Welcome to Rap Weekly 166: Bully?. Every Tuesday, 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 recommend the album The Undisputed by Nickelus F, Hate Island by Teller Bank$, OUTERWEAR SZN 6 by Bub Styles, The Art Of Destruction by Kong The Artisan & hazbeen, and BRUV by Elcamino. Also look forward to great music videos from Larry June, TRAPMAT SAVIOR, Nicholas Craven, Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, SURF GANG, RXKZEROTHEGOD, Bishop Nehru. All this and much more in Rap Weekly.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Kanye West – BULLY
The ever-controversial Kanye West released the long-delayed album BULLY last week—his best and least problematic project in over five years. It is the first release of this decade that can truly be described as a cohesive album, one that doesn’t drown in controversy. Kanye West has issued an apology, and that shift is reflected in the music itself — the question is whether it’s enough. It is once again time to critically examine his position in the rapgame, as well as the negative influence and damage caused by his behavior. This short piece thus serves as a reminder that rap cannot be separated from politics and as a bridge to further discussion.
The claim that rap can be separated from politics was already challenged in our article Kanye West at a Slovak Music Festival: Can Rap Be Separated from Politics?, which we wrote in response to the announcement of Kanye West’s performance at the Rubicon Festival in Slovakia. The event ended up being just as controversial as the artist himself and ultimately never took place (without refunding customers). The festival was scheduled during the peak of Kanye West’s controversies, which have — at least for now — subsided. Kanye West appears to be in the best mental state he’s been in for several years, and his new album contains several strong tracks. The question remains: can he win listeners back? This topic is explored, for example, by VICE in their recent article The VICE Verdict: Can Ye Win People Back with “BULLY”?.
Myke C-Town from DEHH is far more critical — he considers the whole discussion “pathetic” and believes we should simply ignore Kanye West. Maybe he’s right. A strong point is also made by Nia Lattimore in her article for Shatter the Standards, where she notes that although Kanye West apologized in his letter, that apology is not reflected in the music itself: “None of these songs engages with what he described in that letter; the mania, the antisemitism, the institutional wreckage all vanish the second the music starts, replaced by vague proclamations of love and serotonin and God.” Finally, we highlight perhaps the most compelling article on the topic — The Elusive Citizen Kan(Y)e (yes, we’re proud it was published on our website), in which the author explores the idea of public outrage as the ultimate creative force.
NEWS
Top Shelf Premium
Last year, we said goodbye to the show OFF TOP by Top Shelf Premium, which concluded with its ninth season. A few days ago, however, the event VNTG CON took place, where the legendary freestyle series made its return. “feels good to be back,” Top Shelf Premium wrote on their Instagram, announcing that they recorded five episodes of OFF TOP at VNTG NOC. These will be released throughout the week, and by the time this article is out, you can already watch the first one. Featuring Teller Bank$, BVNGS, and more.
Bread & Wine
In the previous Rap Weekly article, you could check out the music video for DANGERROOMDRILLS by Estee Nack and True Cipher, which teased their upcoming joint album S.E.T.U. (SE EMBROMARON TODITO USTEDES), set to drop on April 7. Estee Nack isn’t slowing down, though — he continues at a relentless pace, releasing last week the music video for Bread & Wine ft. Lil Supa. The single was produced by Spanish platinum producer Cookin Soul, and it likely didn’t escape your attention that this points to one thing only — a joint project. The album will be titled AL ANDALUS and is set to be released in May.
From Takoma With Love
On April 30, From Takoma With Love, the joint album by Oddisee and Heno., will be released. While Oddisee fully handled the beats, mix, and master, he shares the mic with Heno. across all twelve tracks. The project is dedicated to Takoma Park, Maryland. For Heno., it’s not empty patriotism, but an attempt to repay a debt to the place that gave him resilience. In the accompanying text on Bandcamp, the album is also placed within a harsh global context, referencing the freedom of oppressed people in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo. What awaits us is mature rap with a strong awareness of broader realities. The opening track MIMS sets the tone of the record — grounded, reflective, and focused on mental clarity. Bars about setting boundaries, exhaustion from digital noise, and the need to disconnect from your phone so you don’t lose yourself in the pressure of the business world.
BEST ALBUMS
Nickelus F – The Undisputed
Nickelus F, an artist from Richmond, Virginia, has released a phenomenal self-produced album, The Undisputed. The title couldn’t be more fitting—on this album, Nickelus F sounds like an unstoppable rap force. The record contains every reason we love rap, presented in a way that feels completely unprecedented. Nickelus F is a truly seasoned rapper, whose lyrics deliver both memorable punchlines and chilling narratives. He writes in a way that’s catchy while his bars resonate deeply. As the artist himself notes, the best way to support him is by purchasing the album directly on Bandcamp. If you also get the instrumental and a cappella versions, you’ll gain free access to the upcoming director’s cut: The Championship Rounds. No one raps like Nickelus F, and the music video for Crystal Ball will convince you of that.
