Welcome to Rap Weekly 106: Quit While You’re Ahead. 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. Legendary London rapper Nines has released his final album. Quit While You’re Ahead is really mature and expressive Drug Dealer Poetry. The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs are now in the restaurant business. Al has introduced Alfredo’s Ristorante. MADeMAN is a record that encapsulates Cardo Got Wing´s whole approach to music and life, a record that bears all the hallmarks of modern gangsta rap drenched in California sunshine. Maxo Kream & Tyler, The Creator have released another banger. Cracc Era follows up the hit song Big Persona. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Quit While You’re Ahead
It’s quite fascinating that British rapper Nines has earned almost legendary status in “only” twelve years on the scene. His 2012 mixtape From Church Rd. to Hollywood put him on the map of London rap, and his debut album One Foot Out (2017) confirmed that he would be one of the most important rap artists of his generation. Last year, Nines completed his Crop Circle trilogy, adding a fourth and fifth studio album to his credit. His projects are loved by hundreds of thousands of people around the world, yet Nines is saying goodbye this year. The album Quit While You’re Ahead marks his retirement from the scene and the end of his rap career.
As the title of the record suggests, the artist is supposed to quit at his best, and Nines has done just that. Quit While You’re Ahead is a fusion of everything we love about the artist’s music. You can look forward to a combination of introspective, sophisticated lyrics and stories of life in the drug underworld, which Nines has come to know in the worst way. Nines recounts the death of his brother, who was murdered in 2008, and his time in prison. It is the track Drug Dealer Poetry that highlights the absurdity of the situation, where Nines was not free yet could celebrate enormous success. The combination of authentic lyrics that reflect life on the edge of the law in a mature and sensitive way and catchy beats, guests, and sung choruses make Quit While You’re Ahead a very interesting opus. Nines reflects on his life and musical career with a real artistry that marks personal growth and gives the record gravitas, yet never forgets to entertain his listeners. The outro of the record is dedicated to rap and all of Nines’ fans, so the ending is really strong. This is what a final album should sound.
NEWS
Alfredo’s Ristorante
The Alchemist releases several excellent projects a year, but one of the most notable from the new decade is Alfredo with rapper Freddie Gibbs. The album was nominated for a Grammy, and fans wait every year to see if a second installment will be released. The project also made history with a memorable cover featuring a plate of pasta. And today’s news is all about food. As The Alchemist revealed on Instagram, the duo has entered the restaurant business. On Sunday, September 28 in LA, Family Style Fest served up a menu curated by chef Stephen Trujillo and Family Style, paying homage to the rap record. Now we’d like to get served a second collaborative album.
From New York to Tokyo
YL and Starker are one of the best rap duos of our generation. If you’re looking for authentic and modern New York rap, you can’t do better. Their music resonates strongly in Japan, where both artists travel to tour. Tokyo has even imprinted on their work. SOUSHI, a producer from Tokyo, has produced one of the most powerful tracks of the year, OOCHIE WALLY, which the duo features on. Last week, the three artists followed it up with the great track Whispers. But that’s not all. YL, along with Ohio producer $moove, has released a short but distinctive EP 90’s R&B. Take a listen to both aforementioned releases.
Deutsche Marks IV
Iconic rap duo, rapper Willie The Kid and producer V Don, have announced the release of the fourth installment of their unique Deutsche Marks series. The new project is set to see light of day on October 11th, and although no details are available yet, expectations are high. Fans of the duo can look forward to another luxurious rap ride full of raw beats and precise lyrical performances. After the success of the previous installments of the Deutsche Marks series, it’s clear that Willie The Kid and V Don will not disappoint this time around.
Deutshe Marks IV 🛠️🧰🏭
— Willie The Kid (@theWILLIETHEKID) September 24, 2024
October 11, 204 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/SB7JssNRcg
QUICK NEWS
- Hip hop legends Common and Pete Rock go record shopping at Amoeba Music in Hollywood. What’s in their bag?
- Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh’s long-awaited Stabbed & Shot 2 collab project drops on October 18th, 2024. It’s about to get spooky.
- Zoomo has announced the album Absolution, which will be released on 11.10. Listen to the pilot single Good Orderly Direction feat. Navy Blue.
