Welcome to our Rap Weekly 87: Slant Face Killah. 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. Slant Face Killah is a celebration of Conway’s contribution to rap culture. The wait is finally over. On Friday, Mach-Hommy will release the album #RICHAXXHAITIAN. The fascinating story of Big Hit and Hit-Boy continues, with The Alchemist co-writing the next chapter. The trio has announced a collaborative album. Two goddesses, Rapsody and Erykah Badu, descended from the heavens and performed a joint song, 3:AM. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Slant Face Killah
Conway the Machine, arguably the most prolific member of the Griselda trio, released his latest solo album last May. Since then, he’s released collaborative projects with rapper 38 Spesh and an album with his label, Drumwork, among others. However, he’s been teasing us for months with a new album, which was released last week. Slant Face Killah, aka SFK, is a monumental album that celebrates the rapper’s contribution to culture.
SFK is really a massive piece of art. Each track breathes different world cultures, and you feel like you’re listening to a Bond film. Conway has traveled the world and is a big part of making hard street rap top the charts again. Conway has invited a plethora of talented guests and producers for this album. You can look forward to rap legends and greats of today’s current generation. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Tech N9ne, Method Man, Key Glock, Stove God Cook$, Jay Worthy, Larry June, and more. Album is produced by The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Camoflauge Monk, and Swizz Beatz, among others. What’s more, you can sense from the album that Conway the Machine loves rap, cares about the stage it’s on, and is committed to delivering more and more helpings of dense music every year. And for that, we thank him.
NEWS
The wait is over, Mach-Hommy will release a solo album
The wait is finally over. On Friday, May 17, the day we have been waiting for for months will come. Mach-Hommy, a rapper with Haitian roots, will release his long-awaited album, #RICHAXXHAITIAN. It’s been three years since he released his last two solo albums, Pray for Haiti and Balens Cho. Mach didn’t choose the release date at random; May 18 is Haitian Flag Day, a Haitian holiday to celebrate the creation of the Haitian flag during the Haitian Revolution. You can listen to the title track featuring 03 Greedo, produced by KAYTRANADA today. Who else can we find on the album? There will be guest appearances from Black Thought, Roc Marciano, HEPHZIBAH, Drea D’Nur, Your Old Droog, Tha God Fahim, and Big Cheeko, with beats produced by Conductor Williams, Quelle Chris, SadhuGold, Nicholas Craven, and more. We expect nothing less than one of the best rap albums of the year, and we hope that Mach-Hommy will once again reflect the history and present of a country that has been exploited and abused by just about every country in the Western Hemisphere. There will certainly be no shortage of topics such as the Haitian diaspora and the recent chaos in Haiti itself, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. There is only one more thing to write: Pray for Haiti.
The fascinating story of Big Hit and Hit-Boy continues
A few weeks ago, we wrote that The Alchemist and Hit-Boy were likely to release a joint album. Uncle Al revealed the news on Twitter, leaving us anxiously awaiting what this year will bring. And as we all know, The Alchemist is definitely not slowing down, so the album will be out much sooner than we all expected. Do you know who else is not slowing down? Big Hit and his son Hit-Boy. We broke down their story, as well as Big Hit’s debut album, The Truth Is In My Eyes, in Rap Weekly 69, and you should definitely check it out. This fascinating rap story continues, and The Alchemist enters the picture. The collaborative album from the three aforementioned artists will be titled Black & Whites, and you can check out the announcement trailer and pilot music video below.
