Welcome to Rap Weekly 158: The Sword & The Soaring. 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 The Sword & The Soaring by Navy Blue, No Control, No Glory by AKAI SOLO, Run Toward the Monster by Ty Farris & Apollo Brown, FLARE by detahjae, Relinquished by AJ Suede, Lord OLO, & TELEVANGEL, and A Smile to a Tear by Jay Cinema. Also look forward to great music videos from JasonMartin, Mike & Keys, Mike Shabb, Lil Yachty, billy woods, August Fanon, Aesop Rock, Boldy James, Nicholas Craven. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Navy Blue – The Sword & The Soaring
It’s no secret that American rapper, producer, skateboarder, model, and visual artist Navy Blue, born Sage Gabriel Carlos Atreyu Elsesser, is one of our favorite artists. Since his 2020 debut album, Àdá Irin, we’ve followed every one of his deeply introspective and emotionally charged projects. We included his last year’s album, Memoirs in Armour, among the best records of the year, so we’re fascinated that his newest release, The Sword & The Soaring, is even more opulent and conceptually thought-provoking.
Navy Blue is a master of introspective rap, and The Sword & The Soaring is a deep dive into his mind and heart — a place where he reflects on his traumas and protects the moments and people who allow him to love life. From the opening tracks The Bloodletter and Orchards, which flow seamlessly into one another, it becomes clear that The Sword & The Soaring is an honest, tranquil journey that asks for time and attention. The album spans a remarkable 16 tracks, and while its soundscape is atmospheric and cohesive, the diverse lineup of producers gives it many distinct flavors. It’s like a perfectly arranged bouquet — each flower contributes to the whole, yet none overshadows the beauty of the others. The central themes revolve around self-understanding, overcoming trauma and grief, and a profound love for family. Sage describes everyday emotions with a magnitude that feels almost mythological, turning the exploration of life’s pains and joys into an endless pilgrimage every generation must face on its own. The only guest is the one and only Earl Sweatshirt, for whom Navy handled the art direction on I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside a decade ago. The truest!
NEWS
Che Noir & 7xvethegenius – Desired Crowns
Last week was packed with stellar rap releases, and choosing which ones to cover was genuinely difficult. We took the clever route, though — one album made it into the “news” section, so instead of diving into its content here, we’re placing it in the broader context of the rap game. Desired Crowns is a dream come true for rap fans — Che Noir & 7xvethegenius have finally released a joint album. Both rappers rank among the most distinctive voices of the past five years. Throughout their careers, they’ve dropped several collaborative singles, each one proving their bulletproof artistic chemistry. It was only a matter of time before a full-length project happened — and now we have it. Both artists are having incredibly productive years: 7xve released Self 7xve III and Che Noir delivered three excellent albums. Desired Crowns stands as a testament not only to their creative chemistry but also to their relentless work ethic and undeniable talent.
Hanzai
There are only a handful of rappers we can reliably count on several times a year, and CRIMEAPPLE is unquestionably one of them. He’s been incredibly productive once again in 2025, reinforcing his reputation as one of the hardest-working artists in today’s rap landscape. This year alone he’s already released multiple projects — Escama (with MichaelAngelo & Primo Profit), the third installment of his Jaguar on Palisade series, followed by Rose Gold (with DJ Skizz) and finally Bulletproof Chicken (with V Don). Each of these records highlights his ability to adapt to the style of his producers without ever losing his signature rawness. But those four albums don’t mark the end of his 2025 grind. With the single ZIPFILE, he announced his next album, HANZAI, dropping on November 28. As both the title and cover suggest, the record will carry a distinctly Japanese flavor. There’s plenty to look forward to.
