Welcome to Rap Weekly 112: Merci, Non Merci. 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. Merci, Non Merci by El Cousteau is the zeitgeist of a digital post-covid era caught up in chaos and the search for stable points in the world. Steady, are you ready, what’s going on? Soul Burger is a dynamic West Coast rap story. Future is the king of his genre. His exploitation approach is both nasty and groundbreaking. BRAZZIER will prove it to you. Backwoodz Studioz has announced their final project of the year. It is the album Genuine Dexterity by Kenny Segal and K-the-I???. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Merci, Non Merci
It’s really great to be a rap fan in 2024. The genre offers so many different subgenres, styles, stories, ideas, energy, dynamics, and emotions that rap fans in its early days never dreamed of. There is something for everyone. We don’t like to pigeonhole art, and we think that it doesn’t need to be categorized, but it’s still interesting, especially for context, to see the different modern lanes that are forming in rap. One of them is “conscious trap”, which is contemporary, innovative, and loud yet has a ton of layers and emotion to it. The leading figures and creators of this wave are Sideshow, Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, Niontay, Wiki, and El Cousteau, whose new album Merci, Non Merci is the cover story of this week’s issue.
El Cousteau, an artist from Washington, D.C., began his career in 2015. He has five studio albums to his credit, and we’re not afraid to say that the latest is also the best. Already the single Words2LiveBy feat. Earl Sweatshirt drew a lot of attention to itself, and we confirm that the whole album is in a similar vein. Merci, Non Merci is an album that is impossible not to love. Once you put it on, you’re trapped in an El Cousteau world from which there is no escape. The rapper layers heaps of dope bars, catchy melodies, surprising flows, and memorable punchlines into modern trap beats, yet there’s plenty of emotion and stories lurking beneath the surface. El Cousteau often revisits the past, yet his record is contemporary. It’s the zeitgeist of a digital post-covid era mired in chaos and a search for fixed points in the world. To sum up the essence of the record, we borrow Earl’s bar, “I’m not ok but I’ll be alright”. It’s got swag, but it’s also got pain. And that’s exactly why this record, despite its heavily modern sound, is very human.
NEWS
We need to talk about Shabbo
We need to talk about Mike Shabb. As we’ve written many times, this talent from Montreal is going to be a star. A big star. His “On The Radar” freestyle has gone viral, and it’s a good thing, as it accurately captures what makes this artist so special. Not only can he rap to absolutely anything, he even produces his beats. His style is modern, progressive, innovative, and dope, yet it’s clear to you that Mike loves rap music deeply and studies the works of veterans. Have you ever heard anyone rap about J Dilla to beats like that? We haven’t. In addition, Mike Shabb has released one of the best albums of the year, Sewaside III. If you haven’t heard it, go fix that.
Winter is Coming
Boldy James and Nicholas Craven are absolute leaders in their fields. In 2022, they released their collaborative album Fair Exchange No Robbery, which immediately made history. Last year, the rap world was rocked by the news of Boldy James’ serious car accident. Fortunately, Boldy made a successful recovery, and immediately after treatment, he teamed up with Craven to put the life-changing experience into songs. This January, they released their second album together, Penalty of Leadership. The two have since released a bunch of other projects, yet still managed to work on their third joint album. Yes, you read that right, winter is coming, and that means one thing: another Boldy & Craven project. The Montreal producer revealed on Twitter that it will be out soon.