Two goddesses, Rapsody and Erykah Badu, have descended from the heavens
Rapsody has released Live Perfomance for her latest track, 3:AM, which is full of deep emotion. The track, which features a guest appearance from the legendary Erykah Badu, is the teaser for the album Please Don’t Cry, which will be released on Friday. The lyrics of the song are a true expression of the intensity of love and trust between two people. In it, Rhapsody openly tries to capture the feeling of complete connection with another person, where they feel safe to share their deepest emotions. With Erykah Badu in the background, both artists create magical moments that draw the listener into a world of authentic rap with a poetic touch. The lyrics are filled with imagery and metaphors that capture the power of love and its healing effect. Here, Rhapsody celebrates a connection that she perceives as something magical and transcendent. This track is not just about a romantic relationship but also about deep friendship and mutual support. 3:AM is a track that celebrates openness, mutual understanding, and the power of love in its many forms. During their live performance, Rapsody and Erykah Badu proved that their connection on stage is strong enough to reach the hearts of listeners around the world. This song is a message that even in the darkest of moments, love can bring light and hope.
QUICK NEWS
- AKAI SOLO has released the albums Verticality///Singularity and Only The Strong Remain on streaming services.
- KOTA the Friend on Shade 45 Showoff Radio with Statik Selektah. Check out his great freestyle.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
- Mr. Mutherfuckin eXquire is one of a kind. Check out his “Off Top” Freestyle (Top Shelf Premium).
- The Chyna Streetz on On The Radar? Yessir, she performed a Chanel Boy from her latest album.
BEST ALBUMS
O Finess & 2WO OFFISHALL – Whores Antidote
The album Whores Antidote by O Finess and 2WO OFIFISHALL is an uncompromising expression of modern rap that is not afraid to reflect deep emotions and personal conflicts. Featuring guest artists such as Shabazz Palaces, The Musalini, Izzy Hott, Pr0fit Diner0, Grand Combo, John Dutch, and Silent Snipers, this record offers a diverse range of sounds and styles that blend through lyrics full of power and authenticity. Reflecting on his emotions and relationships, Finess mentions the sense of triumph that music and entertainment bring him, as well as touching on themes such as breakups, trust, and personal transformation. 2WO OFIFISHALL has crafted captivating beats that blend different musical elements to create an atmosphere in which the artists’ lyrics can fully unfold.
JaeFrmJerz & Session 600 – BUSY600
JaeFrmJerz blew us away last year with FLAVVORS and since then we’ve been looking forward to everything the Jersey City talent touches. On BUSY600, he teams up with producer Session 600 to create a work full of fascinating contrasts. The rapper’s gritty voice masterfully cuts through gorgeous beats full of melodic samples, and the strong contrast allows you to focus on both planes. The album is entertaining from start to finish, and you won’t be bored for a second. In addition, the album features guest appearances from Grimm Doza and Monday Night, and both have a natural artistic chemistry with JaeFrmJerz. BUSY600 is phenomenal rap work, thought out to the last detail, just like Better Call Saul. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for track 007.
Rhys Langston & Steel Tipped Dove – Polyglot on Chloroform
Rhys Langston and Steel Tipped Dove have joined forces on a new album called Polyglot on Chloroform, which brings a fresh take on rap music. With guest artist Fatboi Sharif on board, this project offers seven tracks full of experimentation with language and sound. On the album, Los Angeles-based Rhys Langston takes on traditional notions of rap and pushes the boundaries of language. His lyrics are word paintings that transform abstract ideas into concrete images. Brooklyn-based producer Steel Tipped Dove then creates a musical backdrop that is like a wave on which Langston’s words float. The lyrics are a deep dive into the artist’s mind. Langston’s words are beams of light that illuminate the dark corners of human consciousness. His poetic expressions and metaphors draw the listener into a world of fantasy and abstraction. This album is for those who are looking for new sounds and meaning in rap music. It is a work of art that does not want to be confined by genre boundaries but seeks its own path in the world of words and sounds. Polyglot on Chloroform is a journey into the unknown that will leave you thinking and feeling on a new level. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the track Amber Deception.
