Welcome to Rap Weekly 126: Never Catch Us. 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. The roar of engines and La musica de Harry Fraud. Never Catch Us is another victory lap for one of the best duos in the game. “African zombies, time-traveling trap cars, malevolent ragdolls, and much more.” billy woods has announced a new album; what do we know about it? 2 Chainz and Statik Selektah are about to release a joint album. We know the list of star guests.Roc Marciano & DJ Premier? The two GOATs have released a joint music video. clipping. delves deeper into the cyberpunk world with their new album Dead Channel Sky, delivering a blast of futuristic hip-hop that sounds like a broadcast from a parallel universe. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Curren$y & Harry Fraud – Never Catch Us review
Rapper Curren$y and producer Harry Fraud are artists whose rap commitment is truly admirable. Both have released countless great projects, yet we dare say that some of their best work has been released together. Think of The Outrunners, The Director’s Cut, Regatta, and VICES. The last mentioned album was released in 2023, so it was high time for a new record. Here comes Never Catch Us. What can you look forward to? The roar of the engines and La musica de Harry Fraud. Never Catch Us is another victory lap for the duo, who are two of the best in the rap game.
After an opening track that puts you in a great mood for luxury rap full of rare cars, sea journeys, and difficult life beginnings comes Checkpoints, a track that will immerse you and transport you to another world. A beautiful sung sample, a great-sounding beat, and Spitta in the form of his life. This record is exactly what we expected. If you’re a fan of their past projects, trust us, you won’t be disappointed in the slightest. The album features guest appearances from the best of the best, including Wiz Khalifa, Bruiser Wolf, Jay Worthy, and Fendi P. Money Magnet feat. Conway the Machine and Rome Streetz? Album Highlight. Rome Streetz playfully references Illmatic on the chorus while Conway the Machine and Curren$y rap with a cadence like their whole lives depend on it. Never Catch Us never gets old, just like the legendary Italian car models.
NEWS
GOLLIWOG
In last week’s Rap Weekly, we came out with the news that Armand Hammer’s Instagram profile had deleted all posts and posted a mysterious photo of billy woods. We thought that a photo of E L U C I D would also be coming soon and that a new album announcement was imminent. We were only half right. A new record, two years after Maps (w/ Kenny Segal), will be released by one and only billy woods. The album will be titled GOLLIWOG, has 18 tracks and will be released on May 9th. You can pre-order the merch and vinyl today. Trust us, there’s really something to look forward to, the backwoods studioz refers to the record as a career highlight for billy woods. The album synopsis will tell you more:„GOLLIWOG is a haunting collection that weaves horror, humor, surrealism and Afropessimism into a cinematic tapestry, aided and abetted by a murderer’s row of producers. African zombies, time traveling trap cars, malevolent ragdolls and a dying Frantz Fanon are just a few of the revelers in woods’ danse macabre.“ The album is based on a short story billy wrote at the age of nine, which he gave to his mother to read. She told him that the story was “too derivative and needed some work.” billy really took those words to heart. GOLLIWOG features productions from The Alchemist, Kennyho Segala, EL-P, Conductora Williamse, Preservation, Messiah Musik, Sadhugold, Ant, Shabaka Hutchings, Steel Tipped Dove, DJ Haram, Willie Green, Jeff Markey, Saint Abdullah and experimental jazz trio Human Error Club from LA. The album features guest appearances by E L U C I D, Cavalier, Bruiser Wolf, Despot, al.divino and singer-songwriter Yolandou Watson. Well, it’s going to be a really, really long wait, you can shorten it with the pilot track Misery.
Cadillac music
Fly Anakin is undoubtedly one of the best rappers of today. It’s been almost two years since he released his last solo album, Skinemaxxx, produced entirely by Foisey, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t heard from him. Last year, he released the mixtape Anakin & Friends: Episode 2 as well as the debut album from his label Mutant Academy. However, we’re in for something truly spectacular on April 24th. He will release his new album, (The) Forever Dream, which is completely executive produced by Quelle Chris. What does the synopsis reveal about the record? „(The) Forever Dream commemorates a new era of freedom for Anakin. The project includes songs Anakin believes are some of his most experimental and ambitious. The long-anticipated project comes after years of Anakin and Quelle developing a strong rapport, stemming back to 2019.“ The project features sixteen tracks, production from Chris Keys, The Alchemist, August Fanon, Child Actor and more, and verses from Pink Siifu, Turich Benjy, Sycho Sid, Quelle Chris, bbymutha, Denmark Vessey, $ilkMoney, Nickelus F, lojii, and Big Kahuna OG. The third single is out, and all we can write about it is Cadillac music, phenomenal beats, and Fly Anakin in the form of his life.
