Welcome to our Rap Weekly 81: Thank God For Roc Marci. 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: One of the most anticipated albums of the year is coming. Big Sean performs on a new episode of Tiny Desk Concert. Future, Metro Boomin and The Weeknd have released the video for the new certified banger. DJ MUGGS & MOOCH’s ROC STAR album is a cold-blooded, opulent, and entertaining ride through hell. What dope albums and music videos have been released last two weeks? That and much more can be found by scrolling down.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Thank God For Roc Marci
Marciology… a cult. All Hail the King. We dare to start rather dramatically, but this album encourages it. Roc Marciano is a rapper who needs no introduction to our readers. To call him an underground legend would be an understatement. Marciano has carved out a strong position in the scene that even the biggest players respect. Yet he is the one who has contributed the most to the revitalization of underground rap over the past decade or so. Drumless loops, strong lyrics, and a modern take on gangster themes are some of the few elements we associate with Marciano. In 2022, Marciano teamed up with The Alchemist to release his most successful album to date, The Elephant Man’s Bones. His anticipated collaborative project with producer Animoss is due out this year, but before that, Roc has gifted us with another full-length album. And once again, our jaws dropped.
Marciology is an opulent work comprising fourteen pieces, ten of which were produced by Marciano himself. The album has all the elements that make us love the artist’s music: uncompromising bars, stone-cold flows, unique humor, and sheer rap mastery. Still, we’ve never heard an album like this from Marciano before. Once again, Roc has proven that he will never release the same project twice, and he has once again created a unique soundscape that you won’t find anywhere else. The album alternates between dark beats that recall the soundtrack to Italian giallo films, soulful productions with a hint of late-night New York, and opulent beats that simply can’t be categorized. Marciano once again combines the cold truths of life and the grime of the streets with luxury. Marciology is another scintillating addition to the unprecedented discography of one of the best rappers and producers of all time. Thank God For Roc Marci.
NEWS
One of the most anticipated albums of the year is coming
We have already written a lot about the fact that Cavalier will release an album under the Backwoodz Studioz label. No wonder; every Backwoodz project is highly anticipated by the whole rap scene. Moreover, the label assured us that Cavalier had prepared something really special for us. The wait is about to come to an end. The album Different Type Time will be released on April 19th and will consist of 21 tracks. Yes, you read that right. We’re in for a really massive serving of rap. The beats have been handled by the most respected of the most respected, including Messiah Muzik, Wino Willy, Quelle Chris, Ohbliv, Ahwlee, and Child Actor. The tracklist and album synopsis can be found here. To make the wait not so long, you can check out the video for the second single, titled Custard Spoon.
Lukah released a captivating recap of his tour
The name Lukah should definitely resonate with you. Even before we break down his new and excellent album, Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace, let’s take a look back in time. Last year, he released the superb project Permanently Blackface (The 1st Expression), which we ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2023. The artist went on tour with the album, and we’ll bring you up to date with a unique vlog. Lukah does things differently, and even the video charting the BLACK TEMPLES TOUR attacks your emotions and senses rather than didactically conveying information.
Big Sean performs on a new episode of Tiny Desk Concert
Even though some people believe that rappers shouldn’t perform with a band, we dare say that the Tiny Desk Concert performances are unique experiences. They allow us to soak up the inimitable atmosphere and see the artist in a different light. The same goes for the latest episode featuring Big Sean. The successful rapper needs no introduction, yet we dare say you have never seen him in this way before. His performance is very relaxed and laid-back and will no doubt make you feel better. Big Sean and his accompanying band get along perfectly, and the passages sung together are a treat for your ears.
QUICK NEWS
- Watch the first episode of the new mic drop series, GHOUL SESSIONS. The creator of the show, Jmo Let Em Know, is behind the mic.
- CRIMEAPPLE, in partnership with LOVEGANG® and AMMANO, will release an organic salted butter.
- Mooch has released a Roc Star vlog that will take you behind the scenes of the new album.
- The new Vevo ctrl Live Session featured Benny The Butcher.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
BEST ALBUMS
Real Bad Man & Lukah – Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace.
Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace. The title of the album is already a harbinger of something unusual, mysterious, and thought-provoking. Rapper Lukah and producer Real Bad Man have teamed up to create a rap opus that will help define the rap year 2024. Lukah is one of the best rappers of his generation. His records offer a unified and cohesive sound yet feature a diverse array of thick beats like boom bap, g-funk, and soul. Behind the mic, Lukah is absolutely bulletproof and raps with an urgency all his own. His greatest weapon, however, is the lyrics themselves and the album concepts that are connected to them. It’s always been this way, yet we dare say something has changed with the latest album. Lukah sounds more relaxed than ever before, and he’s not afraid to venture into excellent singing passages. Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace. is a philosophical exploration of the nature of community, spirituality, and transformation. The album will take you into a trance-like state in which you will reflect on personal and spiritual achievements and explore the duality of knowledge, unseen forces, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The album reflects on growth, resilience, duty, ancestral wisdom, and the healing power of words, culminating in a celebration of inner peace and communal harmony. The backbone for these thought-provoking themes, which hark back to nature, African tribes, and the very roots of humanity, is provided by Real Bad Man and his glorious beats. Portishead‘s Adrian Utley, Preston Crump, and Shabaka Hutchings also contributed to the beats. This album will stay with you long after the last track is over.
DJ MUGGS & MOOCH – ROC STAR
Da Cloth is a hip hop group from Rochester, New York, consisting of artists Mooch, Rigz, M.A.V., Rob Gates, Times Change, Illanoise, Symph & Speed. If you haven’t heard of any of the aforementioned rappers, go and complete your education. You can start with Rigz’s Gold, produced entirely by DJ Muggs. Once you’ve done that, you might as well listen to the album we’re here for today. Like Rigz did two years ago, Mooch has teamed up with the legendary DJ Muggs to create his best album to date. ROC STAR is an uncompromising, loud ride through hell. Mooch portrays the dark streets of New York, describing the hardships and obstacles he had to overcome. ROC STAR is a really telling title, Mooch has a unique charisma, he can be serious and funny. DJ Muggs has once again produced hard beats that won’t leave you standing still.
