Welcome to our Rap Weekly 68: Only The Strong Remain, hahaha. 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: You probably remember the album The Melodic Blue by Baby Keem. Since last week, you can watch the 20-minute film that accompanies the album. Benny The Butcher, Hit-Boy, and Stove God Cook$ are One Foot In. Benny has announced the release date of his new album. The third installment of Raz Fresco’s Pocket Operations album series is here. Fresco sends greetings from Breakfast in Berlin. Wiki & Tony Seltzer show their musical range in a new music video. Look forward to a great beat, top-notch rap, and emotionally laced singing. 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
Only the Strong Remain, hahaha
AKAI SOLO is one of the most prominent names in the contemporary rap scene. He has a rich discography, whether we mean his solo projects or the albums of the duo MAD MOON (w/ iblss). Not surprisingly, he references various anime countless times in his work, and his symbol is the sword. AKAI cuts his way through every beat, filling it with sophisticated lyrics that are full of memorable bars and leaving a trail of his undeniable charisma. He made his debut under the Backwoodz Studioz label last year with Spirit Roaming. An excellent record forged during a difficult time in his life, it symbolized an imaginary rock bottom. But we can bounce back from the bottom. Only The Strong Remain in the end hahahahahaha.
AKAI SOLO released two projects last week. The first one is the album Verticality///Singularity, which is an follow-up to Spirit Roaming and symbolizes the bouncing off the bottom and starting the journey forward. With TwentyFifthNight behind most of the beats, the album has a cohesive sound. Along the way, there are some thought-provoking skits that urge a change of mindset and a break from imperialistic capitalist thinking. AKAI is incredibly sharp in his lyrics, and you’ll be mesmerized throughout by his sophisticated lyrics that are full of emotion and easy to relate to. You can listen to the album on Bandcamp.
As we have already mentioned, AKAI decided to conquer December and released two albums in one day. The second one has even eighteen tracks (VS has seventeen). However, you won’t find the album Only The Strong Remain on any streaming service, it is only available on the newly launched website of the label Break All Records. And while you’re there, you might as well buy the Verticality///Singularity album. Only The Strong Remain are moments of suffering that will make you stronger. The album is the beginning of a determined journey forward that nothing can stop. EAST GRIP.
NEWS
A short film was released for Baby Keem’s album The Melodic Blue
You’ll remember Melodic Blue from 2021. Baby Keem won a lot of fans with his debut and gained a lot of success, including a Grammy Award. Starting last week, you can watch the 20-minute movie that accompanies the album on the streaming service Amazon Prime. What can you look forward to? “Baby Keem’s inner struggle guides us through snippets of memories and temptations as he navigates the depths of Melodic Blue.” The film was directed by Savannah Setten, and in addition to a unique audiovisual experience, you can look forward to previously unreleased tracks. The film features tracks Rock Me, Torch and White Laces feat. James Blake, which you won’t hear anywhere else. Watch the trailer.
Benny The Butcher, Hit-Boy and Stove God Cook$ have one foot in it
Benny The Butcher has just dropped the latest track from his highly anticipated album Everybody Can’t Go, which marks his debut under the Def Jam label. This album is exceptional not only for its musical content but also for the fact that two production stars, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist, are behind all the beats. The new track, titled One Foot In, bears the inimitable signature of Stove God guest Cook$. Benny will use the new record to clearly declare his artistic commitment and drive to fuse his authentic street experience with traditional elements of hip-hop. Through his signature lyrical skill and musical flair, he aims to introduce listeners to the world he comes from and offer them a glimpse of his artistic vision. The leaked tracklist reveals collaborations with artists such as Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Armani Caesar, and more. With the album Everybody Can’t Go, the rapper will invite his fans into his musical world, and with unshakable confidence and ambition, he will look to prove that his time as the king of New York City has begun. The album will be released on January 26, 2024, and you can pre-order it here.