Know No Better
Apollo Brown and CRIMEAPPLE join forces on This, Is Not That, which drops December 6. But they’re already serving up the first two singles, Coke With Ice and Know No Better, which are the real rap entrée you’d expect from the duo. This album won’t be just another boom-bap nostalgia album; CRIMEAPPLE takes you on a walk down a street full of dust, wisdom, and acerbic humor while Apollo builds beats that sound old school at its best. You can imagine the heavy bass, gritty guitars, and atmospheric loops that add soul to the beats. This is music that lets you feel every crack in the asphalt. In Know No Better, CRIMEAPPLE goes without compromise. It manages to let loose with the same verve; it’s laid back and yet still goes all out. He raps about luxury and dirt, about a hundred suitcases on his shirt and Spanish nights on the Ramblas, as if he doesn’t even dare to stop. The lyrics are full of contrasts—on one side we have the extravagant experiences, on the other the harsh reality of the street. Apollo’s signature is unmistakable. His beats are like old houses, full of stories that whisper the truth. This isn’t just about the music; this is a sonic novel you can fall into and feel the weight of every word. CRIMEAPPLE’s verses dance over the beats like grease sizzling on a hot pan; this is a blast that reminds you that beauty can be in the decay and harsh truths of life. This album will bring street poetry with the smell of cigarette smoke, experiences on the edge, and charisma that you just don’t see. This, Is Not That promises to make you think, but more importantly, it will put you in a mood that will keep you on edge until the morning.
QUICK NEWS
- Estee Nack and Giallo Point have announced their anticipated album Papitas 2, which will be released in November. Listen to the pilot single.
- Backwoodz Studioz has announced their final project of the year. It is the album Genuine Dexterity by Kenny Segal and K-the-I???.
- The new episode of Junkyard Session features Bub Styles.
- The album KNOCKOUT by Raz Fresco and Dibia$E has been released on all streaming platforms.
- In the new episode of Legend Conversation, DJ Muggs discusses Cypress Hill, Soul Assassins, mentoring The Alchemist, and more.
BEST ALBUMS
Ab-Soul – Soul Burger
“Steady, Are you ready? What’s going on?” Ab-Soul is back with Soul Burger, a polished record that’s like ordering the juiciest burger and getting everything you love with it. Beats that get you out of your chair, punchlines as sharp as a knife, and guests that fit the atmosphere. We already know Herbert (2022), on his latest record, Ab-Soul takes the form of Soul Burger, a fusion of himself and his friend Doe Burger, who died in 2021. RIP Doe Burger. Ab-Soul has poured a vibe into this project that touches you deep inside, and he makes it clear that a good dose of gang energy will come with it. With track All That, we get right down to the street: Soul raps about loyalty, respect, and grind mentality. The beat vibes like old-school West Coast, harking back to its rap roots but with a modern energy that won’t let you breathe. Ab-Soul has enriched this record with several collaborations; expect artists like Vince Staples and Ty Dolla $ign, as well as rap OG Lupe Fiasco and JID. The result is a diverse array of tracks that take you on a walk through the various corners of the hip-hop world, from melancholy to wildness to ironic detachment. It’s an album that gives a straightforward look at life, without pretension, but with a good dose of style.
Mother Nature & Rokmore – Caps ‘N Stemz
The duo of Mother Nature and producer Rokmore serve up music through Caps ‘N Stemz that shines with a vibe like nature’s finest varieties; it’s pure essence that refreshes and puts you in your place. Track Anywhere is a ride that takes you into their world, where female energy, strength, vulnerability, and independence are blended. Mother Nature unleashes a flow that is like a stream of fresh air, full of metaphor and symbolism. The duo raps about how life can be a struggle, reflecting on how they have to deal with the obstacles that fate throws at them yet remain strong and conscious. This track is packed with poetry and similes that draw you in as if you’re listening to a story between the lines. From the reference to emeralds and the chemistry of life to the symbolism of green as life energy to the constant connection to nature and spirituality, everything has a place and deep meaning. Every word is polished and, like nature herself, creates its own rap ecosystem where everything finds its place. Rokmore perfectly underlines this atmosphere with production that sounds raw and elemental, like you’re listening to the rustling of leaves to the beat. Caps ‘N Stemz is not only a tribute to women who aren’t afraid to go for it but also a reflective anthem about freedom, strength, and connecting with your higher self. On the album, Mother Nature takes us to places we don’t normally get to go. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach a clip for the track Crystal Cadillac.
