MOTHER (Chapter Six)
“My loved ones on my mind lately (Always on my mind)”
From Loose Rocks feat. Alex Isley by Rapsody
50. Jesse James Solomon & TenBillion Dreams – Blue Park
Jesse James Solomon and TenBillion Dreams have dropped fresh material in the form of the short EP Blue Park. Even though Jesse has given this record a more modern coat than projects like OIL&WATER and Sunfall through TenBilli’s beats, his signature melancholy is still in the air. The track Would Have Could Have summarizes the essence of the whole project. The lyrics reflect a harsh reality where personal struggles and themes of the black community intersect. The metaphors feel almost surreal, as if he’s describing working his way through the complexities of life. There is a power of subtlety to this project. Jesse shows that rap isn’t just about hard beats and aggressive bars, but thoughtful lyricism that stays in your head long after the track finishes playing. It’s that typical energy of his that draws you in while leaving you to ponder the message. The whole vibe is about how memories and personal choices shape who we are today. The production from TenBillion Dreams is rather minimalistic, which lets Jesse stand out. The beats don’t overwhelm his words, but give them space to land and resonate. Some might say that this EP isn’t about radio hits, but rather taking a moment to take a break, light up, and let your thoughts flow. This project is not for everyone, but for those who want to delve deeper into the world of Jesse’s melancholic but determined outlook on life. Blue Park is a short but thoroughly polished piece of music that will stay in your mind and resonate long after it’s over.
49. Ty Farris – Enigma With An Attitude
Ty Farris released the album Enigma With An Attitude last year, an album dominated by his signature style that combines deep thought with the edge of street reality. The album reflects his ability to lead the listener on a journey of introspection while offering a deep insight into his personality. His lyrics are not mere words, but mirror his experiences and tell stories that resonate with the reality of his listeners. Ty Farris artfully blends elements of boom bap with modern rap techniques, giving his music dynamism and power. The lyrics touch on thematic lines such as inner struggle, personal growth, and the uncompromising search for truth. The album is also a testament to Ty’s ability to reflect and interpret the world around him with sharp intelligence and deep understanding. Enigma With An Attitude isn’t just an album; it’s an intricate artistic puzzle that requires determination, intelligence, and wit to unravel. Ty Farris doesn’t just want to impress; he wants to lead the listener on a journey of self-discovery and inspiration. His voice is a powerful testament to how rap can be a platform for deep thought and personal transformation.
48. Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist – Black & Whites
Hip-hop has gifted us with many heartwarming and remarkable stories. One of them is being written right now. In 2023, Big Hit and Hit-Boy released Big Hit’s anticipated debut album, The Truth Is In My Eyes, and its story is one of the most remarkable ones rap has ever written. The year was 2014, and rapper Big Hit, after serving over twelve years in prison, came onto the scene with hits like Grindin’ My Whole Life and G’z Don’t Cry. Unfortunately, he was sent back to prison shortly after, for another nine years. While in prison, Big Hit spent his time writing rap lyrics on papers he found, preparing for the day he would get out. Upon his freedom on May 5, 2023, he went straight from his cell to the recording studio, and the rest is history.
Right at the beginning of last year, Big Hit released Paisley Dreams with The Game, but the main course didn’t come until May. Together with his son and The Alchemist, they created Black & Whites. That Hit-Boy and The Alchemist understand each other both on the beats and behind the mic, which we had a chance to witness several times. Together, they produced twelve diverse beats for Big Hit. You can look forward to hard, dark drums, more melodic loops, and surprising beat switches. Big Hit serves one storytelling or introspective rap next to another, and you feel like you’re in the 90s, yet the whole album sounds very modern. Black and white may represent the fabulous concept of good and evil that is presented to us as clearly defined, but the reality is quite different. Even gangsters can be heroes. Big Hit reflects on all he has lost during his time in prison, but thanks to music and his son, he has been given a second chance and can live a respectable life in this rotten world.
47. Hus KingPin & 9th Wonder – The Supergoat
Hus KingPin released several excellent projects last year. We were most impressed by The Supergoat, on which he teamed up with legendary producer 9th Wonder, and they released their joint album on the forty-ninth birthday of the renowned producer. 9th Wonder is a legendary producer with iconic collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson .Paak, completely produced all of the album’s masterful beats. His ability to gracefully transition from boom bap to drumless and soul elements gives the entire project a unique vibe. In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, where innovation and authenticity play a key role, The Supergoat promises listeners a sonic journey that goes beyond conventional rap. The album features the lyrical mastery of Hus Kingpin and the brilliant production of 9th Wonder, a clear testament to Hus’ evolution and commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft. The tracklist is meticulously constructed, showcasing the rapper’s storytelling abilities and combining gritty narratives with insightful commentary on life and struggle.
9th Wonder’s beats are the centerpiece of the album, and his soulful and sampled style gives the album a unique identity. The fusion of Hus Kingpin and 9th Wonder’s beats creates a synergy that not only highlights their individual strengths but also elevates the entire listening experience. Each track on the album becomes a sonic masterpiece, with the production serving as a precise backdrop for Huse KingPin’s complex verses. It’s clear that this rap masterpiece will resonate in the hip-hop community for years to come.
