Welcome to Rap Weekly 94: Rap with the calmness of a Samurai. 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. Lupe Fiasco raps with the calmness of a Samurai. Sudan is calling, Gaza is calling. Earl Sweatshirt, Yasiin Bey, and others perform at a benefit concert in London. Westside Gunn is working on a new album. His new track was played at Paris Fashion Week, and even Jared Leto was impressed. A$AP Rocky has released a trailer for the AMERICAN SABOTAGE collection, which symbolizes resistance against oppression. Gunna takes you on a victory lap in a new video clip. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Rap with the calmness of a Samurai
Lupe Fiasco has been in the rap game for nearly twenty years and has carved out a unique position with his lyrical blade. He has achieved commercial success, yet he appears in underground discussions of the best rappers, often rapping to very melodic beats, yet the alpha and omega of his work are complex lyrics. With albums like Food & Liquor, The Cool, and Tetsuo & Youth, he has made an indelible mark on rap history. Lupe is still very active twenty years later, releasing his latest album, Drill Music in Zion, two years ago. His skills are still as sharp as Japanese steel, so it’s time for another album. Lupe Fiasco raps with the calmness of a Samurai.
The album Samurai has a really appropriate title. Lupe chose melodic beats that could be labeled lo-fi jazz. Lupe doesn’t rush anywhere on the beats; he raps with complete calmness, and his elaborate lyrics really stand out in the instrumentals. Samurai is a record that will entertain you, take all the stress out of you, and you can enjoy some well-deserved moments of relaxation in its presence. You’ll almost feel like you’re walking barefoot across the Japanese plains at sunrise. Lupe Fiasco has once again shown the world why he is one of the rap masters.
NEWS
Sudan is calling, Gaza is calling
Earl Sweatshirt will start a European tour in September but will be heading to Europe in July. On July 4, he will be performing at London’s Troxy for the Sudan is calling, Gaza is calling event. As the name suggests, this is a benefit event, with all proceeds going to help children in Sudan and Gaza. As well as Earl, the event will feature performances from Yasiin Bey, Daniel Caesar, Blood Orange, King Krule, Clairo, Ramy Youssef, and many more. Among the featured artists is singer Mustafa, who released the Gaza is Calling EP in June. If you live in London or have the opportunity to travel, be sure to consider attending this unforgettable music event. A plethora of talented artists will perform, and you’ll be contributing to a good cause.
A$AP Rocky’s collection symbolizes resistance against oppression
A$AP Rocky announced two weeks ago that DON’T BE DUMB will be released on August 30. You can pre-order the CD, vinyl, digital version, and merch today. He also revealed an AWGE SS25 DEBUT COLLECTION called AMERICAN SABOTAGE. Check out the great trailer, which features both footage from Fashion Week and footage of demonstrations in the United States. The collection feels like a symbol of defiance against oppression. A$AP Rocky’s own unique way of combining stylish fashion and reflecting on socio-political issues. We look forward to the album.
Jared Leto is a Westside Gunn fan
Westside Gunn, prominent rapper and founder of Griselda Records, has revealed that he is working on a new album. Will it be FLYGOD IS AN AWESOME GOD 3? On his Instagram, he shared a short preview of a new track titled CHOCOLATE FACE featuring DJ Khaled, produced by Illien Rosewell. The track CHOCOLATE FACE has already gained attention at the KidSuper show where the track was first introduced, and according to him, it was so good that Jared Leto tried to find out the name of the track using the Shazam app. Westside Gunn also hinted that he might buy TNA Wrestling in the near future, which would be a big surprise and an exciting move for the rapper and the wrestling world.
QUICK NEWS
- The new episode of From The Block features DENZEL CURRY and THAT MEXICAN OT.
- A$AP Twelvyy has released a video recapping the New York show. Are you ready for the European tour?
- Your Old Droog has announced plans for a European tour. Details will be revealed soon.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
- SwuM and YL released two great singles, What’s Mine/All Night.
