Welcome to Rap Weekly 100: Good Job. 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. Larry June, sunny summer days, soulful beats and hypnotic rap. In the rap world, it doesn’t get much better than this. Good Job. Carpe diem in a murder one mask. Are you ready to reveal the truth? E L U C I D has announced a new album. it’s okay to cry! MAVI with the album shadowbox found light in the darkness and strength in the pain. Rocky G, FrankieOG, and NugLife have released an anthem for everyone who is ROLLIN THAT kush. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Good Job
This Rap Weekly is really special because we are celebrating a big anniversary. It’s absolutely unbelievable, but we’ve already published one hundred Rap Weekly articles recommending over 1500 albums, 1500 music videos, and countless new releases. We’re still having fun; we still love writing the articles, and we’re definitely not slowing down; on the contrary, we’re coming up with all kinds of great new stuff. Rap Weekly 100 is our little victory lap, and that’s why we deserve to hear, at least today, Good Job.
We took the liberty of borrowing Larry’s iconic “good job” in the introduction, but now we’re going to give it back to him. Good Job Larry. The San Francisco artist has been in the rapgame since 2010, and last year he released two phenomenal records straight, The Great Escape (w/ The Alchemist) and The Night Shift (w/ Cardo). Doing It for Me continues his victory lap, and while it doesn’t offer anything innovative, as they say, what works doesn’t need to be changed. Larry June will absolutely hypnotize you behind the mic, with beats from producers Harry Fraud, Cookin Soul, Cardo, and more. The last track, Money Bag, is an impressive celebratory anthem that will be playing for at least the rest of the summer. Ay ay ay, ay ay ay.
NEWS
Carpe diem in a murder one mask
E L U C I D was faster than us. Last week, we let you know about a mysterious video that Backwoodz Studioz rapper and also a member of the Armand Hammer duo has released. We knew a new album was coming, but we didn’t expect the announcement to come this quickly. REVELATOR will be released on October 11th via Fat Possum Records, and you can look forward to fifteen tracks. The album will feature billy woods, Creature, and Skech185. Production is handled by Jon Nellen, August Fanon, Child Actor, Saint Abdullah, Alan Duggan, SAMIYAM, Andrew Broder, The Lasso, DJ Haram, and E L U C I D himself.
What does Fat Possum Records write about the album? “A raw, crackling urgency runs through rapper-producer E L U C I D’s new album REVELATOR like an underground power line. No off ramp from the audio Autobahn that ELUCID has fashioned—a renegade Robert Moses with gold fronts, bulldozing the homes of the powerful and the complicit. REVELATOR brims with the energy of now, with a refusal to look away. Carpe diem in a murder one mask.” The pilot singles and synopsis suggest that E L U C I D has once again created a completely unique musical world that will hold a mirror up to society. You can pre-order the limited vinyl today.
International avant-garde jazz band
We’ll stay with Backwoodz Studioz for a while. Under its wing, the jazz band ØKSE debuted last week with a self-titled album. The band itself is made up of an international all-star team of avant-garde musicians: New York drummer Savannah Harris, Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Haitian electronic musician Val Jeanty, and Sweden’s Petter Eldh, who plays bass, synths, and sampler. Each of them has already established themselves as solo artists, but as ØKSE, together they are breaking new ground and pushing and pushing the boundaries of the genre. It is no coincidence that the album was released under Backwoodz. You can look forward to a completely unique experience as well as guest rappers. E L U C I D, billy woods, Cavalier, and Maassai spice up the jazz soundscape with their rapping. Play the album, watch the videos, and give something new a chance.
August Fanon has announced numerous upcoming projects
Wow, producer August Fanon once again proves his relentless work ethic. He announced via Twitter that he’s working on collaborations with a number of notable artists. Fans can look forward to new singles and even entire albums in collaboration with rappers Lungs, Obijuan, Chuck Strangers, Vinnie Paz, Blu, Sleep Sinatra, Fatboi Sharif, Vic Spencer, ELUCID, Fly Anakin, Ankhlejohn, Navy Blue, YUNGMORPHEUS, and many more. What are you most looking forward to?
QUICK NEWS
- Common performed on Vevo ctrl with the song Fortunate.
- The new episode of Real Late with Rosenberg featured Your Old Droog on the roof of a skyscraper, rhymed over A Million and One Questions by Jay-Z and DJ Premier
- 38 Spesh has released the pilot single for the anticipated Mother&Gun album, featuring a guest appearance by Method Man.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
- The Beat Sets From Da Underground project is back with its eighth episode. Featuring Philth Spector, Rolled Gold, and Kiff.
