Welcome to our Rap Weekly number 45. 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: Buckle up, we’re Flying High with the best producer in the world, BetterOffDEAD by Flatbush Zombies is heading to streaming services, Hit-Boy and Big Hit release a cinematic music video in which they are pigs for a while and bully their neighborhood and Estee Nack and Westside Gunn will show you the Dominican Republic as you don’t know it. 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
Every time legendary producer Alchemist is set to release a new project, the rap community comes together and eagerly awaits the final work. Few have their position as firmly established as Uncle Al. It’s almost fascinating that a producer who reaped the rewards at the beginning of the millennium is bigger than ever in 2023. His album this year, The Great Escape with Larry June, has won him many new fans, and Alchemist is heading towards new goals. Buckle up; we’re Flying High.
Flying High, the producer’s latest EP, follows a proven formula that Al has been using for his EPs for several years. You’ll find four tracks and their four instrumental versions. Like the Bread and This Thing Of Ours EPs, Flying High is a collage of four completely unique tracks that build on each other perfectly thanks to Alchemist’s attention to detail. The tracks are riddled with smooth transitions, subtle skits, beat switches, and an immeasurable amount of detail. Alchemist’s success lies in his humility and love of music. The celebrated producer doesn’t use his legendary status to release unfinished stuff; he approaches each track as if he’s starting from scratch and has to show the world what he’s got. Even if he doesn’t have to.
The EP kicks off with a short speech in which the mysterious narrator reveals that he likes music that makes him cry. So who should follow up his speech but Earl Sweatshirt and billy woods? In the second track, Al turned up the heat, enlisting Boldy James and T.F. for a bone-chilling beat, both of whom delivered uncompromising minimalist gangster rap. MIKE and Sideshow have chemistry like few others, so it’s no surprise that they win over every listener on the track Bless. The highlight of the project is the track Midnight Oil. Larry June and Jay Worthy bring out the best in each other, but we have to admit that we were most impressed by Alchemist himself. His rap style is absolutely unique, and we really hope to hear this great artist behind the mic for a full project soon.
NEWS
BetterOffDEAD by Flatbush Zombies is heading to streaming services
Few mixtapes are as loved by fans as BetterOffDEAD. The cult-classic project of the trio Flatbush Zombies was released in 2013 and became a huge hit. Erick the Architect handled all of the beats, except for two, which were handled by Harry Fraud and Obey City. Danny Brown and Action Bronson guest star on the project. The mixtape hasn’t been on streaming services in a decade. Fans have been writing about the release literally every day and couldn’t wait for the moment when the iconic project would be available to all. That moment is coming soon. On 9/15, BetterOffDEAD, will be released on all streaming services. You can stream the Palm Trees single there today. Unfortunately, the project will not feature the G Tearz track that was on the original release. Still, this is great news.
Sauce Walka and Daringer, Texas and Griselda: the album is coming
Sauce Walka is one of the most interesting rappers from Texas. His energetic rap and emphatic delivery immediately get under the listener’s skin. We dare say that few would have thought of pairing Sauce with producer Daringer. The court producer of the Griselda label is known for his minimalistic beats and piano loops. But his beats are something Sauce Walka ultimately needs. Last year, Sauce released a live performance video of the Daringer-produced track Dangerous Daringer, which literally caused a stir in the scene. Last week, the track finally hit streaming services, and a music video for it was released. The new track features a guest appearance from Conway The Machine. Additionally, Sauce and Daringer are working on a collaborative album, New Sauce City 2, which is due out this fall. The Alchemist himself tweeted about it last year: “Daringer x Sauce Walka album is so good i had to fall back! Stay tuned”
Last week was packed with great singles: Ransom, Conway, Yungmorpheus and others have been making their presence felt
Conway The Machine was spending nights in the hospital until recently, but it looks like he’s back stronger than ever. Two new tracks confirm it. The first is LALO, featuring guest appearances from Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh, while the second is titled THE MACHINE VS PORTISHUS, and from the title it’s already clear that Hus KingPin will make an appearance. A new track has also been released by our favourite duo Ransom and Nicholas Craven. The track Body of Lies is from their upcoming album Deleted Scenes 2, which will be released on July 28th. Your Old Droog brings us Foie Gras, another taste of his collaboration with the legendary Madlib. YUNGMORPHEUS also comes up with a gem with the release of The Price. The last artist in this flood of new tracks is none other than OBIJUAN, who brings us the track MOXKTAIL MAMI from his XAONABO [RAW & UNXUT] album, on which he collaborated with DYLANTHEINFAMOUS and you can still buy it on Bandcamp. You can play all the tracks by clicking on their title.