Teller Bank$ – Hate Island
Teller Bank$ released several great projects last year, but the standout was undoubtedly DRUG$$$, which we placed among the TOP 100 Best Rap Albums of 2025. Less than a year later, we’ve already received its follow-up in the form of Hate Island. Production was handled by the $$$ Production Team — q no rap name, Philth Spector, Killer Kane, and ayashi[!]. The album doesn’t disappoint in the slightest — Hate Island is a triumph, a vulnerably demonic record. The ever-present duality of Teller Bank$ is truly fascinating; he raps with relentless cadence yet never loses emotional depth in his verses, which is a rare skill. Despite the title Hate Island, you won’t find any mindless hatred here — it’s more of an aggressive resistance against systemic inequality, oppression, and American imperialism, as Teller demonstrates with the track HATE HATE HATE ($$$). The producers also did a phenomenal job — the entire project carries a dystopian, almost BioShock-esque atmosphere, without Teller Bank$ needing to lean into overt sci-fi concepts. Once again, it comes back to that demonic urgency blended with emotion, because wow… tracks like Gang $hit ($$$) sound like a lone rider charging out of hell toward revolution.
Bub Styles – OUTERWEAR SZN 6
Bub Styles doesn’t need your approval or a polished studio. OUTERWEAR SZN 6 is a cold Brooklyn shower, reminding you that rap is still fundamentally about craft and survival. The beats are uncompromising — heavy and dark, like a morning shift in an industrial zone. On the track POTTYMOUTH, Bub lays out his path, delivering a rare mix of toughness and gratitude. When he raps about how precision kept him off the prison floor, you believe every word. Guests like Lord Sko and Pro Dillinger only reinforce that Bub operates in a league where posturing has no place.
Kong The Artisan & hazbeen – The Art Of Destruction
This album is essentially a half-hour record showing what hitting rock bottom looks like when you stop pretending. Kong The Artisan produced beats that don’t rush anywhere and leave room for grime, while Hazbeen spits rhymes without any filter. The standout moment is Scary Kids with Quelle Chris. Hazbeen doesn’t sell dreams of rap fame; he talks about worn-out shoes and booze that probably already makes him feel sick. Bars about how kids don’t need a rockstar but a dad who helps them with math homework hit hard in today’s rap context. It’s a tired, honest, and raw project. Kong’s production never pushes Hazbeen; it simply lets him speak about the ugliness of becoming like your parents in the worst ways. It’s basically anti-hero rap.
Elcamino – BRUV
On the album BRUV, ElCamino doesn’t present any revolution within his artistry but rather a deep, weary introspection of a man who no longer needs to hide behind a mask of invincibility. The entire project feels like a walk through a gallery—on one wall hang glossy photos from Paris Fashion Week, and on the other, memorials of his closest loved ones. This contrast is strongest on the track Eating Steaks, where luxurious scenes of wine on terraces clash with the raw reality of death in the family and worries about his son. This isn’t an album aiming to impress with technical flourishes or overblown beats. It’s a record of a mindset burdened by the emptiness at the table. Camino presents himself as Monsieur Camino from the States, a figure straddling dreams and Buffalo-born trauma. The precision with which he lists the losses of his father, sister, and grandparents carries not a hint of sentimentality; it’s a statement of fact from someone who has no energy for unnecessary pathos. BRUV is, at its core, an incredibly authentic record. ElCamino doesn’t rap about the glory of being on top but about how lonely and costly it can be.
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.
aasir – Broker’s Note
NAHreally – EXTRA CHEESE
Mike Shabb & Drega33 – The Lost Tapes
Def Soulja & Social Misfit – RAS V
Central Cee – ALL ROADS LEAD HOME
Yeat – A Dangerous Lyfë & A Dangerous Love
Chief Keef – Skeletor
Ferris Blusa & Swab – If I Could Cry I Swear I Would
Patty Honcho & Wiz Kelly – Art Monk
Struggle Mike, Smoke Bulga, Rick Hyde – Dr. Bulga & Mr. Hyde
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
Larry June does what he does best in his new track — check out the music video for Still Calculating Freestyle.
TRAPMAT SAVIOR and Nicholas Craven have released another music video from their joint album, this time for the track Dust.
Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and SURF GANG have dropped the second music video from their joint album, set to release on Friday, April 3.
RXKZEROTHEGOD has released the dangerously catchy single THIS AINT LOVE & HIPHOP — watch the music video.
Bishop Nehru has released a simple yet striking music video for the track My Lifestyle Freestyle.
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.
Daru & Mally Abstract – POEMS ON MEMORIAL DR. (produced by. Nizzyno)
Saint P & Angus Luke – Ozempic
Kris the spirit x DO, the outcast – How’s That Taste
Caev – BABYBABYBABY (produced by GRUBBY PAWZ)
Marlon Craft – The Neighborhood
ILL Conscious & Finn feat. Snook Da Crook – Consortium
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!
