Welcome to Rap Weekly 109: Los Pollos Hermanos. 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. DJ Muggs, CRIMEAPPLE & RLX are Los Pollos Hermanos. Their joint album is impeccable, the purest product on the market, anywhere. Nobody does it like Tyler, The Creator. The distinctive rapper has announced his eighth album. The essence of the West Coast. Ab-Soul has announced a new album; watch the pilot music video. Danny Brown has released Quaranta Deluxe and added another layer of unorthodoxness. Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, OT The Real and Daringer is a killer combo. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Los Pollos Hermanos
DJ Muggs, CRIMEAPPLE & RLX are Los Pollos Hermanos. All three artists have been unstoppable this year: RLX has released three great records, DJ Muggs has managed to produce three albums and release four instrumental solo projects, and CRIMEAPPLE has dropped four projects. All artists have collaborated together multiple times, so it was only a matter of time before they released a project together. Moreover, CRIMEAPPLE and RLX are connected by their Colombian roots, and their cultural connection, friendship, and respect for each other can be felt in every verse.
Los Pollos Hermanos is a celebration of Latin American culture and what both rappers have accomplished in their lives. If you’re familiar with their work, nothing on Los Pollos Hermanos will surprise you, and we don’t mean that in a negative way. Once again, CRIMEAPPLE & RLX reminisce about a hard and dark past and put it in contrast to the life they lead now. Both have traveled to many countries, met many people, and experienced many cultures, so their stories carry a complex view of the world, and their experiences constantly surprise you. Muggs has incorporated Latin American culture into the productions, but his fans can rest easy; the record is dominated by his signature sound full of heavy drums and dusty sounds. Los Pollos Hermanos references the famous restaurant chain from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, so expect plenty of skits from those iconic shows on the album. “It is impeccable. It is the purest, most chemically sound product on the market, anywhere.”
NEWS
Chromakopia
Nobody does it like Tyler, The Creator. Certainly not on the level of mainstream rap that tens of millions of people listen to every month. It’s been three years since Tyler released his sixth studio album, Call Me If You Get Lost. Last year, he unexpectedly released his seventh album, Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale, which expanded CMIYGL with eight new tracks. We were still treated to the same Tyler on the sixth album, though. All of his projects feature Tyler taking on a new persona, building a new world, and tying everything together with an original aesthetic. It will be no different with his eighth album, Chromakopia, which will be released on October 28. New album, new Tyler. The announcement teaser features a dystopian landscape, a rapper with a mask, a new aesthetic, and Tyler’s typical sharp sense of humor and surprise. We’re really looking forward to it.
Soul Burger
We really didn’t expect this. Ab-Soul, one of the most prominent artists on the TDE label, took his time with his fifth studio album. Herbert was released in 2022, five years after Do What Thou Wilt. But today, fans of the rapper can celebrate; the sixth album was only less than two years in the waiting. With a great trailer, Ab announced Soul Burger, which will be released on 11/8. All eyes are on the TDE label this year after their former member Kendrick Lamar had a beef with Drake, ScHoolboy Q released a great record BLUE LIPS, and Doechii established her place in the rap game with her project Alligator Bites Never Heal. This definitely puts Ab-Soul in an advantageous position. The rapper released the pilot single All That ft. JasonMartin and Thirsty P, accompanied by a music video. You can look forward to the essence of the West Coast.
Another layer of unorthodoxness
Danny Brown surprised us with a deluxe version of his latest album, Quaranta. New tracks include Cheaters with production by Black Milk and Keep It To Me, where Black Noi$e took care of the beat. In addition, the deluxe version contains a lot of instrumentals that are worth listening to. Danny is currently on tour in Canada and is set to link up with Knocked Loose at the end of the month. If you want to experience his live performance (which we recommend), now is the time to keep your eyes open.
QUICK NEWS
- Nicholas Craven, Ransom & Stove God Cook$ on one track? Yessir, it’s Unreal, but it’s true.
- CONDUCTOR WE HAVE A PROBLEM 3 will be released on Halloween. Listen to the pilot track with Rome Streetz.
- Aesop Rock has released The Infinity Crystal zine, print, and t-shirt. Check out his website.
- Cavalier and Child Actor have announced a collaborative album CINE; listen to the pilot single Sacrifice.
- Caltrops zine 19, Hellhounds on His Trail: E L U C I D’s REVELATOR, is out now.
BEST ALBUMS
Kendall Spencer & August Fanon – The Trauma Center Pt. 1
Kendall Spencer is an artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Hidden Hand Society LLC. In July 2022, his life took a drastic turn when a near-fatal accident while working as an electrical lineman left him with third-degree electrical burns and, ultimately, the loss of his left arm. After spending 89 days in the hospital, including two weeks in a coma, he emerged not just as a survivor but as a man forever changed. And it is the journey to recovery, during which Kendall struggled with suicidal thoughts, pain, and trauma, that the first part of The Trauma Center reflects. The album’s intro transports you to a place between heaven, earth, and hell, and the second track introduces Kendall’s situation and outlines what’s to come on the record. It’s a record full of helplessness, brokenness, hate, loss, confusion, anger, depression, and fear. But most of all, an album full of strength, love, and determination. Kendall Spencer describes trauma and pain in an incredibly complex way, reflecting not only the healing process but also his fears about providing for her family, the loss of his inner worth, and the views of those around him. The fact that he had to undergo 25 surgeries in the making of the album is absolutely unbelievable, and he deserves all the admiration he can get. The album is really special also because it was completely produced by the one and only August Fanon. His versatility is breathtaking. Not only will you find a variety of beats on this record that you wouldn’t think of as being from one producer, but Fanon also manages to produce for artists like E L U C I D, Obijuan, and SOO DO KOO, providing each of them with completely different beats. The Trauma Center Pt. 1 is a fascinating piece of art that we haven’t had in rap music yet. We wish Kendall well and thank him for sharing such a personal and powerful story with us.
