Welcome to Rap Weekly 120: Can’t Rush Greatness. 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. Can’t Rush Greatness offers a level of introspection and self-reflection that is rare for an artist of such success. Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist will release a joint album. Listen to the first single. The rap battle continues. Joey Bada$$ teams up with Conductor again and responds to a diss from Ray Vaughn. Roc Marciano has released a new single, Vintage Limo. Is he working on a new album, Criminal Jazz? What do you have to sacrifice to be a rapper? Goyard Ibn Said is a conceptual masterpiece. JPEGMAFIA announces I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (DIRECTORS CUT) with a phenomenal music video. The album will be released this week. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Can’t Rush Greatness
Central Cee is a rapper who needs no introduction. He released his first EP, 17, in 2017, but it wasn’t until four years later that he really made a name for himself with his Wild West project. Since then, his success has skyrocketed, and Cee has collaborated with artists like Lil Baby, Dave, and Ice Spice. However, he waited to release his debut album because, as its title announces, Can’t Rush Greatness. Cee has been building his status as one of the UK’s most successful artists, and only this year, having achieved the appropriate hype, he released his debut studio album.
Central Cee is at a stage in his career where he could use his carefully built momentum to produce one catchy hit after another. Yet he hasn’t, and on his debut album he ventures into his past, his inner self, and reflects on his success. Can’t Rush Greatness has the aura of a big project, featuring hits like Gata feat. Young Miko, which are clearly aimed at mainstream listeners, yet Central Cee himself is at the heart of the album. Can’t Rush Greatness is his story, and most of the track is hard-hitting, strict UK tunes that take you into a setting of gangsters, a period of cold and hunger, and an unstoppable drive to succeed. Cee approaches his star status with a humility and mature awareness that is rare indeed. And that’s why his album Can’t Rush Greatness doesn’t disappoint, even though the soundscape of the record isn’t particularly exceptional.
NEWS
Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist
We verify all the information we bring you with integrity. We are not saying that we are making an exception in this news, yet we are writing about something that has not been officially announced. Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist will release a collaborative album. The trio last released their collaborative single, Bad Choices, complete with a great music video. But why do we think an album will follow? There are several reasons. The Alchemist revealed on Twitter last year that he would be releasing a joint album with Larry and another rapper this year. That mystery rapper, we believe, is 2 Chainz. In addition, the new single is listed under all three artists’ names; no one is credited as a guest. Additionally, Alc, Larry, and 2 Chainz were seen in the studio in Atlanta several times last year, so a joint album is 99% imminent. We are really, really looking forward to the record.
The rap battle continues
The rap battle continues. As we’ve written before, Joey Bada$$ released the excellent single The Ruler’s Back on New Year’s Day, in which he took a confident lyrical shot at West Coast artists. It didn’t take long, however, for Joey’s words to be taken to heart by TDE’s Ray Vaughn, who spits bars much more punchy and specific on the track Crashout Heritage to the beat of Kendrick’s The Heart Pt. 6. Ray even tagged Joey on Instagram so no one could miss that it was a response to his track. Thus, a new rap battle was born. Joey celebrated his thirtieth birthday last week, and he’s warmed up under the boiler. He once again jumped on the beat by Conductor Williams and released the track Sorry Not Sorry, accompanied by a phenomenal music video. In the track, he sharply responds to Ray’s diss, yet we hear no pulling out of sensitive information or over-the-top brutality. This is a rap diss to our liking, a great beat, a video, and a determined rap that Joey uses to prove he’s better than his opponent. Will Ray respond?
Vintage Limo
Roc Marciano is one of the most outstanding and best artists of today for several reasons. He takes a different approach to his work, as evidenced by his frequent collaborations with artist Josué Thomas, founder of Gallery Dept. Both artists arrived in Paris last week to open the ART THAT KILLS record store. On the occasion of the event, Roc Marciano released a new single, Vintage Limo, which visitors to the record store could also purchase on vinyl. It was a limited edition of 100 copies, each with unique artwork by Josué. What’s interesting, though, is that both Josué Thomas and Marciano wrote on their Instagram that this was the first single from the Criminal Jazz LP. So the question arises whether this is a new Marciano album on which we can look forward to jazz beats or if it is just some compilation or ART THAT KILLS gallery project. One thing is clear, though: the single Vintage Limo is a masterpiece that only Marci could have created.