- Watch a behind-the-scenes video and step inside the legendary GreenHouse with PremRock and Willie Green as they craft Through Lines.
- Raz Fresco & DiBia$e have dropped the track KIMBO on streaming platforms. Their collaborative album KNOCKOUT was released on vinyl.
BEST ALBUMS
Clbrks & NickyDiesel – CLBELLIC
The album CLBELLIC by London underground rap sensation CLBRKS and Finnish producer Nicky Diesel delivers an uncompromising and wild experience that celebrates the fourth installment of the iconic Grand Theft Auto video game franchise. With an unusual mix of gritty street rap and rich, experimental beats, the pair take us on a journey that sounds as chaotic and unbridled as the world it depicts. Nicky Diesel once again proves himself on this record as a beatmaker who can evoke a dark atmosphere while maintaining momentum that draws the listener back in. His production features deep bass, unsettling synths, and heavy, slow drums, creating a soundscape that fits right in with CLBRKS’ straightforward and uncompromising rap. Known for his rawness and humor, CLBRKS comes up with lyrics that are full of pop culture references, strange metaphors, and raw imagery, as shown in the track BRUCIE KIBBUTZ. His words are like gunshots, irregular and unexpected, giving the impression of a free flow of ideas. While some parts of his lyrics may come across as chaotic, it is the chaos that reflects CLBRKS’ intention, which is to bring tension to the listening experience similar to what gamers experience in the world of GTA. The aforementioned track, BRUCIE KIBBUTZ, is a perfect example of CLBRKS’ ability to not take himself too seriously but at the same time provide a deeper social commentary. CLBRKS creates stories full of bizarre characters and absurdities and doesn’t hesitate to veer off into absurd innuendos that are both comical and profound. The ease with which he balances between brutality and humor is evident and original.
THE MELLOS – SUPERSMACKEDMELLOS
al.divino, Estee Nack, BoriRock, ???, DATKIDBRAVO, and THE MELLOS are among the most prominent artists of the new wave of hard street rap from Massachusetts. And it was the duo, THE MELLOS, who last week released SUPERSMACKEDMELLOS, a twisted rap video game where you’ll be going beyond the edge of the law. The duo took last year by storm, releasing great records like THEMELLOMATRIX and THEMELLOS WAR REPORT. This year they continue their momentum; SUPERSMACKEDMELLOS is their fourth project. You can look forward to dirty beats that have an elusive futuristic feel, an accumulation of several signals that cancel each other out. The duo raps uncompromising verses that don’t lack humor or insight.
Dead Players – Faster Than the Speed of Death
Jam Baxter, Dabbla, and GhostTown return to the scene as Dead Players with their new album Faster than The Speed of Death to complete their trilogy and stir up the waters of British underground rap once again. This album is like an unbridled scream from the depths of Holloway, full of energy, rebellion, and unbridled creativity. After a decade of musical experimentation, the trio has come up with a project that is raw, uncompromising, and definitely unforgettable. Jam Baxter and Dabbla wield the mic on this record like two tireless gladiators in the ring. Each of their verses is filled with sharp metaphors, surreal imagery, and raw emotion. Tracks like Welcome Back Oh Cruel Cruel Behemoth showcase their ability to intertwine abstract ideas with sharp critiques of society. When Baxter raps, you feel the weight of his words and the metaphor of a return from hell, whether it’s a personal struggle, wrestling with inner demons, or a rebellion against the system. The entire record is imbued with an atmosphere of uncertainty, defiance, and a yearning for personal freedom. The sense of being trapped in a world that seems superficial and unforgiving is present in the lyrics, while at the same time there is a striving for liberation, both in personal life and in the creative process. The production side of the album, handled by GhostTown, is like a dark, pulsating artery that feeds each track. His beats are heavy, dirty, and hypnotic. Every beat and every bassline creates a restless but precisely controlled landscape in which Baxter and Dabbla can experiment with flow and lyrics without limit. GhostTown creates a soundtrack to rebellion, a soundtrack to a world that is falling apart, while Dead Players dance on its ruins. The songs are full of dark tension and constant forward motion. It’s a ride in a car with no brakes, where the hazy light of street lamps bounces off the hood as chaos rages all around. GhostTown perfectly embodies that feeling of the world hurtling into the unknown, but instead of fearing the unknown, Dead Players properly enjoy the ride.
