Welcome to our Rap Weekly 54: Da$H is a fusion of the best of modern rap. It is a format where we bring you all the hot news from the scene, all new releases, clips, and announcements that you should not miss. Today’s news feed is filled to the brim: Roc Marciano and The Alchemist are still taking care of their record after a year, Che Noir & 7xvethebgenius will release a joint album, this is a rap fan’s dream come true. On his latest album, Lukah gives countless more reasons why he is one of the best lyricists of his generation and Ski will hypnotize you with his Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Real Bad Man & Blu bring you the eight best Bad News. You’ll love to experience this misfortune. This week, you’ll get some quick news that you can’t miss. What dope albums and music videos have been released last week? That and much more can be found by scrolling down.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Da$H is a fusion of the best of modern rap
Da$H, a rapper from Hackensack, New Jersey, has already dazzled us with his 2013 album V.I.C.E.S. Since then, he’s been releasing one great project after another, with the last three years being a bulletproof testament to that. With HONEY SWEETER THAN BLOOD (w/ LOOK DAMIEN! & ANKHLEJOHN), he broke into our TOP 50 Best Rap Albums of 2021 list, and last year’s gem BETWEEN THE LINES (w/ Sonnyjim) dominated the upper echelons of the TOP 100 Best Rap Albums of 2022 list. His album this year was eagerly awaited after several excellent singles, and it has finally arrived.
Da$H recently announced that he has four projects in the pipeline. The first to see the light of day is SKREWFACE 2, the follow-up to 2015’s SKREWFACE. Expect mostly energetic trap beats, spiced up with plenty of great ideas that keep it miles away from the generic music that dominates the charts. Da$H is a fusion of the best of modern rap. The rapper makes modern rap look the way it should. He inserts his gritty lyrics into beats that really kick, taking you into a criminal underworld that is as stylish as it is tragic. The rapper glorifies nothing yet manages to entertain the listener perfectly.
On SKREWFACE 2, Da$H is again absolutely charismatic, and the album is filled with distinctive adlibs and catchy melodies. The only guests are Zelooperz and Curren$y, who fit the album perfectly. In addition, Da$H has created something of a cult of personality, and he rounds out the album with a tale of Deadman’s vengeful return. Great cover art and inventive music videos are definitely not to be missed. If you’re in the mood for modern, hard-hitting rap, SKREWFACE 2 is for you.
NEWS
Roc Marciano and The Alchemist are still taking care of their record after a year
The Elephant Man’s Bones album by Roc Marciano and The Alchemist is one of the absolute best albums released last year. Fourteen tracks are packed to bursting. Or sixteen if you bought the Pimpire Edition exclusively on Marci’s website. Alchemist himself is releasing his ALC Edition after a year, so you can look forward to a vinyl with two additional bonus tracks, new merch, and even a cinematic music video. The atmospheric video for the track Turkey Wings, which seems to have fallen out of the films of director Wong Kar-wai, was produced by Josue Thomas. What’s more, both bonus tracks will not only be available on vinyl but also on all streaming services. The Alchemist just loves his fans, and this is another shining proof.
Che Noir & 7xvethegenius will release a joint album, this is a rap fan’s dream come true
Che Noir proves every year that she is one of the best contemporary MCs. Her strict street rap is spiced up with new techniques and interesting perspectives that had no place in rap before. This year’s Noir Or Never (w/ Big Ghost Ltd) is a shining example of this. Not far behind the renowned rapper is the talented 7xvethegenius, who showed herself at her best on this year’s The Genius Tape (w/ DJ Green Lantern). So the news that the rappers will be releasing an album together is a dream come true for many fans. They showcased their chemistry on tracks such as Veracruz. If the joint album is in the same vein, we are in for a unique experience.
Chinatown Sound brings once again an exhibition of raw art of rap
Chinatown Sound, founded by Bub Styles and Gee, was very productive last week, adding four new episodes to their freestyle series. Look forward to artists like OT9 Beno, Flash, Gorgeous, and Leaf. The concept of the project is that the performers stand out on the street and preach one cool bar after another. The most interesting thing about it is that it’s acapella rap, which means they rap without using a beat, and that creates an absolutely magical atmosphere. If this concept has been alien to you so far, we definitely recommend you complete your education and listen to all the freestyles Chinatown Sound has dropped so far.
QUICK NEWS
- Jeymes Samuel, director of The Harder They Fall, is starting to tease his historical adventure film, The Book of Clarence, which will hit theaters in January 2024. LaKeith Stanfield has taken the lead role, and you can watch the first trailer. Why are we writing about the film? Because it features a new song by the legendary JAY-Z.
