Welcome to our Rap Weekly 91: Systematically we were never free. 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. Denzel Curry is going back to his roots. King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 will be released on July 19. HEELS HAVE EYES THE MOVIE is a fusion of the rap world and the wrestling scene. Lil Yachty and James Blake will release a collaborative album, Bad Cameo, on June 28. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Systematically we were never free
Estee Nack is undoubtedly one of the best rappers of recent years. His signature style has captivated not only thousands of listeners around the world but also Westside Gunn himself, who introduced Nack to a wider audience last year with his album Nacksaw Jim Duggan. Estee Nack has dozens of excellent albums to his credit; if you’ve only heard Nacksaw, we recommend you complete your education. He has already released an excellent album this year, “STONE TEMPLE PYREX” w/ Futurewave, but it’s Estee Nack, so one album is not enough. Nack teamed up with producer Boneweso, and together they released “SYSTEMATICALLY WE WERE NEVER FREE,” Nack’s magnum opus to date.
Estee Nack will immediately impress you with his rap style, cadence, flows, and the beats he selects. No one raps like Nack; there’s just no doubt about it. But “SYSTEMATICALLY WE WERE NEVER FREE” is not just a formal rap exercise but an exceptional piece of work that will fascinate you in both form and content. As the title and the album’s cover and opening speech about the Constitution of the United States of America suggest, the album is a mirror of the unjust American system and the rotten world order. Estee Nack is not a rapper who walks straight though; he comes across as supernatural behind the mic, and this aura is reflected in his lyrics. The lyrics operate as complex mathematical formulas that permeate socio-cultural issues and as spirituality that is a bulwark against the system. It’s the novelty of phrases like infinity bullets that create the aura that Nack is not just rapping for himself, but for everyone who has ever and will ever take the illegal route. The record cuts to the chase and directly, so you can look forward to stories of the people of the Dominican Republic as well as references to the current genocide being perpetrated by Israel. “SYSTEMATICALLY WE WERE NEVER FREE” is a one-of-a kind album that will go down in rap history. Boneweso produced the soundtrack of the ride to Armageddon, and Nack lent his words to it.
NEWS
Denzel Curry returns to his roots on new album
Denzel Curry is a rapper who needs no introduction. His albums Imperial, TA13OO, and UNLOCKED (w/ Kenny Beats) have won him millions of fans around the world. He released his most ambitious and accomplished album, Melt My Eyez See Your Future, in 2022. On his latest record, Denzel proved that he is a complete artist and has complex songs up his sleeve in addition to club hits. Now, however, he’s taking a break from concept albums and returning to his roots. On July 19, he will release King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, the follow-up to his 2012 project. Denzel Curry will once again embody his Big Ultra persona and offer us a tribute to the hip-hop heritage of the South. Look forward to 90’s inspired beats referencing Memphis and groups like Three6Mafia. The album will set itself apart from his concept albums and highlight Curry’s rap prowess and creative spontaneity. Guest appearances will include A$AP Rocky, PlayThatBoiZay, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, and many more.
HEELS HAVE EYES THE MOVIE is a fusion of the rap world with the world of wrestling
With the latest project,the Griselda label once again confirms his importance to the rap scene. Philadelphia’s TLA witnessed a unique night where the artistic and cultural worlds collided with wrestling to create an unforgettable experience. 4TH ROPE presents HEELS HAVE EYES THE MOVIE, an hour-long energy-filled movie that you can watch on YouTube. This project brings an incredible blend of rap and culture with performances from some of the biggest names in the industry, such as THE ALCHEMIST, DJ DRAMA, DARINGER, CONDUCTOR WILLIAMS, Stove God Cooks, Benny the Butcher, Rome and Chyna Streetz, Estee Nack, Feed the Family, DJ Relly Rell, Sadhu Gold, and The Legendary SABU. WSGUNN and SMOKE DZA also added their presence to the evening. Taking place in a sold-out venue, this cultural experience combined the best of rap, art, and wrestling. HEELS HAVE EYES THE MOVIE is a testament to how Griselda is constantly pushing the boundaries and bringing something new and original to rap fans.
Lil Yachty and James Blake will release a joint album
We’re not gonna lie, Lil Yachty is a rapper whose music has long flown under our radar. That all changed last year when he released Let’s Start Here. Sure, it’s more psychedelic rock than rap, but Yachty proved that he’s one of the more mainstream interesting artists out there, and his upcoming album definitely proves it. He has teamed up with world-renowned singer and producer James Blake, and they will release their collaborative album Bad Cameo on June 28. James Blake has worked with rappers like Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Future in his career, and we believe he and Lil Yachty will hit it off artistically.
