Welcome to Rap Weekly 108: Mutant Academy. 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. Mutant Academy has released an album that is like a huge art gallery; you don’t know where to look first; you just absorb everyhing. Redman has revealed a cover of Muddy Waters Too. With REVELATOR, E L U C I D is blowing up the status quo. What its ruins reveal is up to you. Willie The Kid & V Don are back with another installment of Deutshe Marks, an album as elegant and ruthlessly honest as a James Bond flick. Death of Deuce by 7xvethegenius is an exceptional album for its authenticity and personal depth. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Richmond’s School for Gifted Youngsters
Mutant Academy is undoubtedly one of the best contemporary rap groups. Rappers Fly Anakin, Big Kahuna OG, and Henny L.O. and producers Ohbliv, Ewonee, Graymatter, Sycho Sid, Unlucky Bastards, and Foisey are distinctive and talented artists, as Professor X from the X-Men comics would say, gifted youngsters. They’ve been in the rap game for over a decade, but just last week they released their debut group album, Keep Holly Alive.
Seventeen tracks await you on the album; the only guest is Quelle Chris, and you won’t miss the other guests. The album is specific because of the mutual chemistry of all the artists from the group. Keep Holly Alive is a modern, almost hour-long album that will constantly surprise you, and you won’t get tired of it. It’s like a huge art gallery where you don’t know where to look first; you just soak up your surroundings and process all the stimuli that will later provide inspiration. One memorable beat follows another; Fly Anakin, Big Kahuna OG, and Henny L.O. complement each other perfectly, rapping about a range of interesting topics, changing flows, and not missing any catchy choruses. Keep Holly Alive is a group album we haven’t had in a long time. It’s fun all the way through, full of innovative techniques and endless creativity.
NEWS
la scala
Lee Scott released the album la scala on all streaming platforms last week. Diehard fans will know that the record has been available on Bandcamp since September 3. This time around, the UK OG has handled the full production himself, with his longtime sparring partner Black Josh being the only guest. On the track cabin roof, Lee openly reflects on his own mentality, mixing sarcastic humor with the hard realities of life, while his flow is gritty and philosophical. Bars show that this isn’t classic party rap, but Lee digs deep into his inner demons and serves up the resulting music with incredible insight. Lee Scott revealed that this album is the result of his insatiable and sometimes inadvertently destructive compulsion to create.
Muddy Waters Too
Sequels to legendary albums have it difficult, but if there’s one record we really believe in, it’s Muddy Waters Too. Yes, Redman announced back in 2017 that he was working on a follow-up to his iconic 1996 album. In 2022, he released the great pilot single So Cool, which seamlessly blends a 90s vibe with modern drive. It’s been two years, and we’re still waiting for the record, but all signs point to it coming out soon. Redman revealed the cover on his Instagram with the words “YEP !” So let’s hope that the release of the record is indeed coming soon. The cover’s aesthetic is reminiscent of the original album, so every rap heart will surely be filled with nostalgia. The album is eagerly awaited by the entire rap scene as well, with artists Method Man, Busta Rhymes, The Alchemist, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Questlove, Pharoahe Monch, Statik Selektah, and Mike Shabb commenting on the released cover with words of excitement.
The sequel to a modern classic
Well, we didn’t see that coming. Brazilian rapper Hus KingPin is one of our favorite artists of today. His productivity is unprecedented, releasing several projects every year, and each one has its own charm and unique vibe. This year he has already released five projects, our favorite being the album THE SUPERGOAT (w/ 9th Wonder). Hus is also the man behind PORTISHUS, a modern classic from 2021 that pays homage to British rock group Portishead, which we ranked as one of the Top 50 Rap Albums of 2021. Last week, Hus surprised everyone by releasing the follow-up, PORTISHUS 2, exclusively on vinyl and CD. So if you want to hear this anticipated record, head over to his website and support Hus; he deserves it.
QUICK NEWS
- AKAI SOLO reign supreme in the new On The Radar” Freestyle.
- From Portugal to Paris. The Alchemist has released a new vlog featuring Westside Gunn and Action Bronson.
