Welcome to Rap Weekly 118: West Coast vs East Coast. 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. Ray Vaughn responds to Joey Bada$$’s The Ruler’s Back to kick off the second round of the rap battle between the two coasts. This Friday, Balloonerism by Mac Miller will be released. Check out the pilot single. Avant-rap trio clipping. have announced a new album, Dead Channel Sky. Listen to the pilot single. On Rio Free, Rio da Yung O.G. delivers uncompromising determination to the sounds of dense modern beats that capture the contemporary Michigan soundscape. To Live And Die In Sacramento by Chuuwee and Conner Helm is a record that takes you into the very heart of Sacramento while letting you absorb its realities, problems, and dreams. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
WILDFIRES IN LOS ANGELES
On behalf of the entire SudetyRaport team, we express our sadness and condolences to the victims and those affected by the devastating series of fires that have ravaged Los Angeles and the surrounding area for several days now. LA is also home to many of the artists whose work and art we write about with passion, so we hope they, and everyone else, are safe. You can follow the City of Los Angeles guidelines on this site, or donate money to the Fire Recovery Fund here. Stay safe.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
West Coast vs East Coast
Beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is without a doubt the biggest rap event of last year. We’ve written about it first and last, but it looks like it’s going to have a long follow-up and impact on the entire rap game. Kendrick’s success has given strength to all West Coast artists as they carved out a bigger spotlight for themselves last year. That didn’t sit well with Joey Bada$$, who released an excellent single, The Ruler’s Back, on New Year’s Day, in which he fired some verbal shots at the West Coast.
„I was sittin’ back, watchin’ from a eagle eye
Tryin’ not to react, just give me one reason
I swear I’m on full attack, East Coast nigga ’til I die
It’s clear who the heir apparent king of NY, ni**a“
He’s spitting in the first verse. To underline his words, he added at the beginning of the second verse: “Too much West Coast dick lickin’.” A phenomenal beat from Conductor Williams, a determined Joey, and a sporting rap rivalry—we love to hear it.
It didn’t take long, however, for Joey’s words to be taken to heart by TDE‘s Ray Vaughn, who spits bars much more gritty and specific on Crashout Heritage to the beat of Kendrick’s The Heart Pt. 6. Ray even tagged Joey on Instagram so no one could miss that it was a response to his track. Thus we have a rap shootout born, a duel of two great songs. We’re curious to see if Joey responds.
“What’s with the sneak dissin’? Takin’ shots at us, then hide the Uzi
‘Cause the only badass the world was recognizin’ is Boosie
Please don’t get confused with shootin’ the movies, we really shootin’
Was on Soul album, so if you ask me, you look like a goofy”
From Crashout Heritage by Ray Vaughn
NEWS
5 Dollar Pony Rides
RIP Mac Miller. Few artists have influenced rap in the second decade of the new millennium as much as Mac Miller. His love of music, charisma, and talent left an indelible imprint on people. Mac sadly died young, yet created a body of work that will resonate for decades to come. Miller’s estate approved the release of a posthumous album, Circles, in 2020, treating the legend’s legacy with tremendous sensitivity. Five years after the release of Circles, we’ll see another record, Balloonerism. This is a record that Mac Miller created between 2013 and 2015, and one that he cared deeply about. This year’s lost record will be released on Friday, January 17, 2025, and you can check out the pilot single, 5 Dollar Pony Rides. Along with the release of the single, the tracklist has been revealed, and you can look forward to fourteen tracks and only one guest vocalist, SZA. “Wait, wait,” you’re thinking, “What about Delusional Thomas on the track Transformations?” If you’re a Mac Miller fan and you don’t know who Delusional Thomas is, do some research and don’t let us take you by surprise.
Lee Scott put his cards on the table
Lee Scott is one of the UK’s most prominent rappers and producers. Last year he released two phenomenal records, To Tame and Dead Horse a la scala, which he produced entirely by himself. If you’re a fan of his beats, you’ve really got something to look forward to. There are several records coming out this year that Lee is producing entirely. These include collaborations with rappers Grubb, Stinkin Slumrok, Granuja, SonnyJim, Defcee, and Black Josh (w/ Sumgii). Which one are you most looking forward to? We can’t wait for Lee Scott and Defcee to team up; we wouldn’t have expected this collaboration.