QUICK NEWS
- The wait is over; BY ANY MEAN$, the debut album from Saint_JAME$, will be released on June 20.
- The Mischievous Cypher featuring Denzel Curry, FERG, TiaCorine, Key Nyata, and PlayThatBoiZay was released on On The Radar YouTube channel.
- Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon celebrated his 31st birthday with a great freestyle.
- Group BraCil have released marble, a collection of previously unreleased tracks. 100% of the profits will go to organizations providing aid in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan.
- LOOK DAMIEN! has released his debut solo album, HELL OF A LIFE. You can buy it exclusively on his website.
BEST ALBUMS
ShrapKnel & Controller 7 – Nobody Planning To Leave
The duo ShrapKnel introduced themselves to the world in 2019 with the project Cobalt, but the turning point in their career was the self-titled 2020 album ShrapKnel. Curly Castro and PremRock instantly made their mark on listeners as some of the best artists to come across in underground rap. No surprise, they release under Backwoodz Studioz. It’s been two years since they released their last album, Metal Lung, so it’s time for a new project. The album Nobody Planning To Leave was completely produced by Controller 7, and we have no choice but to take a bow. The beats are absolutely phenomenal; they have countless layers, and you never know what the next minute will hold. Nobody Planning To Leave is an ever-changing rap ecosystem, an ode to the desire to create. Every track will surprise you, Curly Castro and PremRock will hypnotize you, and guest appearances from Open Mike Eagle, Onry Ozzborn, Lungs, Breezly Brewin, D-Styles, and E L U C I D add a new dimension to the whole experience. ShrapKnel never stops creating, and neither should you. Whatever you create.
Spanish Ran – Abandoned Saints
With his latest album, Abandoned Saints, producer Spanish Ran once again confirms his unique talent and ability to create dark and atmospheric beats that instantly draw the listener in. The record delivers a rich palette of sounds and emotions, complete with iconic guests such as Al-Doe, Madhattan, FastLife, Ty Farris, UFO Fev, plaza, Asun Eastwood, Tree Mason, Dot Demo, Avenue, Primo Profit, and Clyde Guevara. The album cover is a visual reflection of the title itself. On the cover we see a painting of a church with Spanish Ran himself standing in it, giving the project a mystical and spiritual feel. This visual element is the perfect complement to the dark atmosphere that permeates the entire album. Musically, the album is a masterpiece. Spanish Ran is known for its dark, melancholic beats that act as a soundtrack to the city’s nighttime streets. His production is carefully layered, with rich textures and deep basslines that create a dense and emotive soundscape. The beat lines are often hypnotic, drawing the listener into a world of tension and introspection. The lyrical content of the album is no less impressive. The lyrics often deal with themes such as survival, the realities of street life, and personal struggles. They offer a raw and authentic view of life in the urban jungle. Introspective verses that reveal the artists’ personal experiences and feelings also feature prominently. Bars point to deeper layers of meaning and symbolism that are often hidden behind a tough outer facade. The guests on the record bring a variety of styles and perspectives, adding dynamism and richness to the project. Each contributes their unique energy and lyrics. Abandoned Saints is a record that confirms Spanish Ran’s status as one of today’s most important producers. It is a project that not only offers musical quality and depth but also an authentic and raw look at the reality of life. Dark atmosphere, strong beats, and expressive lyrics make this album an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the video for the track The Pope and The Pastor.
BLOOD $MOKE BODY & sherman – SHERM$MOKE
Rap duo BLOOD $MOKE BODY and producer Sherman have released their first full-length album SHERM$MOKE, which we consider to be the pinnacle of their work to date. Following a successful string of singles like OSAY, AK-47, and The Road Not Specific EP, this project comes as a major contribution to the Minneapolis rap scene. The musical production from Sherman is absolutely excellent on SHERM$MOKE. Sherman’s knack for dark, atmospheric beats creates a unique soundscape that immediately engulfs the listener. The beat lines are layered and sophisticated, creating an intense and emotional experience. The lyrical content of the album touches on many topics, from everyday problems with snitching neighbors to major events such as the Minneapolis riots following the murder of George Floyd. Nazeem and Eslicky bring raw and authentic lyrics that reflect their personal experiences and broader social issues. The depth and urgency of their message is evident in the lyrics. Their lyrics are full of metaphors and symbolism that add another dimension to their compositions. Guests on the album such as HOLLYWOOD BROWN, MUJA MESSIAH, PEP57, BRAINORCHESTRA, SIR LUCIUS, and METASOTA add diversity with their contributions. The album’s visuals are also very distinctive. The album cover, which is trippy and full of references, such as MF DOOM, and the word Tesseract, adds an intellectual and artistic dimension that enhances the overall concept of the album. SHERM$MOKE is an album that offers not only musical quality but also a deep and authentic perspective on life and social issues. BLOOD$MOKE BODY and Sherman have created a project that is not only listener engaging but intellectually stimulating.
