, and you can support the rapper by buying the vinyl. Upon first listening to the album, two things immediately came to mind that are characteristic of the rapper’s entire discography: New York and looseness. Listening to the album, you float through New York as seamlessly as YL floats through each beat. The rapper’s lyrics are simple yet punchy and, first and foremost, authentic. Don’t Feed The Pigeons is a record that listens to itself, and one listen is definitely not enough.
Much of the credit goes to the talented producers Jonboyice, Roper Williams, Junie, Look Damien!, Zoomo, Dylvins, Grimm Doza, Eyedress, DVNT, Laron, and YUNGMORPHEUS. They provided the rapper with top-notch beats, full of lilting samples and fresh melodies. The diverse range of artists brought a variety of sounds, with the record featuring some punchy trap, for example. Of course, Starker makes a guest appearance on the album, and Ankhlejohn shares a great verse. Don’t Feed The Pigeons is an album that won’t fail to entertain. YL has put together an absolutely precise project that really listens to itself. The perfect album for the summer. RRR season.
NEWS
Mach-Hommy is back, here comes #RICHAXXHAITIAN
Mach-Hommy is one of the most influential rappers of the last decade. His innovative model of releasing music has redefined the rap underground. Despite his massive success, the eternal innovator from Haiti remains true to his roots and announces his new album #RICHAXXHAITIAN in style. It’s been over 2 years since his last solo album, Pray for Haiti, which we named the best album of 2021. While Mach-Hommy has released a great EP, Balens Cho (Hot Candles), and three projects with Tha God Fahim, his next big project has been eagerly awaited. The rapper held a private listening party last week to drop the album with producer Sadhugold and let his fans get involved in the process of making the album itself.
Before we tell you more, we must point out that this is not substantiated information, just the testimony of people who attended the party. Much of the record will be produced by Mach’s producer August Fanon, with Nicholas Craven, Sadhugold, and Kaytranada handling some of the beats. The rapper recorded two versions of Sobriquet, one featuring guest appearances by Roc Marciano and the other by Tha God Fahim. Mach-Hommy then had fans vote to decide which guest would be on the final version of the album. The album also features guest appearances by Black Thought and Greedo. The album has been heard by Jay-Z himself, who met with both Mach and Nicholas Craven earlier this year. However, the tracklist and cover art for the album itself are official. We can look forward to sixteen tracks. We don’t know the release date yet, but the record should be out soon. #RICHAXXHAITIAN is definitely one of the most anticipated albums of the year, and we can’t wait for the day we get to hear the album. At the end, we attach links to photos and videos from the listening party. Photos, Tracklist, Videos.
Backwoodz Studioz pull an ace out of their sleeve
We don’t even need to mention that Backwoodz Studioz is one of the best contemporary labels. Their last year’s list of albums will go down in history, but this year the renowned label is not slowing down a bit. From the edge of the year, SKECH185 & Jeff Markey released He Left Nothing for the Swim Back, we’ve seen the compilation High Bias, the anticipated Maps from the duo billy woods & Kenny Segal and on the 21st of July comes the album Decay. The rapper, innovator, and irreplaceable Fatboi Sharif has come under the label’s wing. His new album was completely produced by the talented steel tipped dove. The Decay album will consist of 17 tracks, and we expect nothing but a hypnotic, unusual, atmospheric, and immersive experience. You can pre-order the album here.
Atmospheric album was accompanied by a bone-chilling film
The album Don’t Go Outside came like a bolt from the blue. Young talents klwn cat & unruly took the rap scene by storm and created an atmospheric and totally unique album that definitely ranks among the best albums released this year. The album is accompanied by the newly released, bone-chilling short film Exodus. The entire film takes place in one room, beautifully highlighting the album’s cramped atmosphere. That’s not all, though; rapper unruly has released a new track, CODE BLACK, produced by Filip Neuf. Listen to it here.
QUICK NEWS
- The rapper WateRR’s anticipated album, produced entirely by Spanish Ran, will be released on June 21. Look forward to a concept album where you’ll learn how politics turned to a lottery.
- Conway The Machine unfortunately has to treat a leg injury but still finds room to rap. We wish him a speedy recovery.
- The talented BA PACE has released a new single ADAMSANDY. The production was handled by WAYSOL.
- MIKE releases the single Red Jacket 6 and again it is a first-class work. Are we expecting a new album this year?
- We’ve included FREE TREE in the section of dope albums released last week. Rapper Tree complemented its release with a thought-provoking video where he talks about the value of friendship. #FREETREE.
- Lee Scott is busy. He recently released a new record and is already working on new stuff. He’ll be handling the production of the new album for rapper Sonnyjim. We can’t wait.
- Big Body Bes presents: PUERTO RICO PART 2. Get ready for a good dose of comedy, screaming and Spanish stunts.
- The next episode of Top Shelf Premium is here. This time MidaZ shares his freestyle.
- Here comes the next installment of the Kiss The Ring Tour documentary series. In this latest installment, we take a look at Europe. Rome Streetz is slowly wrapping up one crucial chapter and we are eagerly awaiting the next.
- On June 22, the anticipated album Paid In Full by rappers SmooVth and Hus Kingpin will be released. These two have incredible chemistry, so this is definitely one of the most anticipated albums of the rest of the year.. Teaser.