Statik Selektah, 2 Chainz and Reasonable Doubt
Statik Selektah and 2 Chainz are about to release a joint project that we’ve been waiting for for a while now. The collaboration, which has been in the works since 2023, is finally taking shape, and by the looks of it, it’s going to be one hell of a hit. On his Instagram, Statik shared a screenshot from the NFR podcast where he revealed some of the confirmed guests. The album will feature names like Lil Wayne, Westside Gunn, Larry June, Mary J. Blige, and CeeLo Green. That’s not all; Statik promises that there will be many more features and that it’s “about time” to release the album. When Statik spoke with Hot 97’s Ebro in 2023, he described the project as something reminiscent of Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt. Additionally, in October 2024, while in Abu Dhabi, 2 Chainz announced that he would no longer be continuing with Def Jam and would be transitioning to the independent scene. This collaboration is nothing new; Statik and Chainz have known each other since 2016, when they released the track Smoke Break. They’ve collaborated several times since then, so this album will definitely have some juice.
QUICK NEWS
- Check out great new episodes of Chinatown Sound.
- CRIMEAPPLE has released a new single MORE BUTTER OTW.
- Freddie Gibbs has released another YouTube exclusive track, The Big 2.
- A remastered version of the 2016 album Smoke Sessions Vol. 1 has been released on all streaming services.
- Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh have released STABBED & SHOT2 (Deluxe Edition) and The Making of Stabbed & Shot (FULL DOCUMENTARY).
BEST ALBUMS
Christopher Jose – The World Famous review
Christopher Jose comes with a new album, The World Famous, which is definitely not just another rap project. This album is raw and honest, and its strength lies in the fact that it deals with authentic stories and emotions. It’s not a superficial production with clichés about money and cars, but a deep look at life, the reality we live in, and the personal struggles that shape us. On the track Not The Same, Christopher is joined by Gritfall and Shadee, creating a strong chemistry. Together they deliver lyrics that aren’t afraid to go deep. It’s rap that makes you think about what you’re hearing because it’s about real experiences, not just empty platitudes. Every word has a meaning, and you can clearly feel that each one has something to say. The record is definitely not about gratuitous exhibitionism or attention-seeking. Jose avoids trends and focuses on what really interests him, the realities of life, the frustration of everyday struggles, and the need to stay true to oneself. The lyrics are not about theatrics but about coping with what surrounds us. The content is authentic, without pretense, and that’s what gives the album its power.
Manast LL’ & 528ron – Peinture Musique review
On Peinture Musique, consistently thoughtful production meets introspective lyricism that doesn’t try to be showy but rather invites you closer if you feel like listening. Manast LL’ sounds like someone who’s been through a few things, but rather than moralizing or showing off, he sits down at the mic to sort out his own thoughts. And that’s what makes it authentic. 528ron gives the whole record a cohesive sound; the beats are rather minimalistic, clean, and melancholic at times, and more grimy at others. It doesn’t overpower the rap, but it holds the mood. Tracks like Top Shelf and Do It will leave you nodding your head, while Manast captures states and moments rather than telling stories. This project doesn’t push the envelope. It doesn’t want to be viral; it doesn’t want to be wannabe deep. It goes about its carefully charted path, honestly, unobtrusively, but with a clear stance. Feats will impress you, too. ANKHLEJOHN brings a bit more raw energy to the album; Brother Tom Sos brings more warmth. Peinture Musique is a great album with a clear vision—no deviations, no dead ends.
