Welcome to Rap Weekly 99: The Truest, it takes a lot to do this. 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. „It’s Navy Blue the Truest.“ Memoirs in Armour is a story of transformation, a butterfly born out of depression and darkness. Larry June will take over another summer. The album DOING IT FOR ME will be released this week. A$AP ROCKY has released the pilot track for his album DON’T BE DUMB, which will feature elements of ghetto futurism. Killer Mike has released the epilogue to the Grammy-winning album MICHAEL. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The Truest, it takes a lot to do this
Navy Blue, born Sage Gabriel Gabriel Carlos Atreyu Elsesser (note that each album in the Saga of Sage quadrilogy bears one of his names), has been making and releasing music since 2015, but he didn’t release his studio debut, Àdá Irin, until 2020. He immediately won thousands of rap fans and became one of the most prominent artists of his generation thanks to his charismatic, sensitive, introspective, and spiritual rapping. We are among those who instantly fell in love with his work, so we see every new project from Navy as a major rap event. Last year, Navy released his seventh studio album, Ways of Knowing, which was produced entirely by Budgie and was Navy’s first release after signing to the Def Jam label. He had been working hard for the past two years on a record that was supposed to be released under Def Jam, but the label decided not to release the album, leaving Navy to lose all of his work. In response to this event, he created his latest record, Memoirs in Armour, which he released independently. “It’s Navy Blue the Truest; it takes a lot to do this.”
Memoirs in Armour is closer in sound to Navy’s earlier albums, yet it’s another step forward. Navy Blue continues to crystallize his rap artistry, and on his latest record, he writes more captivatingly than ever before. As a result, the listener can look forward to a spiritual journey through a labyrinth of self-discovery where the greatest enemies lurk in the mirrors. Memoirs in Armour is a butterfly born out of darkness and depression.
„I couldn’t fake it, I’ma tell the truth
Depression was the birth of Navy Blue
My message is to serve a greater you
The transmutation of my hurt is now of use“
Time Slips by Navy Blue (2024)
Navy Blue often revisits the past, his ancestors, his family, and his younger self to understand the present and to become a better person every day. On the album, he also mentions the Israeli genocide committed in Palestine, which is funded by the United States along with other European countries. Production was handled by Chuck Strangers, Budgie, Child Actor, Nicholas Craven, Ntvrme, Graymatter, Grant Lapointe, and Navy Blue himself. To the sounds of the art of these masters, with the moonlight at his back, Sage Gabriel Carlos Atreyu Elsesserr walks into the embrace of La Noche (the night).
NEWS
Larry June will take over another summer
Larry June brings great news to his fans! He announced on his Instagram that his new album, DOING IT FOR ME, will be released on August 9. This is Larry continuing his prolific music career. Larry June also posted the first part of a documentary about the new record on his YouTube channel. The documentary offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album and showcases Larry’s day-to-day life as a rapper. In the video, Larry shares his thoughts and feelings about the album and gives fans an authentic look into his creative process.
A$AP ROCKY has released the pilot track for his upcoming album
On August 30th, A$AP ROCKY will release his long-awaited album DON’T BE DUMB, so it’s time for the pilot single. Once again looking for an alternative soundscape, A$AP ROCKY has invited singer Jessica Pratt to sing on the track HIGHJACK, spicing up the psychedelic vibe of the single with her vocals. In an interview for Apple Music, Rocky revealed that the new record draws inspiration from German Expressionism and Ghetto Futurism. A music video for the single will be released soon.
Killer Mike has released the epilogue to the Grammy-winning album
Killer Mike really took his time with his latest solo album, MICHAEL. Released eleven years after R.A.P. Music, it won a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Since there was such a mischievous reaction after his win, especially in the Czech Republic, that people don’t know who Killer Mike is, let’s do a little recap of one major rap chapter. He debuted in 2003 with his album Monster and has since released several solo albums. He made a guest appearance on Outkast’s legendary Stankonia, and in 2012, he and EL-P formed the highly successful and award-winning duo Run The Jewels, which released four albums. EL-P is one of the most influential underground rappers and producers of all time, having pushed the boundaries of rap in the 1990s with Company Flow and produced albums such as the legendary The Cold Vein. Well, hopefully no one in the Czech rap community will be embarrassed anymore. Why are we writing about Killer Mike now? Last week he released the epilogue to MICHAEL, which is titled Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs For Sinners & Saints. You can look forward to ten tracks, some new and some reworked. The record draws heavily from Mike’s experience growing up in the church, so you can look forward both to a choir and guest star rappers including Offset, Key Glock, Project Pat, and more.
