Welcome to Rap Weekly 93: Life as a Movie. 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. Life as a Movie. Your Old Droog has released a well-crafted album full of storytelling to take you through his life. Kendrick Lamar has rewritten history again. At his latest show, he united LA rappers, paid tribute to 2Pac, and performed Not Like Us six times. Legendary duo Clipse have announced a new album produced entirely by Pharrell Williams. A$AP Rocky will release a new album on August 30. With a mad music video reminiscent of Hideaki Anno’s films, JPEGMAFIA lets us know that a new album is on the way. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Life as a Movie
Your Old Droog, an American rapper of Ukrainian descent, has kept us on our toes for the last year and a half. In 2021, he released his last solo album Space Bar, and a year later he gave us six EPs and Tha Wolf on Wall St. 2: The American Dream (w/ Tha God Fahim). However, we waited three years for a new solo album. Last year, YOD only released a few singles and teased an upcoming album with Madlib. Before the album with the legendary producer, YOD gifted us with another album. An album where every track is like a scene from a movie that gradually reveals who YOD really is.
Your Old Droog has made a name for himself as an extremely talented rapper with an endless pocket of punchlines and abstract rap. You can look forward to inventive bars on his album Movie, yet YOD took a step in a slightly different direction. With detailed storytelling and sensitive, introspective tracks, he describes his life and himself. On the album, you’ll learn about his loves, his dream of becoming a rapper, and his childhood in America when he couldn’t shake the label “immigrant”. One of the album’s highlights is the track Grandmother’s Lessons, where YOD raps about his family who died during World War II, as well as his grandmother, whose lessons influenced his life. The album was produced by the best in the business, such as Madlib, Conductor, Harry Fraud, Roper Williams, Wino Willy, Ohbliv, and more.
NEWS
A$AP Rocky will release a new album on August 30
It’s been six years since A$AP Rocky released his last album, Testing. Every year, fans have been praying to get some information about the new album. Rocky announced months ago that his new record would be titled DON’T BE DUMB, but the release was still in sight. After six years, we finally got it. DON’T BE DUMB will be released on August 30, and you can pre-order the CD, vinyl, digital version, and merch today. The album is accompanied by the tagline AMERICAN SABOTAGE, and Rocky has shared a video that sums up all the oppression the United States has towards its citizens and foreign countries. So we expect Rocky to reflect on a lot of socio-political issues on the record, but it’s clear to us that he’ll deliver in his own unique catchy style. Since announcing the title of the album, Rocky has revealed that we will hear beats from Tyler, The Creator, Metro Boomin, Madlib, The Alchemist, Pharrell Williams, Clams Casino, Mike Dean, and Swedish House Mafia. Still, we’d take this line-up with a grain of salt, as some of the information may already be old. At Fashion Week in Paris, Rocky premiered a new track.
Legendary duo Clipse have announced a new album produced entirely by Pharrell Williams
We’ll be in Paris for a while. Fashion Week was marked by another big announcement. The legendary duo Clipse is 90% done with their new album. Pusha T and No Malice released their last album together in 2009. Now they’re back, and we have a lot to look forward to. The record is produced entirely by Pharrell Williams and features guest appearances from Nas, John Legend, Stove God Cook$ and more. Clipse threw a private listening party at Fashion Week and showcased their Carhartt collection. The collection has Let God sort ’em out on it; could that be the name of the record? We’ll see. The album is expected to be released in 2025.
Kendrick Lamar has rewritten history again.
