(FESTINA LENTE)

Today we’ve got a review by an artist who I only recently discovered due to another MC’s album. This man was a feature on it, and he impressed me enough that I reached out, offering to work with him in the future. That day is now, and with this short yet adventurous record, I get to see full well just how talented of an MC he really is! Let’s talk about it!

This is the February EP drop by MC King Gus. It contains three tracks:

– PITIFUL LORE

– BACK AT THE BARNYARD

– FESTINA LENTE with a total run time of 8 minutes and production from 

– Quimby15 

– Declan 

Let’s start with track one. On this one, we have this piano-heavy harmony that is equal parts angelic and powerful. I love how it evolves into a proper hip-hop beat after that lavish interlude! As the beat is fully formed, you have these thudding drum beats, a range of mesmerising bass strings, and of course, the maintaining piano keys that provide that grand feel to the whole track!

On the second track, we have a more funky, 70’s feel instrumental. This feels like an old-school thriller film montage scene! You’ve got those infectious plucked strings that loop in that absolutely groovy fashion! There are also these flashy chord progressions that end in a high-pitched shriek every 10 seconds or so, as well as this very subtle vocal snippet that adds a bit of texture to the whole song!

On the final track, we have what is probably the most soulful feel on the whole EP. With those classical vocal harmonies, it is absolutely gorgeous in execution. It has this angelic and elegant feeling to it that gave me goosebumps! A rather minimal track, as those are accompanied by some synth chords and light drum patterns with some subtle piano chords deep into the background. The perfect way to close the EP off!

Across these three King Gus showcases a smooth and intricate flow and elegant performance! He ain’t out here yelling and screaming or trying to be gangsta or using street talk, but instead I hear a more introspective approach to his penmanship. It’s as if he’s contemplating what to say right as he gets into the booth rather than writing it down beforehand!

I absolutely adore his calm nature; it’s so refreshing to hear. I hear so much boom bap and chaos in my week-to-week that to hear an artist of this composition and sonic stature made me so happy because his delivery suits the energy and atmosphere of the tracks themselves!

He’s ever so crisp with his wordplay. He navigates the beats like a small bird peacefully flying through a forest of tall grass on a bright sunny day! He sounds passionate and in his element on his one. 

When I heard his feature, I was impressed, but now getting to hear a more fully formed version of himself and the directions he takes, I’m even more fascinated, and my respect for him grows because of the route he decided to take! He’s letting the soundscapes and his cadence do the speaking for him; it’s the type of thing audiences can and will pick up on! He’s not trying to win a popularity contest or trying to be something he’s not; he’s authentic, and you can hear it!

This may be only eight minutes, but it’s some of

the best eight minutes I’ve heard all year. There’s a real compelling energy to the whole thing that I want EVERYONE reading this to hear! So link down below and feel the energy for yourself! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4OE2rZrgVz6W3TN06xVqFV?si=rlkzhBDsQt6JMlCOMbuCug

(PURPLE P’S)

I’ve covered more than a handful of single reviews  this year alone and I have to say nothing feels quite as good as getting to hear a collaboration of artists that provide the listener with the perfect chemistry where each element from the vocals to the production fits effortlessly with one and another and on this occasion we get exactly that! So tune in, because you are about to experience something so cold!

This my friends is the brand new single by Producer Wavy Da Gawd and features the MC Bub Rock! together they dropped a fresh 2 minutes and 11 seconds of harmonious energy that had me feeling goosebumps as soon as that track started! 

Let’s start with that performance by Bubs. He’s one of those artists that I feel goes under the radar but always one to flex his consistency and quality! Everything I’ve ever heard him on has been straight fire. He has that old school 90’s/2000’s style of sharp lyrical abilities, a smooth and ferocious flow combined with this unique tier of street poetry that is wrapped in power, vivid imagery and so much personality that you feel like your right there with him in his descriptions!

His aura and charisma are always at a high. I’ve never heard a boring song by the man. Not everyone can rock his level of natural charm and cadence on the mic, you can hear that he’s completely in his element especially over this grand stage of theatrical production that defines ‘phenomenal’

We gotta discuss Wavy’s contributions to this track because it ain’t an acceplla song after all! What he does on here is another prime example of why he’s one of the best and most prominent producers in the scene period. Across this track we are blessed with this Classical meets Jazz fusion that is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t even front this thing is sonically beautiful to the touch. 

You’ve got those atmospheric chord progressions that come in two layers, one in a continuous loop the other (closer towards the chorus) appears in a more fluctuating rhythm!

You’ve got those Jazz horns towards the chorus as well which provide such magnificent harmony and texture to the song! 

On top of all that you’ve got some plucked bass strings and light drums that give that final touch of executed sound to wrap up the whole instrumental! Every aspect of the instrumentation plays a fundamental role in creating this musical fever dream! No filler to be found, every single part matters!

This might be my new favourite beat by the man and that’s no life. I could listen to this one for hours! 

Overall, one of the strongest synchronicities I’ve heard all year. If this is a sign of things to come then consider me IMPATIENTLY WAITING! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/6trQhWNlQKtFO5SkcVvA88?si=B5EZPGDxT5mlL585Ra2h_A

(OUTERWEAR SZN 6)

Man, it’s actually insane to think that it was almost a whole year ago since I last reviewed one of his albums. Such a force to be reckoned with and a man who has left such a profound influence on the culture, and it’s almost been 365 days since the last. That’s insane, but as they say, the longer you make them wait, the higher the anticipation, so with that in mind, this one is bound to be ELECTRIC! 

