Welcome to Rap Weekly 153: Infinite. 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 Once Upon A Time 2 by Jay Worthy, Hi Top Fade by The Cool Kids, Sir Michael Rocks, Chuck Inglish, NAG CHAMPA by Osbe Chill, Marc Spano, Dough Networkz, Direct Flights 2 by Artisan P & DJ Proof, would it be a sin by Herbie Lancock, and Infinite by Mobb Deep. Also look forward to great music videos from JID, Ciara, Earthgang, Vel Nine, Wynne, MANAST LL’ & V DON, and O’D. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Mobb Deep – Infinite
On April 16, 2025, Mass Appeal Records announced a series titled Legend Has It…, featuring seven albums from legendary artists set to drop throughout the year. Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Mobb Deep have already released their projects, with albums from De La Soul, Big L, and Nas & DJ Premier still to come. Building on hip-hop’s greatest classics is a daunting, almost impossible task, so no one expects these records to reinvent the genre — but rather to honor and extend the legacy of the icons behind them. And that’s precisely what the new Mobb Deep album achieves. Infinite is a powerful reflection of the duo’s legacy, staying true to their signature gritty, dark sound.
Infinite is the first album by Mobb Deep since Prodigy’s death in 2017. Havoc and The Alchemist have revealed multiple times that they had many of Prodigy’s verses and used them as best as they could. Both artists fully produced the album and approached the Mobb Deep legacy with the utmost respect. Infinite is a truly worthy return, and hearing Prodigy’s determined voice on the opening track brought our hearts to life. Tracks like Gunfire, Easy Bruh, Mr. Magik, and Score Points showcase the classic Mobb Deep sound: aggressive street gangster rap that instantly captures the listener’s imagination. The album also features all the rap giants you’d want alongside Mobb Deep – Nas, Raekwon, Clipse, Ghostface Killah, and Big Noyd. The duo reflects on their career and closes the album with We The Real Thing, not ending their journey but reminding us that Mobb Deep will forever be synonymous with dark New York rap. RIP Bandana P.
NEWS
Harlem’s Finest: Rise of the Forgotten King
A few lines above, we wrote about Infinite by Mobb Deep, part of the Legend Has It… series, which features seven albums by legendary artists. Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Mobb Deep have already released their albums, and next in line is the one and only Big L. His new posthumous album Harlem’s Finest: Rise of the Forgotten King is set to drop on October 31. The family of the Harlem legend writes, “Big L has a long history with Nas as they both signed to Columbia in 1992. This is a full circle moment, and we are excited for y’all to hear what we’ve been working on. As some of you may have noticed, many Big L songs have been removed from streaming services over the past few years. Those songs were unmixed/unmastered, samples were not cleared, and many of the producers weren’t paid or credited properly. Thanks to the team at Mass Appeal, we will be re-releasing the best versions of these songs, rare freestyles, and a few surprises…” The family also confirmed that no AI tools were used in the making of the album. As they note, this isn’t a new album in the strict sense, but even releasing these previously deleted tracks in the best possible quality is a huge reason to celebrate. RIP Big L.
A Spyglass to One’s Face
Rapper YUNGMORPHEUS and producer Dirty Art Club have announced their collaborative album A Spyglass to One’s Face, set to drop on October 24. The artists previously worked together on the 2020 EP Mise En Place, but the new album promises to be far more expansive. It will feature 16 tracks with guest appearances from Cavalier, Lukah, Zeroh, YL, and Ba Pace. The excitement is already building thanks to the lead single Way The Rose Wilt, which carries an urgent tone reflective of RIGHT NOW. The phenomenal cover art and album title only reinforce that in the “title game,” MORPHEUS is among the very best.