Kendrick Lamar was celebrated as the winner of a beef with Drake at one of rap’s most memorable concerts at California’s Kia Forum. The event attracted local legends as well as national stars, making the night unforgettable for all in attendance. The concert opened with DJ Hed, who introduced many local rappers in turn, including Remble and the duo of Rucci and AzChike. Each of them showcased their own style, giving an overview of the current state of the Los Angeles rap scene. A special tribute was given to Drakeo the Ruler, whose style Kendrick adopted into his performance. A number of stars took turns on stage during the evening, including E-40, Mustard, Blxst, Steve Lacy, Ty Dolla $ign, and Dom Kennedy. Kendrick’s tribute to Nipsey Hussle and a surprise appearance by Dr. Dre, who performed Still D.R.E. and California Love, garnered the biggest ovation. Then it was Kendrick Lamar’s turn, and the crowd was instantly absorbed by his energy. The highlight of the night was the track Not Like Us, which became the symbolic climax of the beef with Drake. Kendrick performed it several times, further emphasizing its importance. Kendrick’s victory lap is not over, as a music video for the song is currently being shot in Compton. The concert at the Kia Forum not only confirmed Kendrick’s position at the top of the rap scene but also showed the strength and unity of the Los Angeles rap community. Despite the tense relationships between some of the artists, the evening was a celebration of music and culture that brought an unforgettable
Fuck it, the full Kendrick Lamar pop out concert 🍿pic.twitter.com/riZm4mZgQY
— vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) June 20, 2024
QUICK NEWS
- Rapsody performed the song 3:AM on Vevo ctrl.
- E L U C I D has finished a new album; we guess it will be released in autumn.
- Rakim has launched the pre-sale of the new album and released the pilot music video.
- billy woods will hypnotize you with a fantastic performance on OkayPlayer.
- Boldy James & Conductor Williams have released two tracks from their collaborative album. If you’re interested in how Conductor produced Terms and Conditions, check out his vlog.
BEST ALBUMS
Saint_JAME$ – BY ANY MEAN$
Few albums are more appropriately named than BY ANY MEAN$, the debut album from producer Saint_JAME$. The project was supposed to be released a year ago, but it was accompanied by legal complications, funding problems, delays, and repeated recording sessions. Saint_JAME$ even had the slogan BY ANY MEAN$ tattooed six months before the album’s release, even though at the time he didn’t know if the album would ever be released. That’s how determined he was. A dream has come true, and you can look forward to a cinematic album that is a showcase of the current underground. Saint_JAME$ has produced immersive, atmospheric, and cinematic beats that he has worked out to the last detail. Listening to the album, you’ll be fully immersed in the action, and there are tons of little details for the more attentive among you. The list of guest rappers is also impressive, with artists including Rome Steetz, Chase Fetti, Kool G Rap, Rick Hyde, Estee Nack, Pink Siifu, Hus KingPin, Boldy James, al.divino, ETO, Elcamino, and Conway the Machine.
Michael Christmas – Unsexy
We praise Massachusetts rap quite often, with artists like BoriRock, al.divino, and Estee Nack regularly releasing quality projects. Last week we visited Boston, but this time we’re not bringing strictly street rap, but an album influenced by 70s soul. Four years since Hiding, charismatic rapper Michael Christmas has stopped hiding and released Unsexy, inspired by The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend. You know that feeling you get when you need to hear something positive, playful, and feel-good? Just switch off for a while, put on some great music, and have fun. That’s exactly what the Unsexy album is for. Michael Christmas raps about mundane things to beautiful soulful beats, but doing so with a skill that is definitely not mundane. The record also features guest appearances from phiik & Lungs, Domo Genesis, and more, so you can look forward to a diverse range of guests.
MACK & Jesse James Solomon – OIL☯️WATER
Jesse James Solomon blew us away last year with the album Sunfall and then he disappeared. There’s something magical about his approach, and he’s proved it again this year, releasing OIL☯️WATER produced by MACK out of nowhere, an album that’s mesmerizing but cohesive. The LP is very sonically varied and is influenced by containing a wide range of genres yet held together by a clear vision. The album’s sound is diverse and creative, with a number of interesting samples that give each track a unique character. The mix of the album is typically grimy, imperfect, and authentic. Of course, we know it is intentional and we appreciate it, yet we guess this approach isn’t for everyone. The record is influenced by people like Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue, and Jadasea, Jesse’s talented collaborator. The introspective and emotional style is something that Jesse is just good at, and he is one of the artists pushing the new and original wave of British rap. The lyrics on the album are deep and thoughtful, often reflecting personal experiences and feelings. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching a clip for the track OXFORD ST.
