Welcome to our Rap Weekly 89: Vince Staples carries the flame of hope. 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. Mach-Hommy spoke to the fans. Experience Erick the Architect´s tour in the video for Jammy Jam. Common and Pete Rock will make a fan’s dream come true. MESSIAH!, MAVI, & Ovrkast, this all-star team released a joint music video. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Vince Staples carries the flame of hope
Vince Staples has more than one modern classic to his credit. Albums like Summertime ’06, Big Fish Theory, and FM! have touched hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Vince is among a unique group of artists who can release a song that reigns supreme on the charts yet resonates strongly with listeners. Eleven years ago, Vince began his chapter under Def Jam. Since then, he has released five studio albums and several mixtapes. Today, he bids farewell to the label, ending a great chapter with Dark Times.
Vince Staples has come a long way as an artist, and the Dark Times album carries so much nuance that it’s fascinating. With incredible sensitivity, Vince captures the life of a man from the ghetto to whom the whole world has opened up, yet he can’t escape his past. Dark Times is hope for all who have long since lost it. Vince Staples can write hard-hitting tracks that have very laid-back beats and are sensitive and catchy. The album is the story of an artist who carries a lot of pain but chooses to deal with it. And if Vince could do it, so can you.
NEWS
Mach-Hommy spoke to the fans
Mach-Hommy’s #RICHAXXHAITIAN album is dominating the rap charts; every rap fan is talking about it, and we can’t get enough of it either. The mysterious Mach-Hommy took his fans behind the scenes and had the Top Shelf Premium team share a vlog of the listening party, which included Black Thought. But that’s not the only video from last week where you can see Mach. The rapper made a video in which he speaks directly to his fans and explains the unfortunate incident that accompanied the release of his album. The album disappeared from Spotify for a day, shortly after its release. When Mach found out, he immediately contacted Spotify, where he was told that they didn’t delete the album and that they thought the artist did it himself. In the video, Mach describes other mysterious events surrounding the album’s release and assures fans that he had no role in the album’s deletion. Whatever the case, two things are important. You can stream the album again on all streaming services, but you should still support your favorite artists in a direct way.
Boldy James & Conductor Williams will release a joint album
Conductor Williams is a producer everyone would want to work with. The leading producer of the Griselda label is no longer an underground artist but a producer star. He has worked with Drake and J. Cole, for example, and his beats can also be heard on Mach-Hommy’s latest record. Now, however, he has teamed up with Boldy James, and they will release a joint album, Across the Tracks, on June 25. Boldy is an elite rapper who has already gifted us one excellent album this year, but as we know, one record is not enough for Boldy. We expect nothing less than an album of the year candidate from the teaming of these rap masters.
Veterans Common and Pete Rock will make a fan’s dream come true
Rap legends Common and Pete Rock have one thing on their hearts: their long-awaited collaborative album, The Auditorium Vol. 1, is coming. The artists released the first single from the project, Wise Up, which brings a strong return to authentic hip-hop, on May 22. Wise Up features a hard-hitting beat from Pete Rock, who is known for his masterful productions. On this foundation, Chicago’s Common paints a vivid picture of street life and delivers insightful lyrics full of metaphors and analogies. His rap is accompanied by a chorus featuring a sampled verse from MC Shane’s classic The Bridge, giving the track a nostalgic feel. A music video was also made for the track Wise Up, combining footage of Common and Pete Rock in retro clothing with black-and-white scenes of New York City. This visual style highlights the atmosphere of Golden Age hip-hop and adds an authentic and nostalgic feel to the track. Common first revealed that he was working on this album with Pete Rock last fall, stating that he was inspired by ’90s hip-hop. Pete Rock added that the album will bring back the excitement that hip-hop fans experienced when hip-hop classics were released. Common is confident that The Auditorium Vol. 1 will be one of his best releases. The lyrics of Wise Up are a call to wise action and spread positive influence. In it, Common compares himself to the biblical Three Kings and urges listeners to face the world’s problems, such as poverty and violence, with discernment and wisdom.
BEST ALBUMS
BA PACE – BIG BROTHERS HOUSE
BA PACE is one of the most unique rappers of today. Once you immerse yourself in his work, there is no turning back. The founder of the PUBLICHOUSING NYC label has released several projects this year, but the biggest one we’ve heard so far was just last week. BIG BROTHERS HOUSE is a fascinating mystery that you’ll be compelled to unravel. The album surrounds you like a warm community you belong to, yet it sounds like an otherworldly creation. BIG BROTHERS HOUSE offers an immersive experience that sounds like the long-lost summer days of youth and, at the same time, like the inhospitable future of a Tetsuo: The Iron Man movie. These seemingly opposite feelings can only be evoked by BA PACE. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so here is the video for the track “IT’S MAN WHO PUT’S BREATH TO THE WEAPON”.