Cardo Got Wings – MADeMAN
Cardo Got Wings, a producer and rapper known for his distinctive west coast sound, comes through with a new album MADeMAN that bears all the hallmarks of modern gangsta rap soaked in California sunshine. The title of the record itself suggests that Cardo is aiming here at the life philosophy of “self-made,” being the master of your destiny and never forgetting the hard work that leads to it. And with guests such as Larry June, Seafood Sam, Kamaiyah, and Payroll Giovanni, it’s a really dense rap feast. When you put MADeMAN on, the first thing that hits your ears is the unmistakable west coast gangsta groove. Cardo is a master of atmosphere; the beats on the record are sunny but hard, vibing and riding the wave of modern G-funk with a hint of nostalgia. MADeMAN is full of bass lines that recall the golden era of California, but with a modern twist that keeps you listening throughout the record. When the guest rappers chime in, they each add their own personality to the tracks. Larry June brings his laid-back style, Kamaiyah brings the energy, and Payroll Giovanni serves up the gritty reality of the streets. Together with Card’s mastery, these tracks become a true celebration of the West Coast. This is a record that cumulates Card’s entire approach to music and to life. It’s about grinding, about going up, and about never trying too hard when it comes to achieving dreams. With every verse, Cardo plays with the idea that you can never have enough, whether he’s talking about money, success, or hard work.
Wiseboy Jeremy & Kirti Pandey – Pumpkin Seeds
Wiseboy Jeremy has been doing a great job building anticipation around the Pumpkin Seeds album in recent months. Not only has he shown his underground colleagues how it’s done, but more importantly, he hasn’t let us down with the final project. Pumpkin Seeds by Wiseboy Jeremy & Kirti Pandey is an emotional and introspective journey that shows you how to know yourself through your perception of the world around you. Wiseboy Jeremy is a young artist from a small town in New Jersey, yet he perceives the world around him in a complex way. Beautiful jazz productions coupled with emotive, empathetic, and compassionate lyrics make for a truly spiritual and meditative experience. Phoenix James, Willyyn’s, Wakai, Pink Siifu, and Neyj add another layer to the record, enriching an already diverse world with their stories. The final track, Flo State, is a real highlight, taking introspective themes and turning them into a universal social level.
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.
Lord Apex & El Lif Beatz – Where’s Your Feet?
Jamil Honesty – Martyr Musik 3
Fat Tony & Fatboi Sharif & steel tipped dove – Brain Candy
Da Flyy Hooligan & Wun Two – Nocturnal Hooli, Vol. 3
Jurdan Bryant – WHO CARES.
Sauce Heist – HUNGRY $iNCE BIRTH
Chimezie – When Glitter Hits The Surface
Stack Skrilla – Factory Reset EP
PremRock & Willie Green – Through Lines
Streets Soprano & Black Soprano Family – U Hear Me 2
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
“Trust me it ain’t easy to die or be alive here.” The music video for Let’s Have a Ball feat. Mark William Lewis by MIKE is an emotional audiovisual masterpiece.
Maxo Kream & Tyler, The Creator have released another banger. Cracc Era follows up the hit song Big Persona.
ElCamino has released an authentic music video for the immersive track CHILL LORD. Sometimes less is more.
The devil is in the Details. And that’s why The Alchemist and Larry June are among the best.
Benny The Butcher looks back on his impressive rap journey on the track HIGHER.
DOPE VIDEOS
Our list of must-see music videos doesn’t end with the top five. We’ve picked out ten more dope clips that you definitely need to see. Give all the artists below a chance, they deserve it.
Danny Brown – Dark Sword Angel
Curren$y & DJ Fresh – She Can’t Be Mad (feat. The Musalini)
Travis Scott – MO CITY FLEXOLOGIST
LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON – I’m Signed to Lex Now I’m Up
ZelooperZ – Euphorbia Milli Prod. Dilip
myquale – Versailles (It’s Ɏours) ft. Niontay & LAN Party
E L U C I D – THE WORLD IS DOG
DJ MUGGS x CRIMEAPPLE x RLX – Na Na Na Na Na
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.
