Welcome to our Rap Weekly 90: When gangsters are heroes. 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. Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist have released an odyssey of redemption in a rotten world. The Rap God is back! Rakim will release a new album after fifteen years. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib have officially announced that they are working on their third collaborative album. Searching for the right track for summer? Nippa and Larry June have released an R&B gem. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
When gangsters are heroes
Hip-hop has gifted us with many heartwarming and remarkable stories. One of them is being written right now. Last year, Big Hit and Hit-Boy released Big Hit’s anticipated debut album, The Truth Is In My Eyes, and its story is one of the most remarkable ones rap has ever written. The year was 2014, and rapper Big Hit, after serving over twelve years in prison, came onto the scene with hits like Grindin’ My Whole Life and G’z Don’t Cry. Unfortunately, he was sent back to prison shortly after, for another nine years. While in prison, Big Hit spent his time writing rap lyrics on papers he found, preparing for the day he would get out. Upon his freedom on May 5, 2023, he went straight from his cell to the recording studio, and the rest is history.
Right at the beginning of this year, Big Hit released the album Paisley Dreams with The Game, but the main dish is being served now. Together with his son and The Alchemist, they created Black & Whites. That Hit-Boy and The Alchemist understand each other both on the beats and behind the mic, which we had a chance to witness several times. Together, they produced twelve diverse beats for Big Hit. You can look forward to hard, dark drums, more melodic loops, and surprising beat switches. Big Hit serves one storytelling or introspective rap next to another, and you feel like you’re in the 90s, yet the whole album sounds very modern. Black and white may represent the fabulous concept of good and evil that is presented to us as clearly defined, but the reality is quite different. Even gangsters can be heroes. Big Hit reflects on all he has lost during his time in prison, but thanks to music and his son, he has been given a second chance and can live a respectable life in this rotten world.
NEWS
The Rap God is back
After 15 long years, a legend of the genre, Rakim Allah, returns to the hip-hop scene. He is working on his fourth solo album, G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH), which promises to be another significant contribution to the world of rap. Even though many years have passed since his last solo project, Rakim’s influence and position are still firmly entrenched in hip-hop culture. Two weeks ago, Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa announced on Instagram the upcoming release of a single featuring him, Kurupt, and Rakim. Manager Matthew Markoff then confirmed on Instagram that the new album will be released on July 26 and will also be available as a special edition six-inch vinyl. This limited edition release will include tracks REB7RTH and Love is the Message and will feature guests such as Masta Killa, Kurupt, Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, Planet Asia, and more. The album’s debut single, Rebirth (N.M.A.), will be released on June 21, coinciding with the launch of the website and pre-orders. Produced by Rakim himself and featuring contributions from Masta Killa and Kurupt, this single promises to return in full force.
Kurupt has already confirmed the album’s release on Instagram, which has raised the anticipation of fans around the world. Rakim’s return to the scene is a significant event for the hip-hop community. His debut album with Eric B, 1987’s Paid In Full, profoundly influenced the evolution of rap, and subsequent albums Follow The Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990), and Don’t Sweat The Technique (1992) became classics of rap’s golden era. Rakim’s solo debut, The 18th Letter (1997), and subsequent album, The Master (1999), cemented his status as one of rap’s greatest icons. In recent years, Rakim has also appeared on various musical projects and performances, including collaborations with G-Dep, Jay-Z, Lloyd Banks, and Linkin Park. His participation in the Panic in L.A. festival and other events has shown that he is still active and relevant. With Rakim’s return, we can expect hip-hop to continue to dominate and persist not only as a musical genre but also as a culture. Preparations for the release of G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH) are in full swing, and fans can look forward to the next chapter in the career of one of rap’s biggest names.