- Rome Streetz freestyles on Shade 45 Showoff radio with Statik Selektah.
- Watch the masters at work. Spanish Ran & Al-Doe have released The Church Sessions from the studio.
- In the new episode of Chinatown Sound, Rapsody gave a hypnotic rap performance.
BEST ALBUMS
E L U C I D – REVELATOR
E L U C I D forms the duo Armand Hammer with billy woods, but like billy, he has a fascinating solo discography. Two years ago he released his phenomenal third solo studio album, I Told Bessie, and the rest is history. Armand Hammer are becoming increasingly successful; their music is resonating with new listeners, and the old ones never cease to be fascinated by how the billy and E L U C I D keep doing it. It’s time to reveal the truth. E L U C I D is blowing up the status quo with his fourth solo album REVELATOR, but what you find in its ruins is left up to you. REVELATOR is a groundbreaking and innovative record, a unique album that sounds like no other rap project. E L U C I D teamed up with a plethora of talented producers, drummers, and other musicians to create a new soundscape full of bold drums, magic with tempos, and memorable melodies. REVELATOR is an experimental record in the truest sense of the word. E L U C I D has come unhinged behind the mic, and his lyrics have evolved as well. He writes more abstractly, more suggestively, and uses a lot of strong associations. E L U C I D assaults the listener’s senses and leaves it up to him what he imagines behind the words. REVELATOR is an immersive record that keeps surprising you and makes you disappear and forget about the real world. However, at the end there is a bone-chilling realization that what REVELATOR describes is the present, just now, our world full of violence and injustice. “ALL POWER TO OPPRESSED PEOPLE, RED LIGHT ON THE VIRTUE SIGNAL FOR THE COME LATELYS, ESCALATE SINCE WE DONE WAITING, TAKE FREEDOM.”
FEED THE FAMILY – ZING LANGUAGE
FEED THE FAMILY, a group of rappers TOP HOOTER, Shaykh Hanif, Dun Dealy, BoriRock, is one of the most prominent groups in contemporary rap and one of the leading artists of the new wave of rap from the state of Massachusetts. All four rappers have supplied us with great projects in recent years. Highlights include Shaykh Hanif & MichaelAngelo – Wilderness of North America and BoriRock & Grubby Pawz – WAVY BULLET, which we included in our Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2023. Last week, the foursome reunited to release their second collaborative album, ZING LANGUAGE. On Mutant Academy’s debut album (in the article above), we wrote that we haven’t had a group album this good in a long time. The same can be said for ZING LANGUAGE, both groups showed how it’s done last week. ZING LANGUAGE, however, is a much dirtier, more personal and authentic look into the harsh reality of people from the margins of society who have to overcome systematic oppression through drug dealing and other illegal practices. ZING LANGUAGE is an honest and authentic probe into the depths of an underworld filled with drugs, violence but also solidarity, love and family values. All four rappers trade their personal stories and experiences to the beats, which make the blood run cold. However, they don’t lack sharp punchlines and humour, which, together with incredibly catchy beats, give the whole record a dope coat. The two-year wait for their second joint album has paid off, FEED THE FAMILY have surpassed their debut in every way.
Willie The Kid & V DON – Deutshe Marks IV
Willie The Kid and V Don are back with another installment of their iconic Deutshe Marks series, and this time they bring even more firepower. With guest appearances from ETO, Rome Streetz, Abe Linx, Tully C, ANKHLEJOHN, and even one and only The Alchemist, this album is exactly the type of project that fans of sharp and intellectually challenging rap seek out. One of the key moments is the track WIN LOSE DRAW, where Willie composes verses full of layered double entendres and imagery that will make you think, stop, and play it again. The bars show Willie’s lyrical mastery and his ability to blend pop culture with the harsh realities of the streets. Each bar is carefully thought out and packed with references that stay true to his style, elegant yet ruthlessly honest. V Don excels at production, creating a dark, haunting atmosphere that fits perfectly with Willie’s storytelling. His beats are full of raw loops and heavy drums, giving the album just the right energy while maintaining its minimalist style. Willie’s bars on Deutshe Marks IV resonate like a mantra of survival, wisdom, and awareness. RIP Abe Linx.