- Obijuan and Wino Willy release WONDER WOMAN ANKLET, and yes, they work wonders again. After their album MANGROVE MAZE this year, it is another great piece of work. Are they planning a new project?
- Daniel Son and Wino Willy will release a joint album under the auspices of the Fxck Rxp label. Its release is imminent, but you can shorten the wait with the pilot track Kick The Tree feat. Raz Fresco.
- Your Old Droog and Madlib released another track together. Additionally, YOD revealed that all the tracks he and Madlib have released so far will not be on their joint album. So we can expect all new stuff on the anticipated album. We wish it was out already.
- In the new episode of FTD, Action Bronson takes us to LA, where he visits the newly opened YESS Restaurant, has one of the best fried fish sandwiches, and tries the evening’s Thai Taco Tuesday meal.
- 38 Spesh, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher have teamed up on a new track called Goodfellas. This Scorsese rap flick is a must-see.
- Theravada played an excellent set on the new episode of Off Top Beat Set (Top Shelf Premium). His set is just as hard-hitting as his three-year-old freestyle.
- Mike Shabb, Nicholas Craven, and Navy Blue in the studio? It’s already clear that the culture was really flourishing that night. Check out the video, full of Shabb’s excellent beats.
- Raz Fresco & Figub Brazlevic have released their record 777 on all streaming services. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run to the Bkrsclb website and support the artists in the best way possible.
- The unique atmospheric project Cottonmouth by Manics and dylantheinfamous is now on all streaming services. Feel free to support the artists by buying the album on Bandcamp.
BEST RELEASES
Lukah – Permanently Blackface (The 1st Expression)
Lukah is one of the best rappers of his generation. Yes, we’ll introduce his latest album, Permanently Blackface (The 1st Expression), right off the bat with this strong statement. Because the Memphis rapper has it all. His records offer a consistent and cohesive sound yet feature a diverse array of dense beats like boom bap, g-funk, and soul. Behind the mic, Lukah is absolutely bulletproof and raps with an urgency all his own. His greatest asset, however, is the lyrics themselves and the concepts of the entire albums that are connected to them. Lukah is a first-class lyricist who paints vivid pictures with his words. His latest album has all the aforementioned attributes that abound throughout the rapper’s discography. The cover art and album title already set in stone that this is going to cut to the chase and it’s not going to be a lighthearted listen. Lukah goes to the heart of the burning social issues and dissects in detail all the repression and oppression his people have experienced for countless centuries. After listening to the album, you will be in awe of its complexity but also full of the bitter emotions it so precisely evokes. Unfortunately, no music video has been released for the album, so we attach the video for the track Shutters.
Eddie Kaine & Finn – Quincy St. Blues
The talented duo of Eddie Kaine and Finn bring us a great album of Quincy Street Blues. Finn has proven himself with his productions several times already; this year, for example, he released a record with Rime, M!ND STATE, and a deluxe edition of Ducking Indictments (w/ HWY 308). With each record, he shows that his productions are an absolute balm for the ears. He creates his beats using a variety of instrumentals that come together in phenomenal harmonies. Rapper Eddie Kaine is a minister of words and flows; he uses the potential of his productions to their fullest and fills each space flawlessly. In addition to the aforementioned artists, you’ll hear names like Lord Juco, Ty Da Dale, Asun Eastwood, Rim, and Wish Master on the record. Be sure not to miss this gem.
Ski – Yeezus Piece
Ski brings a real Yeezuz Piece from heaven. There are only two guests on the whole project, and they are lojii and DONOTELLO. Ski sounds as confident as ever and conquers every beat with his atmospheric flow. The rapper is really distinctive, and his rap is unique. He always sounds completely lighthearted, doesn’t push anything, and at the same time is dead serious about everything, like the statement “Y’all Shouldn’t Rap”. The title of the album is inspired by Kanye West, and even on the cover of the album, we see elements from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Only Ski knows the exact meaning of this reference, but of course any of us can guess whether it is meant with humility or with a hint of a rap sneer. Yeezus Piece is another gem that the rapper can add to his discography, and you should once again catch up on your education and play this work of heaven. Unfortunately, no music video has been released for the album, so we are attaching the video for the track Child of Destiny.
