Welcome to Rap Weekly 95: They not like us. 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. “No, you not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer.” Kendrick Lamar has released a music video for the song Not Like Us. We break down its key message. In Lucid Monday’s A Day in the Life of CardoGotWings video, Cardo talks about working with Playboi Carti on his upcoming album. Your Old Droog visualized the essence of the album Movie in one of the most impressive music videos of the year. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
They not like us
The beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is undoubtedly the biggest rap moment of 2024. We’ve already broken down the whole beef several times; both rappers hit each other from all angles, and in the end, the fans were the winners. Both artists produced memorable tracks, and while we think Kendrick won, Drake definitely put on an impressive performance. The track Family Matters is a flawless diss track that could destroy a lot of rappers. Unfortunately for Drake, his opponent wasn’t just any rapper, but Kendrick Lamar, who ended the beef with two incredibly thoughtful tracks. The brutal meet the grahams, in which Kendrick speaks to Drake’s family members and explains why Drake is a bad person, is a psychological horror. The hit Not Like Us is a manifesto about Kendrick standing on the side of culture. The new music video adds to the song’s power.
“No, you not a colleague, you a fuckin’ colonizer.” This line from the track Not Like Us is absolutely key for Kendrick. It’s his ace up his sleeve, a winning move that Drake can’t beat. Because we really believe that for Kendrick, this beef isn’t personal, but it’s about something bigger. It’s about culture. No one can dispute that Drake and Kendrick come from different backgrounds. To Kendrick, Drake is someone who is exploiting rap culture to his advantage and not giving anything back. In other words, a colonizer. The phenomenal music video for Not Like Us is Kendrick’s victory lap, and its strength lies in the community that gets a space in the video. One of the last shots, a caged owl, is powerful visual symbolism. The owl is in fact a symbol of Drake, and Kendrick uses this to visualize that he has his opponent in his grasp and that he is powerless against him. Something that isn’t sincere can easily be destroyed. Kendrick has no such symbol; his power is the city of Compton. That’s why in the last shot we see Kendrick surrounded by people who respect him. And there’s nothing Drake can do about that. He can only dream of this moment because he’s not “Not Like Us.”
NEWS
Spend a day with CardoGotWings
Lucid Monday is a producer-focused publishing, management, and media company that creates a space for the music industry’s most innovative musicians through unique live performances, a magazine, and more. Producers The Alchemist and CardoGotWings were given the cover space of Lucid Monday’s seventh issue. To mark the occasion, they released a great video called Conversations with The Alchemist & CardoGotWings, which you should definitely check out if you haven’t seen it. Last week, another great video, A Day in the Life of CardoGotWings, was released under the label’s auspices. Before the start of SXSW in Austin, Texas, the Lucid Monday team spent a day with Grammy Award-winning producer CardoGotWings. You’ll learn about his collaboration with Playboi Carti on his upcoming album, among other exciting projects.
The fusion of several rap generations
This single is a whirlwind that delivers the hard beats, sharp rhymes, and energy that the hip-hop scene needs. Sadat X has his unmistakable flow, DJ Muggs delivers a dark and gritty beat, while Rahiem Supreme adds his killer verses. This is the kind of rap that won’t leave you in peace. Wild Cowboys Revenge is proof that even in this day and age, hip-hop veterans can deliver fresh and innovative material that will appeal to old and new fans alike. Proof that true rap is still alive, no soft play.
The doctor will begin surgery this week
Who is JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACHLAVA THE DOCTOR? We will find out this week. Action Bronson has announced his new album, which will be released on July 11. Action is celebrating his mother’s 80th birthday. The album is a celebration of life and joy. Two great singles that are already out give you a taste of what the album will sound like. The album was produced by Bronson himself, The Alchemist, and Daringer. The album will feature Uncle Al, Yung Mehico, Meyhem Lauren, Larry June, and Julian Love. You shouldn’t miss the latest episode of FTD either.
BEST ALBUMS
Brainorchestra – Relic
Brainorchestra is back with a new six-track project called Relic, which is a real gem for the summer time. This project marks the new beginning for his progressive sound and promises a refreshing approach for all listeners. Brainorchestra has focused on immersive lyrics along with precise loops, delivering a unique sound that dazzles with its originality and sophistication. Project Relic shows how his skills are constantly improving, as evidenced by his own production, writing, recording, mixing, and mastering. You can hear that each track has been carefully crafted, and the Brainorchestra is not afraid to experiment with new sounds and techniques. The lead track Relic is a testament to Brainorchestra’s lyrical skill. The track encapsulates themes of love, the need for change, and his disgust towards hateful people. Brainorchestra openly expresses his views on the world around him and shows determination and strength to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward. Each of the six tracks on the album brings something unique. Brainorchestra manages to keep the listener on their toes with its varied beats and lyrical themes. The tracks range from introspective meditations to energetic anthems that celebrate his artistic journey. Of special note is the limited edition 100-copy vinyl, available exclusively at gasrecords.us. Relic is proof that Brainorchestra sounds better than ever. His new project is a refreshing experience that offers both nostalgia and a modern sound. With this album, Brainorchestra confirms his place in the hip-hop scene and delivers something his fans will love. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching a clip for the track Legend In My City.