BEST ALBUMS
YUNGMORPHEUS & Alexander Spit – Waking Up & Choosing Violence
Every week we get several great, interesting and thoughtful rap projects that we love to listen to. Still, there are a few artists in the rap game that are a level above the rest. YUNGMORPHEUS is one of them. Last year he released two records, From Whence It Came and The Chalice and The Blade (w/ Real Bad Man). This year he enlisted another rap alchemist, producer Alexander Spit, and together they released Waking Up & Choosing Violence, a rap masterpiece shrouded in mystery. YUNGMORPHEUS will never release an album the same as the one before. Each of his projects has a unique vibe, beats and visual presentation. Again, we must praise the breathtaking cover that perfectly captures the soundscape and mood of the album. YUNGMORPHEUS & Alexander Spit come across as ancient rap wizards who mix forbidden potions in their basement to take over the rap scene. Yet the record is honest, vulnerable, and YUNGMORPHEUS is charismatic in a way that only he can be.
Previous Industries – Service Merchandise
Sometimes you can learn more about yourself in a ghost town than in crowded metropolises. James Sunderland from Silent Hill 2 could tell. Previous Industries, the trio of artists Video Dave, STILL RIFT, and Open Mike Eagle, also have plenty of stories to tell. The trio released their debut album Service Merchandise last week. Already the cover of the record evokes emotion with its contrast; the illuminated escalators, which have a very modern feel, are inside an abandoned, bland building. Service Merchandise is an album about nostalgia, heartbreak, joys, and dispensability. The album is really rich. The whole thing envelops you; it’s unique, thematically thought-provoking, the beats are impeccable, and you feel after listening that you’ve only tasted a small part and that there are plenty of secrets waiting for you. Like the duo ShrapKnel a few weeks ago, Previous Industries prove that original, sophisticated, and contemporary rap projects are still coming out that offer something new and push the boundaries of the genre.
Tha God Fahim & NicoJP – Snakes
Tha God Fahim and producer NicoJP have teamed up on Snakes, an intense and exceptional fusion of lyrical mastery and quality production. This album is a strong testament to their artistic chemistry and offers listeners a deep insight into the personal and professional world of these two talented artists. Snakes is imbued with a dark and introspective atmosphere that immediately draws the listener into the world of Tha God Fahim. His lyrics are filled with warnings of treacherous individuals and their bitterness, which is best seen in the titular track Snakes. On it, Fahim combines personal experiences with general warnings to create a powerful and resonating message. “Late nights, I cry tears of blood; where’s the love?” shows his ability to be vulnerable and open, which adds to the authenticity of his music. NicoJP proves himself to be an excellent producer on this album, able to create an atmosphere that perfectly complements Fahim’s lyrics. His minimalistic but effective production allows Fahim’s lyrics to really stand out. The production on the album is dynamic and energetic, with each track bringing a different sound and atmosphere, making the album diverse and interesting from start to finish. Another strength of the album is its aggressive and confident tone. Fahim shows his determination and uncompromising approach to his career and lifestyle here. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the full project right here.
Sinks & SB11 – Dead End.
Rapper Sinks and producer SB11 have teamed up on Dead End., a project that is not only an interesting piece of music but also an emotional farewell to Sinks’ MC career (we hope the rapper changes his mind). The album delivers a dark and introspective vibe that perfectly reflects the theme of the end and coming to terms with the past. Sinks has announced that Dead End. will be his last album as an MC. This fact gives the album a certain weight and urgency. The lyrics are full of depth and personal reflection and show Sinks’ ability to create powerful images and evoke emotions. His lyricism is intense and authentic, making the album very personal and accessible. SB11 proves to be a talented producer who continues the tradition of sampling that inspired Sinks in his youth. The production on Dead End. is high quality and dynamic, with each track offering something new and interesting. SB11 manages to create an atmosphere that perfectly complements Sinks’ lyrics, which is evident throughout the album. His work with beats and samples gives the album a unique sound that is both modern and nostalgic. The album cover, depicting a Preston building photographed by Sinks himself, adds another layer of personal input to this project. This photograph not only reflects Sinks’ passion for photography but also gives the album a visual identity that is as strong as its musical content. Unfortunately, no video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the full project right here.
