Welcome to our Rap Weekly 61: The best rap series you haven’t heard of. 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: The wait is over, Danny Brown announces the album Quaranta and Rome Streetz has a hell of a lot of music videos in the stash. Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist deliver another portion of audiovisual minimalism that has more emotion than some rappers’ entire albums. Roc Marciano, Animoss, and Jay-Z, or a harbinger of the album of the decade, is in the air.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
The best rap series you haven’t heard of
Vic Spencer and August Fanon are two artists that rap fans definitely don’t need to be introduced to. Vic, a rapper from Chicago, is without a doubt one of our favorite names in the rap game. His distinctive style is instantly recognizable and gets under your skin just as quickly. Vic has the biting, distinctive voice, the skill of a veteran, the diligence and determination of a rookie, an endless supply of absorbing lyrics, catchy punchlines, and, to top it all off, he’s releasing albums and music videos like a treadmill. Psychological Cheat Sheet 4 is his fifth project this year. Wow. And since it’s a continuation of the iconic Psychological Cheat Sheet series, we have to mention another name: August Fanon.
We won’t spare any praise here either; August Fanon is without a doubt one of the best producers of the last ten years. The artist, who is responsible for countless masterful beats for Mach-Hommy, has created his own stream of a kind of innovative jazz-rap in which he approaches samples in a completely original way. Now let’s take a closer look at the Psychological Cheat Sheet series, because that, too, is something absolutely special. Vic Spencer spent a fortnight in Grant Hospital in his youth, sent there by his own aunt. The experience was absolutely formative for the rapper, which is why he built a series of albums around it. Each installment of this series is entirely produced by Fanon, and each features fourteen tracks without a single guest. How many installments does Vic have planned? Yes, you guessed it, fourteen.
Of course, the albums in the series are not just about days in the hospital; the series is mostly characterized by being more personal and introspective than the artist’s other albums. The fourth installment continues in the established vein, once again offering listeners a good dose of masterful rap music. Vic Spencer and August Fanon never miss, and the album never lets you go from start to finish. Rap history is being made here, and we’re glad to be there.
NEWS
The wait is over, Danny Brown announces the album Quaranta
While some may have thought this moment would never come, the wait is finally over. Danny Brown will be releasing his highly anticipated solo album, titled Quaranta, on November 17th. Collectors of physical media will have to wait until January 19. It’s been four years since his last solo record, and rap fans were overjoyed when Danny dropped the pilot track Tantor, accompanied by a music video. The beat was provided by the one and only Alchemist. As is usual with Danny, the track sounds completely unique, with the rapper’s unconventional voice floating through Al’s production. In the music video, Danny stars as the main character in a sci-fi flick that loosely resembles Tetsuo: The Iron Man, which is not at all surprising, as who else could do it but the timeless Danny Brown? Quaranta will feature eleven tracks and guest appearances from Bruiser Wolf, Kassa Overall, and MIKE. Words cannot describe how much we are looking forward to the record.
Roc Marciano, Animoss, and Jay-Z, or a harbinger of the album of the decade, is in the air
Roc Marciano and Animoss are two rap greats whose every move we follow closely. Last year, Marciano released the breathtaking album The Elephant Man’s Bones (w/ The Alchemist) and went on tour, where he was accompanied by producer Animoss. The artists have already released several tracks together, two shining examples being Amethyst and Corsairs. For a few months now, there has been a hint of a joint album in the air. We don’t know exactly where the idea came from anymore; it’s just there, and today it’s more tangible than ever. It looks like an album is really coming. Animoss teased big things coming on social media, and Marciano boasted about meeting Jay-Z himself. The latter, according to unconfirmed reports, has just heard a joint album from the two artists mentioned above. Animoss then confirmed the album in a more explicit way, stating the all-encompassing “Animoss x RocMarci” several times on the networks. Well, considering that Roc Marciano is arguably the best rapper on the planet and Animoss’ latest album is Orpheus vs. the Sirens (w/ Ka), the most anticipated album of the decade looms ahead.