zoomo – Absolution
Producer Zoomo has released his anticipated project Absolution, and if you have a soft spot for the combination of hard-hitting lyricism and rich, atmospheric production, this is the record you want to hear. The guest cast is stellar – Da$H, Navy Blue, AKTHESAVIOR, YL, Wiki, Aasir, Starker, ANKHLEJOHN, Goya Gumbani, and Papo2oo4 – but there’s a name that might have escaped your attention: VIP Skylark. VIP Skylark isn’t very well known among mainstream rap fans, but his performance on the track Dungarees is definitely something to behold. His verses transport you straight to the dirty streets of the city, where dark metaphors mix with harsh realities. Bars showcases his ability to intertwine poetics with gritty reality without slipping into cliché. Skylark isn’t afraid to delve deep into his experiences, bringing a sense of urgency where the hunger for money and the struggle to cope with the pressures of society pulsate in every line. Zoomo excels at creating a dark, ethereal atmosphere that draws you into the world of his guests. Each track on Absolution has its own specific vibe. Zoomo solidifies his position here as one of those producers who has a knack for picking the right voices that can bring his beats to life. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track The Night.
7xvethegenius – Death of Deuce
7xvethegenius comes with another powerful project – Death of Deuce, and trust us, this record is not just any rap product. 7xve serves us raw and authentic lyricism. Guests like Papoose, Jae Skeese, Raheem Devaughn, Drea D’nur, and Keisha Plum add depth and variety to the album, but it’s 7xve who remains the center of this show. Track Deuce is one of those tracks that just won’t let you sleep. 7xve raps almost to the point of acapella into gospel vocals, and what sounds like a minimalist backing quickly turns into a huge emotional explosion. The lyrics here aren’t just words – they’re prayers, life lessons, and meditations. The song touches on heavy themes – faith, time, loss, the meaning of life – and it’s all delivered with an elegance and power that grips your heart. 7xve delivers the message that time is precious and we must make the most of it. She reflects on how we approach our own truth, how we struggle with pride, and how we seek reconciliation. The production throughout the record is clean and precise, but what makes Death of Deuce stand out is the authenticity and personal depth of 7xve. It’s not a project about quick hits, but about being aware of yourself and where you are in your life. This record won’t leave you unmoved, it’s a call to reflection, meditation and a celebration of strength and determination.
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.
Cise Greeny – MASTER SWORD 2: A LINK TO THE PAST (MASTER QUEST EDITION)
Rob Cave – God Dose
Kemp Dupri & SPVCED – sanyika!
Tha God Fahim & Cartune Beatz – Machine Gun Vocabulary
Squeegie Oblong & Chuck Chan – Upset Antagonists
Ovrkkast. – KAST GOT WINGS
LordwillN & Pappy Achoo – Perimeter Threat
amitai sno – 22 (funnyhowthetimes)
Curren$y & DJ Fresh – The Encore
Leo Laru$$o – Morning BreakFast Ep
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
David Jame$ takes you on an authentic tour of the night city in the music video for NonFiction. The soundtrack by Passport Rav.
EFFORTLESS by SEAN LINKS is a constant progression. The new music video enhances this atmosphere.
Why Lie? is a romantic dialogue. Skepta and Flo Milli have released a hypnotic video for their intimate song.
High Stakes is the new anthem of street rap. Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh sharpen their knives; S&S2 will be released on Friday.
The spirit of Baldwin Ave is alive. Sleep Sinatra has released a music video for the heartfelt track H.O.P.E. from his extraordinary album.
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.
Erick the Architect – Beverly Drive
K.A.A.N. x C-Lance – ANIMOSITY
demahjiae – Do You Understand?
Mike Shabb x Paydro 66 – Under the Rug
Fendi P – Benz Boyz (Feat. Curren$y)
CKooliente & BhramaBull – Smooth Criminal
Los Chicos Criollos – Kiosko Raps Ft. Estee Nack
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.