RLX x Buck Dudley – RELOJ
RLX and Buck Dudley have come up with a new album, RELOJ. The album is unique and full of energy, and it includes great guests like Brown13 and CRIMEAPPLE. RELOJ is a diverse mix of intense beats and raw lyrics that combine to create a distinctive and memorable listening experience. RLX expresses frustration, anger, and insecurity, but also pride in his accomplishments and joy in what he has achieved. This contrast is also evident in his lyrics, which blend dark and melancholic themes with moments of triumph and joy. In his lyrics, RLX reflects on his personal growth and change. Although he claims to have changed, he remains true to himself. This motif is often repeated and adds depth and authenticity to the album. Buck Dudley once again demonstrates his skill in production. The musical underpinnings of RELOJ are varied, dynamic, and constantly evolving. Dudley uses dark, dense beats that perfectly complement RLX’s aggressive and often introspective lyrics. Each track is unique, yet together they form a cohesive whole. RLX is not afraid to be direct and uncompromising in his lyrics. The lyrics are full of profanity and nonchalant expressions, giving the album an authentic and raw feel. RELOJ is a powerful and impressive album that impresses with its honesty and uncompromising nature. RLX and Buck Dudley have created a project that is both musically and lyrically rich. The album is full of energy, tension, and emotion.
Maze Overlay & Machacha – French Laundry
French Laundry, the new joint project of rapper Maze Overlay and producer Machacha, brings a fresh and original take on modern hip-hop. Inspired by the iconic restaurant in the California city of the same name, Maze and Machacha serve listeners a rich and carefully balanced musical menu that is as sophisticated as the dining experience at The French Laundry. Machacha excels here as a producer whose beats blend elements of traditional boombap with modern layers of sound. Each track on the record is carefully crafted to support Maze’s storytelling style. The atmosphere of the tracks often reflects melancholy and introspection, which fits well with the themes of the lyrics. Machach’s beats, full of nostalgic samples and ambient sounds, create a dark yet hopeful atmosphere. Maze Overlay on French Laundry proves that he is a master of words. The lyrics range from personal reflections and introspection to social commentary. His lyrics perfectly capture the idea the idea that fate is in our hands and we must not be swept away by adverse circumstances. Maze also touches on topics such as generational trauma and addiction with an openness and honesty not often seen today. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for the track Locked IN.
Bloo Azul & Good Food – Bloo Appetit
Rapper Bloo Azul and producer Good Food have joined forces on the new album Bloo Appetit, which has instantly become one of this year’s most exciting rap releases. Their collaboration delivers a fresh mix of introspective lyrics and rich production. Bloo Azul shows that he is a lyricist with deep thought and strong expression. His lyrics are full of metaphors and ambiguous expressions that make the listener think. Good Food shows himself to be a masterful producer on this album. Each track is different, yet the album holds together thanks to a unified sound style. From the dark, melancholic beats to the energetic and rhythmic tracks, Good Food manages to create an atmosphere that perfectly supports Bloo Azul’s lyrics. Bloo Appetit is full of contrasts. Bloo Azul is able to alternate between humorous remarks and serious reflections in his lyrics. Bloo Azul and Good Food have created a project that is innovative, authentic, and full of life.
Kil The Artist & Billy Escobar – BEAST
If rap fans were to see one film that is essential to hip-hop culture, it would be either Do the Right Thing by the legendary Spike Lee or Belly by Hype Williams. It was the vibe of the latter film that Kil The Artist & Billy Escobar drew upon for their new album, BEAST. The artists have created a fascinating and massive rap work that not only references the famous film but also stands firmly on its own and is its own story. You can tell from the album that both rappers gave it their absolute all and that they really cared about it.
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.
Smoke DZA & DJ RELLYRELL – You’re All Welcome
J Scienide – Vulture Vulture Culture Culture
Stack Skrilla – BEEN THERE DONE THAT
Osbe Chill & Dough Networkz – New World Order
PEP57 & Abomination Over- LOSE A BATTLE, WIN THEE WAR!
Juicy J – Mental Trillness 2
Jamal Gasol – It’s Still A Dirty Game
Eclyse & Jay Oracle – Oceans of Totality
Mark Battles – Do Not Disturb
Ca$ablanca – Tour De Force
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
It should be illegal to be as good a rapper as Chuck Strangers. Check out the new music video.
MESSIAH!, MAVI, & Ovrkast, this all-star team released a joint music video.
What ESTEE NACK and BONEWESO are doing will be studied. Their joint album will be released next week.
Experience Erick the Architect´s tour in the video for Jammy Jam.
BUB STYLES announces the FUME RAIDER album with a salvo of bloodthirsty bars.
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.
Wiseboy Jeremy – Zion N Sacred Art
Cappo & Ramisha Rafique – Book Of Photos (prod. Kong The Artisan)
Cookin Soul & The Musalini feat. Planet Asia – I Want It All
WateRR x Wavy Da Ghawd – CZU Shadow
DaClothRigs – Nobody prod by Vanderslice
Cash Lansky – Take Some Time Feat. Nrthview
Smoke DZA – One Time feat. DJRELLYRELL
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.
