Welcome to our Rap Weekly 66: The unstoppable The Musalini delivers another flyest dope 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: Only The Strong Remain. Westside Gunn explained the lyrics to KITCHEN LIGHTS, OBIJUAN completed the massive GUANAHANI trilogy with the album APOXALYPSO, King Kashmere sources inspiration from the infamous anime Fullmetal Alchemist, where alchemy reigns supreme. Schoolboy Q and Rome Streetz exchanged a few words on Twitter. All indications are that we will see their joint track. 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 unstoppable The Musalini delivers another flyest dope rap
When we see the word “smooth” in connection with rap, the first name that comes to mind is The Musalini. The rap don from New York dazzled us in 2021 with his album No Squares in My Circle, and we’ve been loving every project since. If you’re looking for the flyest dope rap that’s luxurious yet honest, you’ve come to the right place. Plus, The Musalini is absolutely unstoppable and releases like a treadmill. Rap is a Cold Game and in order to catch on, you have to put out heat on a regular basis.
Cold Game is the fifth project released by The Musalini this year. After Gentlemen of Leisure (w/ John Dutch), Don & Eye 2 (w/ 9th Wonder), Goldie & Slim (w/ O Finess) and Memoir of a Player (w/ Get Em Rizzy), he teamed up with producer Smoove to release another rap gem. If you’re looking for rap that takes you to a luxurious but dark life where expensive establishments and dirty streets alternate, you’ve come to the right place.
Smoove produced exactly the beats that Musalini likes best. The lilting, smooth soundscape will engulf you, and you won’t be bored for a minute. The album has a strong 70s vibe that we love in rap. The Musalini is absolutely precise behind the mic; you’d be hard-pressed to find a more dope delivery. Cold Game is another treasure in his ever-growing discography.
NEWS
Only The Strong Remain
AKAI SOLO made us really happy last week when he leaked the date and tracklist of his new album, Verticality///Singularity. He posted a powerful and profound reflection on his life on Instagram. The concept behind Verticality///Singularity is bouncing off the bottom and moving upwards, evaluating all the information gained through experience. AKAI has been through some tough times, yet he stresses that such times are necessary on any journey and should be worked through. What resonates in his words is his determination to stand up and continue in his own direction, even if nothing ever goes right. In doing so, the rapper creates a personal manifesto in which he admits that it is in the difficult moments that he finds strength and perseveres through the struggle. We wish him much continued strength. What’s in store for us on the record? We can look forward to collaborations with producers Earl Sweatshirt, Black Noi$e, and Roper Williams. If you thought we were done, you’re wrong. In fact, AKAI has also released a new music video for the track 2 Meters Short, which serves as an appetizer for his next upcoming record, Only The Strong Remain, which will also be released in December.
OBIJUAN completed the massive GUANAHANI trilogy with the album APOXALYPSO
Here we go. Obijuan wraps up its impressive 2023 with the final installment of the GUANAHANI trilogy. It is absolutely incredible that the rapper has released eight flawless projects this year. This run will go down in history, just like the entire trilogy. The album APOXALYPSO [RAW & UNXUT] follows this year’s XAONABO [RAW & UNXUT], ending a trilogy unparalleled in rap. You can purchase the album on Bandcamp for $333, and even though we haven’t heard it, we guarantee you won’t regret buying it. Once again, dylantheinfamous handled the production of the entire album. The rapper himself describes the album by saying, “A REFLECTION OF REALITY. TEARS OF BLOOD & SOIL SOAKED IN FLAME. REFINEMENT & MASTERY IN ITS DIVINE FORMAT. A GLIMPSE INTO MY WORLD. UNDERSTAND THE WEIGHT OF MY PAIN WITHOUT ENDURING IT. A BRIEF, YET PROFOUND & EVERLASTING EXPERIENCE.” Wow.