UFO Fev & Fredro Starr – Strapped
Rappers UFO Fev and legendary producer Fredro Starr have teamed up on Strapped, a project that combines the raw energy of New York rap with nostalgia and historical references. The album, produced entirely by Fredro Starr, delivers a gritty and authentic look at life in the city’s boroughs, both from the perspective of a young rapper and a seasoned artist and producer. Why Strapped and why UFO Fev and Fredro Starr? This project has deep roots in the past. 31 years ago, Fredro Starr landed the lead role of Bamboo in the film Strapped, which was directed by Forest Whitaker. The film was shot in various locations in New York City, including Thomas Jefferson’s home, where a young UFO Fev watched the filming.Now, more than three decades later, Fev and Starr’s paths have crossed again, giving the album a strong historical and personal subtext. Fredro Starr, known for his work with Onyx, brings his typical aggressive production to Strapped. The beats are hard and raw, which fits perfectly with UFO Fev’s gritty lyrics. This project is a testament to Fredro’s ability to create an atmosphere that transports the listener right into the heart of the urban jungle. UFO Fev’s lyrics on this album are powerful and authentic. The songs show his ability to tell stories and reflect on life in the city. Fev is not afraid to talk about the hardships and challenges he faces.
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. A dream come true, Boldy James and Conductor Williams released a joint album. The second EP of a special trilogy from SOO DO KOO and thxk_u is available for purchase on Bandcamp. Jmo Let Em Know continues his iconic Ghoulish Sounds series. Excellent albums have also been released by Blunted Sloth & Ryz Hope, Fuego Base & OT The Real, Sauce Walka, Darko the Super & Day Tripper, Planet Asia & Flying Lindus, Vinnie Paz, and Popoff.
SOO DO KOO x thxk_u – THAT WE CAN’T CHANGE
Blunted Sloth & Ryz Hope – Bluntly Spoken
Darko the Super & Day Tripper – Stank You Kindly
Boldy James and Conductor Williams – Across The Tracks
Jmo Let Em Know – Ghoulish Sounds Volume 4
Fuego Base & OT The Real – Moving Base OT
Sauce Walka – Saucefather 2
Vinnie Paz – Jacinto’s Praying Mantis
Popoff – Dirty City
Planet Asia & Flying Lindus – The Beauty of Barbarossaplatz
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Nonazz and klwn cat are among the greatest talents of their generation. Watch the music video for Sincerely Nazz and you will see the truth.
SAMSON is focused even in a hectic city. EVENING. will be in our rotation no matter the season.
Sideshow and Ryosuke Tanzawa push modern rap music videos to a new level.
Gunna takes you on a victory lap in a new video clip.
Wiki & Tony Seltzer have No L’s; we don’t even need to talk about that.
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. Another week, another music video from the trio Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist. Zoomo & Aasir’s album The Policy has turned one year old, and to celebrate the anniversary, the duo has released a music video for the title track. As soon as Raz Fresco heard the beat to Blow The Spot Up, he knew he had to be nasty. Top-notch music videos were also released last week by DAYLAN GIDEON AND BASSROB, Benny The Butcher, OT The Real, Fuego Base, Cash Lansky, LIFEOFTHOM, Stoic, Maze Overlay, Ty Farris, and Passport Rav.
DJ MUGGS x RAZ FRESCO – Blow The Spot Up
DAYLAN GIDEON AND BASSROB – KENTUCKY DERBY
Cash Lansky – Nothing Less Nothing More Feat. T-Wade
Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist – Sly, Slick & Wicked (feat. C3)
Ty Farris – Villain With The Smile
Passport Rav – Spotlight (prod by DJ Priority)
Benny The Butcher, OT The Real, Fuego Base – Battle Scars
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.