QUICK NEWS
- Rome Streetz has released the first episode of Roaming the streetz with Rome Streetz. Take a look behind the scenes.
- Preservation released a great remix of Dassit from Cavalier & Child Actor’s CINE.
- Mike Shabb, in collaboration with montreality DVD, has released the music video for WAY2NICE.
- al.divino has released EXECUTION OF THE EVIL MERCHANT EP, produced by ELMER KRUPT, exclusively via jackpotrecords.vip.
- BRAINORCHESTRA has released the phenomenal WHERE IM FROM freestyle.
BEST ALBUMS
Ghais Guevara – Goyard Ibn Said
What do you have to sacrifice (experience) to become a rapper? Last week, the Fat Possum label released the debut album of rapper and producer Ghais Guevara, who you may know mainly for his great project There Will Be No Super-Slave. His debut, Goyard Ibn Said, is an innovative concept record, the likes of which we haven’t had in a long time. Concept albums have a long tradition in rap and have often become acclaimed classics. Think of records like Dr. Octagonecologyst (by Dr. Octagon), Deltron 3030, A Piece Of Strange (by CunninLynguists), or Undun (by The Roots). So we’re thrilled that Ghais Guevara has come up with an album that makes you feel like you’re experiencing something special. The album follows the story of the fictional anti-hero Goyard and is divided into two parts. The first act highlights the glory of the mainstream hip-hop star, while the second act surprises and focuses on the tragic experiences Goyard faced while achieving success. In this way, Ghais Guevara explores all the possible social, cultural, or economic problems one must face in order to become a rapper. Underneath every glittering success there is injustice and pain. The beats on the album are diverse; both acts have different dynamics, and you can look forward to guests like E L U C I D, McKinley Dixon, and more. Goyard Ibn Said is an album you need to hear.
Lord Juco & Garl – Sweet Nothings
Lord Juco and producer Garl took us on a fast but intense ride with the Sweet Nothings EP. You were able to purchase this project at the end of last year, but it didn’t hit streaming services until last week. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t support the artist; on the contrary, now you have even more reason to. The EP’s total running time barely skips 12 minutes, but the energy and creativity on it flow like a thick beat from Garl’s machine. There are five tracks that run like clockwork, and each one has its own flavor, sort of like a pack of deluxe candy where not one is a disappointment. Opener Sweet Nothings is more than just an intro. Lord Juco plays with a deep voice that draws you into a hypnotic loop and delivers lyrics that deserve more than one listen. Lord Juco alludes to paywalls and monthly fees, a metaphor perfect for today’s world of streaming and monetization. Each track has its own groove, whether it’s the chill vibes on Slim Pickings or the darker, introspective flow on Death By Expectations. Good Book with Pretty.Ugly delivers a combination of gritty bars and melodic backing that balances beautifully. Closer Hiatus brings the project to a close in a style that will have you putting the record on repeat immediately. Garl’s beats are minimalist gems with an emphasis on atmosphere. John Febonio and Martin Cura have given the EP a visual flair that fits its sound perfectly. The artwork is subtle but memorable. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the track HVNRTH.
Isaac Castor & Foul Mouth – The Rabbit Hole 3: Smoking Caterpillar
Isaac Castor and Foul Mouth return with the third installment of their The Rabbit Hole series, this time subtitled Smoking Caterpilla. A project that lines up like smoke while sitting atop a sonic psychedelic forest. This record is colorful, crazy, and razor sharp at the same time. From the opening Here They Come to the closing banger Live Wire, it’s clear that Foul Mouth has taken lessons from Lewis Carroll on the beats, their layers, and atmosphere, taking you deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. Isaac Castor delivers his signature flow, where introspection, sarcasm, and references often had to be Googled. The track I Ain’t Fresh? is raw yet fun; Isaac raps with insight on how his vibe doesn’t fit into any mainstream boxes. Kain Cole makes a guest appearance on Cash Rules, and this track is a textbook example of how to blend a classic rap approach with a modern sound. Shadow Realm adds a touch of darkness, J-Classic and Mvck Nyce bring their own energy, while the beat is perfect for a night out on the town. Gotham with guest DJ Los then offers a nice change of pace; the beat breathes like an old comic book page. The Rabbit Hole 3: Smoking Caterpillar is like a wild party, mixing poetics, great beats, and catchy choruses. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we attach the video for the song Block It Out.