It’s official, Montana is coming
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib have two classics together. Piñata and Bandana are modern rap gems that every fan of the genre has come to love. It’s been five years since Bandana, and Freddie and Madlib have taken their own paths. They’ve both gifted us with some great projects since then, yet all along, we’ve been eagerly awaiting any mention of their third collaborative album to complete the trilogy. Finally, we’re here. Freddie Gibbs has officially announced on his Twitter that they are working on a third record. It was previously revealed that the album would be titled Montana and would be released this year. We hope that it will indeed be.
Searching for the right track for summer?
Looking for the right summer song? We found it for you. UK R&B freshman Nippa has teamed up with Larry June, and their collaborative track Sugar will make long sunny days and relaxing summer evenings more enjoyable. Larry June is a master of effortlessly positive music, so we’re very happy he’s teamed up with the up-and-coming R&B singer, and together they’ve brought a vibe that will stop time for a while and give you shelter from all the bad things going on in the world. Good job.
QUICK NEWS
- Live In Japan embodies how far Rome Streetz has come, and how impactful his voice, style, and art can be on the other side of the globe.
- Action Bronson has released a new clothing collection, ROSEWATER.
- Tha God Fahim and SadhuGold have announced a joint album. Listen to the first single.
- The Vince Staples Show renewed for season 2 by Netflix
- Watch new episodes of Chinatown sound. You have a lot to look forward to.
BEST ALBUMS
Ronnie Alpha – Infinite Wave
Ronnie Alpha returns with his new album, Infinite Wave, a testament to his unwavering confidence and determination in the music industry. This project is filled with collaborations with artists such as Sam Be Yourself, Chris Skillz, and Rahs God, adding variety and dynamism to the album. Musically, Infinite Wave is a brilliant showcase of Ronnie’s ability to experiment with different sounds and styles. The production is clean, modern, and pays homage to classic hip-hop. The beat varies from strong, hard-hitting beats to melodic and introspective passages, allowing the listener to delve into different emotional levels. One of the highlights of the album is undoubtedly Ronnie’s lyrical proficiency. Ronnie Alpha talks openly about his successes and how he has overcome many obstacles. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the full album.
Xp The Marxman & Currister – TERREMOTTO
Los Angeles XP The Marxman is an artist you can rely on. The charismatic rapper releases projects like a treadmill yet maintains high quality and has treated his fans to highlights such as last year’s European tour. This year is no different, Xp The Marxman has set himself a clear goal of releasing an album every month. On Terremotto (the Spanish word for earthquake), he teamed up with Spanish producer Currister, and together they released a soundtrack of rap underground, referencing the 1994 Northridge earthquake. When the world is crashing down around you, the community comes together. Terremotto is a voice of the people and an ode to love, collaboration, empathy, and community. Currister has produced beautiful beats, and he hasn’t been afraid to incorporate unusual melodies. As well as rapping, Xp The Marxman also sings, and it is the vocals combined with his charismatic stern voice that make for a very interesting and captivating contrast. This record will really shake you up.
ROOTS – King’s Rest
It’s been more than four years since California rapper ROOTS released his album 4life. After that, he took a break and watched the world change. However, along with the world, the artist himself was changing, and it was time to reflect on this change. King’s Rest is ROOTS’ grand return, an odyssey into the artist’s inner self. ROOTS reveals every layer of his personality through beautiful beats with a touch of soul and jazz. If ROOTS were a city, rest assured that the album will take you to every street, place, and apartment in it. King’s Rest is an album that is both massive and intimate. We hope to see the next album sooner than four years from now. Unfortunately, no music video has been released for the album, so we are attaching the full album.
André DeSaint & Machacha – Cult Classique
The new album from André DeSaint and Machacha is titled Cult Classique and brings a fresh take to the hip-hop world. The combination of a talented rapper and a skilled producer has resulted in a project that will appeal to a wide range of listeners thanks to its unique sound and strong lyrics. Machacha shines throughout the album with his ability to create rich and dynamic beats. From experimental sounds to a classic hip-hop vibe, the production on Cult Classique offers a diverse range of sounds that will keep listeners in suspense throughout the entire listening experience. On the album, André DeSaint shows himself to be a skilled storyteller whose lyrics are full of personal experience and introspection. His flow is smooth and variable, allowing his lyrics to reach deeper into the listener’s heart. The album Cult Classique also covers a wide range of topics, including self-realization, financial stability, and resilience to negative influences. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the video for the track Shame & Lust.
