Welcome to Rap Weekly 97: South’s hip-hop heritage. 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 has released an album blending sounds from the South’s hip-hop heritage. Play the mobile game Not Like Us, in which you become Kendrick Lamar, and your task will be simple: beat up as many of Drake’s owls as possible. Westside Gunn has finished the album. Will he release a mixtape first? Next month will see the release of Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys, the definitive documentary on the founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
South’s hip-hop heritage
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 elaborate 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 bangers. Now, however, he’s taking a break from concept albums and returning to his roots. Well, not really.
King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2, the follow-up to his 2012 project, could also be called a concept album, but the concept is not a theme or a story, but a sound. KOTMS II is a really honest tribute to the hip-hop heritage of the South; every track has drive, the beats are heavy, and 90s-inspired referencing Memphis and groups like Three6Mafia. In addition, the record features a whole host of guests who are essential to the Southern sound. Whether 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, or Maxo Kream appear alongside Denzel, everyone is playing his game. Denzel never hides his dedication, desire for success, and love for rap, and that goes double on this record.
NEWS
Not Like Us videogame
Are you tired of the beef between Kendrick and Drake, or can’t get enough of it? If you’re in the first group, you might as well skip this news. We rarely get caught up in any sensation, preferring to write about topics or music that really resonates, but a video game based on a diss track Not Like Us is just a fun concept. Yes, you read that right. You can play Not Like Us on your computer and mobile, where you become Kendrick Lamar, and your task is simple: beat up as many of Drake’s owls as possible. The game was created by Richie Branson, who expresses his love for hip-hop and hopes to please as many fans as possible.
Westside Gunn has finished the album
Westside Gunn, a renowned rapper and member of Griselda Records, recently announced that his new album is complete. Surprisingly, however, he is considering releasing a special mixtape to accompany the album first. He announced this project on the anniversary of his iconic There’s God and There’s FlyGod, Praise Both, which was released on July 19, 2016. It is not yet clear if the mixtape will actually be released. If he does decide to make the move, fans could expect a return to the style that made Westside Gunn famous. The mixtape promises raw and authentic recordings that would entice a full-length album.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard documentary
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more legendary and essential hip-hop group than Wu-Tang. Their discography is bulletproof, whether we’re talking about group albums or solo projects by individual artists. Wu-Tang has become a phenomenon that is also the subject of movies and TV shows. The most well-known series is Wu-Tang: An American Saga, but fans of the group can look forward to another great-looking project this year. On August 25, the documentary Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys will be released on A&E. What can you look forward to? What can you look forward to? “The definitive documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The documentary explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him. Featuring interviews with Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s wife Icelene Jones, his son Bar-Sun Jones, and more.”
QUICK NEWS
- The latest episode of BREALTV’s The Smokebox features The Alchemist & Oh No.
- A great documentary was released for the Bushman Bodega album.
- Facials with Fielded is a new series where Fielded interviews artists while taking their skincare to the next level. The guest on the pilot episode is billy woods.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
BEST ALBUMS
Foule Monk – MEGALOSCHEMO
It’s been over a year since Detroit producer Foule Monk released his megalomaniacal work, CRISIS. Since then, you could listen to his instrumental projects or the album WINDWARD (w/ Sleep Sinatra). Foule Monk can’t keep his crazy ideas at bay, so this year he releases another monumental album, MEGALOSCHEMO. The cover art by NEEDLES ON WAX is apt; the record sounds like a big rap alien battle. Foule Monk once again curates an exhibition of contemporary underground rap; his beats feature countless talented contemporary rappers. You can look forward to Rahiem Supreme, Patty Honcho, Chyna, Figerson, and many more. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the full album.
CRIMEAPPLE & Michaelangelo – TUCIBI
CRIMEAPPLE has released another piece of an impressive autobiographical rap puzzle. He’s been unstoppable for several years now and continues his fascinating journey this year. This year, he released the albums LETHIMCOOK, Bazuko (w/ Big Ghost Ltd) and El León (w/ Preservation). On his latest record, TUCIBI, he teams up with another elite producer, Michaelangelo. No producer gets along with American rappers with Colombian roots like Michaelangelo. The album TUCIBI is an adventurous fusion of the past, the future, and different cultures. The album cover perfectly visualizes its essence. The pink panther refers to tucibi, the infamous pink cocaine, but it also symbolizes the kind of rapper CRIMEAPPLE is. His music balances on the edge of danger and humor, yet it never loses emotion or charm. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track LANGOSTA.