Chubs & Rob Viktum – 40 Cal Capone
Chubs and producer Rob Viktum’s album 40 Cal Capone delivers hard-hitting and authentic tracks that carry a distinct street vibe and raw lyricism. Viktum’s production completes the dark and intense atmosphere of the record, while Chubs delivers honest verses full of raw reality, paranoia, and living on the edge. The lyrics on the album move between reflections of street reality and inner struggles. Chubs often emphasizes values like loyalty but also highlights the betrayal and jealousy in close circles. The lyrics touch on themes such as survival, ingenuity, and the courage to go against the tide. On Jealousy, for example, Chubs tackles the issue of betrayal and false friendships, with sharp rhymes complementing the chilling production. On Metal Face, he pays homage to MF DOOM, and with guests, creates a track full of respect and technical flows. Rob Viktum’s production holds the album together; the beats are heavy, full of strong bass lines, scratches, and dirty samples, reminiscent of the classic boom-bap era but with a contemporary twist. Unfortunately, no music video was released for the album, so we’re attaching the video for the track Hustler’s Hope.
Slik Jack & Vincent Pryce – Everyone’s Gotta Pryce
Montreal rapper Slik Jack and producer Vincent Pryce have brought us something that is hard to imitate. Everyone’s Gotta Pryce is like a dark street lit by flashing neon signs, full of tales from the underworld that make you stop and listen to every word. Pryce serves up an atmosphere that’s a mix of 80s horror soundtracks and gritty samples, while Slik Jack delivers verses as sharp as a knife blade. From the intro to the final outro, this album is like a movie projected in your head; each track has its own unique energy and dark vibe that keeps the listener on edge. Tracks like Don’t Play By The Rules and Raekwon Wallabees remind us that rap doesn’t have to be sterile when it’s authentic. The guests on the album are another hit. Daniel Son, Bub Styles, Asun Eastwood, and Pro Dillinger bring their own flavor without overshadowing the main duo. The track Shallow Grave with Daniel Son and Bub Styles is a blast of raw energy, while Greezy with Asun Eastwood and Snotty gives the listener a pure underground banger. Lyrically, the album dives deep. Tracks like Anesthetic are pure lyrical carnage, Jack mixing gritty life stories with metaphors that make you think about every word.
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.
DiFuture & Yung Markey – T.D.F.U
GRIFFEN x Custom Made – effortless pen 2
Boldy James & Royal House Recordings – Permanent Ink
OsamaSon – Jumpout
Uncle Murda – MURDA HE WROTE
Moka Only & Reckonize Real – More Vibes & B-Sides
Doza the Drum Dealer – DOZIE!
Count Bass D — Player Programmer
King Syze, Planetary & Reef the Lost Cauze – Murderers’ Row
Ant – Collection of Sounds Vol. 3
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Evidence only shoots videos for people he loves, and it shows. Check out the music video for Rauf by Roc Marciano & The Alchemist.
CKooliente teases the new album, A Treme Tale III, with the banger CKool Insanity.
BLUEHILLBILL and BoriRock will immerse you like wizards with the hypnotic BABY CAR SEAT.
Another week, another amazing music video from The Musalini. How does he do it?
JPEGMAFIA announces I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (DIRECTORS CUT) with a phenomenal music video. The album will be released this week.
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.
BoriRock ft. DJ LUCAS – WHATIFITOLDYOUIWASART
Termanology & Bronze Nazareth “Make It Flood”
Chester Watson – Glimpses of God [prod. Elaquent]
Ice Cube – Rollin’ At Twilight
El Cousteau – Ballad of France
And that’s it all the important news on the scene from the last week. 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.