Willyynova – PARDONMYSLEEZE
Art connects, and we as listeners are always delighted when we are confronted with a work that brings us microscopically closer to the artist. PARDONMYSLEEZE is just such an album. Willyynova isfollowing up on his GODISLOVE, and NOVACANE releases his most extensive album to date. PARDONMYSLEEZE is a kaleidoscopic dive into the artist’s inner soul, a journey through a magical cave where ancient ancestral paintings dazzle you on every wall. Willyynova reflects on both his inner self and the socio-cultural issues of her people. It’s all underscored by sixteen spectacular beats that beg for your attention.
Mondo Slade – Sleight of Hand
Mondo Slade is back with a new album, Sleight of Hand, full of energetic and uncompromising tracks. A large group of guests, including Eddie Kaine, Prime Minister, Estee Nack, Johnny Storm, Syd Vicious, Him Lo, and Poetic Ness, will keep you entertained. The title of the album and the cover art itself suggest a lot about the content. Sleight of Hand refers to cleverly executed tricks and deceptions, magic tricks requiring manual dexterity and skill in deception. The album cover, which depicts a six-armed masked man (presumably Mondo Slade himself) performing various tricks, aptly reflects this concept. The lyrics on Sleight of Hand are sharp and relentless. Mondo Slade is not afraid to tackle heavy and controversial topics. Such as telling stories full of violence, struggles for survival, and personal triumphs. The lyrics are full of metaphors and images that draw the listener into the harsh world that Mondo Slade lives in.
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. QThree has released another great record; this time groundskeeper has set the sound canvas for him. Nonazz sends another emotionally charged rap letter; you won’t mistake his signature—Sincerely Nazz—for anything. Patty Honcho makes his case after a year, and you should listen again. Excellent albums have also been released by Novatore & Moecyrus & Azthmatix, GRIM MOSES, Wally Clark, Sphere47, Spit Gemz, Y.N.X. 716, and Big Trip.
Nonazz – Sincerely Nazz
QThree & groundskeeper – EMPOWERTRIP
Patty Honcho – THE BLACK MADONNA PIECE
GRIM MOSES – RORSCHACH GRIM
Wally Clark – Dionysus
Sphere47 – Smiles
Spit Gemz – EULOGY FOR THE DEVIL
Y.N.X. 716 – THE FORGOTTEN 6
Big Trip – Honestly Filthy
Novatore & Moecyrus & Azthmatix – Brutality
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Lynx Cane reminds you not to forget to SELF LOVE in a beautiful music video.
Are you short of energy today? The video WHEW LAWD by redveil will give it to you.
Unstoppable artists Gangrene & Boldy James follow a simple motto: Just Doing Art.
Ba Pace has released another one-of-a kind music video with the vibe you’ll find ONLY ON PUBLIC HOUSING NYC.
LOOK DAMIEN! and ANKHLEJOHN are an inimitable duo. GREEN JACKEt will hypnotize you.
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. KISS OF DEATH is a sign that ANKHLEJOHN is working on the album of a lifetime. Big Hit, Hit-Boy, and The Alchemist are releasing new videos at a mesmerizing pace. The video from Your Old Droog will stun you with its visuals; no wonder the new record will be Movie. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by Reaper Mook & YL, Joel Q, FERG, Larry June, i.F., Starz Coleman, and LIFEOFTHOM.
Reaper Mook & YL – How To Be A Player
Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist – Only Weight I Feel
Joel Q – First Day Hot (feat. Vic Spencer)
FERG – More Than U Know Freestyle
Your Old Droog – I Think I Love Her
Starz Coleman – Evil Vs The Blessed (Prod By Rushmore Muzic)
LIFEOFTHOM – OUT MY HEAD ft. Yoshi.T
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.