QUICK NEWS
- BetterOffDEAD isn’t the only mixtape to hit the streams after a long time. Since last week, you can find the project Red Corolla by rapper Domo Genesis on all services. So after No Idols, he indulges in a re-introduction to another great project of his. You can buy vinyl and merch.
- The Don & Eye 2 by rapper The Musalini and producer 9th Wonder will be released on July 7. The artists follow up their gem from last year. Tracklist, guest list and cover art can be found here. We can’t wait.
- We bring you something slightly different. Singer Jaydonclover releases the video for the single nightbus. Why are we writing about it? Because it was produced by the versatile talent dylantheinfamous.
- Raz Fresco and Figub Brazlevic are now conquering Europe. If, like us, you can’t make it to either show, we have a little compensation in the form of a documentary that takes you on stage and backstage. Hopefully next time it will work out.
- E L U C I D releases a re-issue of his 2016 debut album Save Yourself. You can buy the vinyl containing the instrumentals here.
- In the new episode of Bucked Up with Sam Buck, producer Spanish Ran appeared and together they discussed his collaborations with artists like Ab-Soul, Al-Doe and UFO Fev and also took a look into Ran’s past as part of Rocnation.
- The wait is over, after more than five years DJ Muggs is back with his Soul Assassins series and on 25th August he will release the third installment called DEATH VALLEY.
- Top Shelf Premium comes with a new concept. This time don’t expect a salvo of bars, but a producer who will prepare a beat set on the spot. In the pilot episode, Mike Digi showed up and did his best. We hope there will be more episodes like this.
- Fatboi Shariff releases a teaser for his debut album under Backwoodz Studioz, DECAY, produced entirely by Steel Tipped Dove. The record drops on 7/21 and we can’t wait.
- Speaking of Backwoodz Studioz, billy woods and Kenny Segal visited KEXP to give a live performance of their joint album MAPS. You can watch the recording here.
BEST RELEASES
Jesse James Solomon & Jadasea – Sunfall
Jesse James Solomon hasn’t made his presence known for a long time, which thankfully changed last week with the release of Sunfall, which was produced entirely by Jadasea. It’s truly admirable that whatever Jada takes on, it blossoms. The productions on this project are very minimalistic and atmospheric, and therein lies their artistry. As a result, there is plenty of room for words in the beats, which Jesse uses masterfully, not trying to spit out quick flows but instead letting the melodies take over and sharing his emotions. The record is really authentic; it’s possible that the break did Jesse some good and he needed some time to sort his thoughts out before putting out such a gem. Apart from him, Jadasea and Wiki himself appear on the record. This record is a must-have for everyone. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the track The Ride Home.
Shaw Calhoune – Four Piece
The rapper from Silver Spirng, Maryland brings us an appetizer before the main course in the form of Four Piece. Shaw Calhoune has convinced us several times how talented he is, and he didn’t let us down this time either. Four Piece is a short yet punchy EP. The production was handled by brooks xy and cantstopdizzy who did a great job. They boast the right choice of melodic samples, in which Shaw sounds totally confident. Those who are seeing the name Shaw Calhoune for the first time can use the EP as an entry into his discography. It won’t take you ten minutes to listen to it, and you can form a picture of whether this rapper is for you. As we mentioned at the beginning of the paragraph, Shaw Calhoune has a full-length album coming out later this year that we’re really looking forward to. Unfortunately, no video has been released for the album, so we’re attaching the track Buttoned Up.
