Welcome to our Rap Weekly 86: Welcome To The Third Space. 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. The rap game has never seen this before, Kendrick Lamar and Drake trading brutal diss tracks. Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Key Glock, Larry June and more. Conway The Machine has revealed the guest and producer list for his massive album, which will be released on Friday. Mutant Academy has announced a new EP, listen to the first single. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Welcome To The Third Space
Dylantheinfamous is undoubtedly one of the best producers of our time. His work on the albums GUANAHANI, XAONABO, and APOXALYPSO with rapper Obijuan is absolutely fascinating and is one of the most significant artistic expressions of this decade. We named APOXALYPSO the Best Rap Album of 2023, and we couldn’t wait to see what both artists had in store for us this year. Obijuan released his ESG VOL. 3 [RAW & UNXUT] project a few days ago, but today we’re here for Dylan. Or rather, his alter ego Dylan Gray, who not only produces but also raps phenomenally. Welcome To The Third Space.
Right off the bat, let us state that Graystation 2 is Dylan’s best record and one of the best projects this year. From the very first minute, you will be engulfed by a completely unique soundscape and an inimitably angsty atmosphere. As Dylan himself announces, the album sounds like a meditation of nostalgia and the death of our future. We have been betrayed and left for dead. It is the sound of late-stage capitalism, a world in which we surround ourselves with countless things that are meant to stimulate us, but within us we have a void. Graystation 2 perfectly evokes the feeling of wandering through an empty world where all hope has been extinguished. It’s trying to be romantic in a world that has reduced human relationships to transactions, trying to love in a world without love.
Dylan is a masterful rapper, and with his sophisticated lyrics, he paints vivid pictures that will evoke a lot of emotions in you. Listening to the album, we were reminded of films such as New Rose Hotel (1998), Demonlover (2002), and Red Desert (1964). Dylan portrayed a dark and empty world with the skill of a great visionary artist whose work will resonate decades later. It should be mentioned that the album features a plethora of talented guest appearances, and each of them delivers a first-rate performance. Graystation 2 is a must-hear album. But beware: “Anything can happen in here.”
NEWS
Don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ’bout you
That’s the kind of sauce the rap game ain’t had in a long time. Future & Metro Boomin have stirred up the rap waters with their great album We Don’t Trust You. They didn’t mess with anyone, and guest Kendrick Lamar even dissed J. Cole and Drake. J. Cole released the surprise album Might Delete Later a few weeks later and responded to K. Dot’s diss, but then apologized and deleted the diss track. Future & Metro Boomin released another album, We Still Don’t Trust You, on Friday, April 12, which again features Drake references. Rick Ross also released his disstrack, so it was clear that Drake just had to respond. And he did. On the track Push Ups, he attacks from all angles, railing against the quality of art, success, money, influence, admiration, and independence. So the rapgame was pumped with adrenaline, waiting for one thing: Kendrick’s response. Kung-Fu Kenny of course, couldn’t stay quiet and gifted us with a straight, six and a half-minute-long disstrack called euphoria.
Kendrick starts slowly but hits the ground running right from the start. It is the contrast between the first soft beat and the hard lyrics that we really enjoy. But then a few beat-switches come in, and Kendrick starts firing off one uncompromising bar after another. Even taking a page from the legendary DMX rapper’s interview, he shares a list of things he hates about Drake. Shortly after the euphoria track, Kendrick released another diss titled 6:16 in LA, exclusively on Instagram. We thought it would all end here, but it’s only just begun.
Drake responded with the hardest diss he’s ever recorded to date. For the seven-minute FAMILY MATTERS track, he released a music video in which he destroys Kendrick’s famous van from his cover of the good kid, m.A.A.d city. Wow. Drake made one major mistake, though; he dissed Kendrick’s family, and Kung-Fu Kenny responded in the hardest way he could.
He jumped on an almost horror beat from The Alchemist and attacked Drake’s weakest points. meet the grahams is a really brutal track in which Kendrick talks to Drake’s family members and explains to them why Drake is a bad person. He even speaks to Drake’s daughter, whom we didn’t know about until now, so we may be seeing a repeat of the situation with Adonis, the son Drake hid until Pusha T exposed him. On the cover of the track, we even see prescription pills for obesity with Drake’s name on them. Nasty. Before Drake could respond, Kendrick released another diss, Not Like Us. This is starting to scare the shit out of us.
Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Key Glock, Larry June and more
Conway the Machine, arguably the most prolific member of the Griselda trio, released his latest solo album last May. Since then, he has released collaborative projects with rapper 38 Spesh and a group album for his label, Drumwork, among others. This year, he released three great singles, which can be found on the new album. So the expectations are really huge, and thankfully the monumental album, SFK, will be released this Friday. Who will we hear about it? The record features guest appearances from Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Tech N9ne, Method Man, Key Glock, Stove God Cook$, Jay Worthy, Larry June, and more. Beats are provided by The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Camoflauge Monk, and Swizz Beatz, among others. Expect top-notch rap artistry.
Mutant Academy has announced a new EP, listen to the first single.
The hip-hop waters are stirred up by Mutant Academy’s latest piece of art. Their upcoming EP Talk Soon promises an uncompromising exploration of musical boundaries and new directions. The project will be released on May 17 under the auspices of Equity Distribution by Roc Nation. The first preview from this musical bombshell is the single SODA, which is already stirring fans around the world. With Mutant Academy’s signature sound, this track resonates deeply and paves the way for an EP full of surprises and innovation. Mutant Academy doesn’t come up with new material casually; they’re pioneers who don’t take lip service and aren’t afraid to break out of the rut. Talk Soon is the promise of the future of hip-hop.
QUICK NEWS
- MILLENIUM released a great EP, Colonizer’s Tongue. Do yourself a favor and buy this art piece; 100% of the proceeds will go to Care for Gaza.
- Carrot Season is loading, phiik and Lungs released a sneak peek for the new album.
- Your Old Droog and Madlib have released a new single, featuring Black Thought. A joint album is coming.
- Raz Fresco and DJ Muggs have completed a collaborative album that will be released this summer. Magnum opus is coming.
- Ghostface Killah has released the pilot single from his album Set The Tone, his first project under the Mass Appeal label.
BEST ALBUMS
Jadasea – Too Many Tears
The UK talent Jadase dazzled us two years ago with his album LOOKALIVE! and we included his last year’s The Corner: Vol. 1 (w/ Laron) in our TOP 100 Best Rap Albums of 2023. With his new project, Too Many Tears, he proves that he belongs among the elite of the new rap generation. Jadasea is the voice of our time and masterfully captures the emotions that many of us experience on a daily basis. Do you feel like it’s too much for you? That every minute you have to think about several things at once, decode a lot of signals, and deal with every conceivable emotion? Too Many Tears is an emotional and introspective probe into the times when we feel many things at once and don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Right from the beginning of the album, Jadasea connects his charismatic voice to beautiful beats and hypnotizes the listener. We guarantee that this album will offer you a truly emotional experience.
Ben Beal & Wun Two – gazebo
The album gazebo is like a night drive on a deserted road, where every corner hides a dark secret and every turn draws you into a world of unexplainable sensations. The collaboration between rapper Ben Beal and producer Wun Two has created a record that includes ten tracks with a running time of almost 18 minutes, but the deep impression it leaves on you is one of intense poetry and atmospheric storytelling. The lyrics reveal the inner feelings and thoughts of an artist trying to find his place in a world full of chaotic situations and ambiguities. Deep reflections on life, love, fear, and isolation are backed by Wun Two’s minimalistic yet effective beats. The musical landscapes created by Wun Two are almost hypnotic, allowing Ben Beal to freely express his thoughts and emotions.
Rome Streetz & Wavy Da Ghawd – Buck 50
Rome Streetz is the epitome of uncompromising New York rap. A member of the Griselda label, he has come a long way, and after his breakthrough album Death & The Magician (w/ DJ Muggs) he began to gain fans from all over the world. He is currently selling out shows in Europe and Japan, and his albums KISS THE RING and Noise Kandy 5 are among the best to come out in the last three years. This year’s Rome Streetz rap year begins with a shorter project, but one that is as sharp as a razor blade of Japanese steel. On the Buck 50 EP, Rome Streetz carves his way through beats from Wavy Da Ghawd with his masterful flows and charismatic voice. Moreover, Buck 50 is only the first part of a three-part series that Rome will release this year. Will he stick with Wavy, or has he chosen a different producer for each project in the trilogy? Let’s be surprised. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching a video for the track 1000 Volts.
