Welcome to Rap Weekly 128: The essence of New York. 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. PIFF by Lord Sko is the essence of contemporary New York. The new Mobb Deep album is coming. Besides Havoc and The Alchemist, Nas is also involved in the creation of the album. Now or Never by Brigade USA explores the creative journey of making something out of nothing. The film features music by YL, Starker, Papo2oo4, Subjxct5, and Lord Unknown. Chaos of the postmodern age: Playboi Carti has released a music video for the song FOMDJ. Talking To by Chip and Scorcher is a hard-hitting grime banger that will get you out of your chair. Crimeapple proves on Jaguar On Palisade 3 that he is a great storyteller who can retell situations that would seem too raw even for the movie screen. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Lord Sko – PIFF review
Lord Sko is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive voices of the current generation of rappers. His vision of New York, his relationship with the art, culture, rap, and communities there is something that breathes from every second of his music. His 2023 album, UNITED PALACE, established him strongly in the scene, and we’re all eagerly anticipating where the rapper will take us next. Lord Sko carefully built his momentum, releasing singles, guesting on other albums, and keeping his fans on their toes. After two years, we finally got to see a new record that didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
PIFF is the essence of New York in recent years. It’s not as if Lord Sko went to make music, but as if he went to transform his life into music. PIFF is the voice of people for whom friendship, music, authenticity, and art are more important than the pursuit of fame and false success. The album is completely authentic and easy to relate to. It feels like a great, modern, comprehensive New York rap album, with great beats, determined rapping, catchy choruses, a diverse soundscape, and a varied list of guests. The album features guest appearances from MAVI, Curren$y, Coway the Machine, Del The Funky Homosapien, and more. PIFF confirms why Lord Sko is the new rap sensation. It’s the work of a man for whom art is more important than anything else.
NEWS
Mobb Deep
The Alchemist spoke to The Breakfast Club about the fact that he and Havoc are currently working on a new project called Mobb Deep. He recalled Prodigy’s legendary work ethic and his ability to write lyrics that still feel fresh and timeless years later. Prodigy has left behind so much unreleased material that there is still plenty to draw from. The Alchemist and Havoc will take on the production of the new record, looking to build on the classic Mobb Deep sound. The Alchemist has stressed that Prodigy’s legacy lives on and that the new project should be a worthy continuation of what they created together. But fans will also be pleased to know that Nas is overseeing the record as well. Havoc recently posted a photo on Instagram of just him and Nas and hinted that they are currently in the recording process. For Mobb Deep fans, this is major news. The combination of Alchemist, Havoc, and Nas promises to be an interesting return that could offer both nostalgia and something new.
Ghetto Harvard Alumni
1000words, aka POLAROID POPE, is an absolutely essential artist in the rap scene. He regularly photographs the best contemporary rappers, organizes cultural events and has countless great articles on his substack. On the occasion of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, he was invited to the Harvard Crimson for an exclusive interview along with rappers like Rome Streetz, The Hidden Character, al.divino, Feed The Family, Chyna Streetz, Daniel Son, Starker, and more. This unprecedented cultural moment sparked the birth of Steel Sessions Present: 1000WORD$ FOREVER. After visiting Harvard, the artists gathered in the studio and recorded an incredible thirteen tracks that form the backbone of the record, which has grown to include seven more tracks featuring artists like Lukey Cage, Bub Styles, The Musalini, Estee Nack, Al-Doe, Mickey Diamond, and many more. The album has a very strong framework; the intro is dedicated to Polaroid Pope’s mother (rest in peace), and the outro is accompanied by Sam Buck. The album’s penultimate track, GHETTO HARVARD ALUMNI, is a pivotal moment, with Knowledge the Pirate paying tribute to the legacy of rap and paying homage to all the legends. The album was already released on vinyl a few months ago, but as of last week you can stream it on all streaming services.