Westside Gunn explained the lyrics to KITCHEN LIGHTS
Westside Gunn recently visited Genius Verified to detail his latest musical hit, KITCHEN LIGHTS. The track, a collaboration with producer DJ Benoit and featuring a verse from Stove God Cook$, is a key part of the latest project from the Griselda curator, titled And Then You Pray For Me. Gunn points out that this track represents a standout moment on the entire album. “The rest of the album, we having fun, but I need to kinda also let y’all in a little bit. Get a little personal.” In the lyrics, Westside Gunn describes his youth and his upbringing in an extremely powerful and honest way. The song doesn’t stay limited to that level, however, and Gunn also reveals his passion for fashion and many other dimensions of his personality.
QUICK NEWS
- AJ Suede is a star of contemporary rap. He had his chance to shine in the late 1990s when he appeared in a Def Squad commercial.
- Meet artist Hooks Arthur in the new episode of the documentary The Renaissance Show. This video is not to be missed.
- BABYLON GARDEN by OBIJUAN and Wino Willy is available on all streaming services. Support the artists on Bandcamp.
- Apollo Brown and Joell Ortiz have released the 5th Anniverary Edition of their great album, Mona Lisa.
- Schoolboy Q and Rome Streetz exchanged a few words on Twitter. All indications are that we will see their joint track.
- Brainorchestra will release the fifth installment of his Proglodyte series on December 1st. You will be able to buy all five episodes on a beautiful cassette.
- Your Old Droog has released another great track, Jorja Smith.
- The new “Off Top” Beat Set (Top Shelf Premium) features Evil Dewer. This is not to be missed.
- Czartifical Intelligence, the new album from rap group Czarface, will be released on Friday, December 1.
BEST RELEASES
Zeus the Elevated – The Metaphysical
Zeus the Elevated released The Metaphysical under Bad Taste Records. This is his first solo compilation album, featuring a bevy of the best MCs in the game. The list of guest artists includes names like ANKHLEJOHN, Mickey Diamond, Obijuan, Rahiem Supreme, New Villian, and more. With a diverse array of guests, the album brings us the unique style of each artist. From psychedelic sounds to powerful verses, the album offers a wide variety of musical elements. We promise you’re in for an interesting experience, featuring top-notch lyrics from talented MCs. In addition, Zeus has cooked up some truly atmospheric beats that contain no distracting elements, so you can play the album on any occasion and it will never disappoint.
A.P. DA Overlord & Omar Glomar – The Devil’s in the Underground
A.P. DA Overlord is a true devil of the underworld. This immensely talented rapper has been releasing projects like a treadmill, which is why we got a new EP in November. The Devil’s in the Underground project was produced entirely by Omar Glomar, so you can look forward to beats that sound like they were sent by hell itself. A.P. DA Overlord will cut under your skin with every track, and his chilling voice will bite into your head. The EP has a uniquely dark essence that will completely engulf you. Flawless work. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the full EP.
Emilio Craig & sherman – Monsters Of The ID
Monsters Of The ID brings listeners a trip into the subconscious, led by Emilio Craig and Sherman. In addition to them, Brainorchestra and Passport Rav also take part in this journey. The album is a bit more obscure than usual. Sherman brings out a certain creativity in rappers, which we saw with one of his last releases, BLOOJERIA, with rapper Bloo Azul. So look forward to the deeper and more experimental elements that we really love. M.O.T.I is an interesting and bold art project that combines almost all visual elements with quality music. Given the talent of the artists and the attention to detail in every beat, expect an interesting and engaging listen.
klwn cat – PRELUDE
San Diego producer klwn cat proved to everyone that the impossible is possible. This young talent has made a strong name for himself on the scene in a short time, and his music is respected by veterans like Vic Spencer. The producer released an excellent record this year with rapper unruly, Don’t Go Outside, but the best is yet to come. On November 3, 2024, he will release a self-titled album, his magnum opus. To make our wait shorter, he dropped a teaser in the form of PRELUDE, which was released on Bandcamp on Nov. 3 and has been available on all streaming services since last week. The producer assured us not to expect any masterpiece, as it is a small compilation of songs that didn’t fit anywhere. If these are redundant tracks, we really don’t know what the anticipated project will do to us. Because every single track is meticulous, and the whole compilation is a piece of art that would stand out even in AAA producers’ discographies. The album features guest appearances from a plethora of talent, including Lungs//LoneSword and Ba Pace. We’re rooting for this producer like few others. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the whole project.