DJ Rude One – Upper Space
DJ Rude One, a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, and turntablist, released his debut solo album ONEderful in 2016. The record featured guest appearances from Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Your Old Droog, Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire, and more. The guest list will tell you that DJ Rude One only chooses the best rappers in the industry for his projects. Last year he released The ONEderful Nephew with RXKNephew and this year he returns with his second solo project. The album Upper Space was made when Rude got seriously burnt out working in the New York City world of high-end interior design, moved into a small apartment in downtown Cincinnati, attended Cincinnati Reds games, utilizing hallucinogens, running long distances, talking to his cats, and writing stories. The album features guest appearances from RXKNephew, Valee, Roc Marciano, Pink Siifu, Stove God Cook$, greenSLLIME, YNOT DUSABLE, and Jeremiah Jae, a truly diverse collection of talent. Each of them put their all into their tracks, and together they have created a dynamic record that you will have a great time listening to.
300 South & Chuuwee – A Gentleman’s Game
Chuuwee and 300 South have joined forces to bring us A Gentleman’s Game, a record that shakes with pure underground vibes. The album features a guest appearance by Ralph Porter. Chuuwee raps about what it’s like to be out of the mainstream, or the chaos of the jungle where you have to keep hustling to survive. You can feel the tension between street reality and the desire for peace in the lyrics. The mentions of frustration with politics and government are not just empty bars, for there is a real struggle here. Beat-wise, it’s a luxurious affair, a jazz-spiced sound that reminds you of an earlier time but with a modern twist. Chuuwee shows here that his flow is endless and he knows how to impress without trying to be overly dramatic. It’s a record for those who know the world beneath the surface and who hear that raw authenticity. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track TRICKY.
ProjectPorter, gustavo louis, Sauce Yin – THE COMPOUND TAPE
THE COMPOUND TAPE from producer ProjectPorter and rappers gustavo louis and Sauce Yin is something to look out for if you’re searching for a raw and unique vibe. gustavo has a specific style that draws you in and doesn’t let go; he’s unique and not afraid to experiment. And the fact that he releases projects almost every week? Hustler mindset in full force. The track DIRTY KITCHEN QUARTET immediately pulls you into the atmosphere of a dirty kitchen where food isn’t cooked, but reality is layered into the bars. gustavo and Sauce Yin rap about pulling the game step by step, from checking the block in a Corvette to surviving in this crazy world. It’s like listening to a lesson in school that has only one point in its curriculum: how to survive. Gustavo depicts here how it’s all about the details, about pulling the most out of your cooking and sticking to your plan because there’s no room for mistakes in this world. The production from ProjectPorter has a dark, raw undertone that fits exactly what these two rappers want to convey. The beats take you through the atmosphere of the streets, where respect and survival are more important than money. gustavo louis has an endless supply of bars, and this project top confirms it. His unique voice and approach to the game make him unforgettable. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so here is the video for Narco Fly.
UFO Fev & Spanish Ran – Painting Houses 2
UFO Fev and Spanish Ran are back with the sequel to their album Painting Houses, which we ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2023. The sequel is a project that reminds you right from the start that the streets are hard. With Fev on the mic and Ran on the beats, we get a sound as raw as life itself. Fev sounds like Nicky Santoro with a mic; he has a sharp energy to him, and every line is like a punch. The track Talking Dirty with guests TEK (Smiff-N-Wessun) and Tree Mason is a highlight. This banger is grimy and real, showing the daily struggle to survive in the streets. Fev raps about how he struggles with not being able to give his daughter everything he wants while drowning in a world where drugs and crime are the only ways to stay afloat. His bars are raw, honest, and full of frustration. Every bar reeks of reality. Spanish Ran delivers dark, gritty beats that fit like a glove with Fev’s flow. No unnecessary elements, just clean, minimalistic production that creates a dense atmosphere as if you’re walking alone in the dim corners of the city. And when you hear Bun B and the rest of the guests, like Madhattan, Shayk Hanif, and others, you know that a top street mandem has gathered here. The whole record is like a story from the underworld. Spanish Ran gives you a dark backdrop, and Fev and the others bring you a bar full of reality where violence, crime, and trying to take care of your people blend.
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.
Jamal Gasol & Flu – Jamal Takes Manhattan
Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh – Stabbed & Shot 2
Sonnyjim & Giallo Point – No Vi$ible Means Of Income 3
Hagakure & 528ron – TONKATSU
Homeboy Sandman – Turns Out I Can Sell A Few of These After All
Inzom – The Set Up
Lord OLO & TELEVANGEL – Demon Slayer
Hollow Profit – CUIBONO?
Sphere47 – beautiful MELANCHOLY II
MaLLy & Last Word – The Sweetest of it All
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
MIKE and ryosuke tanzawa have released another joint music video that will leave you in awe.
Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, OT The Real and Daringer is a killer combo.
This DIRTWAVE is going to crush you. Pro Dillinger and Futurewave have released a music video for the song STILL HERE.
AKTHESAVIOR and Issa Gold are once again setting the course for dope New York rap. The Underachievers have released a new music video.
Str8 Shot To Heaven, aka CKooliente has released a unique, honest, and authentic love song.
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.
Farma G – In Between The Lines (Prod. Cuth)
Mike Shabb – Boom Bye Dir. popvisualz
A$AP Ferg – Thought I Was Dead
Slick Devious – Wabi Sabi (Beaverton)
Big Sean – It Is What It Is (feat. Gunna)
Nolan The Ninja – MUKBANG (feat. Fatboi Sharif)
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.