46. RLX & Ignorancia Sofisticada – Value
RLX, a rapper with Colombian roots, proves every year why he is one of our favorite artists. He released three great albums last year, and although Los Pollos Hermanos (w/ DJ Muggs & CRIMEAPPLE) resonated the most in the rap world, our favorite is Value, produced by Colombian producer Ignorancia Sofisticada. Once again, RLX reminisces about a hard and dark past and contrasts it with the life he leads now. He has traveled to many countries, met many people, and experienced many cultures, so his stories carry a complex view of the world, and his experiences constantly surprise. Ignorancia Sofisticada has Fire In His Hands that he imprints into the beautiful beats.
45. DJ Muggs & Raz Fresco – The Eternal Now
The Eternal Now is an album that really has it all. It is a place where the mind has no boundaries and creativity knows no limits. DJ Muggs has produced beats with elements of jazz that make a massive impression. You get the feeling that you are listening to a 90’s classic, but one that is contemporary and progressive. Raz Fresco knew he was fulfilling a dream, so he really put everything into the album. You can look forward to introspective, socio-political, and culturally reflective lyrics that are full of pop culture and spiritual allusions. The Eternal Now is a place where time doesn’t pass as we know it but adapts to the sounds of rap.
44. Cise Greeny – Master Sword
Draw your sword; the Proper Spiritual Growth Saga continues. Cise Greeny won us over in 2023 with his albums BIONIC ARM and METAL HEAD, the second mentioned one we even included in the TOP 100 Best Rap Albums of 2023. This year, we move from technocratic concepts to the magical world together with the artist. Nothing stops the inevitable, and so our rap hero gets MASTER SWORD. The new album is once again full of positive energy, great beats, and sophisticated lyrics. The album is again about spiritual growth, finding inner balance, and soaking up all the details that surround us. It’s about never-ending self-reflection, constantly re-evaluating our attitudes and the space between us and other people. It’s fascinating how authentic and immersive the atmosphere Cise has created is. The album is really full of positive energy, yet this is no cheap project. Don’t look for consumerist and materialistic values here; Greeny doesn’t position himself as a motivator or patron. The greatest power is found in the love for yourself and your community, then your sword will be as sharp as the blade of MASTER SWORD. And if one album is not enough for you, you can listen to its sequel: “MASTER SWORD 2” A LINK TO THE PAST [MASTER QUEST EDITION].
43. Sideshow – F.U.N. T.O.Y.
Every new project that comes out under the auspices of 10k.global is a big event for us. MIKE, Jadasea, and Sideshow are part of this unique artistic group. Sideshow, an artist hailing from Tigray, one of the union states of Ethiopia, released the phenomenal album last year, F.U.N. T.O.Y. Sideshow creates modern rap but adds a certain sauce to all aspects of it. He chooses the best trap beats and always surprises you with his lyrics. His greatest weapon, however, is the atmosphere and emotion he can translate into his music. F.U.N. T.O.Y. is a record that breathes pain. The very opening track starts with the words “Young people are not gonna make it into heaven, man,” and that’s the spirit of the whole record. Sideshow writes openly about the darkness that has followed him throughout his life or about drugs. Even though the music is dope and every minute of the record will keep you entertained, prepare to get chills at times. “Ask my mother and my father; thеy gon’ tell you I’m retarded.”
Sideshow doesn’t just write introspectively; on the track RENEE (MAY DAY), for example, he raps about gentrification. Moreover, his music makes you feel the spirit of his home state and the pain of an entire nation caused by the Tigray War and its aftermath, which persists to this day. Ethiopian forces and allied forces committed crimes against humanity and genocide against the Tigrayans as an ethnic group. Sideshow seeks strength in a world that is not fair and seeks to pass it on. Moments of peace on the album are found in the interludes where we hear laughter or in the rapper’s immeasurable love for his homeland. The whole album is perfectly framed by the last track, which is closed with words: “I am not depressed; I am oppressed.” Sideshow thus highlights systemic problems that have made him a villain seeking freedom. “The biggest T, I love Tigray more than me.” FREE TIGRAY FREE ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLE.
42. sagun & AKTHESAVIOR – u r not alone
u r not alone brings a deep and emotional look at the human experience through the raw authenticity of rap. AKTHESAVIOR and sagun have combined their art to create an intense project that speaks to the hearts and minds of listeners. Lyrics range from introspective reflections to a combative determination to overcome life’s internal and external obstacles. Each bar is like a window into the soul of the artists, who are not afraid to share their deepest feelings and experiences. Guests such as Mick Jenkins, Azizi Gibson, and others add another layer of complexity to the project, enhancing its overall strength and impact. The record is a message of solidarity and hope for all those who feel abandoned and lost. AKTHESAVIOR and sagun have created a space where everyone can find community and support.
41. RRR Music Group – Diamond Collection
RRR Music Group is one of the most unique, important, and relevant groups in the rap game today. Rappers YL, Starker, and producer zoomo do an absolutely phenomenal job, and you’d be hard-pressed to find rap that’s this fresh. YL and Starker came back in full force last year with the Diamond Collection album, proving that they are New York’s “Most Valuable Players.” Diamond Collection is phenomenal rap music. The beats were not only produced by Zoomo, but by a plethora of other talented producers including DVNT, Noface and JUNIE. The main stars, however, are rappers YL and Staker, whose rapping is truly admirable. YL is inimitably smooth on any given beat, while Starker cuts through every beat like Japanese steel. The contrast between the two artists is the ingredient that makes the final album a truly brisk experience. There is one other entity on the album besides the artists themselves and that is New York. The rappers masterfully capture the hecticness and glamour of the contemporary American metropolis. After listening to any of their records, you feel like you understand the lives of New Yorkers a little more. And that’s just one of the few charms of art. It’s RRR, baby.
