Welcome to our Rap Weekly 83: Talib Kweli & Madlib are liberating hip-hop. Every Monday, we’ll take you into the world of rap and summarise the most exciting news, announcements and can’t-miss stories. Find out everything you need to know in one place. We only write about the best, so you get the best rap delicacies on a golden platter. We Still Don’t Trust You. Metro Boomin has created another unique soundscape, and Future is cold-blooded again. Kendrick Lamar and the creators of South Park are making a live-action comedy, The Alchemist and Roc Marciano will release another joint project and ScHoolboy Q stars in the latest episode of Kenny Beats’ The Cave. MIKE and Tony Seltzer have brought their album to life in a new music video. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Talib Kweli & Madlib are liberating hip-hop
In 2022, after twenty-four years, we got a new album from the duo Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli). Their album, No Fear of Time, was produced entirely by Madlib and released exclusively via the podcast streaming service Luminary. We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether the long-awaited album lived up to the high expectations. However, history repeated itself, and on March 6 last year, another highly anticipated project was released.
Rapper Talib Kweli and producer Madlib have released Liberation 2, the follow-up to 2006’s Liberation. As with No Fear of Time, Liberation 2 was released exclusively on Luminary. The record features guest appearances from Q-Tip, Wildchild, Roc Marciano, Westside Gunn, or Mac Miller. “The project is expansive in concept but tight in its substance and approach. The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip-hop has lost some of its luster. Madlib and I have been consistent in our messaging. Never has there been a better time for such honest, message-driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us,” Talib Kweli opened up about the project, and we couldn’t agree more. The album incorporates hip-hop techniques that have all but disappeared today and is crafted with incredible urgency, yet it sounds dope and modern. Why are we writing about it now? Because after more than a year, it’s been released on all streaming services, so you can judge for yourself if the wait for the follow-up to the legendary album was worth it.
NEWS
Kendrick Lamar and the creators of South Park are making a live-action comedy
Kendrick Lamar stirred up the rap waters last month with Like That, when he dissed J. Cole and Drake. We covered that case in detail in last week’s article, but today we’ll focus on something different. Kendrick Lamar has announced that he’s teaming up with the creators of the animated series South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, for a live-action comedy. It will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and written by Vernon Chatman. The studio has not yet disclosed what the script is about or the extent of Kendrick’s involvement in the project. A statement from Paramount’s CEO said, “This script is one of the funniest and most original scripts we’ve ever read and is sure to cause some serious fireworks.” Kendrick Lamar is expected to produce the comedy at the very least. The film will premiere next summer, but we don’t know any other details yet.
The Alchemist and Roc Marciano will release another joint project
The Alchemist & Oh No appeared in a great interview with EricTheYoungGawd to talk about their new album. You should watch the video immediately, as all three artists were incredibly relaxed and charismatic, and you’ll take away not only a lot of great trivia but also a lot of good energy and a smile on your face. We will, however, focus on one important piece of information. The Alchemist and Roc Marciano have another collaborative project coming up, featuring songs that didn’t make it onto The Elephant Man’s Bones. Don’t expect anything unfinished; remember, for example, the Super Tecmo Bo album, which featured tracks that didn’t fit on Bo Jackson, and a lot of people liked it more than the original album. The Alchemist just know how to do it, and we believe that they and Marciano will once again blow our minds.
ScHoolboy Q stars in the latest episode of Kenny Beats’ The Cave
Schoolboy Q entered the world of Kenny Beats’ The Cave as a legend and left as an icon. His unexpected actions during a freestyle probably surprised everyone and secured him the title of bar of the year. This epic moment was the highlight of the episode, where the business side of music merged with the passionate art. Kenny and Q started off in style, ready to return to the world of music with their unique sound. Q was able to conjure up lyrics that hit like a bolt from the blue. Their combined energy filled the cave and left no one with a dry eye. Of course, there was also a mention of Blue Lips, a manifesto of the rapper’s talent and creative genius. This recently released album is becoming a turning point not only in his career but also in the world of hip-hop. Their conversation at The Cave was like a duet between two masters who master their craft. Regardless of the obstacles that came their way, they were able to overcome everything and leave an indelible mark on the world of music. So rap fans, be sure to listen to Blue Lips and watch this episode to experience the incredible atmosphere Schoolboy Q and Kenny Beats created in the studio.
QUICK NEWS
- Gangrene (The Alchemist & Ohno) are teasing their new album, which will be released on Friday.
- Your Old Droog and Madlib have released a new single. It features Method Man & Denzel Curry.
- Shrapknel are doing an album release party in Brooklyn on June 19th. The new album is on its way.
- OBIJUAN has released a new single, Rubber Band Man. Produced by the one and only DYLANTHEINFAMOUS.
- Rome Streetz will release a new album on May 4, produced by Wavy da Ghawd.
BEST ALBUMS
Future & Metro Boomin – We Still Don’t Trust You
We’ve written a lot about Future & Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You. The duo has stirred the waters of the rap game like no one has in a long time. The album has been a huge success. Rapgame has juice again, and the biggest rappers are even dissing each other. Moreover, Future hasn’t said the last word. As both artists announced, they released another full-length album last week, which even has two discs and a ninety-six-minute running time. We Still Don’t Trust You sounds different from its predecessor, so even fans of the more melodic Future will find it to their liking. Metro Boomin has once again done a perfect job creating a cohesive soundscape. The album also features a plethora of interesting and unexpected guest appearances, so if you haven’t heard it yet, go fix that immediately.
