Welcome to Rap Weekly 147: Live Laugh Love. 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. We review the albums Live Laugh Love by Earl Sweatshirt, DRUG$$$ by Teller Bank$, in a pigs eye by pulp Cruz, Gusto by Ignorancia Sofisticada & RLX, Supreme Clientele 2 by Ghostface Killah, Pure IZM 2 by The Musalini & Khrysis. Also look forward to great music videos from Tyler, The Creator, Skepta, Joey Bada$$, Manast LL’ & V Don, or BabyTron. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Earl Sweatshirt – Live Laugh Love
Earl Sweatshirt belongs to the small group of artists who, in an unprecedented way during the second decade of our millennium, shaped the next generations of musicians and brought their unique sound. Earl is also among the artists who always infused their music with pain, darkness, doubt, chaos, and confusion. With each new album, Earl solidified his place in the world, and we can consider his latest album, Voir Dire from 2023, produced entirely by The Alchemist, a turning point. In a narrower context, the term “voir dire” refers to the jury selection process; in a broader sense, it means “to speak the truth.” And surely you’ll agree: Earl let the truth shine on Voir Dire. Perhaps for the first time in his life, he didn’t have to fear a jury judging him. That jury isn’t us listeners, but his reflection in the mirror. His newest album reflects Earl’s personal growth and a flood of new, powerful emotions stemming from fatherhood and a healthy relationship, though ironically, it places them against the backdrop of today’s alarming global societal situation.
Feeling happy in today’s world feels like a bad joke: Earl Sweatshirt, on the album Live Laugh Love found his beacon, which he intends to protect. The very title feels ironic, yet it carries an almost naive honesty. Within the context of Earl’s discography, listeners quickly realize there’s no grandiose pathos here, but rather a determination to preserve a sense of happiness and safeguard those Earl loves. Structurally, the album resembles Some Rap Songs (2018), offering a fragmented soundscape with truly unique beats. Half of the album was produced by the one and only Theravada, who will release his solo rap project, The Years We Have on September 9. Additional beats come from Earl Sweatshirt himself, Black Noise, Navy Blue, and Child Actor, whose beat stands out as a highlight. Listening to the album feels like levitating, yet Earl’s strong, evocative rhymes keep you grounded.
NEWS
Once Upon a Time
Jay Worthy arrives with a major moment in his career: the official trailer for his debut solo double album and documentary Once Upon a Time is out. The first disc drops on September 26, followed by the second on October 12. In the trailer, people who have been with him from the beginning speak—those who witnessed the moments when nobody believed in him and the times he had to prove that his hunger for success hadn’t faded despite countless rejections. The documentary shows Worthy between two worlds, one foot in the streets and the other alongside the biggest names in the rap game. Friends describe him as a mystical being, someone with an innate hipness that can’t be taught. This isn’t just a story about music—it’s a story of survival, of respect that must be built over years and confirmed daily. A story that Jay Worthy has never been just another rapper. The trailer serves as proof that when someone has true hunger and authenticity, people notice and begin to respect it.
Before Common Era
It’s been only three months since Knowledge the Pirate & Roc Marciano released their collaborative album The Round Table. That, however, doesn’t stop us from getting excited about the next project. Knowledge announced his new album, Before Common Era, which will soon drop exclusively on his website. Most of the album will be produced by the rapper’s longtime collaborator E.l.e.m.n.t., who has backed him throughout his career. Guest appearances include RJ Payne and CRIMEAPPLE, and the album cover evokes another connection between rap and historical myth—stories from the urban underworld framed as a Renaissance epic. Excited? Definitely. Salute!
Off Top Volume 9
The doors have closed. A few weeks ago, the final episode of the “Off Top” Freestyle project by Top Shelf Premium was released. The authentic atmosphere of their shop has now become iconic, and over nine seasons, this series produced countless cult rap moments. In November of last year, the crew Social Misfit kicked off the final ninth season of this rap show. In the last season, performances included Cavalier, Wiseboy Jeremy, Seafood Sam, The Musalini, Bloo Azul, and it concluded with AJ Suede. Now, you can listen to all the freestyles from this season on streaming services as part of Off Top Volume 9. This is a compilation every fan of rap culture should hear. Once again, we thank the entire Top Shelf Premium team—it’s been a ride.
