Welcome to Rap Weekly 111: We are Still Praying. 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’ beat as a fakin interlude? Yessir, Westside Gunn is back, and we’re Still Praying. Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre have announced their joint album Missionary, the follow-up to their classic Doggystyle. Listen to the pilot single. Young Thug is free! He’s got fifteen years of probation, has to prepare a program for children about gang violence, and is already planning new music. Freddie Gibbs continues the brutally honest style that earned him legendary status on You Only Die 1nce. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
We are Still Praying
What Westside Gunn promised, he delivered, and last week he released two records straight. Halloween has belonged to Westside Gunn on several occasions, with the fourth, fifth, and sixth installments of his iconic Hitler Wears Hermes series released on the exact eve of All Hallows Eve, while the first, seventh, and tenth installments were released a few days around. A year after the release of And Then You Pray for Me, on which Gunn experimented with sound, he returned with his most personal project, 11, and the spectacular Still Praying, on which he goes back to the sound that made him known. Let’s break it down one at a time.
Project 11 is only 16 minutes long, and you won’t find a single guest on it. As is Gunn’s wont, there are a bunch of skits on the album that are more personal than ever. The project is accompanied by Sly, who is unfortunately in jail. Free Sly. Through his speeches and the songs themselves, the listener gets to know Westside Gunn more intimately than ever before. The main theme of the project is starting out in a poor and aggressive environment, which Gunn contrasts with the success he enjoys every day today. The entire EP is dedicated to Big Dump. RIP Big Dump.
If we think of EP 11 as an intimate family lunch, Still Praying is a feast in the exotic setting of the historic center of Athens, Greece. This album is quintessential Westside Gunn; you can look forward to eccentric rap, neo-boom bap beats, and great posse cuts. Gunn used a beat from DJ Muggs as a fakin interlude; who else can afford that? The title track Still Praying is pure rap mastery, on which Stove God Cook$ reminds us why he is the king of choruses. We are Still Praying.
NEWS
Doggystyle 2
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre is a duo that really needs no introduction. They are both two of the most important rap artists in history, and their work still resonates today. The 1993 album Doggystyle, Snoop Dogg’s debut, which Dr. Dre produced entirely, changed the entire rap game. It’s hard to believe, buton December 13, we’ll see the follow-up after more than 30 years. Last week, Snoop Dogg announced Missionary, once again produced entirely by the one and only Dr. Dre. You can look forward to fifteen tracks and fifteen guest artists, including Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, and K.A.A.N. Take a listen to the pilot track Gorgeous (feat. Jhené Aiko), a throwback to the iconic West Coast sound.
Rap anti-hero
It’s not even a month since the innovative and absolutely essential REVELATOR album by the E L U C I D was released under the wings of the Fat Possum label. It was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated projects of the year, and last week the Fat Possum label ensured that all eyes will be on them at the start of next year. At least the eyes of underground rap fans. On January 24th, the label will release the debut album from rapper and producer Ghais Guevara, who you may know mainly for his excellent There Will Be No Super-Slave project. Goyard Ibn Said is a concept album that will be accompanied by the fictional anti-hero Goyard. The first act will highlight the fame of the mainstream hip-hop star, while the second act will surprise and focus on the tragic experiences Goyard faced while achieving success. Expectations are high indeed. Check out the first two singles and the pilot video.
Calculated Risk
Rome Streetz and Daringer are once again pushing the boundaries of the underground scene. This time for their new album Hatton Garden Holdup, they made a short film, Calculated Risk, in which they both star. The film is full of undiluted rawness, such as street grime, money, drugs, and guns. Dialogue? Real and raw. Calculated Risk aptly captures life on the edge, where every move and decision means the difference between survival and falling back to hard ground. It’s not about the pomp here; it’s honest street talk where diamonds don’t just mean luxury, but the price you pay for everything.
QUICK NEWS
- Young Thug is free! He’s got fifteen years of probation, has to prepare a program for children about gang violence, and is already planning new music.
- RIP Ka. Sunmundi hasreleased a heartfelt elegy for Kaseem Ryan, his greatest inspiration.
- “3000 double entendres”. Sadistik has released a live session of Eyes Wide Shut from his new album.
- Album made in two days. Nacho Picasso, Milc, & TELEVANGEL released Montage Music.
- Check out more great episodes of Chinatown Sound. You can look forward to Rapsody, London Hill, and Rella Gz.
BEST ALBUMS
Freddie Gibbs – You Only Die 1nce
Freddie Gibbs is back again with an uncompromising sound and stories that don’t mince words. On You Only Die 1nce , he continues the brutally honest style that has earned him legendary status. Gibbs’ style is still just as chilling and unrelenting. You Only Die 1nce Gibbs presents a picture of a dark reality where bars full of paranoid musings abound and living on the edge is the norm. The lyricism is raw and full of hard-hitting detail. Gibbs goes straight into the maelstrom of danger, describing the moments when you’ve got a cop on your back and gun barrels can point anywhere. You Only Die 1nce is not only about stories from the streets but also about Gibbs navigating a world where true love is hard to find and trust is dearly bought. Freddie doesn’t play the hero; the album is a life philosophy on the border between survival and rebellion. The whole album gives way to his aggressive style, which is backed by hard experience. Gibbs comes off here as someone who is not struggling with anything and doesn’t need accolades or ovations. His every phrase carries weight; every beat reflects reality and holds you to the last beat.
