Welcome to our Rap Weekly 57: MIKE, Wiki & The Alchemist bring rap in its purest form. 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 has announced a European tour with his own grace, the sequel to Pray for Paris is coming and A$AP Twelvyy shines on Vevo ctrl show. What happens when you combine two of this year’s MVPs? Estee Nack and Mike Shabb have the answer. BoriRock rewrites history. Massachusetts’ greatest talents shine in the new video. 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
MIKE, Wiki & The Alchemist bring rap in its purest form
It’s not even a month since legendary producer The Alchemist granted us a longtime wish and released a record with rapper Earl Sweatshirt. Shortly after, he released his edition of The Elephant Man’s Bones with bonus tracks and a video for the top-notch song The Caliphate (feat. Vince Staples). We kind of expected Alchemist to slow down the pace again. As will come as no surprise, he did the exact opposite. He’s teamed up with rappers Wiki and MIKE, and together they’ve expanded last year’s One More EP with seven brand new tracks and turned it into Faith Is a Rock.
Wiki and MIKE are without a doubt among the best rappers of today. Wiki, the master of catchy stories with a good dose of humanity, once again paints the New York scenery and recalls all the days he lived in the American city. MIKE complements him with his profound lyrics, and both rappers offer their listeners an endless barrage of emotional, thought-provoking, and truly powerful lyrics that contain many of life’s truths.
The rappers gracefully alternate and complement each other on the tracks, and throughout the album, they don’t give you the slightest reason to doubt their skill. The performance they put on is so good that it even outshines Alchemist’s beats. We don’t mean this in a bad way at all. Alchemist once again performs at his best, but as with Voir Dire, he delivers minimalistic and mostly monotonous beats that give the rappers maximum space. Watch the excellent video for Mayors A Cop, immerse yourself in the album, and take away a vortex as unshakable as a rock.
NEWS
Roc Marciano has announced a European tour with his own grace
Roc Marciano does not need any introduction. One of our favorite rappers of all time and the artist who moves the boundaries of the genre further and further. This year, he produced a great album, Nothing Bigger Than the Program (w/ Jay Worthy). We are still waiting for his rap project, but Marciano is still making us happy with great singles and feats. On September 23, the artist started his European tour, which will continue until October 1. As a follow-up to that, fans will get three more shows in the US. Roc Marciano announced his tour with the great single Chris Angel, produced by Pete Rock and accompanied by a stylish trailer.
The sequel to Pray for Paris is coming
Westside Gunn has been one of the most prominent names in the rap scene for a few years now, but he didn’t fully come into mainstream consciousness until 2020’s Pray for Paris. Ever since the release of the groundbreaking album, he’s been teasing a second installment, which is finally coming. And Then You Pray For Me will be released on Friday, October 13th, and, as with the first installment, the cover art was done by the now deceased Virgil Abloh. Westside Gunn has been teasing the record for a really long time, and according to him, it will please both fans of hard Griselda boom bap and listeners of modern trap. The rapper also announced the guest and producer list, which is absolutely massive. Well, judge for yourself: Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Stove God Cook$, Conductor Williams, Cartier A. Williams, Estee Nack, Daringer, JID, Rick Ross, Denzel Curry, KayCyy, RZA, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Drama, Trapaholics, Peezy, Giggs, Shanara Son, Jeezy, AA Rashid, DJ Benoit, EST Gee, Tay Keith, Swamp Izzo, Mr. Green, Sly Green, JR Swiftz, Forever Rollin, Brother Tom Sos, Denny Laflare, Flygod Jr., DXPE Mickie Beats, Beat Butcha, Eastside Filip, and DJ Holiday. Additionally, there are two leaks on Gunn’s Instagram that imply there will be at least twenty tracks on the album.
A$AP Twelvyy shines on Vevo ctrl show
You know the name. A$AP Twelvyy visited Vevo ctrl studio and brought the flame with the live performance of the track You Know the Name. The track is from his newest album, Kid$ Gotta Eat, and has been described by the rapper as “words wild fire of bars”. This statement was ratified during the earlier mentioned performance, which was an absolute energetic shock. Definitely keep an eye on this guy from Harlem who keeps surprising us.
Remember the date October 14, the great spaces of Chapeau Rouge Prague will be filled with New York rap
Okayyy, we have some hot news for you! Anyone who loves to party, anyone who loves rap, anyone who loves to have a good time, make sure you put the date of October 14 on your calendar. Coming all the way from America, the home of rap, Fokis is coming to Prague to kick off his tour and promote his upcoming album with producer DJ Fatte, which will be released next year. Fokis is an OG player and has collaborations with names like Kool G Rap, Killah Priest, Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Guilty Simpson, and many more. Aside from that, he also has a record with talented producer Oh No, and not everyone can really say that. This is all important to mention to give you an idea of who you’re dealing with. If that’s still not enough, you can check out a taste of their collaboration on the track Live to See the Sunset, which features guest appearances from Regie 257. All the important stuff has been said; now make sure you all make time to come to Chapeau Rouge in Prague on October 14 for a night to remember.