Now or Never
Brigade is a unisex lifestyle brand that is firmly rooted in the raw energy and authenticity of its birthplace, New York City. This unique brand is built on the principle of community over merchandise and strives to embody this ethos in each collection, which the team collaborates on with a diverse range of local models, stylists, musicians, and artists. And the artists are the reason we write about the brand. For their new collection, they released Now or Never, a 15-minute film exploring the creative journey of making something out of nothing. The film features original music from artists YL, Starker, Papo2oo4, Subjxct5, and Lord Unknown. Rapper Starker even plays one of the lead roles in the film. Tom Seager directed, shot, and edited the film. You can purchase the collection on the Brigade website.
BEST ALBUMS
Dot-Com Intelligence – Abracadabra review
Intelligence, voice, art, music, community, words, empathy, hip-hop: with his new album Abracadabra, Dot-Com Intelligence proves that rap is the ultimate tool in the fight against repression. The rapper made his debut in 2013 with the project OVERVIEW, and the rest is history. Abracadabra is the follow-up to last year’s I Am Not Your Negro, which gave listeners a bold and honest portrayal of life as a melancholic man under the Trump administration. Abracadabra picks up where the previous project left off, offering freedom, art, and activism in a time when the world’s greatest superpower is ruled by Donald Trump. Abracadabra is a search for freedom in an unjust and dark world born out of colonialism and built on neo-colonialism, racism, and hatred. Dot-Com Intelligence uses all the tools of rap and presents its art as transformative magic that has the power to transform the mind. This approach is mostly seen in OG old-school rappers, but Dot-Com Intelligence has managed to combine it with a hypnotic contemporary sound. The album certainly doesn’t feel dated; on the contrary, beats from producers like Nomrewrds, Wulverine, and Messiah Musik get under your skin. You can listen to the album on Bandcamp. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so here is the video for the track Adam.
DA FLYY HOOLIGAN – LO&B review
Da Flyy Hooligan blurs the line between lo-fi sound and hard-hitting bars on LO&B. The album will be enjoyed by those looking for both chill & rap and those who want to delve into the lyrics. As the title suggests, Lofi & Bars is an album that will play calmly on your soul but also show that Hooli still has a lot to offer when it comes to lyricism. The beats are backed by Wun Two and Agor, who create a relaxed atmosphere, like you’re in an old jazz club where the smoke blends seamlessly with the beats. This isn’t a commercial hit; it’s more of an inside vibe for those who can enjoy quality in simplicity. Hooli isn’t alone on the album; other names from the scene, like Verb T, Fliptrix, and Hus Kingpin, make an appearance. Fans will definitely remember these names. Tracks like HERE WE GO AGAIN bring the right chemistry, and it’s clear that the album has depth and weight. Nab is on vocals, which adds a smoothness to the album and softens its hard-hitting nature. It’s an interesting balance between raw rap and a subtle atmospheric touch. The track FRESH AIR is one of the highlights; Hooli gives lyrics here that make you think, and Hus Kingpin adds his casual elegance. This is exactly the kind of music where you can put your feet up and still find something in the lyrics that hits you. LO&B shows that Da Flyy Hooligan isn’t planning on staying put but moving on and proving that the UK scene has something to offer without the mainstream hype. The album is for those looking for more than just surface-level music and shows how British rap can still live in those less explored spaces. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attached the video for the track The Conversationalist.
CRIMEAPPLE – JAGUAR ON PALISADE 3 review
In the third installment of the Jaguar On Palisade series, Crimeapple delivers exactly what fans have come to expect—raw lyrics, a gritty vibe, and stories that don’t take themselves lightly. Jaguar On Palisade 3 is like the soundtrack to a night out on the town, where you can’t avoid challenging situations but also find a lot of those priceless details that make his rap more than just a choice of words. The album kicks off with the track I Fucked Up, which shows that Crimeapple is no saint. This project is gritty, raw and direct without any unnecessary sauce. Whether we’re talking about gritty stories from the stream or more introspective moments, Crimeapple isn’t afraid to portray a world where everything is on the edge here. 30 MINUTE DRIVE 4 A NUT is a prime example of what Crimeapple does best. The story of one wild night where everything gets complicated before you even get to the finish line. It’s a situation you may have seen in a movie before, but it’s never been more thrilling than when you hear it in Crimeapple’s verse. His words about uncontrolled emotions, random encounters, and unexpected problems remind you how quickly things can go wrong. And that unexpected moment when it’s about more than just what happened keeps you on your toes. The whole album has a strong atmosphere that comes from both its lyrics and production. Crimeapple sticks to a dark but not too raw sound that draws you into the story. Crimeapple shows that he is not only an excellent rapper but also a great storyteller who can retell situations that would seem too raw for the movie screen.