CRIMEAPPLE & Big Ghost Ltd – Bazuko
CRIMEAPPLE and producer Big Ghost Ltd’s Bazuko bring an uncompromising dose of authenticity and raw talent to the world of hip-hop. This collaborative effort is brimming with not only sharp lyrics but also intelligent production that draws the listener into its dark and fascinating world. The opening track already gives a hint that the listener will be treated to sharp lyrics and an uncompromising rap performance. CRIMEAPPLE uses his unique voice and expressive style to deliver lyrics that are as suggestive as they are provocative. His ability to combine Spanish with English adds another layer of authenticity and originality to the album. The production by Big Ghost Ltd gives Bazuko’s album a dark and mysterious atmosphere. From the raw percussion to the minimalist samples, each track has its own character and draws the listener into its world. The combination of hard beats and melodies creates an environment that is as hypnotic as it is dangerous. The lyrics on Bazuko are filled with dark imagery and gritty stories. CRIMEAPPLE is not afraid to portray the reality of the street and raise questions about morality and social justice.
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. Oddisee has released an album where his lyrical mastery shines through once again. Blu is unstoppable this year, teaming up with Norcal Nick on a new EP. Neidan arrives with a backseat full of great beats. Excellent albums have also been released by Griot Noy & Golden Arms, Satyvah & Manast LL’, Reks & Dj Views, Dave East & Mike & Keys, G Fam Black & Bofaatbeatz, Arsinel, and Wesley Rocco & LUNAR.
Neidan – Kid in the backseat…
Griot Noy & Golden Arms – The GoldN Laws Of Attraction
Satyvah & Manast LL’ – Checkpoint
Oddisee – And Yet Still
Norcal Nick & Blu – When the Future Finds the Past It Will Sound Like This
Reks & Dj Views – The Magnificence
Dave East & Mike & Keys – APT 6E
Arsinel – Astral Mechanisims
G Fam Black & Bofaatbeatz – Super Predator
Wesley Rocco & LUNAR. – Pain & Experience
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
A$AP Twelvyy dropped a breathtaking music video on his birthday. We wish all the best!
The Harder They Come…and you know the rest. If not, YUNGMORPHEUS & Alexander Spit will enlighten you.
LORD APEX has released the music video for FOR THE WEST. Who is still spinning his great album, The Good Fight?
Rahiem Supreme and Nes have released a new music video, and you definitely won’t just watch it one time.
Sideshow and Ryosuke Tanzawa; what more could we ask for? F.U.N. T.O.Y. will be released on June 11th.
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. DJ MUGGS and MOOCH reflect on the systematic problems of the USA. Action Bronson announces JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACHLAVA THE DOCTOR album. Rome Streetz & Wavy Da Ghawd released another great video for their EP. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by JasonMartin, DJ Quik & Jay Worthy, BA PACE, MARCO PLUS, Reuben Vincent & Domani, ZekeUltra, The Musalini, Bappi Lahiri, and Mike Shabb.
JasonMartin, DJ Quik & Jay Worthy – GURBS & YOUNGS (feat. Larry June)
BA PACE – GG FT YUKA (DANCE SONG) (PROD.BY TARAINE)
Action Bronson – Nourish a Thug
MARCO PLUS, Reuben Vincent & Domani – “Freedom”
The Musalini – East to West ft. Jimmy Waters, Alexys Rae
Bappi Lahiri – Pataka Boys | Sonnyjim, PAV4N, Kartik | Azadi Records
Rome Streetz & Wavy Da Ghawd: Saliva
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.