QUICK NEWS
- Rome Streetz released the single Fire at ya idle mind feat. Joey Bada$$ (Produced by Wavy da Ghawd). The anticipated Noise Kandy 5 album will be released on Friday.
- Estee Nack, Raz Fresco, and Nicholas Craven have released a behind-the-scenes video that takes you behind the curtain of the recording of the GIA EP… A La Carte.
- Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist announce a tour for Voir Dire. What better way than with a stylish video? Black Noi$e and MIKE will be joining them on tour.
- Rahiem Supreme shares a behind-the-scenes video from the recording of Street Poison. If you haven’t heard the record, go fix that.
- Raekwon and Westside Gunn on the same track? We don’t see that often. Check out the track From The Projects, on which producer Nappyhigh made this fan’s dream come true.
- If you read us regularly, you know Bub Styles and CRIMEAPPLE on one track is going to be a problem! Dipped In Glass is a must-listen.
- Nas & Hit-Boy release the second episode of their documentary on the making of Magic 3, reflecting on the last three years of their career.
- Rob Chambers shines in a new episode of the “Off Top” Beat Set (Top Shelf Premium). Theravada will also appear in the video.
- Obijuan revealed that the GUNAHANI trilogy will conclude with APOXALYPSO. If the album matches the first two installments, we will be dealing with one of the best rap trilogies of all time.
- DJ Muggs has released an emotional music video for the Outro of Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. In the video, Spanto & Estevan Oriol will captivate you with their unique personalities. Nobody does it like DJ Muggs. RIP Spanto.
BEST RELEASES
Estee Nack & Mike Shabb – LIVE AT THE TABERNACKLE
What will happen if two MVPs this year join their talents? Here is the answer. Estee Nack and Mike Shabb are dominating this year, so the announcement of this album raises astronomical expectations. The artist did not disappoint and delivered an impressive album. Estee Nack is an absolute monstrum behind the mic, sending one sophisticated bar after the other. You feel like you are in the middle of a psychedelic action movie; you don’t have time to orient yourself, and maybe you don’t even want to. The album was produced by Mike Shabb, who is not just a talented rapper but a very skilled producer as well. His beats feel like a fusion between Craven and the producers from Griselda. You will find beautiful samples and unique approaches within the dusted loops. The last track of the album, Wake Up, with its atmospheric beat, is something unique. On top of all that, the album also features guests Stove God Cook$, Ankhlejohn, Rome Streetz, Raz Fresco, The 6th Letter, The Hidden Character, and al.divino. That is pretty much the perfect recipe for one of the best projects of the year. The album can be purchased on Bandcamp and will soon be available on vinyl and streaming platforms.
Gabe ‘Nandez – H. T. III
Gabe ‘Nandez is one of the most interesting contemporary artists. The talented rapper was given valuable space last year on billy woods’ Aethiopes, but even then he could already show off an extensive and unique discography, which he expanded this year with two more cuts. In April, he released Pangea, and last week, the anticipated project H.T. III. Take a deep breath before listening to it, though; this will not be a pleasant journey. Gabe ‘Nandez reflects on the worst time of his life. The New York artist has had some devastating years of loss and struggle. After overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, he’s been through some tough mental trials. Just as he finally achieved mental stability, he suffered the most devastating breakup of his life. All of these difficult events, along with the fact that Gabe grew up all over the world, make for a thought-provoking record that will gracefully expand your horizons. The rapper has very interesting perspectives on many things, which he weaves into the excellent lyrics that float over the lilting beats of the talented producer Argov, who produced the entire record. A really powerful experience.
Nick Grant – SUNDAY DINNER
Nick Grant returns after more than a year with his new full-length SUNDAY DINNER, and right off the bat, we have to agree with the rapper’s statement. We can definitely confirm that this is his best project to date. On the album, he is open and describes his stories with empathy; the lyrics also carry the message that he wants to bring something to society. The entirety of the record is laced with traumas from his childhood, such as his parents struggling with addiction or other experiences that interrupted the beauty of his childhood years. Nick undoubtedly didn’t have it easy, and with the introspective nature of the record, the listener can be inspired. For Nick himself, this journey of self-discovery took many years, and in order to gain some emotional resilience, he had to undergo deep introspection and constantly remind himself of individual unpleasantness from the past. The result of this work is here and is without flaw. Certainly don’t expect cheap verbiage here; give the album a good listen in peace so you can put all your concentration into this work.