J. Arrr & MadeinTYO – Hoop Dreams 4
The fourth installment of J. Arrr‘s Hoop Dreams is going strong—this series is a journey full of raw words and emotion, and with MadeinTYO on the beats, it’s been given a fresh new energy. Guests like Ransom, Pierre Fleming, and K!NG jvmes round out the EP and add weight to what J. Arrr preaches: struggle, survival, confidence, and strength. The track The Lost Arts, which features a guest appearance by Ransom, is one of the highlights, both artists delivering very powerful bars full of metaphors and personal stories that vibrate under your skin. It’s not just about the intricate rhyming here, but the deep messages and stories that intertwine with your mind. Ransom opens up questions about our origins, our choices, and the consequences that come when we don’t choose the right path. The project is literally packed with references that blend the realities of life with the rap game—whether it’s allusions to biblical stories or sports legends like Kobe Bryant. J. Arrr makes it clear that winning is his priority, with the failures of others barely perceived. Hoop Dreams 4 is not just about the vision of glory but a philosophy of life that is not afraid to touch the darkness. On the album, J. Arrr talks openly about his roots, the pressures of life, and how he wants to one day rise to the top and win over his demons. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we are attaching a clip for the song Backboard Dollars.
Tha God Fahim & Nicholas Craven – Dump Gawd : Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap
Few things are certain in this world. But the fact that Tha God Fahim & Nicholas Craven will release great music is one of them. It’s not even a month since the duo released Tha Myth Who Never Quit 2 and Tha Myth Who Never Quit 3, and they’re here with another record. Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap is another serving of great beats, great samples, and confident rapping. With Tha God Fahim behind the mic, it’s like an unearthly force that can’t be stopped. His rap is full of life truths, unbreakable determination, and love for the genre. On the record, you’ll find bars like “Obi-Wan Kenobi should know me,” which Fahim uses to create an aura of the supernatural around him. Many rappers would fall apart with this approach, but Fahim’s discography, cadence, and quality of his art make him a truly bulletproof artist whose every single project leaves something in us.
Charlie Smith & Micall Parknsun – The Misadventure
Charlie Smith is a London-based drummer, producer, and rapper. He has kept his life’s adventures and misadventures to himself for a long time, but last week was the day he shared them with the world. He released his debut rap album, The Misadventure, produced entirely by Micall Parknsun. The Misadventure feels like a debut that has been a long time in the planning. This octopus of UK rap really does have its tentacles everywhere, so you can look forward to a cross-section of London boom-bap that is rich in sound and content. Micall Parknsun himself makes a guest appearance on the album, and you’ll also hear Joker Starr. The Misadventure carries a laid-back, adventurous vibe that is pure rap.
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.
Matt Mars & LUNAR – HYPERION PRESENTED BY LUNAR LABS
SHOTTIE x MONEY MOGLY x MRLN RECORDS – MIALIENS
Sime Gezus – LOONATIC MON$tER EP
Apollo & Machacha – THE GREATER GOOD
Premo Rice & Harry Fraud – P Got Game
Babytron – Tronicles
Mark 4ord – Ghosts and Goblins on LSD
Chino XL – Darkness & Other Colors
Sule – Written on Wide’s Corner 2
Kash Flow – Work While No One Notices
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Rap that brings out really strong emotions? That’s what Gabe ‘Nandez & Thomas Maggart are here for.
In this game of smooth rap, The Musalini is the hacker. Check out the new music video.
Vic Spencer & August Fanon released the second music video for PCS 5. This track was written by memories themselves.
Brian Nasty and Wiki learn to live in the present through the heartfelt track Good Boy.
Future is the king of his genre. His exploitation approach is both nasty and groundbreaking. BRAZZIER will prove it to you.
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.
O Finess – Tomorrow Never Came
Cordae – Syrup Sandwiches (feat. Joey Bada$$)
CHYNA BAEJING & ROD ROCHE – SMACKDOWN (FT. ESTEE NACK)
Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh – WHO REALLY THE KING
Sule & Black Soprano Family Feat. Fuego Base I Made You Wealthy
Dave East & araabMUZIK – PERCOCET
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.