From lunchables in the lunchbox, to lunch in jail and then… dinner out in Paris, and breakfast in Berlin
Raz Fresco has dropped his new track titled Breakfast In Berlin and released the album Pocket Operations III: Breakfast In Berlin at the same time. To launch the pilot track, he added, “This is track number 1. When you press play on the album, it’s like getting on a plane with me and going on a journey.” The whole project starts with the words: “from lunchables in the lunchbox, to lunch in jail and then… dinner out in Paris, and breakfast in Berlin.” Raz Fresco shares that the first bars on the album basically describe the whole project as a crazy journey through life. He notes that after a period where people lost faith in his music career, he went on a crazy journey to 7 different countries, playing 11 shows in June and July. This experience was so intense for him that the word “crazy” is not enough to describe his feelings. Especially in Berlin, Raz Fresco teamed up with Westside Gunn. He appreciated Gunn’s support and recalls how he approached him, and they spent hours working together. For Fresco, Westside Gunn is an inspiration, especially when it comes to branding and art hustling. Fresco stresses that for him, being approached by Gunn was confirmation that his work was being seen by the right people. The third installment of the Pocket Operations series was also created using Teenage Engineering’s PO-33 technology, which gives the entire project a specific sonic identity. The album features talented artists including The 6th Letter, Gritfall, Daniel Son, John Robinson, Stevie Bucks, and Lordy. Don’t hesitate a second to buy the album on the BKRSCLB website.
QUICK NEWS
- Check out the great documentary that accompanies Home Brew’s album, Run It Back.
- Boldy James and Nicholas Craven have released the second single from their anticipated album, Penalty of Leadership. The album will be released in January.
- The second season of le FLEUR* by Tyler, The Creator is presented in an excellent trailer.
- Boldy James appears in a new episode of NEIGHBOR HOOD RAP. Soak up the uncut essence of rap.
- The legendary rap duo Clipse visited the IDEA GENERATION show and revealed a lot of interesting facts.
- A$AP Twelvyy and Rome Streetz have filmed a music video for the song American Expression, which will be on the KGE Deluxe album.
- See snippets of the legendary cultural event, The Building.
- Substance810 is going to be really busy next year. He will release projects with artists Machacha, Wino Willy, and Observe since ’98.
- Che Noir will release The Color Chocolate EP in January next year. We can’t wait.
- Death Tape 1: Black Cottonwood by Quelle Chris and Cavalier is available on all streaming services.
BEST RELEASES
Cise Greeny – “METAL HEAD”
The saga continues. Cise Greeny, a Queens talent, has released several excellent records this year. We were most enchanted by the project “BIONIC ARM”, which continues to fascinate us to this day. A few days ago, however, Cise came back again, and with “METAL HEAD” he outdid himself once again. “METAL HEAD” is a 21-track opus that is full of beautiful beats with beautiful samples. The tracks are interspersed with skits that help to form the entirety of the record and give it a sauce. Cise has once again built an album of technocratic sci-fi concepts, but the content is almost the opposite. The artist introduced the album with the words “PROPER SPIRITUAL GROWTH. EVERYTHING COUNTS…” and that’s exactly how it struck us. The album is about spiritual growth, finding inner balance, and soaking up all the details that surround us. It’s about never-ending self-reflection, constantly re-evaluating our attitudes and the space between us and other people. Cise Greeny may be a “METAL HEAD”, but he certainly doesn’t have a “METAL HEART”. Phenomenal. No music video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the track. MUSIC, PLEASE…[THANK THE PIFFERY].
Xp The Marxman & Tonebeatz – ‘Tis The Season
Xp The Marxman can’t miss. His hard street lyrics are spiced with the necessary reflection, and you will never find glorification in them. On ‘Tis The Season, he teams up with producer Tonebeatz to create a unique Christmas album. Yes, it’s getting close to the holiday season, and rap culture is not deprived of its aura. But don’t expect any cuddly calculus here, but ruthless, strict street carols. ‘Tis the Season is a unique blend of festive cheer and street madness. The album tells the story of two disgruntled elves, tired of Santa’s neglect and driven by a desire for revenge. XP the Marxman brings his top-notch lyricism to life, spouting clever and punchy rhymes. Although the story takes a dark direction, the album is not lacking in humorous moments. It won’t hit streaming services until Christmas, but you can stream it in its entirety on YouTube today.
OBIJUAN & YUNGMORPHEUS – CA$H4GOLD
Obijuan has unleashed his latest work, CA$H4GOLD, which is now available exclusively on Bandcamp, with publishing support from the respected Bad Taste label. The talented Yungmorpheus is behind all the captivating beats on the album, with guest verses from Fly Anakin and Mike Shabb. This EP brings listeners four original tracks. While it may be surprising how often Obijuan releases new music, each project carries with it a unique artistic quality and level of mastery that always captivates us. His constant creative productivity and ability to create masterpieces are remarkable, and Obijuan has already made music history. No music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the video for the track GUAPANESE.