Cargo Lift Sessions: Mary Sue & The Clementi Sound Appreciation Club
Mary Sue once again proves himself as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary alternative rap on Cargo Lift Sessions. This time, his lyrics are accompanied by the live band Clementi Sound Appreciation Club, balancing poetry, introspection, and social commentary. Each verse blends spiritual symbolism with everyday reality. Mary Sue raps as if in dialogue with the world—calm, thoughtful, yet rhythmically precise. The band breathes life into his words: jazz chords, soulful horns, and organic energy create an environment where lyrics both crumble and flourish. In an era when most rappers rely on laptops and drum machines, Mary Sue with Porcelain Shield, Paper Sword proves that live sound can restore depth and soul to rap. This session in the freight elevator is more than a performance—it’s a small ritual, a meditation.
BEST ALBUMS
Jay Worthy – Once Upon A Time 2
Jay Worthy is exactly the type of rapper who doesn’t age—not because he still sounds young, but because time seems to move differently around him. Once Upon A Time 2 isn’t just a continuation; it’s a confirmation that Worthy has become the chronicler of the West Coast, able to write about life with the calm of a player who’s seen it all but still has reason to step out and let the LA sun tan his face. The album straddles the line between past and present, between a chrome Cadillac and the digital world where notifications burn. Jay stays true to his cinematic style: beats breathe G-funk, basslines roll lazily like a Californian highway in the afternoon heat, and every name on the tracklist carries weight—Bun B, Mack 10, Ice-T, Roc Marciano, Curren$y, and Wiz Khalifa. The standout moment is Sake with Curren$y: two veterans who no longer need to prove anything, simply observing the world from a balcony where time moves slower. Jay raps with the calm that comes after years of chaos—about balance and how tranquility isn’t weakness but the privilege of survivors. Curren$y brings a flow that soothes while teaching. “We wasn’t scared to take a loss, that’s why we won”—a line that could serve as the album’s motto. The rest of the record maintains this energy: Daytons with Mack 10 evokes the lowrider era and the harsh realism of the ’90s, while Gang Shit with DJ Muggs brings a harder, darker tone. Yet the album sounds mature, almost peaceful, like returning to a city that once broke you, but now you simply drive its streets with a smile.
The Cool Kids, Sir Michael Rocks, Chuck Inglish – Hi Top Fade
Legendary duo The Cool Kids return with Hi Top Fade, and even though it’s been nearly twenty years since Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks first made waves on MySpace, they still sound ahead of the curve. At a time when most new rap projects compete for attention through brief moments of virality, Hi Top Fade feels like a lesson in patience, confidence, and craft. The Cool Kids have always been more than just a rap group—they were architects of an era that turned underground into an aesthetic and individuality into a new standard. Their ability to stay fresh without repeating themselves is what makes Hi Top Fade their best work since Before Shit Got Weird. The album feels like a mature return home while also marking a new beginning. Production revisits everything fans love: basslines, staccato beats, retro-futuristic synths, and grooves that blend G-Funk, Chicago house, and lo-fi sample science. Chuck Inglish remains one of the scene’s most distinctive beatmakers, with each rhythm textured, weighted, and colored. Sir Michael Rocks continues as the narrator who speaks with the calm of someone who’s seen it all but hasn’t turned bitter. Tracks like We Got Clips showcase the album’s breathing, streetwise yet poetic energy: Mikey speaks on loyalty, betrayal, and friendship with a cool composure that cuts deeper than shouts. His voice carries a certain weariness—not resignation, but experience—as if acknowledging that the circle closes while still eager to pass on his lessons. Features from A-Trak, Sango, Seafood Sam, Pink Siifu, and Quin feel deliberate, each complementing a different aspect of The Cool Kids’ dual DNA: between elegance, absurdity, and functional madness. The closing track, Back Up Off Me with Diamond Cafe, sounds almost like postmodern R&B for those who grew up on 8-bit games and Pharrell beats.