Panamera P – La Familia
Panamera P and his new album La Familia, featuring 15 tracks and guest artists such as Chase Fetti, Tony Cartel, Pirate Reem, Ju Jilla, and more, offer an interesting mix of modern trap sound with a touch of boom bap. The first impression is the obvious diversity of the guests, giving the listener a varied experience. The fact that the album doesn’t resort to too much experimentation suggests that Panamera P is sticking to its own style and sound. If you like the artist’s previous projects, you’ll love this one too. The guests add another layer and variety to the album through their own musical styles and approaches, adding to the dynamics of the project. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for the track Chess Pieces.
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. Meph Luciano takes you to the rap gallery with Occhio D’oro. Long Live the Slade. Skepta released a new project after three years. Grim Moses & Sandy Solo take you back to the second half of the 80s. Supa Kaliente & Imperetiv know that with new levels of life come new demons. Other great releases have come from CJ Fly & Stoic, Deepstar The Abyss Dwella & Cosha Don, D-Stallone, Huey Newton, Arkin, gustavo louis and Blaze 5th.
Meph Luciano – Occhio D’oro
Mondo Slade – Long Live the Slade
Grim Moses & Sandy Solo – Something Like ‘86
gustavo louis – PHAT TAPE 3: THE 3 PEAT
Ryder & Skepta – 48 Hours
CJ Fly & Stoic – PIRANHA
Deepstar The Abyss Dwella & Cosha Don – Slum Hypnotix
Supa Kaliente & Imperetiv – New Levels New Devils
Blaze 5th – Red Eye Phoenix
D-Stallone, Huey Newton, Arkin – Almighty Trinity
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
King Kashmere sources inspiration from the infamous anime Fullmetal Alchemist, where alchemy reigns supreme.
Renelle 893 and Bay29 have released a banger that is fresh, yet reminiscent of the golden era of the 90s.
DNTWATCHTV reflects on his legacy and the meaning of art in a great video.
Not a week goes by when UFO Fev doesn’t release a great music video. Making is another hit.
Daniel Son and Wino Willy remind us of their first-class Gris-Gris album.
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. Estee Nack announces to the world that a new character, TONIII, is coming. The Alchemist is once again behind the mic alongside Larry June. LORD APEX recalls his new album. Mary Sue & psychedelic ensemble. release the latest video from their unique project. Domo Genesis & GrayMatter once again ask: What You Don’t Get?! First-class videos were also released last week byPRO-V, LEX BOOGIE FROM THE BRONX & SHOGUN, RhymeStyleTroop & The Dead Poetz Society, Onoe Caponoe, FUEGO GAWDZ, and Xp The Marxman.
FUEGO GAWDZ – AVATAR BITCHES (Prod. Vago)
TONIII – MILESTONES (FT. ESTEE NACK)
Larry June, Cardo & The Alchemist – The Great Escape
LORD APEX – PHOENIX FEAT. FREDDIE GIBBS
Xp The Marxman – Cycles (Prod By SlideBeatz)
PRO-V, LEX BOOGIE FROM THE BRONX & SHOGUN – BLACK ICE
RhymeStyleTroop & The Dead Poetz Society – Saturn Return ft D-Styles
Mary Sue & psychedelic ensemble. – The Plight of Augustus Gloop
Domo Genesis & GrayMatter – Stankwater
Onoe Caponoe – Age Of Aquarius (Prod. Kehlarj)
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.