The Alchemist a DJ Premier world tour
DJ Premier & The Alchemist have officially kicked off their WORLD TOUR, and even from the first behind-the-scenes clips, it’s clear this won’t just be a concert — it’s going to be a moment we’ll remember. They dropped a small teaser on Instagram, and the atmosphere hits you instantly. Two legendary producers capable of turning an ordinary night into a masterclass in hip-hop history. The tour runs across all of Europe, and on December 9 they’ll land in Prague, at SaSaZu, where we definitely won’t be missing out. And honestly, it’s beautiful to see this duo still pulling crowds after decades of work — still inspiring, still connecting people across the scene and across continents. It’s a reminder of why we love this genre in the first place. If you don’t have tickets yet, there’s really nothing to wait for. This is going to be the moment that closes out our rap year 2025 with the perfect signature.
BEST ALBUMS
AKAI SOLO – No Control, No Glory
How do we withstand the chaos of the world around us? No Control, No Glory. A thousand and one thought-provoking bars — AKAI SOLO has released another album. The Brooklyn rapper, who moves through a tangled, unreadable zeitgeist like a Grip captain, has long been one of the most distinctive voices of the current scene. That very chaos is the essence of his rap style — not only unique but also consistently innovative. No Control, No Glory is another deep dive into his mind, and after about three tracks you’re lost — but that’s exactly what makes the record beautiful. It awakens a desire to explore, to understand, to step outside of habits, order, and convention. AKAI has taken another step toward a sharper, more hard-hitting sound; the beats he chooses defy any sensible genre box. If you enjoy artists like MIKE, Earl Sweatshirt, Sideshow, or Niontay, this might be the album for you. AKAI also selected production from a crew of truly gifted producers — Wavy Bagels, Lonesword, groundskeepr, August Fanon, charlieonthetrack, Mari Geti, coffeeblack, Stability, Shungu, playahaze — all artists who deserve your attention. You can stream and buy the album on Bandcamp and breakallrecords. “When I say ‘free the world’, I don’t forget nada.” Free Tigray, Sudan, Congo, Gaza.
Ty Farris & Apollo Brown – Run Toward the Monster
When future hip-hop historians deconstruct 2025, Run Toward the Monster will surely be counted among its defining moments. After ten years of anticipation, two Detroit titans — producer Apollo Brown and rapper Ty Farris — joined forces to deliver a raw manifesto on survival, self-awareness, and the courage to face one’s own darkness. Some rappers write in a way that, once you absorb their bars, you feel the need to pause — time for the weight of what you’ve heard to settle. Ty Farris is a master of this style, fully respecting golden age hip-hop, with lyrics that rank among the best in the game. Moments like Beautiful Struggle, where Farris recounts the death of his parents, or Cold Is The Gun, a journey through street darkness that chills you knowing these stories are real, are proof of his power. And it’s precisely in this emotional depth that the album’s strength lies. As for Apollo Brown’s ability to craft compelling beats that give Farris space while still making you nod your head, that speaks for itself.
detahjae – FLARE
detahjae has released the album FLARE, which feels like he’s opened the door to his mind at the very moment a fire is raging inside — yet instead of panicking, he just keeps creating. It’s an album full of moods, explosions, self-defense, humor, and moments where you can hear that some things hurt him deeply. Perhaps that’s why the record feels so human. The tracklist is packed with features, but the music always pulls you back to detahjae — his voice, his rhythm, his unique blend of aggression and vulnerability. FLARE isn’t a project for seeking polished, precise rap; it’s about energy that sparks and jumps. One standout is Shirley Temple, which shows why this artist has such a devoted audience. The lyrics are chaotic, honest, and completely unfiltered. In the first bar, he tosses out jokes and traumas; in the next, frustration erupts from the feeling that everyone has an opinion on what he should do or how he should sound, even fourteen-year-olds giving advice. There’s laughter and fatigue, distance and pain. MARKTWOO’s feature just pours gasoline on the fire — carefree energy, a touch of chaos, a bit of audacity — exactly what the track needs to break free completely. Most importantly, FLARE feels like an album that had to exist. Not because a release was expected, but because detahjae needed to vent the pressure, whether it came from ego, criticism, dreams, sorrow, or just the ordinary inner chaos.