OBIJUAN X RAHIEM SUPREME – PINKY RING PARLIAMENT
Super Splas Bros AKA Obijuan and Rahiem Supreme brought a new project, Pinky Ring Parliament. You will get seven tracks. Five beats have been taken care of by the one and only Dylantheinfamous; one other beat has been taken care of by Wino Willy; and the last one is by Bailei P. The album is right now only on Bandcamp, where you have to purchase it to get the whole project. The only track available for streaming is Hands On, produced by the earlier mentioned Dylan, but this one track is enough to make you buy the whole thing. It is really remarkable that both artists belong among the most productive artists on the scene, but they are still keeping the quality very high.
Cise Greeny – BIONIC ARM
Another very productive artist is Cise Greeny, who enriched his space discography with the newest addition, BIONIC ARM. The album was already released sometime ago, but now it has finally gotten to the streaming services, and it would be a shame if you did not hear about it. BIONIC ARM is a large project, accounting for 21 tracks and featuring artists like Aasir, Phiik, Lungs, or S!lence. The list of artists suggests that you are in for a unique experience. Say goodbye to the stereotype of how rap should and shouldn’t sound, because Cise has a revolutionary and unique sound like few artists on the scene. Rapper himself says that album contains everything you need and more. We are not daring or even wanting to disagree with this statement, because we were really pleased with the record. It offers a wide scale of experimental sounds and definitely will not bore you during the listen. We appreciate this attitude and have respect for doing it your way.
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. Hus KingPin has released the second half of the great THREESOME 4: DIRTY SECRETS. KHEYZINE continues to expand the massive HELL ON HEART project; already out is Side D. Finn has produced another excellent record, this time teaming up with rapper Snackz. The legendary DJ Premier has released Beats That Collected Dust Vol. 3 (Instrumental). Listen to one of the best instrumental albums this year. Vega7’s The Ronin spits one sophisticated lyric after another on mont maudit. Other excellent releases from MONEY MOGLY & TeV95, Vinyl Villain x Asun Eastwood x Lex Talionis, MARCO PLUS & The Smokers Club, Act, and Spit Gemz.
KHEYZINE – HELL ON HEART / SIDE D
Hus KingPin – THREESOME 4: DIRTY SECRETS (B-SIDE)
MONEY MOGLY & TeV95 – GOATWXLVEZ
Act – 10 Summers
Spit Gemz – Ninja Vanish
Vinyl Villain x Asun Eastwood x Lex Talionis – Don’t Reach
Snackz & Finn – All Things Considered
MARCO PLUS & The Smokers Club – JOINTS
DJ Premier – Beats That Collected Dust Vol. 3 (Instrumental)
Vega7 The Ronin – mont maudit.
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
THREADS worn by Dylan Gray are made of RONIN PARRY STEEL.
XP The MarxMan runs with the torch and leaves a fire in his trail in the form of an excellent clip.
YL releases an immersive music video for one of the most personal tracks from Don’t Feed The Pigeons.
“Obijuan’s epilogue gone be longer than your series”. Watch the video for FLORIDA WATER from XAONABO.
BoriRock rewrites history. Massachusetts’ greatest talents shine in the new video.
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. DJ Muggs and Jay Worthy have released a video for the original version of Check In. The Musalini, Curren$y & 9th Wonder form a trio that oozes nothing but dope vibes. Talib Kweli & Madlib release an animated music video for Richies Part Two ft Roc Marciano & Westside Gunn. Pink Navel lets his unique personality shine in the new video. Bloo Azul & Spanish Ran recall their album from this year. Top-notch videos were also released last week by LNDN DRGS (Jay Worthy & Sean House), Nosym x Nue Era, Snackz & Finn, Smoody, and Jamal Gasol.
DJ MUGGS – Check In (Original Version) ft. JAY WORTHY & SPANTO
Jamal Gasol – Stir The Pot Freestyle Pt. 31 (Prod. The Standouts)
The Musalini, Curren$y & 9th Wonder – Cajun Butter
Bloo Azul & Spanish Ran – ”The Anthill Mob” (Feat Passport Rav)
LNDN DRGS (Jay Worthy & Sean House) ‘Large Amounts’ feat. Mac Mall
Snackz & Finn – Bird’s Eye View
Talib Kweli & Madlib – Richies Part Two ft Roc Marciano & Westside Gunn
Pink Navel & Kenny Segal – Memory Card
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.