Agung Mango & Eric Spice – An Empty Chant review
An Empty Chant is a record that takes you into a world where nothing is simple and nothing is black and white. Here, Agung Mango and producer Eric Spice create something that defies the conventional framework of rap, combining philosophy, introspection, and personal exploration through minimalistic but atmospheric beats. The album feels like a long meditation, delving into the mysteries of one’s own mind while leaving out nothing of the everyday struggles. Mango proves himself to be a storyteller on the album, as capable of holding the listener in suspense as he is of seducing them into quiet but profound contemplation. Eric Spice’s production is precise and light yet creates a space in which Mango can move without the need to overdo it; each beat here is deliberately simple yet carries a strong subtext. The lyrics aren’t about what you hear on first listen; rather, they make you think about what lies beneath the surface. The search for meaning, the struggle with your own demons, and the need to stay true to yourself are things that run through the entire record. Mango doesn’t show off here; he doesn’t sound like someone who has all the answers. On the contrary, it’s a journey that shows it’s never too late to start over, to persevere, and to keep trying even in the face of chaos. An Empty Chant is not an album to listen to just as a background to an activity. It’s an album that makes you stop, think, and take in every sound. It’s a piece of music that will offer you much more than just rhythm and rhyme; it will offer you space to think for yourself. If you’re looking for rap that not only entertains you but also shapes you in some way and makes you think, An Empty Chant is for you. It’s honest, deep, experimental rap that won’t give you anything for free.
Body Bag Ben & UFO Fev – Thousand Yard Stare review
New York rapper UFO Fev continues his rap journey and adds another phenomenal record to his huge catalogue. Last year he dazzled especially with his albums Strapped (w/ Fredro Starr) and Painting Houses 2 (w/ Spanish Ran). This year he’s teamed up with another great producer, Body Bag Ben. On their collaborative record, the artists reflect on a life of trauma, stress, and pain. They chose a fitting title for the album, Thousand Yard Stare, whichmeans the blank, unfocused gaze of people experiencing dissociation due to acute stress or traumatic events. This record is pure rap without glorification, a life you definitely don’t want to experience. “Been to more funeral homes than I was in colleges,” a phrase from track 4 My Young Boy that’s a catch-all. This track is a highlight. UFO Fev behind the mic tells elaborate stories, guest Vel Nine adds an interesting twist, and Body Bag Ben has produced a great beat with a west coast line that takes you back in time.
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.
Tha God Fahim X Nicholas Craven – Dump Gawd : Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 8
Slumber Logic & klwn cat – What Was Found in the Fire
Michaelangelo & Monday Night – Pay Thru The Nose
Black Josh, Lee Scott, Sumgii – YSL Bootleg
Chuuwee – Therd Sabbath: More Cho More Woes
Trippjones & Tony Seltzer – RAINING FLAMES, Vol. 2
Spit Gemz – INTEGRITY
Willie The Kid & Real Bad Man – Midnight
Rufus Sims & Master III – ILL Dirty Rufus
Nowaah the Flood & D-Styles – Beluga
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
ROCHNGTHEWRLD has built an authentic atmosphere on LOST AND FOUND that will touch your soul.
DUKES by MONA is a heartfelt confession. The unique music video is like a lost memory.
The wait is over; Boldy James & V Don will release a joint album on Friday. Check out the phenomenal music video.
Chaos of the postmodern age: Playboi Carti has released a music video for the song FOMDJ.
Talking To by Chip and Scorcher is a hard-hitting grime banger that will get you out of your chair.
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.
Ray Vaughn – FLAT shasta ft. Ash Leone
Raz Fresco & Futurewave “OK LETS GO”
K.A.A. N. X Jonah Renna – Waiting 4 the day
Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist – Life Is Beautiful
Anycia feat. GloRilla & KARRAHBOOO – NEVER NEED
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.