AJ Suede, Lord OLO, & TELEVANGEL – Relinquished
Relinquished is an album that was created over a single weekend in TELEVANGEL’s studio lair in Portland, and it sounds exactly like that. Like three artists locked in a room — artists who don’t need big concepts or budgets, just a shared impulse, a hunger to create, and trust that if it’s allowed to flow, the music will find its own shape. And it did. In short, dense tracks that aren’t afraid to be dark, sometimes even spiritual. TELEVANGEL builds productions that rustle with shadowed electronics, glitchy drums, and tension. It’s a sound that burrows under your skin — unoverwrought, yet detailed. AJ Suede and Lord OLO fill that space precisely as it needs to be filled: introspectively, slightly weary, yet sharp in their observations. One of the standout moments is Ultra Dark Funk, where AJ Suede and Lord OLO show why their honesty is so valued in the scene. The lyrics flow as a stream of consciousness — sometimes ironic, sometimes exhausted, at times confident, at times admitting missteps. They rap about a generation consumed by algorithms, the emptiness of online entertainment, and how life has sped up while emotions haven’t. At the same time, flashes of tenderness appear: the desire to do things your own way, give children a better world, and take care of your mother, even if it takes longer than you’d like. This is exactly the humanity we often seek in rap. Empathy can be heard even between the lines. Relinquished feels like a project where three people allowed themselves to be vulnerable, tired, and honest with one another. It’s a small chronicle of their shared weekend — a record of mood, shadow, and fatigue, but also the joy of creation. Something like locking yourself in the studio after a long week, shutting the world out, and letting everything that’s built up inside pass through the mic.
Jay Cinema – A Smile to a Tear
Jay Cinema arrives with the album A Smile to a Tear, and the title itself — a nod to Roy Ayers’ A Tear To A Smile — perfectly captures what to expect. A Smile to a Tear is a record where joy and sadness don’t oppose each other but coexist, two states between which Jay shifts almost every bar. It’s a gentle, sensitive project that still carries the strength of a person. The release is built on a diverse lineup of producers (pi, lilith, shemar, Tony Seltzer, and more), who open various sonic worlds for Jay — from jazz-light beats to melancholic vibes and rougher, more underground grooves. This makes the album colorful yet cohesive. Jay carries his honest tone throughout, with a voice that works through empathy, fatigue, hope, and memory rather than aggression. One of the most poignant moments is Split It Even, produced by Tony Seltzer. On the track, Jay addresses trust and loyalty, speaking about friends who held him up when he had nothing and how he wants to give back. It’s a song about sharing, not letting others down, and growing up in a world where nothing comes for free. Jay often touches on painful themes — uncertainty, fear of the future — yet there’s always a glimmer of light within them.
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.
Estee Nack & Friends – #MINIMANSIONDUST VOL. 7
The Musalini & $moove – Eye Candy
BoriRock & Tremendiss – VICTORY DISEASE
Valee & MVW – WHERE WERE WE
Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious – The Wolf & The Walrus
Boldy James & Nicholas Craven – Criminally Attached
LOOK DAMIEN! & Monday Night – Quntana Place
Hatch Wiseguy – Dirt & Diamonds
TOBi & Real Bad Man – The Perfect Blue
Foul Mouth – Everybody Goes Crazy Once
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
CAFALONIA by JasonMartin and Mike & Keys is a love letter delivered with the utmost grace.
Fight the Power! — Mike Shabb has released the video for the title track of his latest album.
The minimalist video for No Vegetables lets Lil Yachty’s hypnotic rap fully shine.
gowillog, the album and film by billy woods & August Fanon, is out now. If you need proof that it’s an unforgettable experience, just watch the video for Complications featuring Aesop Rock.
Boldy James, Nicholas Craven, and Digggers are an all-star team that has never let us down. Check out the video for No Blemishes. The album Criminally Attached is out now.
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.
Earl Sweatshirt – Gamma (need the ♥)
The Musalini – Easy On The Eyes
TOBi & Real Bad Man “OUT THE MUD
KARRERA & ESTEE NACK – TABARNACK (PROD. MIKE SHABB)
Clipse, Pusha T, Malice, Stove God Cooks – F.I.C.O.
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!
