80. Foule Monk – CRISIS ON INFINITE TAPES VOL.1
Foule Monk is a producer from Detroit who has only been on the scene for a few years and has only released singles and EPs so far. However, that changed last year when his huge project CRISIS ON INFINITE TAPES VOL.1 saw the light of day. The album has a whopping 29 tracks and a running time of over an hour, which in itself is very rare these days. Of course, that’s not all; you’d better sit down or hold on to something tight because Monk has prepared an incredible list of guests, in which absolutely everyone will find their favorite. The album features artists like OBIJUAN, Doof, Rahiem Supreme, AJ Suede, Starker. Bishop Nehru, ANKHLEJOHN, Raz Fresco, Fatboi Sharif, and many more. This was just a mere fraction of the never-ending list of talented rappers. The album works so perfectly as an entry into underground alternative hip-hop for the listener who is completely uninitiated to the sound. With his talent and endless list of guests, Monk has managed to define a sound and style here that we absolutely love. Put this name down immediately and listen to the album from start to finish; this is an absolute must for all hip-hop lovers.
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79. Lord Juco & Finn – Company II
Lord Juco and Finn once again take on the form of Stephen King’s bloodthirsty Misery and set out to tyrannize the scene. It’s been a year since their collaborative EP Company, so the artists have released volume two. Expectations were high; not for nothing did we name Company one of the Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2022. Thankfully, Lord Juco and Finn didn’t disappoint in the slightest. Company II is another absolutely punchy project that’s over before you can get enough of it, and you’ll be listening to it again in no time. Alongside both artists are talented guests Ty Da Dale, HWY 308, Mooch, Rim, Pro Dillinger, M.A.V., and Saipher Soze. You definitely won’t be bored.
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78. A.P. Da Overlord & Alejandrito Argenal – N’Kosi
Last year A.P. Da Overlord supplied us with one great album after another. We praised his projects Dangerous II (Still Dangerous) and For The Sport. But that wasn’t enough for the rapper, who released his anticipated N’Kosi, which was completely produced by the huge talent from Nicaragua, Alejandrito Argeñal. The album is such a diverse fusion of different cultures and presents the listener with a variety of perspectives. In particular, A.P. Da Overlord weaves the culture of South Africa into the album, whether we’re referring to the term N’Kosi, which means master, or the concept of Kwa-Bulawayo, the royal kraal of Shaky Zulu, or the capital of the early Zulu empire. Alejandrito Argenal has produced another atmospheric beat that will transport you to the ancient kingdoms of South Africa. We would highlight the beats of De Javu and Vultures, which change several times and shuffle the tempo of the whole album. Thanks to these details and a number of skits, the artists managed to create a complex and unique experience even in the space of eighteen minutes. No video was released for the album, so here is the full album.
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77. Phro. – Ambition 2
Phro., the fearless producer, delivers a musical gem with Ambition 2, revealing his uncompromising love for hip-hop production. Phro. takes inspiration from legends like The Alchemist, Madlib, J Dilla, and more, highlighting the passion that led him to produce at the tender age of 17. His artistic journey has led him to collaborate with musical icons including Blu, Chuck Stragers, Lord Apex, and many more. His natural talent and uncompromising dedication to hip-hop show that despite his accomplishments, Phro. still has many dreams he wants to achieve in the world of hip-hop. Ambition 2 is the mission statement of one of the most talented producers of our time. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the full album.
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76. Domo Genesis & Graymatter – What You Dont Get!?
Domo Genesis and producer Graymatter have released a first-class album, What You Dont Get!?, last year. Graymatter is no newcomer, but a seasoned producer who we praise whenever he produces something. Last year he also dazzled us with Sounds That Never Left My Soul (w/ Ty Farris) and once again, his magical beats are playing in our ears. Domo Genesis is an unbridled force behind the mic with so much charisma that you just can’t help but be drawn to his biting voice. Rap is a sacred thing to him, and there are plenty of life truths to be found on his latest record. The title “What You Dont Get!?” is indeed fitting; like Evidence, Domo wastes no time with the superfluous and gets to the heart of the matter. The album also features guest appearances from 3wayslim, Remy Banks, Nicole Bus, and Fly Anakin, giving you no reason not to listen to the record immediately.