chester watson & elaquent – montisona
Rapper chester watson and producer elaquent have released a montisona EP, which is a fascinating blend of introspective lyrics and distinctive production. This EP offers a unique experience that draws the listener into a world full of sonic textures and poetic imagery. chester watson reaffirms his ability to create deep and thoughtful lyrics. watson’s ability to weave spiritual themes with personal experiences creates a rich narrative experience that not only entertains but inspires the listener. Elaquent’s production on montisona is masterful and artfully complements watson’s texts. The EP’s soundscape is varied, with deep bass lines, subtle melodic motifs, and varied samples that combine to create a cohesive and engaging atmosphere. elaquent’s style is a perfect match for watson’s introspective and philosophical approach, making this EP truly unique. The EP also contains various genre influences and sonic experiments that add freshness and originality to each track. Influences range from jazz to electronica, creating an eclectic yet cohesive sonic experience. This approach gives the EP a wide range of moods and emotions, allowing the listener to find something new in each track. chester watson and elaquent’s montisona EP is a fascinating work that offers deep lyrics and quality production. This EP is not only a testament to the artistic maturity of both artists but also a bold step towards new sonic horizons.
MaGic & ohbliv – Regal
MaGic and ohbliv have released Regal, an album that takes us into a world of mysticism, intrigue, and luxury. This album offers a unique blend of poetic lyrics and sophisticated production that will appeal to both rap fans and experimental music lovers alike. One of the most striking aspects of Regal are the deep and imaginative lyrics, which provide a glimpse into complicated stories that take place in palaces filled with mystery and danger. Here, MaGic and Ohbliv weave symbolism and metaphor to create a complex tale of power, betrayal, and liberation. The lyrics are not only poetic but also visually rich, drawing the listener into the story and making them ponder the hidden meanings. The production is another highlight of the album. The soundscape he creates is sophisticated and full of detail. The use of different samples, subtle melodic lines, and deep bass tones adds power and emotion to the individual tracks. Regal is an album that boasts a distinct atmosphere. Listening to it, you find yourself in another world. A world full of wealth, mystery, and danger. This atmosphere is supported by both the lyrics and the production, making the album cohesive and engaging overall. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching a clip for the track PLAZA HOTEL.
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. BoriRock and Zendaya? We didn’t see this collaboration coming. Maze Overlay & Observe Since 98 roasted a rap steak on Medium Raw. Bub Styles is looking for rap tombs. Excellent albums have also been released by CJ Fly & NasteeLuvzYou, Asun Eastwood & Wizdome Bunitall, RJ Payne, DJ Hoppa, Kali Problems, Marley. B, Astral Trap, cvv.vino, and Tony Bontana.
BoriRock & Whoa1.0 – ZING-DAYA
Maze Overlay & Observe Since 98 – Medium Raw
CJ Fly & NasteeLuvzYou – the PhaRaOh’S return 2: NUBIA
Asun Eastwood & Wizdome Bunitall – Let Me Talk My Sh*t Too
Bub Styles – FUME RAIDER
RJ Payne – Hellraiser
Tony Bontana – trials & tribulations of a real n*gga
DJ Hoppa, Kali Problems, Marley. B – Shot Clock EP
Astral Trap – The Hood Meets The Ocean
LOOK DAMIEN! – HELL OF A LIFE
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
The Alchemist has released a beautiful music video about fatherhood and his kids.
DJ MUGGS and RAZ FRESCO have released the title track from their upcoming joint album. Dive into the jazzy soulful vibe.
A$AP Twelvyy has teamed up with DVD Couture to release a music video with a raw, authentic look.
The music video for HOMERUN DERBY is pure glitter rap culture.
With a mad music video reminiscent of Hideaki Anno’s films, JPEGMAFIA lets us know that a new album is on the way.
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. Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist really do make a video for every song on their joint album, wow. MAVI has announced a fall tour in a big way. Vitamin G released a dark atmospheric banger. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by BUB STYLES x POISON PEN, RBCHMBRS & AASIR, UFO Fev x Fredro Starr Of Onyx, QThree x groundskeepr, Melotonics, Willyynova, and Reaper Mook.
Vitamin G – Bleeding The Steeze (Prod. Mr Slipz)
BUB STYLES x POISON PEN – ASTHMATIC (prod. Fumes The Threat)
Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist – Champion
UFO Fev x Fredro Starr Of Onyx – Batumi
QThree x groundskeepr – the stakes (feat. lojii)
Willyynova – MR. NOBODY ft. JamesThe3rd
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.