BEST RELEASES
Killer Mike – MICHAEL
Killer Mike, one of Atlanta’s most distinctive rappers, dazzled us eleven years ago with his R.A.P. Music album, which was produced entirely by the legendary EL-P. Together, they formed the duo Run The Jewels, and the rest is history. After eleven years, however, the time has come for a new solo record, and Killer Mike is releasing a massive album called MICHAEL. As the title suggests, this is a very personal and important project for the rapper. Killer Mike makes loud music that won’t stop entertaining you. You will find a wide variety of beats here, so there is something for everyone. However, you have to take into account that the album is not nearly as comprehensive as R.A.P. Music. Even though the album is really loud, Killer Mike delves into deeper themes on almost every track, being introspective, reflecting on his life, and defining himself against systematic racism. If there’s one word to describe the album, it’s “community.” Killer Mike presents himself as the voice of Atlanta and invites a bunch of local artists to contribute to the record. So you can look forward to stars like André 3000, Future, and Young Thug. MICHAEL is not a groundbreaking record, nor will you find God knows how sophisticated lyrics here, but Killer Mike brings important themes to modern mainstream rap in a non-forced and very entertaining way, and that is much appreciated.
ZekeUltra & Nephew Hesh – Speak To The Jungle In Hills
We must admit, the names ZekeUltra and Nephew Hesh are completely new to us, so the album Speak To The Jungle In Hills is a very pleasant surprise for us. It is impossible to classify it into one subgenre or to describe it briefly. Nephew Hesh has laid down a variety of beats that are often melodic and complemented by vocals from a plethora of talented guest artists. ZekeUltra has a mosaic of lyrics up his sleeve that resonate within you like an echo of your own experiences. The title of the album is indeed apt; listening to the record has more than once evoked the feeling of being floundering and perhaps even a little lost in nature, yet it still speaks to us. Speak To The Jungle In Hills is a great record, and we are looking forward to the next projects of both artists.
New Villain & enkay – From the Villain with Love II
“In a realm where shadows reign, a villainous duo emerges from the abyss. Brace yourself for a sonic journey like no other.” With these words, artists New Villain & enkay introduce their new album From the Villain with Love II, the follow-up to their 2021 project. The description is apt. The album takes you on a journey unlike any other. enkay has created a unique atmospheric soundscape that will hypnotize you and only let you go after the New Villain finishes his last spell. Both artists have an aura of the supernatural, and the whole album has an almost mythical feel to it. The beats are great to listen to, and New Villian has a perfectly precise cadence, so you won’t miss a word. After listening to the album, put the date of August 4 on your calendar, when the whole saga will culminate with its third part. We can’t wait.
Jamal Gasol & Vic Spencer – The Right Way for Dummies
What happens when two MC’s who were born to rap come together? What happens when artists who rap in a totally relaxed, effortless, and laid-back way produce an album together? It creates an album for the rest of us; we get an easy and fun way to start listening to real hip-hop. We’ve deliberately quoted the descriptions that appear on the album cover, as we totally agree with them. Vic Spencer and Jamal Gasol have unleashed an absolutely tight, precise, and entertaining album that no rap fan will despise. The rappers are supremely experienced, releasing countless projects every year and never failing to entertain us for a minute.
Kool Keith – Black Elvis 2
Few legendary rappers maintain the same fervor as Kool Keith, even after twenty years. The innovator, man of many faces, and boundary breaker comes twenty-four years later with the follow-up to his Black Elvis/Lost in Space. Here comes Black Elvis 2. Kool Keith warmed up this year on the fabulous Serpent, produced by Real Bad Man, and now comes the main course. Once again, you can look forward to unconventional production, a futuristic vibe, and totally unique, sophisticated lyrics. Keith also comments on contemporary rap, so there’s no shortage of snide remarks. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the classic Livin’ Astro.
ANOTHER DOPE RELEASES
Tree – FREE TREE
XP The Marxman, Phonk P & NugLife – Have A Beautiful Grind
Hit-Boy & Big Hit – SURF OR DROWN 2
klwn cat & Nonazz – GREYMATTER
Krimelife Ca$$ & GRIMM Doza – KRIMEDOZA 2
A.P. Da Overlord & Damn! Dave – The Love Tape
Deziner Drugz – Vatican City
Royalz – Bloodsport
Mic Ty – W.I.V.C.
G Fam Black & Lo Gun – Lock & Load
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Mike Shabb is here with another piece of SEWASIDE III.
DJ Muggs is definitely aint hiding. The song We Riding We Ain’t Hiding ft. T.F from Soul Assassins 3 got a great video.
Jay Worthy & Roc Marciano release another video for their collaborative album. The track features the legendary Kurupt.
Earl Sweatshirt surprised with a new song. Again he goes in a different direction.
Krimelife Ca$$ x GRiMM Doza can walkin proud, their collaborative EP is a damn good one.
ANOTHER DOPE VIDEOS
Loveboat Luciano & Benny The Butcher ft. DJ Clue – 2ND STRIKE
Dibiasi Ft. Ransom x Albee Al – Risky Business (Prod. Eto)
AKTHESAVIOR & Zombie Juice – Trials & Tribulations
Teflon – Contraband (prod. by DJ Premier)
Deziner Drugz – Thousand Knots feat. Villa Velli & Estee Nack
Gritfall – Moses School Project
A Plus Tha Kid x DirtyDIggs – “Black Mamba”
Chung x Cotola – All Of That/Mourning Sun
Mike Dimes – ARSENAL ft. Denzel Curry
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.