QUICK NEWS
- In the new episode of Chinatown Sound Freestyle, the one and only Boldy James performed.
- Clipse have released more recap videos from their Let God Sort Em Out Tour.
- Amalgama surprised us and shortly after releasing his autobiographical producer album Theremin, he dropped another great project: ROYAL NOTHING 2.
- Common has released the documentary 20 Years of ‘Be’: Behind The Record, in which he shares behind-the-scenes insights about the legendary album.
- Pro Dillinger and Futurewave have released the highly anticipated album DIRTWAVE VOL. 3 on physical formats, with the vinyl available at wavgodmusic.com
BEST ALBUMS
Teller Bank$ – DRUG$$$
If we were to list the hardest-working rappers in the game, the most interesting voices, and artists we believe will be the next stars, Teller Bank$ would appear on all three lists. The artist from Des Moines, Iowa, has already released this year the phenomenal album Black Man! (w/ Wino Willy) and the excellent EP leftside. He could also be heard on Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dixon, where he presented himself to a wider audience as an unstoppable force on the mic. His uncompromising raw approach, blended with painful, sensitive, and authentic reflections on his feelings and the world around him, also dominates his new project DRUG$$$, with an outstanding cover created by Teller’s father. “I am the product of my worst decisions.” The album DRUG$$$ by Teller Bank$ is hypnotic, socially aware, and introspective—a darkly ironic horror story with a happy ending. Teller raps with absolute determination and passion, and every second reveals that he considers himself the best rapper on the planet, a necessary driving force in rap. The album is genuinely dark, melancholic, and gritty; with each track, you sink deeper into a chaos of despair burning in an unjust and cruel world ruled by a rotten, exploitative system. Even though the album is largely introspective, Teller also tackles societal themes—tracks like Goat Head ($$$) feel almost apocalyptic. Production was handled by Philth Spector, q no rapname, and Killer Kane, delivering top-tier work. As noted, Teller’s horror of life in our world has a happy ending because he stands firm, creates, and lives as best he can.
pulp Cruz – in a pigs eye
pulp Cruz has released a new album, in a pig’s eye, and from the very first listen, it’s clear that this is not a project trying to please anyone. It’s more of a raw diary, a mosaic of moods where rough edges alternate with delicate moments of introspection. The tracklist feels minimalist, often consisting of single-word titles, signaling that Cruz doesn’t want unnecessary embellishments—he goes straight to the point. A key moment is the track super! featuring Willyynova. This isn’t just a club banger but a stream of consciousness where rawness and fragility alternate. Cruz raps as if trying to piece together a fragmented image of himself, speaking sometimes of faith, then of falls, of the world collapsing around him, yet still seeking a way forward. The track conveys fatigue and gratitude, an admission of weakness and anger, but also resilience against being consumed. The entire album oscillates between experimentation and relaxed flow, between minimalism and moments where the beat steps back and Cruz’s words carry everything.
Ignorancia Sofisticada & RLX – Gusto
On Gusto, two worlds collide: RLX as a rapper, whose voice carries both calm and hunger, and Ignorancia Sofisticada as a producer, painting beats with a keen sense for atmosphere and detail. The result isn’t a random collaboration but a testament to how much the symbiosis of rapper and producer can give a project cohesion and its own DNA. Ignorancia Sofisticada handled all the production, and it shows—beats have elegance, subtle layering, and a touch of grit that perfectly contrasts RLX’s voice. This isn’t just a musical backdrop; it’s an environment where the rapper can move naturally. One of the highlights comes in Perfection (feat. B’licious), where both music and lyrics convey an honest attempt to capture inner struggles, accept mistakes, maintain momentum, and find clarity amidst chaos. The album balances tracks like Ten Fold or South Paw, which lean on sharper rap expression, with more reflective moments like Solo or Silence All, where beats become space for contemplation. Guests (B’licious, Kid Sanchez) fit naturally, acting as extensions of the sound rather than disrupting the flow. At its core, Gusto is about trust: RLX trusts Ignorancia’s production, and Ignorancia trusts RLX to navigate the beats in dialogue. Listeners feel that trust, resulting in a project built not on instant hits but on cohesion and depth.
Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele 2
Ghostface Killah is back with a project fans have been waiting for for years, the follow-up to the legendary Supreme Clientele. And right away, it’s clear that Ghost isn’t indulging in nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Supreme Clientele 2 isn’t a museum; it’s a living organism that breathes the present while honoring the roots of Wu-Tang aesthetics. The tracklist is long and varied, alternating full songs with atmospheric skits that recall the old-school ’90s vibe. The album feels cinematic, with tempo, pauses, dramatic moments, and pure rap showcases. The standout track, Rap Kingpin, demonstrates that Ghost’s imagination remains untouched by time. His bars shift between harsh reality and surreal imagery—rap that is as colorful as it is wild, full of details and references to both past and present. The beats on Supreme Clientele 2 embrace contrasts: classic soulful samples, dense rhythms, and modern elements give Ghost space to move effortlessly across eras. The album isn’t trapped in 2000, yet it retains that raw “Shaolin sound” feel. Lyrically, it’s a mix of dense metaphors, gritty streets, luxury imagery, and introspective moments. Ghostface writes from the center of chaos, but this time with the perspective of someone who has survived multiple rap eras and still has something to say. Supreme Clientele 2 proves that Ghostface Killah doesn’t need to live off his legend—he actively creates it. It’s an album for longtime fans who want to remember why they fell in love with his elusive style and for new listeners seeking authenticity, charisma, and the vivid storytelling rarely found in today’s scene.
The Musalini & Khrysis – Pure IZM 2
Rap elegance that is both vintage and modern: The Musalini & Khrysis have released the follow-up to the 2022 album Pure IZM. At that time, we were just getting acquainted with rapper The Musalini, and although he already had several albums under his belt, his now distinct and unmistakable style was still developing. Just three years later, his discography has grown enormously, and Mu$ has established himself as one of today’s most prominent rappers. Each of his albums is a guarantee of quality: if you’re looking for rap that makes you feel like you’re sitting in an upscale venue, known only to a select few, you’re in the right place. Khrysis produced beats that perfectly match Musalini, with the beat of Hit That lingering in your mind long after listening. The album features plenty of dope guests, including O Finess, Izzy Hott, and Stalley.
DOPE ALBUMS
The five albums above aren’t the only ones you need to hear. We’ve handpicked ten more dope records that no one should sleep on. Give every one of these projects a shot — they all deserve your time.
Saint_JAME$ – ZOO CITY SOUND SYSTEM
Natia – 2WICE AS GOOD 4 HALF AS MUCH
Lupe Fiasco – Samurai DX
Offset – Kiari
2 Chainz – Red Clay (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Anthony Kannon & Zilly900 – A To Z
Termanology – The Summer Pack 3 (EP)
Tezzus – King Phønk
Coast Contra – THE FIFTH
KNOWITALL – EXPRESSION CHAMBER
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Yeah, nobody does it like him: Tyler, The Creator once again invites you into his world in the music video for DARLING, I.
Skepta samples himself: the track Back 2 Back delivers a unique concept.
Joey Bada$$ over a Chuck Strangers beat: the video for DARK AURA is a reminder that the album Lonely At The Top drops this Friday.
Wow, this is the duo we’ve been waiting for. Manast LL’ & V Don announce their joint EP with the video for These Days.
BabyTron on the track Mukbang spits punchline after punchline.
DOPE VIDEOS
Our list of must-see music videos doesn’t stop at the top five. We’ve selected ten more fire clips you need to check out. Show some love to all the artists below — they truly deserve the spotlight.
Curbside Jones- ALAKAZAM (PROD BY DOOF)
Larry June & Cardo Got Wings – Gotta Be Love
WYONEYE- Katus Myles x Bzerk Produced by Dylantheinfamous shot by GBVISUALS
Fliptrix – Floodlights (Prod. Forest DLG)
Passport Rav x RoadsArt – The Harbor
JACK JETSON X QUADE POUNDSIGN – KENNY STEAZ
CRIMEAPPLE x V DON VICTOR CHARLIE
BIG KAHUNA OG & FOISEY – ON YA BABY
That’s a wrap on today’s news roundup. What caught your attention the most? Hit us up on Twitter, Instagram, Threads or Bluesky We’ll be back next Monday with another dose of the Rap Weekly and fresh heat from the scene — don’t miss it!