clipping. are back
After a long wait, speculation, and wild fan theories, it’s finally here. The trio clipping. has announced a new album, Dead Channel Sky, which will be released on March 14th under Sub Pop. This is going to be one hell of a ride, and it’s not all hype, as it’s a continuation of their already iconic horror series There Existed an Addiction to Blood and Visions of Bodies Being Burned. What can we expect? A dystopian sound, dark industrial, and the proverbial mix of rave, punk, techno, hip-hop, and horrorcore as we know it from Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathan Snipes. In fact, the title Dead Channel Sky comes straight from William Gibson’s cult sci-fi novel Neuromancer, telling us that we’re once again peering into a future where signals are being lost but the best frequencies are still available. For fans who are really excited, here’s a sneak peek, the pilot single for Change The Channel. And it’s exactly what you’d expect from clipping. a hypnotic, immersive banger that’s enhanced by a great music video. This track shows that the trio still knows how to nail it and lose none of their unmistakable energy. What else to look forward to? One and only Aesop Rock (who will hopefully release a new album this year), Bitpanic, Nels Cline, Tia Nomore, and Cartel Madras will make guest appearances. The tracklist is pretty packed; get ready for Dead Channel Sky to take you on a dark trip that will broaden your horizons.
QUICK NEWS
- Lungs & Phiik came to showcase their unique, unconventional rap on the “On The Radar” Freestyle.
- PuListen to a great beatset by Spanish Ran in the second episode of ”At the Crib”.
- McKinley Dixon released love tv (tv off remix) on Instagram.
- Seafood Sam performed on the latest episode of “Off Top” Freestyle (Top Shelf Premium).
- DJ Premier and Loaded Lux are on the new episode of Bars in the Booth. You can’t miss this.
BEST ALBUMS
Rio da Yung O.G. – Rio Free
Free Rio until Rio Free. Rio da Yung OG, a rapper from Michigan, has been serving time in prison since the summer of 2021, which, as is customary in the rap game, sparked a wave of solidarity and the founding of the Free Rio movement. It’s so fitting that the first album Rio released after he was freed from prison on December 11, 2024, is titled Rio Free. Rio Free is a dedicated and resonant album about the value of freedom and living life to the fullest. Rio da Yung O.G. is full of energy and hungrier than ever; prison walls have been replaced by the walls of home, the laughter of children, and the pursuit of money. On his new album, Rio da Yung O.G. offers uncompromising determination to the sounds of heavy modern beats that capture the current Detroit/Michigan sound.
Chuuwee & Conner Helm – To Live And Die In Sacramento
Chuuwee and Conner Helm’s To Live And Die In Sacramento is here, and its title is certainly no accident. This is a record that takes you into the very heart of Sacramento while letting you absorb its realities, problems, and dreams. No filtering, no apologies. Everything is served to you on a golden platter, ready to catch you off guard, hit you, and leave you thinking for a while. Right from the opening track, Sacramentan Problems, it’s clear that these MCs have something to say. Chuuwee and Conner Helm give fans exactly what they expect from them: hard, strict rap that doesn’t mince words. What is the record about? Survival, the streets, life between business and politics. At the same time, the record contains moments where the music becomes pure poetry, like you know from the cover-quoted movie To Live and Die in L.A., where everything is dirty, but at the same time deep and poetic. The lyrics on Sacramento Problems will draw you in and leave you with strong feelings. Chuuwee accurately captures the ragged atmosphere of life on the streets. It’s not just about money or fighting the police; it’s about what you have to sacrifice to stay on top. Even the choice of guests is apt: EMRY, Kuya Flip, and Nathaniel Morrison bring their own vibes, whether it’s the vocals or the additional layers that push the whole album to new horizons. On every track, you can feel that this is a team effort where everyone knows what they’re doing, yet the album is kept raw enough to not lose that proper street feel. The theme of the record is simple but profound: Sacramento as a place that can either throw you off or teach you how to survive. Each track grapples with the reality of what it means to be a part of this city. Even so, the record maintains a distant optimism. The album has a hard, sometimes raw sound that shifts between old school and modern elements. Conner Helm certainly hasn’t downplayed the beats—you’ll enjoy the bass lines that literally squeeze you to the point of being overwhelming. To Live And Die In Sacramento isn’t just another record—it’s a sonic chronicle of a city that lives in its own reality.
Kemp Dupri & Jesse Rack$on – THE GRAND CREST
Kemp Dupri and Jesse Rack$on have joined forces on a project that’s unheard of in the rap game. THE GRAND CREST isn’t just a record; it’s a showcase that combines a wealth of culture, old-school nostalgia, and a futuristic vision that will have you nodding your head in recognition and respect. Right from the title track, The Grand Crest, you feel the weight of the whole record. Kemp’s take on coats of arms isn’t just about fashion or labels; it’s a profound metaphor about identity, family heritage, and pride in one’s roots. His delivery is smooth, but it carries weight, as if someone were planting the truth right between your eyes. It’s about wearing something that defines you, that has a story. This vibe permeates the entire record; Kemp doesn’t just rap; he embroiders his message like a golden thread on a royal cloak. Kemp Dupri has a way with flow like few others. His bars are razor sharp, yet melancholic as an autumn evening. He raps about beauty being in the details and likens his writing process to hand embroidery. A pure masterpiece. It’s not a straightforward project, but a sophisticated play on the strings of your subconscious. Jesse Rack$on did a fantastic job on the production; the beats are heavy but have room for Kemp’s lyricism. No music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for Paint On The Walls.