Grim Moses, Ral Duke and Die Swambo – The Assassination Bureau LTD
Grim Moses‘ The Assassination Bureau Ltd. album brings a dark and mysterious vibe to the rap world that recalls the atmosphere of Jack London’s book of the same name. The songs are like the pages of a book, full of tension and dramatic moments. Grim’s loud declarations and puns are combined with musical arrangements that draw you into the intricate world of the rap underground. The lyrics are full of turns of phrase and metaphors that mirror the dark side of society and the human psyche. The musical production is sophisticated and adds to the atmosphere of the album. The Assassination Bureau Ltd. is a work that will captivate you with its depth and immersive narrative and is definitely worth listening to. Once again, Grim Moses proves his exceptional ability to tell stories through rap and to shock and entertain listeners in an unforgettable way. Despite the album being released on the Bandcamp platform back in February, it is only now being included in the Rap Weekly on the occasion of its release on all streaming services, a testament to its remarkable power and appeal to fans of rap music. Unfortunately, no music video for the album has been released, so we’re attaching a clip for the track THOTH AMON.
Tree Mason & Spanish Ran – Corduroy Collar Crime
Corduroy Collar Crime by rapper Tree Mason and producer Spanish Ran is a burst of energy and authenticity that resonates with the reality of the street. Guest artists like Madhattan, Bloo Azul, and Al-Doe bring another dimension to this vibrant mix. The lyrics are raw, emotive, and provocative, while the beats offer a wide range of sounds and rhythms. This album is not just a listening experience; it is an immersion into the complex and fascinating layers of street culture. The album is literally like a journey into the heart of the city, where harsh realities and the search for identity confront each other. Powerful, authentic, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attached a clip for the track EAT4SURE.
Hagakure & Griot Noy – Technicolor Easels
We enter the world of Technicolor Easels by the duo Hagakure and Griot Noy like an opening book full of sounds and ideas, offering an unprecedented blend of musical artistry and deep thought. This work is not only brimming with creativity but also with sonic variety and lyrical complexity. The opening moments of the album bring the listener into an atmosphere of reflection and ideas that are reflected in subtle and thoughtful tones. Each element of the music seems carefully designed and placed to create a deeper connection with the listener. The lyrics not only offer lessons but also invite reflection on life and human existence. Through the combination of evocative lyrics and emotive music, the listener finds themselves in an engaging stream of thoughts and sounds that enliven the imagination and bring new insights into the heart of the human soul. Profound reflections on knowledge, wisdom, and understanding accompany each listen and provide the listener with food for further thought and reflection. Unfortunately, no video clip was released for the album, so we attach a clip for the track BULLDOZERS (prod. by SEAN LINKS).
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. al.divino will once again draw you into a mystical world with the album PYROGLYPHS. VEGA7 THE RONIN & BODY BAG BEN are the ruthless Kawasaki Killers. Blu & Shafiq Husayn bring the essence of the West Coast on Out Of The Blue. Nickelus F is back at it, and MMCHT’s album is incredibly dope. Excellent albums have also been released by NAHreally & The Expert, Lukey Cage, Midnight Sons, FastLife & Madhattan & Wino Willy, Young Roddy, and Dope D.O.D. & Bizarre.
al.divino – PYROGLYPHS
NAHreally & The Expert – BLIP
VEGA7 THE RONIN & BODY BAG BEN – Kawasaki Killers
Lukey Cage – COLLUSIVE PARTISANS
Midnight Sons – Money Has No Owners
FastLife & Madhattan & Wino Willy – Ravenite Social Club
Blu & Shafiq Husayn – Out Of The Blue
Nickelus F – MMCHT
Young Roddy – Set Me Free
Dope D.O.D. & Bizarre – Trigger Treat
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
KINAYDUH brings fresh energy via the new music video. More wisdom, love, honesty, and positivity.
Future, Metro Boomin and The Weeknd have released the video for the new certified banger.
Same Shit More Money Less Friends is the mantra. 528ron & Manast LL’ have released a new music video.
mary sue takes you into the whirlwind of his experiences in the music video for STAND UP PT 1 & 2.
Vel Nine should have put on the crown after the rap skills she showed in her new music video.
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. Sonnyjim and Lee Scott released a great video for one of the best songs of last year. AKAI SOLO delivers previously unheard flows on the track Baby & Lucki. The Streetz name resonates with the rap world for two reasons: Rome and Chyna. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by Goya Gumbani, Pink Siifu x Turich Benjy, MIKE SHABB x TRAPMAT SAVIOR, Black Josh x Wino Willy, Quadie Diesel x Da$h, Bruiser Wolf, and BA PACE.
Sonnyjim – Tommy Lee Scott (feat D-Styles, CRIMEAPPLE & Tommy Lee) (prod. Lee Scott)
Goya Gumbani – Come Close (prod. ZOOMO)
Bruiser Wolf – HOLLA AT YA MANS
BA PACE – “SHOOBOX” (PROD.BY TARAINE)
Pink Siifu x Turich Benjy – NXGGA LEAGUE’!!
AKAI SOLO – Baby & Lucki (prod. Stability)
MIKE SHABB x TRAPMAT SAVIOR – POLAR BEAR
CHYNA STREETZ FEAT. ROME STREETZ- MATRIMONY
Black Josh x Wino Willy – Today’s The Day
Quadie Diesel x Da$h – Pedigree
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