clipping. – Dead Channel Sky review
Clipping. delves deeper into the cyberpunk world with their new album Dead Channel Sky, delivering a blast of futuristic hip-hop that sounds like a broadcast from a parallel universe. Instead of the cohesive narrative we know from their previous projects There Existed an Addiction to Blood or Visions of Bodies Being Burned, this record feels like a hyperactive mixtape, each track a self-contained trip into an alternate reality where the beats glitch, the VHS beeps, and the rap is like software written in code from the future. Sonically, the album moves between glitch hop, noise rap, sci-fi field recordings, and retro-futuristic electro-funk. The production by Jonathan Snipes and William Hutson is full of acid synths, overshot bass, fragmented breakbeats, and bustles that evoke the ruins of digital civilization. The whole album sounds like a rave after the collapse of the internet; it’s dark, disturbing, but danceable. Daveed Diggs, as always, delivers the lyrics with surgical precision and a rhythmic playfulness that is unmatched by drum’n’bass. His flow is machine-like yet human, as if he’s upgrading his memory capacity with every word. In the track Change the Channel, his delivery is aggressive and threatening, as if he’s broadcasting directly from an illegal station hidden in an orbital station. Scams with Tia Nomore comes across as a futuristic club track. Of special note is the track Welcome Home Warrior, featuring a guest appearance by Aesop Rock. This track is a lyrical sci-fi bomb where both rappers use language as a weapon. Here Daveed creates the character of a digital knight with a chainmail made of data, and Aesop follows him with typical linguistic equivalence that mixes philosophy, humor, and high-tech nihilism. The album also includes audio excerpts from the Afrofuturist documentary The Last Angel of History, which adds even more depth. Clipping. subtly reminds us that this isn’t all stylization; Dead Channel Sky is clearly rooted in the cultural code of Afrofuturism. Acting as radio broadcasting from the digital ruins, Dead Channel Sky is a manifesto of alternate realities, a live cultural remix, and proof that Clipping. are still one step ahead of the competition. It’s not an easy listen, but once you tune in, it doesn’t let go.
byJ., Judah, Nyku – The First review
“People are the meaning.” A simple phrase that offers no revolutionary idea, yet is absolutely essential. In the shadow of a capitalist society based on individuality and selfishness, it is an almost revolutionary thesis that needs to be constantly reminded. And we were reminded of it by rappers Judah and Nyku and producer byJ. on their collaborative record The First, which they worked on for over two years. The First was written by life itself, strong friendships, and a heartfelt community. byJ. produced beautiful, soulful beats that blossom with the voices of both rappers and guest artists SEVENDI and Jahmiu. If you’re looking for a soundtrack for the upcoming spring, the first sunny days, and moments when you want to be quiet and just be alone with your music, this is the record for you.
no god. – Wavelength review
The last few years have been really turbulent for the whole society. Pandemics of covid, new wars, and increasing violence in society are some of the many obstacles that affect our lives. These upheavals have affected us all and have had a strong impact on the younger generation in particular. Canadian rapper no god. has translated the beauty and obstacles of everyday life and the zeitgeist of the last three years into an exceptionally open debut album, Wavelenght. The album is an incredibly introspective account of a young man who has managed to put his feelings and experiences into music that will resonate strongly with everyone. The beats are great to listen to; the album has incredible energy without losing any of the strong atmosphere. It’s intimate, yet universal and empathetic. The final track, Resonance, feels like a warm embrace and hope in a world where selfish wealth is placed above values, community, and understanding. Thankfully, there are artists like no god. and music works like Wavelength that can cultivate society and remind us what really matters.
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.
Rahiem Supreme & Budamonk – Furious Splash
Will Hill & Daylan Gideon – The Biggest & The Illest
Dough Networkz – Dis for the Project (Side B)
Top Hooter x MichaelAngelo – Hooter Hyena
Waterr & Machacha – ALMIGHTY II
Slim Thug & Propain – Double Cup
Playboi Carti – MUSIC
Mickey Factz – Deans List Vol. 1
CKooliente – A Treme Tale 3: Chalie Gras Edition
P-Ro X Crack Sizzlack – Cracked Paint
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Beat from Munyon Canyon and art on the walls. AKTHESAVIOR released another phenomenal freestyle.
Here’s DNTWATCHTV! Take Two is a banger that will absorb you like Kubrick’s The Shining.
Roc Marciano & DJ Premier? The two GOATs have released a joint music video.
T FUNK is coming. Sideshow pushes the boundaries of the genre again with the new track.
Flamethrower behind the mic, flamethrower in hand. Key Glock has released a music video for the song No Sweat.
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.
Raz Fresco & Futurewave – Tesla Tower Power
Harry Shotta – Legendary Feat. Fliptrix, Verb T & Jazz T (Prod. Illinformed)
Courtney Bell – Watch The Party Die (Freestyle)
Steel Banglez – TIMES Feat NAS & Sid Sriram
BORIROCK X BONEWESO – “ZINGECONOMICS” FEAT. ESTEE NACK
Dave East & Ransom – AUDUBON BALLROOM (PART 2)
Zoomo & Navy Blue – Good Orderly Direction
Murda Beatz & Rich The Kid – Wake Em’ Up
RLX x LOMAN – Action & Risk/Coffee Cake
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.