UFO Fev, Red Inf & Vanderslice – Chemistry
The album Chemistry represents an explosive fusion of talent and energy between rappers UFO Fev and Red Inf and producer Vanderslice. It’s like a chemical reaction that creates dark rhythmic structures and lyrics full of confidence and untouchability. Each track on the album is carefully crafted, and each verse has a weight that enhances the overall expression. UFO Fev and Red Inf are not afraid to express their feelings and opinions, and they do so with a confidence that is refreshing and infectious at the same time. The production from Vanderslice is the perfect complement to the lyrical content. His beats are like a force pounding on the door of the listener’s heart, forcing them to dive into the depths of their world. The album Chemistry isn’t just about the music; it’s about the connection between artists and the power those connections can have. It’s a record that celebrates individuality and artistic vision while also celebrating the power of collective creation.
Asher Roth & Heather Grey – Temporary Heaven
Asher Roth and Heather Grey’s Temporary Heaven is a deep and introspective look into the souls of artists that speaks to its listeners on a personal level. The lyrics on the album are like layered images that reflect different aspects of the human experience. From mentions of impatience and the pursuit of automation to recognizing the importance of faith and trust in nature, Roth and Grey aren’t afraid to express the complexity of their thoughts and emotions. Heather Grey’s production is subtle and elegant, allowing Roth’s lyrics to stand out and penetrate the listener’s consciousness with maximum power and effect. The album is a poetic and emotional experience that invites deep reflection and self-reflection. It’s a testament to the power of the connection between music and human emotion that appeals and inspires.
SOO DO KOO – SORTING OUT UR LIFE
Another Rap Weekly and another album from SOO DO KOO. We hope SOO will forgive us, because we will repeat ourselves. This talented artist is releasing albums at an incredible pace while maintaining a really high standard. On his latest record, SORTING OUT UR LIFE, one track was even produced by the one and only August Fanon, who gave the rapper a s/o on Twitter, which made us very happy. The title of the album, SORTING OUT UR LIFE, already suggests that we’re in for another portion of authentic, relaxed, and truthful rap about everyday life issues. SOO DO KOO captures the zeitgeist perfectly, and we can often find ourselves in his tracks. The artist masterfully blends humor and emotion and comes across as a talented but tormented theater actor who has had his fun in the current harsh times, accurately mirroring our emotions. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the whole album.
TEK & Stu Bangas – MVP: MotiVational Purposes
TEK and Stu Bangas have come up with a new thing that is a force to be reckoned with. TEK, a veteran Brooklyn MC and member of the iconic Smif-n-Wessun, has joined forces with Bangas to create a project full of energy, power, and determination. The lyrics on the album represent success and sacrifice. TEK artfully uses the metaphors of music to convey the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving goals. His lyrics are like a glimpse into his inner self, where the desire for success is intertwined with the knowledge that, without hard work and determination, you will achieve nothing. Stu Bangas brings his signature production to the album, which adds dynamism and power to the songs. His beats enhance TEK’s expression and add another layer to the overall sound of the album. MVP celebrates the strength of the human spirit and determination. It’s a soundtrack that will encourage and inspire you to never give up on your dreams and goals. TEK and Stu Bangas have created something special, and it’s an album that leaves a lasting impression and reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and dedication on the road to success.
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. Planet Asia makes it clear that he is not going to retire from rap. Apathy has released the second chapter of a great album. Sterling Toles has released an instrumental version of the now-iconic Manger on McNichols. Excellent albums have also been released by Y.N.X. 716 & DJ Concept, Furious Stylez & Aaqil Ali, TRAPMAT SAVIOR, Sphere47 & kid100, NAPPYNAPPA, B.A.R.S. Murre & Black Soprano Family, and Aïda & Doza the Drum Dealer.
Planet Asia & Local Astronauts – No Retirement
Apathy – Connecticut Casual: Chapter 2
Y.N.X. 716 & DJ Concept – Conceptual Thoughts
Furious Stylez & Aaqil Ali – The Skywalker “Chronicles”, Vol. 1
TRAPMAT SAVIOR – Still Grinding
Sphere47 & kid100 – We, Ourselves, & Us.
NAPPYNAPPA – NZA 99.0
B.A.R.S. Murre & Black Soprano Family – Jewelry Store Shootouts
Aïda & Doza the Drum Dealer – Death Roll
Sterling Toles – The Sound of Manger on McNichols
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Estee Nack, Futurewave and Deadhippie have created a video that pays tribute to the films of Ralph Bakshi.
MIKE and Tony Seltzer have brought their album to life in a new music video.
528ron & Manast LL’ are going for the top. Watch the animated music video.
Renelle 893 and Bay29 remind the world, that they have released one of the best albums of the year.
Hurry Up, watch this dope music video! Mike Shabb will release Sewaside III next month.
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. Larry June will once again dazzle you with his inimitable charisma. Cavalier is releasing another appetizer ahead of his anticipated album, which will be released this Friday. Niontay is one of the modern artists who is pushing the new sound forward all the time. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by LIFEOFTHOM, Grand-O, DJ MUGGS x MOOCH, WESTSIDE LUV, Brother Ali, Agallah The Don, and TY DA DALE x V DON.
LIFEOFTHOM – SHABBAT ft. CJ Fly
DJ MUGGS x MOOCH – Soul Screaming
WESTSIDE LUV – NugLife, Traffic & Trizz
Niontay – Da City of a Hunnid Plays
TY DA DALE x V DON – PLATINUM GRILLZ FEATURING ROME STREETZ
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.