SOO DO KOO – THE FOURTH WALL
It’s only July, but SOO DO KOO can already celebrate a major anniversary this year, releasing its tenth project of the year. If you don’t know the rapper yet, now is the perfect time to break down the fourth wall and get a glimpse into his soul. THE FOURTH WALL contains everything we love about the artist’s music, but if we had to pick something out, it’s the great beats. One track was produced by Maestro G, two by Iris Ameerah, and the rest by SOO DO KOO himself. The title track kicks off the album in a really dope way, while the beats of STAIRMASTER and MODERATION WALL are reminiscent of the best of Nicholas Craven. Once again, we have no choice but to marvel at the SOO DO KOO’s talent and passion. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the whole project.
Shottie & Machacha – Alligator Alley
Shottie, a talented rapper from Florida, creates albums that have a unique vibe and instantly engulf you. Last year we praised Death Occurred Last Night, an album that is as mysterious as the film of the same name and as bone-chilling as Italian giallo horror. Leaving Italy aside for now, we move on to Florida, to the dangerous Alligator Alley. The new album feels more like a brutal Eaten Alive, Tobe Hooper’s cult film. Shottie is once again flawless behind the mic, calm, and reflects all the themes without glorification. You can look forward to a plethora of talented guests, great beats from Machacha, and even Spanish rap.
J.Arrr & Greeneryy – Forgotten Chvpter
J. Arrr presents the fourth installment of his Chvpter series with an album called Forgotten Chvpter, a short but intense look into his artistic world. The entire album was produced by Greenery. Greenery’s production is precise and thoughtful to a fault, with every beat supporting the atmosphere and emotional charge of J. Arrr’s lyrics. The soundscapes range from dark and melancholic tones to dynamic rhythms. In the lyrics, J. Arrr’s album critiques contemporary rap artists and the music industry as a whole. His style is often introspective and personal, and he is not afraid to point out the flaws and bullshit he sees around him. The lyrics are full of irony and critical reflection, making the listener think about the challenges of modern times. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach a clip for the song Backboard Dollars.
Hagakure & Kaleo Jacobs – Expensive Cloth
Kaleo Jacobs and producer Hagakure have released a new collaborative album, Expensive Cloth, which offers a mix of diverse musical textures and personal expressions. The tracks showcase their signature style full of spontaneous thoughts and quick rhymes that weave throughout the project. The lyrics are lively and full of allusions to the need for money and personal visionaryism. Kaleo Jacobs’ lyrics are critical of the world around him, whether it be the speed of life or the pressures of the financial environment. References to different aspects of life, such as work and danger, are underpinned by energetic beats and a lively rap style. Hagakure’s production adds a unique atmosphere to the album, where dark and dynamic soundscapes collide with Kale Jacobs’ expressive lyrics. Each track is like a journey into their world, where personal experiences intersect with rhyming excursions and musical experimentation. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching a clip for the track 93 North ft Wst. Taylor.
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.
Johnny Storm – Hov Taught Us
Eclyse – Threnody
Mikee Mula – JERSEY MIKEE
Son of Tony – Son Is a Bastard
Pounds448 – Vacuum Seal Valedictorian
Fam Ross & Arsinel – 41ZOO
Body Bag Ben & Xp The Marxman -Good Times, Bad Times
Stalley – Peerless
Tone Spliff & Edo. G – Audio EDibles
Solomon Childs & Darkim Be Allah – Child King
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Blu and Evidence will bring the Wild Wild West to life before your eyes. The joint album, Los Angeles, will be released on July 12, and we believe it will be exceptional.
Lee Scott’s Ginkgo Biloba will make you question even your own existence.
Name a duo that has released more bangers this year than Papo2oo4 and Subjxct 5, we’ll wait.
JR Writer and 38 Spesh preach nothing but the truth.
Your Old Droog visualized the essence of the album Movie in one of the most impressive music videos of the year.
DOPE VIDEOS
Our list of must-see music videos doesn’t end with the top five. We’ve picked out ten more dope clips that you definitely need to see. Give all the artists below a chance, they deserve it.
RLX – Different Seasons (prod. Ignorancia Sofisticada)
K.A.A.N. x Dj Hoppa – Rat Race
JWU ft DJ LUCAS – “GO CRAZY” (PROD ONLINE TONY)
Big Legend GF x Sauce Walka – “Drippin”
BIZARRE x Foul Mouth – Insane Asylum
MARCO PLUS – hell naw ft. Smiles &
Pounds – Parquet/Megalodon – Prod. Pounds
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.
