Welcome to Rap Weekly 127: Tell Dem It’s Sunny. 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. TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY is a psychedelic odyssey through the heart and mind of Greentea Pen, combining elements of trip-hop, jazz, R’n’B’, soul, funk, and rap. Boldy James is unstoppable. He will soon release two new records, one with Antt Beatz and the other with Real Bad Man. Erykah Badu is working on her first album in 15 years. It is produced by the one and only The Alchemist. Che Noir understands that strength comes with vulnerability. On Seeds In Babylon, she reflects on powerful themes like motherhood with masterful artistry. Doing things consciously, with interest and enthusiasm: Did You Enjoy Your Time Here? PremRock knows the answer. From The Private Collection of Saba and NO ID is an album that opens your eyes, shows you different perspectives, and isn’t afraid to go deep. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Greentea Peng – Tell Dem It’s Sunny review
We’ve taken a small step into the unknown in this article. As you’ve probably already noticed, we’ve chosen the second studio album from London-based neo-soul singer Greentea Peng as our main news of the week. TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY, however, has captivated us so much that we had to include it in the article even though it’s not strictly rap. Still, it has many parallels with rap culture and contains more than one rap element. The album is a psychedelic odyssey through the mind and soul of the singer, combining elements of trip-hop, jazz, R’n’B’, soul, funk, and rap. Greentea herself cites Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Miss Dynamite, artists who have heavily influenced the rap scene, as her role models.
TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY is an artistic shift in every respect. The immersive and hypnotic melody of the Intro and Outro frame the album, and everything in between is a rich journey that Greentea takes you on. Don’t expect any monotony, this creation is kaleidoscopic and its flavors are as sophisticated as a fine oolong. You won’t find shallow hits here, even the biggest bangers like One Foot, TARDIS (hardest) and Stones Throw have soul. TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY is an album that transcends genres, music full of excitement, emotion, groove and beauty.
NEWS
Boldy James is unstoppable
Boldy James is absolutely unstoppable. Boldy is now in his fifth year of continuing his legendary release pace, which has intensified in recent months. In the last four months he has released albums: The Bricktionary (w/ Harry Fraud), Hidden in Plain Sight (w/ WhoTheHellIsCarlo), Murder During Drug Traffic (w/ RichGains), Permanent Ink (w/ Royal House Recordings), and Token of Appreciation (w/ Chuck Strangers). The last-mentioned record was his return in full force, and we’re curious to see where Boldy takes us next. We won’t have to wait long at all. This Friday he’ll be releasing Hommage, an album produced entirely by Antt Beatz. Check out the pilot single, Street Credit. But that’s not all. On April 4, just a week later, the album with V Don, which has been anticipated for over two years, will be released under the title Alphabet Highway. We’re not done yet. On May 2, the album Conversational Pieces, which is completely produced by Real Bad Man, will be released. The artists will follow up their previous albums, Real Bad Boldy and Killing Nothing. The new record will feature guest appearances from El-P, The Alchemist, and Conway the Machine. Yes, you read that right: Boldy James and El-P on one track. Real Bad Man is also unstoppable; this Friday he will release Midnight (w/ Willie the Kid). Check out the pilot single Maxwell’s Peacoat Collection.
The Grind Date
For over two years now, we can find the most essential records by the legendary hip-hop trio De La Soul on all streaming services. The artists have resolved long-running disputes with labels Warner Bros. Records and Tommy Boy Records, so you can listen to their classics 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), De La Soul Is Dead (1991), Buhloone Mindstate (1993), Stakes Is High (1996), Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000), and AOI: Bionix (2001). Last week, the band celebrated twenty years since the release of their seventh album, The Grind Date, which featured contributions from artists such as J Dilla, Flavor Flav, MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah, and Common. To mark the occasion, De La Soul has released a special edition of the album, which includes instrumental versions of Verbal Clap, Shopping Bags (She Got From You), Days of Our Lives, and The Grind Date, as well as two previously unreleased tracks, Bigger and Respect. The special edition of the album can be found on all streaming services and can also be purchased on vinyl.
