Welcome to our Rap Weekly 71: Boldy James and Nicholas Craven are leaders in their fields. 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 superstar rapper 21 Savage showed the world how to make quality mainstream trap with his album American Dream, Benny The Butcher reveals the background to the making of the anticipated album. Watch the trailer for american dream: the 21 savage story. The Game, Big Hit & Hit-Boy have released The Making of Paisley Dreams, Dizzee Rascal teases his anticipated album, Don’t Take It Personal, with the new hit. Rome Streetz and SadhuGold will hypnotize you with the music video for Black Magic. Lord Sko once again confirms his status as a young rising star. 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
Boldy James and Nicholas Craven are leaders in their fields
Boldy James and Nicholas Craven are leaders in their fields. But their unique position in the rap game doesn’t come without a penalty. Both Boldy and Craven are two of the most influential and best players in the game; anything they can get their hands on, they turn into gold. In 2022, they released their joint album Fair Exchange No Robbery, which immediately made history. Last year, the rap world was shocked by the news of Boldy James’ serious car accident. Fortunately, the rapper successfully recovered, and immediately after his treatment, he teamed up with Craven to put the life-changing experience into songs. So last week we got to see their second record together, Penalty Of Leadership, which is another masterpiece.
Nicholas Craven once again produced absolutely unique beats, full of lilting samples and memorable melodies. The way he works with samples is unprecedented. The beats alone tell powerful stories that reinforce the impact of Boldy’s lyrics. Boldy James used the beats masterfully, really opening up to the listener on the album, recounting the events that shaped his life, his gratitude for still being alive, and reflecting on his success. Penalty Of Leadership is a very distinctive album that is not to be confused with any other. Boldy gets on with Craven as much as he does with Alchemist, and it’s absolutely fascinating that he creates projects of equal quality with both producers that are diametrically opposed. The video for No Pun Intended, directed by one and only the diggers, will be released soon.
NEWS
Benny The Butcher reveals the background to the making of the anticipated album
Next week sees the release of the anticipated album Everybody Can’t Go, Benny’s debut under the Def Jam label. The entire album is produced entirely by The Alchemist and Hit-Boy and the first three singles suggest that we really have something to look forward to. Benny The Butcher is making a huge career move, and of course this needs to be recorded honestly. As such, the rapper has released the first two episodes of a documentary series that reveals the background behind the making of the record. In the documentary, the artist takes viewers behind the curtain and explains some of his decisions. We can’t wait for next Friday.
Watch the trailer for american dream: the 21 savage story
21 Savage and Donald Glover are collaborating on American Dream, starring Caleb McLaughlin. The poster for the film was posted on the two artists’ Instagram. The film has a four-minute trailer, directed by Donald and Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori, and Fame Udeorji. The trailer focuses on the events surrounding the 2018 arrest of 21 Savage and features actual footage of the rapper in the interrogation room. On the nature of the project, questions remain unanswered. Is it more of a visual album or a traditional film? Donald Glover will appear in the film, as will most likely Natasha Lyonne. American Dream is set to be released around Independence Day.
The Game, Big Hit & Hit-Boy have released The Making of Paisley Dreams
We told you the impressive story of Paisley Dreams in the last Rap Weekly. The album was created spontaneously in a few days. The Game, Big Hit, and Hit-Boy did something absolutely unprecedented. If you’re curious to see what the atmosphere was like during the making of the album, check out the authentic The Making of video. Big Hit is really hungry, and we bet he won’t slow down.
QUICK NEWS
- Don’t Feed The Pigeons Deluxe is available on all streaming services. However, don’t hesitate to purchase it directly on Bandcamp.
- Cavalier has revealed the tracklist for his anticipated debut under the Backwoodz Studioz label.
- Sadhugold is featured in new episodes of the Chinatown Sound and the Bucked Up podcast.
- In the new episode of Off Top, Dano is behind the mic. You have a lot to look forward to.
- Can we expect a collaborative album from The Alchemist, Quelle Chris & Denmark Vessey? Speculation suggests so. We’ll see.
BEST RELEASES
Eli the Guy – Chapter II: The Moonchild <3
Eli the Guy, a young artist from Evansville, kicks off the new year by introducing the next installment of his Chapter series entitled The Moonchild <3. Eli, not only a talented rapper but also a producer, brings an intense emotional depth to his work, which he expresses through his art. His music transcends the ordinary experience. Each track has its own identity and cannot be mistaken for any other. Eli approaches the creation of each piece differently, making him an artist who has created one unique piece after another. A different vibe can be felt in each track, and it is clear that Eli brings his personal authenticity to each musical project. Eli doesn’t have to talk about his project because his Moonchild speaks for him.