Rome Streetz has a hell of a lot of music videos in the stash
Rome Streetz releases the video for the track Hell Backwards from his latest album, Noise Kandy 5. The beat was produced by Wavy Da Ghawd, and as we all know, great things always come out of the combination of these names. Additionally, Rome revealed on his Twitter that he has shot a total of six videos for the record, one of which we got on the day of release, and it was the track Fire At Ya Idle Mind feat. Joey Bada$$ and the second clip now, so we still have four more clips to go. We’re honestly curious to see what clips he has in store, and we’ll be quietly hoping that Black Magic is one of them. What about you? Do you have any picks?
QUICK NEWS
- New episodes of Chinatown Sound Freestyle featured Dan Nicholson and T.F. The second episode of Pirate Selection with the one and only Retrospec was also released.
- In the third episode of European Vacation, The Alchemist takes you to London and stresses not to call it a legend.
- mary sue has released cassettes of his album, KISSES OF LIFE. 100 % of the proceeds will be donated to Medical Aid For Palestinians.
- YL released the Gone By Tomorrow EP last week. The project went on to be available for purchase for one day only via the artist’s own DM.
- Bloo Azul and Sherman have announced their joint project, Bloojería. The album with the perfect cover will be released on Friday.
- Quelle Chris released DEATHTECH Mix 2016 on the occasion of his birthday. You could buy the album until Monday. We hope the rap master enjoyed his birthday.
- On Saturday, Oct. 21, rapper Ka held a Pop-Up in NYC. Vinyl copies of A Martyr’s Reward, Languish Arts, and Woeful Studies were available for purchase.
- One and only Figerson has released a six-minute track called ONI THE ANXESTOR. Launch Bandcamp; this is a must hear.
- Kenny Beats has released the pilot episode of the fourth and final series of the popular show The Cave. Ski Mask the Slump God appeared in a great episode.
- Top Shelf Premium brings a great beat set from producer Philth Spector. This episode is not to be missed either.
BEST RELEASES
al.divino – SHEET MUSIC VOL. 2000
al.divino releases the sequel to SHEET MUSIC after less than three months. At first, it was possible to listen only to the song AUTOMATIX ft. ESTEE NACK prod. MASTAMIND, and the rest of the album was locked and waiting for those who would buy it. We honestly can’t imagine a better reason to purchase the entire project; the AUTOMATIX track came from god knows where and sounds like rap from a completely different world. The project is currently free to listen to, but be sure to support divino because there’s no one like him. We can look forward to another guest on record, and that is the usual suspect, BORIROCK. In addition to MASTAMIND there are also productions from NOFACE, SUBJXCT5, and POISUN. Listen to this chaos that will transport you to an apocalyptic future. No music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track I-RAK.
CRIMEAPPLE – Kilómetros 2
CRIMEAPPLE has decided not to rest this year, and so he releases his fifth project this year and the first sequel to Kilómetros. Unfortunately, here we don’t get a mention of Prague, but instead we get a guest appearance from RLX, who appears behind the mic and also produced two beats. In addition to him, Michaelangelo, Buck Dudley, LOMAN, Bohemia Lynch and BROWN13 provide the beats. You can expect to see CRIMEAPPLE in his classic form; there is nothing surprising here. CRIME continues in his tried and tested ways; he doesn’t let up; he is still strict, fun, relaxed, and still iconic with his combination of Spanish and English. Any fan of his work will love this album.
Tha God Fahim & Camoflauge Monk – Tha Supreme Hoarder Of All Pristine Wealth
And we have another very productive name here, and that is Tha God Fahim, who has released his tenth project of this year, which is the album Tha Supreme Hoarder Of All Pristine Wealth, which he worked on together with producer Camoflauge Monk. On record, Fahim once again continues the battle between good and evil, trying to get rid of his own demons, overcoming obstacles, and realizing his infinite potential. The record offers a glimpse into Fahim’s life and is introspective, with the rapper describing feelings and pivotal moments in his life and not being afraid to show vulnerability. Camoflauge has set up a really great canvas for expressing feelings. Fahim takes colors in the form of words, and together they create a masterpiece. No music video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the track Dump Tour.