Vic Spencer & August Fanon – Psychological Cheat Sheet 5
Vic Spencer is a legendary Chicago rapper who is one of the absolute top. Every year he releases a lot of quality projects, and this year he keeps this tradition. This year he gave us the albums Be Double Clip Tight (w/ Original Super Legend), The Apes that was left behind and last week he expanded his discography with Psychological Cheat Sheet 5. Yes, the distinctive rap series are his other strength. Spencer For Higher and Psychological Cheat Sheet are among the best in contemporary rap. Last week, Vic and producer August Fanon released the fifth installment of the unprecedented, introspective, emotional, and very personal series. Vic spent much of his childhood in group homes, which are facilities for children, youth, or adults who cannot live with their biological family. He was sent there by his aunt, who changed his life forever. Each episode of the series contains fourteen tracks without a single guest, and Vic plans to do fourteen albums in total. This number symbolizes the “14-day notice” or the 14-day notice before taking custody of a child. Psychological Cheat Sheet 5 is the pure essence of rap, a story of people who are unfairly overlooked. It’s a piece of art that puts people who are forgotten by the system at the forefront. On the album, Vic Spencer tells stories from group homes, describes his personal experiences, reflects on rapping from a young age, and you can also enjoy storytelling about the girls he met in group homes. But he does it with grace, skill, and humor all his own, so you can look forward to a cadence of memorable punchlines. That August Fanon has produced fourteen more great beats is a fact that will come as no surprise.
Fly Anakin – Anakin & Friends: Episode 2
Fly Anakin may not have tens of millions of listeners, but he is still a huge contemporary rap star for us. He chooses totally distinctive beats, he can write a hit and a strong song that resonates, you can recognize his voice after a few seconds, and you just have to experience his concert. Last year he released the phenomenal double album Skinemaxxx (Side A & Side B), and we are eagerly awaiting his next project. Before we get the full-length album, Anakin shared with us Anakin & Friends: Episode 2. Yes, this is of course an album with all the trimmings; it’s just that it’s a compilation that has no concept, which doesn’t stop a great experience. If you’re looking for S-tier rap, you’ve come to the right place. Fly Anakin surrounds himself with some of the best producers out there, making Episode 2 full of more distinctive beats, verses, and choruses. Plus, it’s Fly Anakin weather outside, so you have no choice but to put this record on. Unfortunately, no video for the album has been released, so we’re attaching the video for the track Blain Pitch.
DYLAN GRAY X MANU MAINETTI – GRAYNETTI
Dylan Gray has once again stepped behind the mic and delivered a record that will not disappoint. GRAYNETTI is an album with a bold sound, all beats produced by Manu Mainetti. When Dylan raps, it has an energy, flow, and character that you just don’t see these days. Dylan touches on childhood memories, the conflicts he went through, and the people who showed him all the faces of love. These images are raw without unnecessary adornment, and that’s exactly how the story should be told. Dylan’s declaration of love for his city is sincere and deep, even though he knows he rarely gets that same love back. This record is built on stories that are real—Dylan raps without pretense and knows what he’s talking about. GRAYNETTI is both a hard-hitting and sensitive record, which is exactly why it shouldn’t be missed by anyone who loves honest rap.
Conductor Williams – Conductor We Have a Problem, Pt. 3
Conductor Williams once again delivers a heavy dose of hip-hop, this time with collaborations with artists ranging from Russo and Rome Streetz to Wiz Khalifa and Benny The Butcher. This is a project that pedals from start to finish, with each guest giving their best here. The album has a cohesive feel and sound that will be appreciated, especially by those who love raw and uncompromising production. The track Hold You, featuring guest appearances from Benny The Butcher and Wiz Khalifa, is a clear highlight. The lyrics are full of confidence and pride, but with a dose of humility and life wisdom. Benny and Wiz talk here about the journey they’ve been on, from hard beginnings to the top. The themes of loyalty, earned success, and the harsh realities of life run throughout the project, making the listener feel that this is not about posturing but authenticity. Conductor Williams adds a dark, atmospheric streak with his production that makes this record more than just another big-name project. The sound here is mixed with gritty tales from the streets, whether they are about victories or losses. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track SUR LE PONT d’AVIGNON.
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.
Jay Worthy & DJ.Fresh – The Tonite Show Part 2
Gabe ‘Nandez & Thomas Maggart – False Profit
Beedie & Brainorchestra – KINGPEN
K.A.A.N. – The Lost Files
Panic Pat & Frost – Panic at the Afters
Jmo Let Em Know – Ghoulish Sounds Volume 666
IDK – BRAVADO + INTiMO
Giallo Point & Him Lo – Lo Frasier
SiriusB – THE REVIVAL
Sam Sparxx & Jxsn Beats – Half Baked (Three Five)
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
One of the most interesting beats since Save The Joker? Yes, TRAPMAT SAVIOR and Nicholas Craven have released a masterpiece.
Lord Jah-Monte Ogbo revisits past relationships in a great music video.
A thousand and one punchlines, and every one is Dead Fresh. RXKNephew has released a new music video.
The iconic track Vomitspit from the MM..FOOD album has got a new music video. R.I.P. MF DOOM.
GOOD WEED, CLEAN CLOTHES, Brainorchestra on the beat, Brainorchestra behind the mic, and Swiss Alps.
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.
MONDAY NIGHT & GRIMM DOZA – BLESS
“Dream Like This” by UFO Fev (feat. Bun B.) (Prod by Spanish Ran)
Shadee & Millwood ” Shade of Blue” Ft Gritfall
JWU, EAGZ580, ONLINE TONY, FINESSE FRESCO, OGM RICKY & DJ LUCAS – “NUMBERS”
Jay Worthy & DJ.Fresh – Kreepin
Boom Blake x JP Da Illist x BhramaBull Feat. Reek Osama – Tony and Manolo
Onoe Caponoe – Fright Night (Prod. MRKBVNGXR)
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.