BEST ALBUMS
MAVI – shadowbox
It’s okay to cry! Two years after Laughing So Hard, it Hurts, MAVI has released his third studio album, Shadowbox. He found light in the darkness and strength in the pain. To the sound of atmospheric beats that could evoke strong emotions on their own, MAVI peels back layer after layer of his emotive rap to reflect and understand who he is. The album has the power to resonate strongly with listeners, full of emotion, pain, love, sadness, and happiness. MAVI is incredibly open and shares his life experiences with details that some rappers wouldn’t be able to share with even their best friends. The final track, my own way, is the perfect conclusion to MAVI’s thought-provoking, vulnerable, and honest odyssey.
Jae Haze & Kid Breeze – 4Way
Rapper Jae Haze drops his first solo EP of the year, produced exclusively by the talented Kid Breeze. This release features several guest appearances from the Rufus Sims, Panamera P, Ju Jilla, and Kid Breeze himself. This is an EP that is high-quality street music from start to finish. One of the standout tracks on the album is Dope Transactions, which features guest appearances from Ju Jilla and Kid Breeze. The lyrics of this track are full of raw and honest bars that reflect life on the edge. The presence of Kid Breeze, not only as a producer but also as a guest artist, strengthens the cohesion of the album. Jae Haze shows confidence and determination in his first solo EP. The lyrics are full of metaphors and clever turns of phrase that show his ability to tell stories and reflect on his experiences. Haze doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, and his authenticity is felt throughout. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching a clip for the track Tea.
Harris Rudman & Brian Lentz – 265
Rapper Harris Rudman and producer Brian Lentz are back with their new project called 265, the follow-up to 263, released two years ago. This record delivers a fresh sound and powerful lyrics that reflect deep personal experiences and emotions. Rudman speaks openly about his resentment and frustration towards his surroundings and his view of them. The lyrics are intense and honest. Rudman feels like an outsider, which reinforces his sense of isolation in society. This feeling is compounded by his depression and toxic relationships. Producer Brian Lentz does a great job of creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements Rudman’s lyrics. His production is sophisticated, and each beat has its own unique character. Harris also reflects on his personal relationships and insecurities, as well as his lack of understanding from other people, while emphasizing the importance of love and self-worth. 265 is a strong follow-up to 263.
T’nah & Chelsea Reject – Rogue
After more than a decade of waiting, artists T’nah and Chelsea Reject have finally teamed up to bring their collaborative project Rogue to the world. This album is not just a musical accomplishment but a manifesto of their artistic identity and struggle for recognition in the music industry. Both artists have spoken enthusiastically about the project, emphasizing that it is their best work to date, created naturally and with authenticity. The production is fresh, innovative, and different from their previous projects. Each track is carefully crafted, with both artists unafraid to experiment with different sounds and styles. The lyrics on the album are deep, introspective, and often reflect the personal struggles and frustrations of both artists. T’nah and Chelsea Reject focus on trying to find their way while expressing frustration with the current state of affairs and the need for change. The album Rogue is dedicated to all the peculiar and different black women. T’nah and Chelsea Reject express their support and solidarity with those who feel outside the mainstream and are fighting for their place in the world.
BoriRock – ZINGCLOPS
Counting the albums released each year by the unstoppable Boston rapper BoriRock is a job in itself. ZINGCLOPS is his fourth project this year, and although it was released on the Bandcamp platform back in July, it only hit all streaming services last week. Nevertheless, support the artist right via Bandcamp; he deserves it. BoriRock, like Estee Nack and al.divino for example, makes uncompromising grimy street rap, in which he describes life stories full of drugs and violence without glorification. BoriRock manages to incorporate vulnerability, strong emotions, and humor into his bone-chilling rap. ZINGCLOPS is an unforgettable roller coaster ride that you will remember for a long time.
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.
Pink Siifu – GOT FOOD AT THE CRIB’!!! VOL.3
Scott G – BIvcc Gesvs: Three
Squintz & Fench – Learn From Pain
Benny the Butcher – Summertime Butch
Neek Bucks – UNIQUE
Red Inf – Gilda’s Sun
Maze Overlay – 84′ Testarossa
Knowitall & Mourning Run – MAGIC N BIRD
MESSIAH! – the villain wins
Awon & Phoniks – Golden Era 2
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
You’ll hear these elusive melodic flows for the first time. imkay9ine hasreleased the phenomenal track dapper.
Don’t expect anything standard; all the art that AKAI SOLO creates is bespoke.
Da$H’s hypnotic track Pure Leaf has it all. Meditative calm vibe and adrenaline drive.
Rocky G, FrankieOG, and NugLife have released an anthem for everyone who is ROLLIN THAT kush.
Carrot Season is dropping on September 10! Lungs and phiik have released a third single of the album, which will once again offer something never heard before.
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.
J Littles & Kong The Artisan – Do The Job
Gabe ‘Nandez, Thomas Maggart – Suzy
Powers Pleasant – “Rumble” feat. Joey Bada$$
KOTA the Friend – ‘Backstage in Minneapolis’
Starz Coleman – SHARK BITE PROD BY Goldface
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.