528ron & Manast LL’ – Some to Be Sold None to Be Told
Looking for a punchy, atmospheric album for long autumn evenings whose beats offer you some comfort yet contain poignant, thought-provoking lyrics that will motivate you not to rest on your laurels? Producer 528ron and rapper Manast LL’ have a solution for you in the form of the Some to Be Sold None to Be Told EP. Beautiful, spacious beats will transport you to a new world where you will only perceive the rapper’s voice. The highlight of the record is the track Crème Brûlée, which both artists cooked up with the same care and skill as YUNGMORPHEUS did this April. If you’re interested in the EP, support it on the EVEN platform.
Obijuan & Wino Willy – BABYLON GARDEN
Obijuan never ceases to fascinate us. This year, he has already released six incredibly good albums, each different from the last. His music has so engrossed us that we’ve covered the artist’s magnum opus, GUANAHANI, in the Rap Tales section. Last week, the rapper dropped his seventh album this year, BABYLON GARDEN, the follow-up to MANGROVE MAZE. Once again, it was produced entirely by Wino Willy, who is also definitely not slacking this year. Again, you can look forward to elaborate mind-bending stories “live from da third world,” that will broaden your horizons and may change your worldview in an incredibly dope way. Visit Promise Land and find out why Obijuan & Wino Willy are second to none.
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. Are you in the mood for a proper mixtape? dylantheinfamous has released the eighth installment of the first-class 140FLIPZ series. Pink Navel & Kenny Segal give you advice on How To Capture Playful. MIYAGI X GHOSTMACHINE released a good portion of strict rap; here the blood will flow. The talents of RU$H & Mike Shabb team up to work their magic on MONCLER BOYZ. Jamal Gasol & Flu will remind you of Wes Craven’s cult horror film. Other great records were released by RJ Payne & C-Lance, Slik Jack & MANZU BEATZ, Dat Boi Vic, amitai sno, and Numbz.
dylantheinfamous – 140FLIPZ [VOL.8]
MIYAGI X GHOSTMACHINE – CIRCLE OF BLOOD: KUNG FU
Jamal Gasol & Flu – A Nightmare On Piff Sheet
Dat Boi Vic – A Death On Group Think Avenue
amitai sno – Red Earth
Pink Navel & Kenny Segal – How To Capture Playful
RU$H & Mike Shabb – MONCLER BOYZ
Numbz – Marvin Chronicles
RJ Payne & C-Lance – The Barber Shop
Slik Jack & MANZU BEATZ – Blue Collar Crimez
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
King Kashmere & Alecs DeLarge take you into space in their new video. Their project, The Album To End All Alien Abductions, is one of the most important albums of the year.
Lord Sko and The Diggers? A guaranteed recipe for one of the most dope videos of the year.
Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist deliver another portion of audiovisual minimalism that has more emotion than some rappers’ entire albums.
The new video from HWY 308 & Jesse Green shines with every shot, but the track itself is chillingly dark.
Stu Bangas & Da Flyy Hooligan show the rest of the scene how to do atmospheric strict rap with a new clip.
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. Ty Farris and Graymatter remind us that they are a class above most of the competition. Vic Spencer rebounded from the new record and released another video with 38 Spesh. Deante’ Hitchcock delivers his variation of the legendary Devil In A New Dress track, and Jamal Gasol is a rap warrior. D-Styles & J Scienide especially surprised us and our neighbors when they named their new track Slovakia. Zeus The Elevated, Tony Tox, Monae Marleau, GRIOT NOY, and Vard also released first-class videos last week.
Zeus The Elevated – Ruby Cold 95 (feat. Dead Hippie)
Tony Tox – Clandestino Assassino
Ty Farris x Graymatter – Everything They Not
D-Styles & J Scienide – Slovakia
Vic Spencer & 38 Spesh – Match Made in Heaven (produced by 38 Spesh)
GRIOT NOY “COLD FEET” ft SEAN LINKS (prod. by Sean Links)
Jamal Gasol- Warrior (Produced By Flu)
Devil In A New Dress Freestyle – Deante’ Hitchcock
Vard – My Zone (Prod. Parma Lupara)
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.