QUICK NEWS
- Boldy James and Harry Fraud will release a joint album, The Bricktionary, by the end of the summer. Listen to the pilot single, Cecil Fielder.
- Bruiser Wolf debuted his new single on Real Late and gave a fantastic live performance.
- Rome Streetz and Daringer will soon release the short music movie CALCULATED RISK directed by COACH BOMBAY.
- E L U C I D will release new music soon; watch the teaser.
- Check out the great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
BEST ALBUMS
SOO DO KOO – REQUISITION
“From the greatest storyteller of modern times, his greatest adventure story. SOO DO KOO.” One week after the release of the instrumental album SILVER SLUGGER OF THE YEAR (w/ Jazzy lion man), SOO DO KOO returns with a rap album. This is the twelfth record he’s released this year, and we’re beginning to think that the line “shit is efforless, I’m making album sleepwalkin,” which you’ll hear on his latest record, is not meant by SOO DO KOO in hyperbole, but literally. We ourselves find it challenging to come up with something new in our mini reviews of his albums, but SOO DO KOO does it with every album. We never get the feeling that he’s repeating himself, as his beats and rap feel incredibly genuine and sincere. There are also some interesting contradictions; the album REQUISITION is laced with everyday melancholy, yet the feeling it evokes in you is positive. Alongside references to The Wire and Better Call Saul, the album also features serious, urgent themes that are currently resonating in society. SOO DO KOO is clearly one of the best rappers of the current generation, and we look forward to the day when he receives some well-deserved recognition among a wider audience. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching the full album.
Wolftone & AJ Suede – Permafrost Discoveries
With their new album Permafrost Discoveries, AJ Suede and producer Wolftone are taking us on a musical journey that is not to be missed. This project, enriched with guest artists such as Maya Marie, Perry Porter, BlkSknn, and Wishbaby, brings listeners an incredible sonic experience that is both hypnotic and insistently immersive. Wolftone showcases his production talents in full force here. His sonic landscape is completely new to what we are used to with AJ Suede. The album’s sonic palette shifts between dark, mystical tones and experimental beats that draw you into their world and don’t let you leave. Hypnotizing beats are at every turn. AJ Suede convinces us once again of his lyrical skills. His slow, deliberate flow acts as a magnet that draws you closer and closer. AJ Suede creates worlds full of nuance; his lyrics are packed with images and metaphors that create a complex yet fascinating structure. Permafrost Discoveries is an album that demands your full attention and rewards you for it with myriad layers of sound and lyrics. Wolftone and AJ Suede have created something that goes beyond the ordinary rap album, a work of art that takes you on a hypnotic journey full of sonic and lyrical discoveries.
Mary Sue – Casper’s Glove
Mary Sue comes up with a new project, Casper’s Glove, featuring five tracks and a single guest, Jay Cinema. The album maintains the iconic sound we’ve come to love from Mary Sue and brings us beautiful productions that Mary Sue excels at. Mary Sue’s signature sound is captured perfectly here. The productions on Casper’s Glove are beautifully crafted; each beat is carefully constructed and creates an atmosphere that Mary Sue feels right at home in. The musical backing is elegant and emotive, allowing Mary Sue to explore deeper and more personal themes. One of the most striking aspects of the album are the lyrics, which express strong emotions and introspective thoughts. The lyrics are rich with poetic imagery that expresses feelings of sadness, loneliness, and longing for love. Here Mary Sue depicts his inner struggle and reflections on life, loss, and love. The recurring motif of fire symbolizes the strength and constant change of life. Casper’s Glove is an intimate and profound project that offers listeners a beautiful musical experience and a strong emotional connection. Mary proves that he is capable of creating music that is both artistically rewarding and emotionally resonant.