Pink Siifu – GOT FOOD AT THE CRIB’!! VOL.2
Pink Siifu is one of the most outstanding artists of his generation. His distinctive approach to music has earned him respect across the rap scene and among illions of listeners worldwide. Last yyear,he released two massive projects, Leather Blvd (w/ Ahwlee) and It’s Too Quiet..’! (w/ Turich Benjy). This year he hasn’t released a new album on streaming services yet, but if you follow his Bandcamp or read SudetyRaport (at best both), you now know that last week he released the second installment of his GOT FOOD AT THE CRIB’!! project. The album is not split into individual tracks, creating an immersive effect for listeners,that only Pink Siifu can create. His projects are a mirrored maze of talent, ccreativity,and novel ideas, each sound bouncing from side to side like rays of light, shattering into a thousand sub-colors. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the track Diamonds.
Slik Jack & Sqreeb – Cement Shoes and Colombian Neckties 2
The second installment of the Cement Shoes and Colombian Neckties series from rapper Slik Jack and producer Sqreeb delivers an incredible dose of raw and dark rap. This project is full of energy and authenticity that can be felt in every word and beat. Sqreeb once again shows off his excellent production, creating a thick atmosphere and dark vibe that permeates throughout the record. His ability to pick and flip samples is astounding and gives the album its signature sound. Slik Jack brings his signature rawness and authenticity to every verse. His lyrics are full of bar schemes, punchlines, and flow that can hit the listener and draw them into his world. Guest artists such as Snotty, Bloo Azul, Asun Eastwood, Ayoo Bigz, Reek Osama, New Villain, and Dje Kutkapera add another dimension and variety to the album. The lyrics on the album reflect the artist’s desire for recognition and respect but also express frustration and anger at the lack of respect and value in society. Slik Jack takes on the role of an uncompromising and tough prophet who refuses to conform to societal norms and pursues his own goals.
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. Ghostface Killah released his debut under Mass Appeal and invited a plethora of legendary guests. Rahiem Supreme released the third installment of his Drip Bond series, with beats by Nes. Boldy James or Obijuan on a beat by SadhuGold? Check out PULLED GOLD OUT THA MUD. Gunna’s One of Wun. Excellent albums have also been released by Sleep Sinatra & bloomcycle, K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa, Machacha, Gaine$, Anonymuz, and Reks x CHiLL-iLL x Soulchain Records.
Sleep Sinatra & bloomcycle – Memory(ummm...)
Rahiem Supreme x Nes – Drip Bond 3
K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa – Delusions Of Grandeur
Machacha – Kunst.Art
Pro Zay & SadhuGold – PULLED GOLD OUT THA MUD
Gaine$ – Sinners and Saints
Anonymuz – We$tSide
Gunna – One of Wun
Reks x CHiLL-iLL x Soulchain Records – Hidden Messages In Water
Ghostface Killah – Set the Tone (Guns & Roses)
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Rome Streetz and Wavy Da Ghawd are the most valuable players, like 92 Mike.
The Alchemist, Ohno and AnkhleJohn have opened the gates of hell.
Da$H and Wino Willy have released a music video for a track that is both raw and melancholic.
Rahiem Supreme and Nes take you on a ride through adrenaline-fueled, sophisticated rap. Fasten your seat belts.
Buddy and Huey Briss will get you moving with their hit, Got Me Started.
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. QThree jumps on the beat with such vigor that it might scare you. Summer’s coming and so is Larry June. Good job. Your Old Droog has teamed up with greats from different generations. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by Cookin Soul & Raz Fresco, NugLife, Xp The Marxman & Rocky G, Jadasea, Rio Thomas, MUTANT ACADEMY, Vicasso, and Cash Lansky.
Cookin Soul & Raz Fresco – LIFE LESSONS
INSTITUTIONAL EYES – NugLife, Xp The Marxman & Rocky G
Rio Thomas – CagedBird (Prod. Koncept Jack$on)
QThree x groundskeepr – TALKING HEAVY
MUTANT ACADEMY – SODA feat. Big Kahuna OG, Fly Anakin & Henny L.O. (A SHEESH Film)
Your Old Droog – DBZ ft. Denzel Curry, Method Man
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.