Osbe Chill, Marc Spano, Dough Networkz – NAG CHAMPA
In Los Angeles, where rap often drowns in stereotypes and endless imitation, Osbe Chill arrives with NAG CHAMPA like a breath of fresh air. And no, this isn’t just another collection of flex tracks—it’s an authentic statement from someone who doesn’t aim to compete but to share their perspective on life, faith, and creativity. From the opening Do You Believe to the closing Half My Deen, you feel that Osbe Chill is not just rapping, but speaking directly to you. The tracks are short, punchy, and often introspective, as if every beat from Marc Spano is meant more for meditation than for showing off skills. Heaven’s Gift is a perfect example, with Osbe Chill reflecting on his growth, emphasizing the importance of faith, and asserting that success isn’t about competition but about being in harmony with yourself and the world around you. The project is minimalist, sometimes meditative (Hypnotized, Positive Affirmation), other times motivating and dynamic (Rich Mindset, Keys to Risq). Marc Spano’s production keeps pace with Osbe Chill’s flow—clean, straightforward, with occasional subtle psychedelic touches that complement lyrics full of honesty and introspection. What stands out most about NAG CHAMPA is its empathy and courage to be authentic. In an era where many rappers focus only on who’s better or richer, Osbe Chill reminds us that rap can also be about self-expression, respect, and spiritual balance. No official music video was released, so the full album itself speaks volumes.
Herbie Lancock – would it be a sin
Herbie Lancock pours such intense emotion into his rapping and the tone of his words that his EP would it be a sin instantly transports you into his state of mind. This talented artist, whom we only recently discovered, has already released two albums, several EPs, and singles this year. would it be a sin is a collection of four tracks that feel like hazy memories, carrying emotions so intimate that while listening, you can’t help but wonder if you’re intruding on Herbie’s personal space. Herbie channels emotions in his songs as powerfully as looms. All four tracks are strong and work perfectly together, from slow down, which sets the atmosphere for the entire EP, to drown, where we dive into the void alongside the artist.
Artisan P & DJ Proof – Direct Flights 2
Artisan P & DJ Proof, a rapper and producer from Florida, release Direct Flights 2, the follow-up to their 2016 album. As the Bandcamp synopsis suggests, the pace of the new album is looser than the first, with the artists exploring new approaches on each track. DJ Proof delivers a mix of boom bap and lo-fi that will have you nodding along with a smile from ear to ear. Citing Pete Rock, J Dilla, DJ Premier, and 9th Wonder as inspirations, DJ Proof’s influence is clear throughout the album. The project carries a strong DIY essence, with every second reflecting music as a way for the duo to navigate reality. A standout comes with Advancements, where DJ Proof truly outdoes himself—this beat is unforgettable. The rest of the album is equally compelling; Direct Flights 2 is a complete experience with no filler.
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.
Superbad Solace & Spanish Ran – 1010 Wins
Doe Boy – LAST HOPE
gustavo louis & Skip The Kid – SUPREME MACORONI
Mad1ne – Politics & Catfish
Princess Nokia – GIRLS
Sphere47 – SNACK TIME 2: RUINED APPETITE
P-Ro X Uglyjon – UnPretty
Bale – Ghetto Gold
Wave Chapelle – The B&W Pack
JasonMartin and Mike & Keys – A Hit Dog Gon Holla
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
The video for Sk8 by JID, Ciara, and EarthGang truly breathes life.
If you want to get to really know Vel Nine, now’s your chance—she’s just released a video for her deeply introspective track A Beautiful Day To Die.
Wynne has released a video for her track Snooze, reminding everyone that her new mixtape, Say Wynne, is out now.
Simplicity is power. All it takes is a top-tier beat and top-tier rap: that’s UNAPOLOGETIC by MANAST LL’ & V DON.
A masterclass in gritty rap: O’D drops the video for Pursuit Of Happiness.
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.
Dr.wan – Sundown ops (feat. IMYTORI) ft. IMYTORI
Skepta, Finessekid – Sirens (From Ireland)
ElCamino – AHEAD OF THEMSELVES
Sadistik x NOWHERE2RUN – Kiss The Ring (feat. CAGE)
LIFEOFTHOM, Plain Pat, jev. – CADILLAC / NIGHT (feat. Wiseboy Jeremy)
Verb T – Absorbing Imagery (Prod. Vic Grimes)
Danger Mouse & Black Thought – UP
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!