PAVAN, Sonnyjim, Kartik – Thugs From Amritsar
Sonnyjim is a rapper and producer from England who is one of the top rap artists there. We ranked his albums White Girl Wasted (w/ The Purist) and Ortolan and Armagnac (w/ Lee Scott) among the best albums of 2022 and 2023. This year, he formed the Pataka Boys with rapper PAVAN and producer Kartik and released their debut project, Thugs From Amritsar. Amritsar is the most important city in the Indian Union state of Punjab. It is India that unites all three artists. Thugs From Amritsar is a fusion of British and Indian culture, and as the history of rap has proven many times, it is the fusion of different cultures that produces the most interesting projects. The album is thematically rich, with nuances and rays of different cultures shining through in both the rappers’ lyrics and Kartik’s beats.
Courtney Bell & Royce Da 5’9″ – Microdose Darkside
Microdose Darkside is the deluxe version of the Microdose album, on which Courtney Bell and Royce Da 5’9″ teamed up to create a work that is not only musical but also deeply personal and culturally rich. Since we haven’t written about the original project, let’s take a look at what it has to offer. Microdose is full of emotional honesty and a critical look at the truths of life, making each track not only fun but a powerful expression of personal and social expression. Courtney Bell shows his growth and maturity as an artist on Microdose. His lyrics are raw and reflect the realities of life in difficult circumstances. The album is a complex blend of diverse sounds and styles that come together to create a cohesive and powerful whole. This album is not just about the music but also a reflection and commentary on current social issues and personal struggles. With precise production and an emphasis on authentic expression, Microdose offers listeners not only a soundtrack to their lives but also an opportunity to reflect on deep questions.
Saga – Black Label Saga Vol. 1
Saga returns after a two-year hiatus with a double album, Black Label Saga Vol. 1 & 2, with the first part already out and the second coming out on August 2. This project is a bold return to the scene and marks a major new step in his career. Sonically, the album is dark and intense. Saga creates an atmosphere that is otherworldly. The textured rhythms combine with hard-hitting and emotional lyrics. His lyricism is filled with deep feelings of loneliness and loss, with Saga using strong metaphors and imagery. In this context, Black Label is synonymous with exclusivity and a personal touch. Saga assembles the album from various tracks that have been shelved or unreleased in the past and reworks them into a new, coherent narrative. From the first few seconds of the album, it is evident that Saga is not afraid to open up. The lyrics are full of reflective thoughts, and his rhymes transport the listener to the difficult moments he has experienced. Black Label Saga is not only an exceptional work in Saga’s career but also a harbinger of what’s to come in his upcoming projects. This project promises that Saga will continue to expand his artistic boundaries. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the full album.
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.
Andrew – can I write a requiem for you when you’re dead?
Jay Cinema & Alikho Igama – Pure Magic
Kutz Diego & John Dutch – 1500 Miles and Running
Maze Overlay – Eternal Summer
Tori Bridges & A.M. Early Morning – Ambition
Leo Laru$$o – Stuck In Traffic
Billionaire Boyscout & Rufus Sims – LOYALTY II: SUPER RUFUS REVENGE
Sphere47 – Funkadelic 2: Soul Power
Tobes & Mickey Factz – Symphony Of Dreams
Fatboi Sharif & Duncecap: Psychedelics Wrote The Bible
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
NEMZZZ escapes the standard categories; his new music video is phenomenal.
The collection of music videos for the Diamond Collection album has expanded again. YL & STARKER have released their fifth unique piece.
The video for the song Interlude: Nothing But Music (Vision Of A Country Boy & His Music) breathes love for music.
Gabe ‘Nandez and Thomas Maggart definitely won’t get lost in the crowd.
CLBRKS & NICKYDIESEL have announced a rap ode to the fourth installment of the GTA. Check out the music video for the pilot single, BRUCIE KIBBUTZ.
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.
The 6th Letter & Billie Essco “Style Warz”
Sirrealist – Mortuary ft. Reek Osama
AJ Suede & Wolftone – Rent’s Dew
OT The Real – Oh No (feat. SKNJ)
Vitamin G & Mr Slipz – Struggling To Swim
Onoe Caponoe – Jane Flower Feat. Lofty305 (Prod. Kehlarj)
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.