Erykah Badu and The Alchemist
After fifteen years of silence, Erykah Badu will return with a new record, and the production will be handled by none other than The Alchemist. The neo-soul icon has joined forces with one of today’s most respected producers. The result will be a sixth studio album that has a chance to sound unlike anything the singer has released to date. Badu was recently announced as this year’s recipient of the Icon Award at Billboard Women in Music 2025, and it was in the magazine’s cover story that it was mentioned that the record will be executive produced by The Alchemist, known for his work with Griselda, Boldy James, or Roc Marciano. Erykah Badu released her last regular album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), in 2010, followed five years later by the mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone. Contemporary young rap voices, she says, follow tradition and bring their own point of view, which Badu respects and understands, partly through the experience of a mother watching her children grow up in a new generation of culture. Badu won her fifth Grammy this year for the track 3:AM with Rapsody. The Alchemist, meanwhile, made a splash with Life Is Beautiful with Larry June and 2 Chainz. A release date for the new record hasn’t been dropped yet, but the Badu x Alchemist pairing sounds like something that could surprise fans of both camps and perhaps shuffle the cards a bit on the scene.
QUICK NEWS
- 2000 ENT. season is coming. Theravada and Rob Chambers will soon release new albums.
- Daniel Son and Ghostnotes have released The Estes Method (DOCUMENTARY), a film about their work in Copenhagen and Amsterdam.
- Watch a clip of Larry June’s great concert in London as part of Boiler Room London: Victory Lap.
- Little Simz has released an immersive live performance of Free from her upcoming album Lotus.
- Pinball 2 is coming. MIKE and Tony Seltzer tease the pilot music video.
BEST ALBUMS
Vega7 The Ronin & Machacha – The Ghost Orchid review
On The Ghost Orchid, two artists who rely on atmosphere, precision, and inner drive instead of viral moments meet. Vega7 The Ronin rides focused rap without embellishment, while Machacha builds beats that don’t have a superficial glitz but breathe, subdued, slow, and with depth. The beginning is calm; A Floating Secret feels like an intro to the unknown. But once Quoth The Raven kicks in, it’s clear that this is no poetic stroll. Vega is rapping hard, the words clinking like iron. Metaphors about war, technology, and survival are crammed into every line. No superficial storytelling, but rather a stream of consciousness that makes you slow down and listen closely. Machacha keeps a consistent tone throughout the album; the beats aren’t cluttered and leave room for the lyrics. They are soundscapes that hold the emotion but don’t push the envelope. Look forward to analog sounds, noise, and lo-fi layers. The Ghost Orchid is a record that doesn’t impose itself. It’s not a first listen album. But if you give it space, it has a lot to offer: strong lyrics, balanced production, and most importantly, the feeling that the MC is speaking directly to you—no filters, no exaggeration. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so here is the video for the track REM.
Bloo Azul & Sherman – Sacre Bloo review
Bloo Azul and Sherman’s Sacre Bloo album is exactly what we need today. It’s not a show-off record, but a deep and balanced work that grabs you from the first moment with its atmosphere and compelling honesty. The two artists have come together to create something that sounds authentic and believable. Bloo Azul raps with insight and calm. His lyrics have a natural flow and are often simple, yet they captivate you with their intensity. It’s not just about rapping for the sake of rapping, but about expressing thoughts that won’t leave you at ease. His lyricism is often about everyday life, about the little things that make a big difference, even though they may not seem major at first glance. Sacre Bloo is both personal and universal. Sherman as producer creates a great breeding ground for this raw approach. The beats are raw; minimalism is key here. Each track has room to speak for itself; it’s not an overload of sounds, but rather a natural accompaniment that lets each idea stand out. Tracks like Moonshine, Sly Fox McCloud, or Notre Dame (with Tree Mason) are among the strong moments. Notre Dame stands out for its raw energy and intensity, which both artists underline perfectly. And that’s what you love about Sacre Bloo; there’s no pretentiousness here. Both artists take the time to let the music and lyrics speak naturally and without pretense. The whole album is perfectly balanced. Short but intense. No unnecessary padding; every minute has its meaning and purpose. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the song FREAKUENCY.
Che Noir & Superior – Seeds In Babylon review
Che Noir is one of the best female rappers of our time, and every year we praise her projects that are incredibly thought-provoking, authentic, and admirable. On Seeds In Babylon, she teams up with producer Superior, and together they’ve created a powerful story where impressive beats intertwine with introspective bars to form one big whole. Che Noir understands that strength comes with sensitivity and vulnerability. On Seeds In Babylon, she reflects on powerful themes like motherhood and social inequality with masterful artistry. Che Noir raps without a hint of glorification, describing the dark world around her with a similar depth as, for example, Ka (Rest in peace), whose thought-provoking monologue on rap culture can be found on the track Interlude. The rapper demonstrates sheer mastery on the chilling and heartbreaking Ivory, where she describes growing up in a world filled with violence, anxiety, systemic racism, and drug addiction within her family. Destiny Rose is a sensitive love lovesong for her daughter, for whom Che Noir and her boyfriend want a better world. We wish them such a world and thank Che Noir for her powerful and thought-provoking music.