Be Manic & dylantheinfamous – SHED
dylantheinfamous, the master producer, and Be Manic, the seasoned wordsmith, have joined forces on a record that’s so gritty you’ll need a few hours to catch your breath. Dylantheinfamous has brought his best game; the whole record is a sonic landscape where melancholy blends with darkness and chaos finds its order. The beat on NORAIN is like a night without a moon, a deep, hypnotic yet eerie beat. Subtle piano in the background, heavy drums, atmospheric layers. dylantheinfamous knows how to build tracks that cut under your skin. And then comes Be Manic. This is the type of rapper that doesn’t need hooks; his bars are so thick they keep you glued to every word. On the final track, NORAIN, he’s joined by Dylan on the mic, and they both go beyond any standards. Their metaphors are rich, and you may have to take a break to decipher them all. The artists strike at the mainstream, the fake players who make entertainment rather than art with substance, and they also delve into their own minds, which teeter on the edge of genius and madness. The whole of NORAIN is like a conversation with demons whispering behind your ear. Dylan raps about battling your own ego, antisocial settings, and the toxic inspiration that can destroy you if you let it take over. This is exactly the kind of poetry that makes you wonder if sometimes you’re messing around more than is healthy. The whole SHED album is a conceptual ride. On the album, Be Manic builds his lyrics on the delicate line between reality and dreams, while dylantheinfamous creates a soundtrack to the apocalypse. This isn’t just about flex; it’s about therapy, a way to survive the chaos around us. No music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track Disturbance.
SOO DO KOO – FAITH AND A HAMMER
We’ll soon be closing out 2024 with a massive Top 100 Best Rap Albums of 2024 article, but today we have the first Rap Weekly of 2025. A lot of things are sure to change in rap this year, but if we could bet on one thing staying the same, it would be the quantity and quality of SOO DO KOO‘s albums. He entered 2025 with FAITH AND A HAMMER, which he once again produced in its entirety. The highlight of the album is the very second track, DIRGE FOR THE CHARLATANS. “All this dying, how the fuck are you not radicalized,” raps SOO DO KOO, who on the track (as well as on the whole album) reflects on the rewriting of geopolitical borders to the benefit of world superpowers and the accumulation of wealth in the hands of billionaires who are destroying our planet. FAITH AND A HAMMER is a record that describes the HERE and NOW, an alarming album that reflects the world we live in. SOO DO KOO manages to describe everything in a simple and accessible way for a wide range of listeners, so his words will resonate. He wraps it all up in great sampled beats that bring some light to all the skepticism. The working class in today’s turbulent times needs faith and a hammer, and rap needs artists like SOO DO KOO. No music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track SOBBING LIKE HE BRETT FAVRE.
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.
Blank Thought – The Reset
BA PACE/JAZZFLEEMARKET – THE DILEMA
Sleep Sinatra & August Fanon – Hero’s Journey
Tylr C – Last Judgment
Astral Trap – GUSH LARCENY
Gripz – Crucifix Cartridges
Stuyville (Eddie Kaine & Rim) – Welcome to Stuyville
Jameel Na’im X – FOR MY KID’S KIDS
Supreme Cerebral & Swab – Son Of Hannibal
Tha God Fahim & Nicholas Craven – Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 4
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
AKAI SOLO proves that rap is his homeland even across the ocean. Watch the video for Stormin’ Norm, filmed in Europe.
Doechii has revived her artistic journey in the phenomenal music video DENIAL IS A RIVER.
Floppy Disks by The Alchemist is a tribute to crate-digging.
The Musalini is a true pioneer of its own genre. The music video for Buena Vida ft. Blannco is another proof.
38 Spesh reflects on his adolescence in the immersive Del Lago music video.
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.
Sparkz & Pitch 92 – Where We At
PANAMERA P – LA FAMILIA FEAT. CHASE FETTI
Vic Spencer – Lupe Fiasco’s Weed Stash (produced by Sovren)
Da$H & HTN – “Hate2SeeUGo*Love2SeeULeave”
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.