Da Flyy Hooligan & Mr Slipz – Nocturnal Hooli 2.0
Nocturnal Hooli 2.0 is like an excursion into the dark alleys of a nocturnal city, where you encounter the underworld and your own demons. Da Flyy Hooligan and Mr Slipz have joined forces to create a record that offers an authentic insight into life on the fringes of society. The record delivers sharp lyrics and powerful beats that resonate with everyday challenges and desires. Da Flyy Hooligan’s rhymes feel like an honest reflection of life in the city, from its darker sides to moments of hope and strength. With Mr Slipz in the producer’s chair, the album emerges with an album that boldly moves between raw beats and intimate lyrics. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for the track Cold Sphere.
Kemp Dupri & juanrutina – REGAL DECAY
Kemp Dupri and juanrutina bring listeners another raw and uncompromising dose of musical energy we’ve come to expect from this well-established duo. Kemp reaches into the depths of everyday life and personal experiences. The lyrics offer a glimpse into complex emotions and thoughts that are intertwined with melodic beats and rhythmic passages. Kemp Dupri delivers crisp and poignant verses that resonate with listeners and bring a fresh perspective on current musical trends. Producer juanrutina gives the music a dense and uncompromising atmosphere that enhances the intensity of each word. Regal Decay is a work that showcases the growth and evolution of artists and their ability to create music that appeals and inspires.
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. S!LENCE, the talent from Break All Records, has released a breathtaking album. Black Noi$e & Valee show how distinctive modern rap should sound. obijuan takes you into his uncompromising world with ESG VOL. 3. Papo2oo4 & Subjxct 5 really can’t go wrong. The album We Don’t Miss is one of the most entertaining we’ve heard this year. Excellent albums have also been released by KNOWITALL X Filip Neuf, M.A.V. & Damien, Lashawn Freeman & Retrospec, Ras Kass x RJ Payne x Havoc, Pro Dillinger, and Slum Village.
S!LENCE – AGUADURA
KNOWITALL X Filip Neuf – CAUTION : Laser In Use
M.A.V. & Damien – Mirror Talks
Pro Dillinger – Reasonable Dirt
Black Noi$e & Valee – Partridge
Lashawn Freeman & Retrospec – Da SLAM Mag
Ras Kass x RJ Payne x Havoc – GUTTR
Slum Village – F.U.N
Papo2oo4 & Subjxct 5 – We Don’t Miss
obijuan – ESG VOL. 3
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
OT The Real brought in the Massachusetts elites, BoriRock & Shaykh Hanif, for the track, so the rap essence of the track was multiplied.
Masterful modern rap rides the Poughkeepsie Roads. demahjiae has released a new music video.
Drill Scott Heron & Kiina once again demonstrate how it sounds, when thugs cry.
Billie Essco & The 6th Letter teases their joint album THE CREAM TAPE. We can’t wait.
Watch Out! The Alchemist & Ohno (Gangrene) have many an ace up their sleeve.
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. Mike Shabb and Boldy James? That’s all the rap world needs. YUNGMORPHEUS & ALEXANDER SPIT have announced a collaborative album that will be released on June 28. The one and only Roc Marciano has released another video for his latest album. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by FEED THE FAMILY, Jizzy Blanco, BA PACE, KOTA the Friend, Sauce Gohan, KEISHA PLUM, and Wiseboy Jeremy.
FEED THE FAMILY – GOLDEN GUN (TOP HOOTER, Shaykh Hanif, Dun Dealy, BoriRock) prod. Tremendiss
YUNGMORPHEUS & ALEXANDER SPIT – Fermentation (B.A.S.E.M.E.N.T. Mix)
Jizzy Blanco – Backwoods To Tha Dome
Wiseboy Jeremy – Sixthirty Five
BA PACE – “IT’S MAN WHO PUT’S BREATH TO THE WEAPON” (PROD.BY KONART1ST)
Mike Shabb x Boldy James – Big Piranhas
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.