The Standouts & Con$piracy – Pimp C Would Never
Rapper Con$piracy has released his latest EP, titled Pimp C Would Never, which was completely produced by The Standouts. This five-track EP delivers a musical message that reflects the spirit and philosophy of the late rap icon Pimp C. Con$piracy passionately describes the project by saying, “Rest Easy Uncle Chad Shit This Rap Game Is Just Like You Said It Was Weak Ass Record Companys and Weak minded Rappers in one big ass bandwagon that I’ll will NEVER join WORD Im All About Unity And Taking The Culture Bacc Before We Even Start Fixing It.” A prominent element of this EP is the dedication to the late Pimp C and his legacy in the rap scene. Con$piracy emphasizes that they strive to deliver music that respects the roots and values of hip-hop culture. Producers The Standouts have provided extremely atmospheric productions that allow the rapper to bring out the best in himself. This EP is not only a musical project but also an expression of commitment to strengthening and preserving the culture of hip-hop. No music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the full album.
Planet Asia & Midaz The Beast – And 1 Rap Shit
Planet Asia and MidaZ The Beast have unveiled their new album entitled And 1 Rap Shit. MidaZ had this to say about the album: “Planet Asia and I are bringing RAPPING back to rap.” There’s nothing new about both of these rappers staying true to their craft. They showcase superhuman lyrical skills and always have something to say. On their new album, And 1 Rap Shit, you don’t have to worry about any trending hit parades or songs with repetitive choruses. Instead, you’ll get an authentic look at the face of rap, with the principles and lifeblood of the genre at its core. The album features twelve tracks with guests such as Termanology and Tristate. For those who love the golden era of rap, this album is an irresistible invitation into a world where lyrics are powerful. So, if you’re a fan of classic rap, feel free to give this album a listen, which promises an immersive musical experience and a journey to the roots of the genre.
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. Nes has gathered the best names of the underground on his album 1000 Shots Tape. Foule Monk & Sleep Sinatra? We’ll take a collaboration between these talents. New Zealand rap icons release Run It Back. Blu released another record. This veteran has the drive of a rookie. BluEloh Kush, Jahbaton & Juelz White deliver a unique experience. Other great records were released by Cappo & Kong The Artisan, JUNE!, Jamil Honesty & Machacha, Grim Moses, and PEP57.
Nes – 1000 Shots Tape
Foule Monk & Sleep Sinatra – WINDWARD
Grim Moses – Flowers For A Hater
Cappo & Kong The Artisan – Canon Chapter 1: Pain
PEP57 – WHOA JACKSON
JUNE! – What a Life
Home Brew – Run It Back
Jamil Honesty & Machacha – Give Us Our Daily Bread
Blu & Nottz – Afrika
Eloh Kush, Jahbaton & Juelz White – MAROONZ
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
BoriRock & DVNTBEATS commemorate their great album with a heartfelt music video.
Aesop Rock pulls another ace out of his sleeve. His music videos are a chapter of their own.
Wiki & Tony Seltzer show their musical range in a new music video. Look forward to a great beat, top-notch rap, and emotionally laced singing.
RAHIEM SUPREME, AL DIVINO, and NOFACE? This is an all-star dream team.
Slick Devious is willing to say it! Check out this great video 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. BOOMANSANTO! & JAZZFLEEMARKET are already drinking their second bottle. Wino Willy and Gabe ‘Nandez run off into space together. 7xvethegenius jumped on the beat of THE SECRET RECIPE and showed off her skills. Dave East takes his victory lap on the Million Off Rap track. Some things are simple. Kris the $pirit knows this, so he urges one thing: Get Money. Also releasing top-notch videos last week were 2 Eleven, Rucci, Cappo & Kong The Artisan, OT The Real, araabMUZIK, Franklin Armstrong, and The Difference Machine.
BOOMANSANTO! & JAZZFLEEMARKET – “CYMBALS OF MAN”
Wino Willy – Sutra (ft. Gabe ‘Nandez)
2 Eleven, Rucci – Sierra Leone
Franklin Armstrong – Postcard (Produced by decentdecent)
7xvethegenius x Lil Yachty (w/ J. Cole) – THE SECRET RECIPE. (FREESTYLE)
The Difference Machine – Old Men feat. Allen Thomas
Cappo & Kong The Artisan – Midz (feat. Juga-Naut & Vandal Savage)
OT The Real, araabMUZIK – Whole Shabang (feat. Amir Ali)
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.