A.P. Da Overlord & Alejandrito Argenal – N’Kosi
A.P. Da Overlord has been supplying us with one great album after another this year. Last month, we already praised his projects Dangerous II (Still Dangerous) and For The Sport. However, that wasn’t enough for the rapper, and at the end of the month he released his anticipated album N’Kosi, which was completely produced by the huge talent from Nicaragua, Alejandrito Argeñal. The album is such a diverse fusion of different cultures and presents the listener with a variety of perspectives. In particular, A.P. Da Overlord weaves the culture of South Africa into the album, whether we’re referring to the term N’Kosi, which means master, or the concept of Kwa-Bulawayo, the royal kraal of Shaky Zulu, or the capital of the early Zulu empire. Alejandrito Argenal has produced another atmospheric beat that will transport you to the ancient kingdoms of South Africa. We would highlight the beats of De Javu and Vultures, which change several times and shuffle the tempo of the whole album. Thanks to these details and a number of skits, the artists managed to create a complex and unique experience even in the space of eighteen minutes.
Real Bad Man & Blu – Bad News
Real Bad Man and Blu finally bring their Bad News, which makes us incredibly happy. Real Bad Man has already released an amazing album, Serpent, this year with legendary lyricist Kool Keith. This time he has teamed up with veteran Blu, who has the same skills as the aforementioned legend. The project is full of masterful lyricism and rhythmic production. This is definitely one of the best eight-track projects you can come across in rap. Blu oozes boldness on the record; both artists weren’t afraid to be distinctive and gave the album a unique face and character. Guest appearances include Planet Asia and Cashus King. The only Bad News that will make your day.
DOPE ALBUMS
The five albums mentioned above are not the only ones you should hear. We’ve picked ten more dope albums that no one should miss. Give all the projects mentioned a chance; every single one deserves it. SOO DO KOO, one of our biggest discoveries this year, released his sixth album of the year. Go support this rap machine; he deserves it like few others. Of course, this year, V Don isn’t slacking off either, releasing an album with Ty Da Dale shortly after Dark Lo. This atmospheric project will take you to the ruthless underworld. RJ Payne follows up his great album MY LIFE IZ A MOVIE with an equally good sequel, and Smoke DZA makes his dream come true on the Flying Objects project, produced by the one and only Flying Lotus. Other excellent releases have come from Research & Glad2Mecha & Paconaut, Mike Titan & Tali Rodriguez, SUBSTANCE810, Eligh & Aloeight, PEP57, and Shortfyuz.
SOO DO KOO – THE BRICKLAYERS MADE AN OCEAN
Ty Da Dale & V Don – The Raid
RJ Payne – MY LIFE IZ A MOVIE 2
Research & Glad2Mecha & Paconaut – Vintage Venom
Mike Titan & Tali Rodriguez – The New Gods II
SUBSTANCE810 – Makin Waves 2
Eligh & Aloeight – HALO BOY
PEP57 – RAW REPORT
Smoke DZA & Flying Lotus – Flying Objects
Shortfyuz – Fyuzik
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
In the video for Holographic World, Sly Moon holds only aces.
Nita Slay has completely conquered the beat of the talented Foule Monk. Remember these two names.
Ty Da Dale & V Don deliver a cinematic music video. You’ll get chills.
Passport Rav teases his new album, Fly By Night, with an excellent single featuring Chung.
HWY 308 & Finn amaze us everytime. The video for Everytime is no exception.
DOPE VIDEOS
We’re definitely not done with the top five music videos. We’ve picked out ten more dope clips that you definitely need to see. Give all the artists below a chance; they deserve it. NugLife can rightfully celebrate the release of a great album with rapper Vel Nine. But how else should he celebrate than behind the beat and the mic? Knucks has invited Larry June for a new song. Kenny Beats handled the beat. DJ Premier, Westside Gunn, and Rome Streetz on one track? This video is going to be playing on rap fans’ screens for a long time. Sha Hef and Nicholas Craven are both 1 of 1, which is why their new record is so dope. HEBL x ZooDeVille x slug released another great single. Are we going to see the full project? Top-notch videos were also released last week by artists DøøF, Paranoize & Seins Sucrer, Eff Yoo, Gabe ‘Nandez, and Dom$port.
DJ Premier – Runway ft. Rome Streetz & Westside Gunn
HEBL x ZooDeVille x slug – Asheville
DøøF – Blak Teef (prod. Ewonee)
Knucks ft. Larry June – I Suppose (prod. Kenny Beats)
Paranoize & Seins Sucrer – Still Healing
Eff Yoo – Sabado Night Live feat. Homeboy Sandman & Spit Gemz
Gabe ‘Nandez – It’s Yourz Freestyle
Dom$port – Da Start of Sumn Beautiful (Prod. T H E K U S H I T E S)
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.
Translated from Czech by Rado.