JPEGMAFIA – I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU
JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown took the rap world by storm last year with their collaborative album Scaring the Hoes. Danny also managed to release his amazing solo project Quaranta last year, but Peggy’s fans had to wait until last week for his solo project. Three years after LP!, JPEGMAFIA released his fifth solo album, I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU. If you love his music, we’re sure you’ve been listening to his latest project with excitement for the umpteenth time. Peggy continues to do what he does best, and his latest record is also full of avant-garde experimental rap. The soundscape of the album is very diverse; the track SIN MIEDO is a psychedelic blend of rock and electronic music, while on the track Exmilitary Peggy returns to the more strict rap sound of his debut studio album Black Ben Carson, sampling the legendary Tearz by Wu-Tang Clan and shooting his bars after the group Death Grips. Both anger and egocentrism ooze from the record; Peggy is once again the anti-hero who takes no shit. The record features guest appearances from Vince Staples, Denzel Curry, and others. One of the album’s highlights is the hypnotic track either on or off the drugs, on which Peggy reflects on his career and delves deep into his inner self.
Bei Ru & Old Man Saxon – So Long
Old Man Saxon has teamed up with Los Angeles-based producer Bei Ru, and the result is a four-song EP that is a great example of fine production and laid-back rap. This work offers a deep insight into Saxon’s current relationship with rap and its influence on the artist’s life. Bei Ru delivers rich, smooth productions on the EP that are perfect for Old Man Saxon’s lyrical introspection. The EP’s sound is subtle but emphatic, with beats that blend seamlessly with Saxon’s calm and pensive style of rap. The production acts as a soothing backdrop that perfectly complements Saxon’s lyrics, full of emotion and personal reflection. Old Man Saxon bares his soul on this EP, offering listeners an honest look at his thoughts and feelings. Saxon is open about his emotions, which he tries to distance himself from, and his desire for a life free from constant pressure and obligation. His words are raw and authentic, allowing listeners to see inside his mind and feel his inner struggle. The EP offers a short but intense experience that is full of honesty and introspection. Old Man Saxon and Bei Ru have created a project that acts as a personal diary, shared with listeners. The subtle production and calm rap create an ideal combination that allows the lyrics to stand out and resonate with listeners.
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.
Figerson & Foule Monk – THE PHANTOM BLOT
Pro Dillinger & Bucky Luger – Don’t Feed the Animals
Saga – Black Label Saga Vol. 2
K.J. – The Sun Don’t Chill
Kota the Friend & ExistentialBeing – Nappy Hour
Rich Jones & Sleep Sinatra – Sour Dub
L.I.F.E. Long & Noam Chopski – In the Day of the Night
Wiz Khalifa – Wiz Owens
P-Ro – Levels In The Details
gustavo louis – HEEL RAP 2
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
ANKHLEJOHN, The Alchemist, and The Diggers. This music video was made by an all-star team.
Big Sean has released a music video from his son’s point of view. It’s as heartwarming as it sounds.
Fear and loathing in Los Angeles. Xp The Marxman, Big Twins, Vel Nine, Sirrealist, and NugLife have released a joint music video.
Homeboy Sandman and his rap alchemy. Let yourself be mesmerized.
DJ MUGGS and RAZ FRESCO have released the music video for the hypnotic rap ballad Pan’s Labyrinth.
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.
CRIMEAPPLE – Fe203 (Prod. By MichaelAngelo)
Jamal Gasol & Cedar Law$ – Epitome
NugLife & Rocky G Prod. by Brycon
Boldy James & The Alchemist – “Ten Pints”
Pataka Boys – Dettwork South Asia | Sonnyjim, PAV4N, Kartik | Azadi Records
MUTANT ACADEMY – LIBERATION feat. QUELLE CHRIS (PROD. UNLUCKY BASTARDS)
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.