Bruiser Wolf – My $tory Got $tories
Boldy James isn’t the only Detriot artist to release an anticipated album last week. Nearly three years after the release of Dope Game Stupid, Bruiser Wolf, a member of the Bruiser Brigade Records label, has returned with a new record. We’ve already told you a few times about Danny Brown taking interesting and unique artists under his label. Bruiser Wolf is proof of that. His music is highly distinctive, and his delivery is unlike any other rapper. My $tory Got $tories is everything we expected from the new album. The album features beautiful beats that create a unique atmosphere, a plethora of talented guest rappers, and about a hundred memorable bars. Bruiser Wolf is an incredibly hilarious rapper, and you won’t forget the first listen to the record. Still, the artist isn’t afraid to weave in and out of the demons in his life.
Slik Jack – Cement Shoes and Colombian Neckties
Slik Jack, aka Eastside Wolf, from Montreal, Canada, comes with another uncompromising addition to his strict rap repertoire in the form of a new album titled Cement Shoes and Colombian Neckties. In creating this project, he enlisted the usual suspects, namely Snotty and Pro Dillinger, who are other passionate proponents of this cold style of rap. Slik Jack remains true to the craft of rap, and his music still reflects the core roots of the genre. His rap is characterized by an uncompromising hardness and authenticity that give it a bulletproof sound. The album promises listeners another dose of authentic and vibrant hip-hop.
Gritfall & Millwood – Make Until You Make It
We’ve been keeping a close eye on every artist in the BKRSCLB stable for months now. Raz Fresco has built something absolutely unprecedented, gathering around him a plethora of talented artists who have drive like few others. Solidifying his position in the rap game every day is the young talent Gritfall, who released Make Until You Make It late last year. The album was released exclusively on the BKRSCLB website, but since last week, you can listen to it on all streaming services. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it directly from the artist. Gritfall will convince you that he has a stellar career ahead of him. His rap is totally confident, and he has the skills of a veteran. Millwood has produced beautiful jazzy beats that fit the rapper perfectly. Gritfall is an artist we will be hearing from later this year; take our word for it.
Qthree – life be lifing
Rapper Qthree comes through with a new music album called life be lifing while sharing a powerful personal message. While announcing the album, he revealed that he is celebrating 8 years without alcohol this year. He highlights and expresses his gratitude towards those who have joined him in sobriety, as well as those who support his artistic work and life choices related to morality. The life be lifing album not only delivers a musical experience but also reflects Qthree’s need to share his feelings and experiences. The rapper majestically uses the space to express personal emotions and give listeners a deep insight into his world. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the video for the track strike gold (feat. Navy Blue).
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. Cappo & Kong The Artisan have released the third chapter of their album Canon. The superstar rapper 21 Savage showed the world how to make quality mainstream trap with his album American Dream. Unknown T crystallized Blood Diamond. Other great records were released by Samir & Reks, Marley B. & DJ Hoppa, Reek Osama & Machacha, G Fam Black & Mathias of CLOAQxDAGGER, RxddioActiv, and Astral Trap.
Samir & Reks – Rather Unique
Marley B. & DJ Hoppa – Highs And Lows
RxddioActiv – Elegant Street Music
Cappo & Kong The Artisan – Canon: Chapter 3 – “Absolution”
Midaz The Beast – The Last of the Mohicans
21 Savage – american dream
Reek Osama & Machacha – Reek Havoc
Unknown T – Blood Diamond
Astral Trap – Cascadia
G Fam Black & Mathias of CLOAQxDAGGER – Blick Tracy
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Dizzee Rascal teases his anticipated album, Don’t Take It Personal, with the new hit.
Estee Nack simply doesn’t sleep and introduces us to another talented artist. O’D is a rapper we’re going to start watching closely.
Sonnyjim and Lee Scott have released a first-class video for their great album.
Rome Streetz and SadhuGold will hypnotize you with the music video for Black Magic.
Lord Sko once again confirms his status as a young rising star.
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. Benny The Butcher drops his third video for the anticipated album, Larry June & Cardo once again showcase their skill and success, and 21 Savage proves why he is one of the biggest rappers of today. Top-notch clips were released last week by Silent Snipers, Pr0fit x Putwork x The Musalini, King Kashmere, Talib Kweli & Madlib, Humble Soles, Unknown T, and Jay Cinema.
Silent Snipers – Telescope Sight (Prod. John Dutch) (Dir. Famus AAA)
Pr0fit x Putwork x The Musalini – Hush Money) (Prod. Rewind Da President)
King Kashmere – Thick Bag Of Slime (Remix) Feat. Alecs DeLarge
Talib Kweli & Madlib – One for Biz ft. Wildchild & Q-Tip
Larry June & Cardo – Stickin’ and Movin’
Humble Soles – Love Answers All ft. Rapsody, KenTheMan
Unknown T – Hocus Pocus Feat. Loyle Carner
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.