J Scienide & Napoleon Da Legend – Goat vs Sheep
Napoleon Da Legend is known for his productivity, delivering project after project. This time around, he has teamed up with producer and rapper J Scienide, and they are releasing Goat vs Sheep, which was completely produced by J. On our behalf, we have to say that this record is definitely one of Napoleon’s best, and it looks like this duo is very well matched musically. Scienide has laid down boom bap beats with a touch of jazz and soul instrumentals that are the rapper’s preferred. There’s probably no need to say anything here or go over the top; Napoleon is a skilled lyricist and rapper, and his art speaks for him. So don’t wait for anything and give the album a listen; it’s a must for true hip-hop lovers. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we attach the track Reminisce to 88.
Lord Juco x Finn – Company II
Lord Juco and Finn once again take on the form of Stephen King’s bloodthirsty Misery and set out to tyrannize the scene. It’s been a year since their collaborative EP Company, so the artists are releasing volume two. Expectations were high; not for nothing did we name Company one of the Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2022. Thankfully, Lord Juco and Finn didn’t disappoint in the slightest. Company II is another absolutely punchy project that’s over before you can get enough of it, and you’ll be listening to it again in no time. Alongside both artists are talented guests Ty Da Dale, HWY 308, Mooch, Rim, Pro Dillinger, M.A.V., and Saipher Soze. You definitely won’t be bored.
chester watson – fish don’t climb trees
The combination of modern sound, which will please even the listener not familiar with underground rap, complex lyrics full of introspection, and a certain amount of experimentation is something you won’t find just like that. Chester Watson’s new record, fish don’t climb trees, combines an immeasurable amount of rap techniques, influences, and life-written stories. Listening to the record, you feel both pain and a sense of satisfaction. Chester Watson is utterly confident, and his rapping is precise, yet you can tell he has been through a lot in his life. And now he’s passing on his experiences. Moreover, he produced most of the tracks himself, which makes the final work all the more fascinating. As Chester himself reveals, he follows only one set of standards: his own. And we hope that this will give him the strength and courage to create more records that will be as great as fish don’t climb trees.
ANOTHER DOPE RELEASES
Brainorchestra – Rituals
RJ Payne – JIGSAW
Q Ham & J. Arrr – Art Mecca
Ronnie Alpha – Echoes Of The Imperium
Kash Flow- Decorating Tim
Vic Monroe – IMMACULATE REFLECTIONS
PEP57 – THE GUMBO
TOBi – All Night Long
Curren$y & Harry Fraud – VICES
Imported Goodz – Siam
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Call Fly Anakin and install Skinemaxxx. You can’t get a better broadcast at home.
Chubs, Machacha and Mickey Diamond. This trio came from hell.
Tell your comrades that zoomo and aasir have the perfect album out.
Forget hotel resorts, Estee Nack and Westside Gunn will show you the Dominican Republic as you don’t know it.
Hit-Boy and Big Hit release a cinematic music video in which they are pigs for a while and bully their neighborhood.
ANOTHER DOPE VIDEOS
Mojo Barnes & Ready Ron – Not Your Role Model
Da Flyy Hooligan & Kong The Artisan – Cold Sphere
Renelle 893 & Bay29 – Off The Grid Feat. Cutta Chase
Rim x J. Beers – Oatmeal Stout / Steele Reserve
CVV.VINO & Revenxnt – Serena (dir. Revenxnt)
8TARI LOFI PUNK x DJ MUGGS – The Guns Of Brixton
Joey Majors & ETO feat. J’Rell – The Glow
D.V. Alias Khryst – Father’s Day 3.0
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.