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75. Pluss & SHARP – It Takes A Village
JayPlusse’s It Takes A Village project reflects the wisdom of the old African proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ This album, produced entirely by the talents of SHARP, stands out not only as a piece of music but as a loud statement of the importance of community and connection. With a commitment to and sensitivity to the city of Charlotte, JayPlus and SHARP have teamed up to create a collection of songs that not only express the artist’s love for hip-hop but also strongly reflect JayPlus’ thoughts and approach to life. A limited number of collaborators, including the talented YL and DNFS, add another layer of authenticity to the project. It Takes A Village not only celebrates the beauty of community but also provides listeners with a musical encounter that is a divine union of minds, underscoring the power of connection and inspiration in Charlotte’s musical world. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the full album.
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74. looms. – Saints Are Hard To Live With
looms. belongs in between the most unique artists on the current scene. He differentiates himself not just by the model he follows with his releases but also by the amount of honesty he uses in his lyrics. His newest album, Saints Are Hard To Live With, you could have bought on the rapper’s own website; the code for the digital version of the album came to you in a handwritten letter. He released the album on streaming services so everybody could listen to it. The album is full of amazing melancholic tracks with absolutely breath-taking lyrics in which looms. ventilates all of his feelings.
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73. NV – Deep Cuts Vol. 2
NV is a producer and sound engineer based in New York City whose work combines the uncompromising rawness of the city with original and diverse instruments. The result is a gritty and carefully considered soundscape. He won us over in 2022 when he released Consequences with rapper Madhattan. Last year, he decided to do a more diverse project while following up on his instrumental record Deep Cuts, Vol. 1, which he released back in 2017. He wanted to liven up his follow-up, so he brought in his favorite artists for the project. Luckily for us, they’re also our favorite artists, so you can look forward to names like Chuck Strangers, LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON, Elcamino, YL, AKTHESAVIOR, and the aforementioned Madhattan. The list of names alone suggests that the album offers a totally unique experience that you shouldn’t miss. Also don’t miss the Deep Cuts Vol. 2 BONUS. Unfortunately no video was released for the album, so we attach the whole album.
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72. Knowledge the Pirate & E.L.E.M.N.T – 5 lbs of Pressure
If you are not familiar with the name Knowledge the Pirate, read our analysis of his album Flintlock, where we go into the details of why you should listen to his discography. Album 5 lbs of Pressure was completely produced by the E.L.E.M.E.N.T. except for the track Corsairs fear Roc Marciano, which was produced by Animoss. Precise beats and exceptional loops give the rapper a lot of space. Knowledge the Pirate brings bone-chilling stories from life on the streets, where he describes his experiences in painstaking detail without any glorification. Rapper uses a movie-like description to describe every corner of his world and the scenery he is surrounded by. Knowledge manages to describe scenes that are not too difficult to get into and that every listener can sink their teeth into while keeping the lyrics very well worked through and offering quite a few complex wordplays.
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71. Conway The Machine – Won’t He Do It
Conway The Machine, a member of the Griselda label’s main trio, released the first part of his third studio album, WON’T HE DO IT, the follow-up to 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes. WON’T HE DO IT is a cut through the whole of Conway’s discography in a good way but also a little bit in a bad way. The album is not very coherent, but each of the listeners can find something for himself and go back to the tracks that they like the most. Conway offers big tracks like Super Bowl (feat. Sauce Walka & Juicy J) or Kanye (feat. GooseByTheWay & Drea D’Nur) dedicated to a wider audience. What makes us happy are the hard, dusty tracks like Brucifix (feat. Westside Gunn) and Stab Out (feat. Ransom) where Conway feels like he is in his natural environment. WON’T HE DO IT is a great album with amazing standout tracks, but the low coherence make us a bit sorry. Fortunately, Conway has huge plans, and hopefully the best is yet to come. The rapper has many projects in store. You can look forward to Side B, the Alchemist-produced Lulu 2, and Griselda’s collaborative project WWCD 2. Which record are you most looking forward to?
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