PremRock – Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…? review
Label Backwoodz Studioz is a guarantee of quality. Every year with this label is a real ride, and month after month we wait in anticipation to see what billy woods and the other unique artists on the label have in store for us. Last week, PremRock, a member of the duo ShrapKnel, made a splash with his new solo record Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…?. On the album, he looks at a simple question from every conceivable angle: Did You Enjoy Your Time Here? PremRock raps with the sensitivity of a seasoned veteran and the empathy of a man genuinely interested in the world around him, meeting new people and communities and taking the time to listen to others. Traveling, different cultures, and new horizons. Did You Enjoy Your Time Here? Producers Sebb Bash, Blockhead, YUNGMORPHEUS, Child Actor, Controller 7, E L U C I D, Small Professor, Jeff Markey & Fines Double and guests Pink Siifu, billy woods, Cavalier, Nappy Nina, Illogic, AJ Suede, Mary Esther Carter, and Curly Castro create a diverse musical mosaic that will introduce you to stories of love, loneliness, and adrenaline. Did You Enjoy Your Time Here? At the heart of the album is a meditation on art and creativity. Doing things consciously, with interest and enthusiasm. Then, despite the hardships and pains of everyday existence, we can honestly and fearlessly answer the question, Did You Enjoy Your Time Here? “Say what you want, at least he’s writing again.”
Saba & NO ID – From The Private Collection of Saba and NO ID review
When artists like Saba and NO ID come on the scene, you know you’re in for something more than just an ordinary rap album. From The Private Collection of Saba and NO ID is an album that takes you deep, where the lyrics aren’t just words on a page but stories that touch on life, pain, and longing for something greater. When you listen to this record, you sense that Saba is no longer just a rapper; he’s a storyteller who opens a window into his world and invites you to look inside. The album is full of contrasts, whether it’s the dark, melancholic atmosphere of some tracks or the lush sounds that surprise you with their subtlety. NO ID, the legendary producer, brings it all together. His production is minimalistic, but at the same time rich and detailed. There are no exaggerated synthetic beats; everything is natural and organic and allows Saba and guests to shine. One of the strongest tracks is definitely 30secchop, where Saba and Joseph Chilliams come in with hard-hitting bars and an uncompromising approach. On the track, Saba reflects on life in difficult circumstances where there is no room for weakness, but at the same time, he doesn’t lose his humanity. From The Private Collection isn’t just about rap; it’s about the emotional and mental process. It’s an album that opens your eyes, shows you different perspectives, and isn’t afraid to go deep. If you’re a fan of Saba, you know this guy has a gift for turning even heavy topics into something that hits you. And when you add NO ID as a producer, you have a recipe for something really good. This record is for anyone who wants to delve into deeper thoughts and enjoy rap that is real. No mask, no empty promises. From The Private Collection is an honest, authentic, and uncompromising project, and that’s what we love about 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.
Sleep Sinatra, SOO DO KOO – Charred Remnants
SOO DO KOO – TO SPITE THE FACE
ÅGHETTOPHĮLOSØPHER & MILLENIUM – Red, White, & Blue Has No Symphony
Hester Valentine – hunan slurp (your vegetables eat you)
Goya Gumbani – Warlord of the Weejuns
Smoke DZA – The Barcelona Tape
Henny L.O. & ewonee – The Coldest Season Ever
Previous Industries – Evergreen Plaza
Seth Narley – The American Dream: Son of a Dealer
Tha God Fahim X Nicholas Craven – Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time chamber Rap 5
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Papo2oo4 & Subjxct 5 just had 2 ball; it’s in their DNA. Chopper City Pap is another banger.
A painting painted with rap and music that captures the transience of life. Heartbroken by Manast LL’, 528ron & Fugudawg is a must-see music video.
Rap visionaryism has never felt so natural. BA PACE makes do with one sidewalk and the environment that surrounds it to create something special.
CHECKPOINTS is the essence of what Curren$y & Harry Fraud do best.
Mike Shabb is a certified underground legend. Watch the new music video and ask yourself if you’ve heard anything like it before. We haven’t.
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.
LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON – Nah, You’re Mad Extra
Xp The Marxman – Amulets – Prod By So=Cal
Denzel Curry – Still in the Paint ft. Bktherula, LAZER DIM 700 (Mischievous Spring)
Buddy – Hopped Out ft. Huey Briss
ARTMONEY/DOPEMONEY – estee nack x al.divino
Jay Nice ‘Too Many Rappers’ ft. Fredro Starr (Produced by Fredro Starr)
Mick Jenkins – Long Time Comin
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.