This is the brand-new album and 6th sequel by MC Bub Styles and the collection of producers such as: 

– Foul Mouth

– 183rd

– Graphwize

– Snips

– Fumes The Threat

– birthday audio

– Retrospec

– Sebb Bash 

An absolute monstrous list of names on production! And they are accompanied by the MC’s as follows:

– King Miyachi

– Pro Dillinger

– Monday Night

– Lord Sko

– Chubs

– Arxv Bk

I want to start with the production, and the one word I want to emphasise more than most across this review is ‘refined’ because that’s how it feels across the board. 

On these 11 tracks, we see Bub rocking with some of the most refreshing, crisp, and mesmerising instrumentals I’ve heard him on yet. When you consider the powerhouse stature of the producers, it’s easy to see why!

So many beats stood out to me for the better. For example, we have tracks like the opener -MAKING UP FOR THE LOST CRIME, which has one of the most powerful and gritty beats I’ve heard in a minute, from those methodically charged chord progressions, surreal drum patterns, and what sounds like a grand bell being run in the background that echoes throughout the track! The perfect track to set up the atmosphere that Bub is going for across the rest of the 10! (shoutout to Foul Mouth for this beat)

Such as on tracks like -RUDE AWAKENING, which sounds like you just took a hit of DMT while meditating with a village of monks. From those spacey keys to the shimmering notes and overall lucid atmosphere that feels like no other beat I’ve ever heard, period.

I don’t even take anything anymore, and this song made me question if I had taken anything! Definitely a standout on the project! Shoutout to Fumes for this one!

We have the track – POTTY MOUTH which has a more old-school vibe to it with that layered instrumentation with those boom-bap influenced beats with those thudding drums, those haunting piano keys and subtle chord arrangements lingering in the background as well as what sounds like some electric guitar snippet! This is a return to that grimy, raw sound that Bubs has been known for his whole career! (Again Foul Mouth killed it on this one)

Returning back to the word of the day ‘refined’ because on this album Bub feels refined. I’ve heard him on variation EP’s, albums and singles and I’ve heard him sound like a human ballistic missile that absolutely rips apart a beat! But on this one he sounds more focused and concentrated than I’ve ever heard him.

It’s not like he’s lost any of his edge or explosive power but it’s more like his verbal weapons have upgraded to the point where he’s taken a more swift and precise approach instead of the atom bomb landing where everyone and everything gets evaporated in his path!

I love hearing this side of him. Seeing him focus his brutal and vicious energy into a single point of traction. Hearing his upgraded lyricism, his refined bombastic flow and his trademark rough and rugged charisma that has kept him such a dynamic personality in this hip-hop shit for years now! 

The fact that he always sounds like he’s taking charge on the beat. Being able to be the most vocal and dominant on the beat even when compared to some of the genre’s greats is insane! 

For example, do you know how hard it is to match the sinister and cold-blooded performances of Pro Dillinger? Or the impeccable flow of Chubs? The clean-cut bars of Lord Sko?, the swagger of MIYACHI or the larger-than-life imagery and street poetry of Monday Night? It’s almost impossible, yet Bubs was able to pull this off effectively and effortlessly making him one of the most adaptable and versatile players in the game right now.

This sequel was everything I hoped it would be and then some. A refined Bubs is a scatty concept meaning he can still improve after the state he was already in and that my friends is insane. Go show your support and love and click the link below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/270Z7EdkClszAdPbpQoZTW?si=7Oa-ZtFsQeavvpieB_7Dqw

(There Is No Peace Amongst The Stars)

It’s always an exciting moment when I discover a new artist. Especially when it’s from a different genre! I’ve spent so much of my time reviewing hip-hop music, but now I get to go back to my more original heavy metal routes that I started my writing days with! So with that in mind, let’s talk about this new EP!

This is the aforementioned new EP by artist -Grave Generator. (Which is a combination of Nic Heidt and Jon)

This time with five songs and 20 minutes of kickass content that is sure to pump you up like a shot of adrenaline to the veins! A project that’s full of surprises and heavy tunes that will kick you in the chest if you aren’t ready to handle it!

Right off the fucking bat with that opening track -Excavating Marrow, we have what sounds like a blend of Grind Core and Noise rolled into one! From those psychopathic vocal chords, fast-paced and disorienting drums, and shredding guitar (which is actually not guitar at all but all synth) which blew my mind to find out and it’s done with immaculate quality! we have a track that’s laced front to back with both extreme instrumentation and yet rhythmic harmonies that make this quite the enjoyable and badass opener! 

On the song -Good Night, it opens up with a more methodically paced interlude with those bulky/amplified synth notes that slowly build into the main track that has a more electronic/glitch component to it that I honestly loved the fusion of! This effect runs throughout the whole song in more of a continuous loop than anything else, but still, the effect is creative!

Along with that, we have more vicious, blood-curdling vocal performances, and what stood out to me the most was those absolutely insane drums! It felt like they were one step away from popping out of the headphones and hitting me in the face! 

On the song -Spine Factory, it has one of the more groovy and at the same time atmospheric nature on the EP! You’ve got those infectious drum patterns, shredding synth, and also (especially at the start of the song) these beautifully laced chord progressions that felt orchestral in nature! 

I also love how he brought back the influence of the electronic vibe back in small snippets across this song!

The vocals feel more ‘Melodic Death Metal’ in execution, kind of like anArch Enemy vibe! (Angela Gossow era), which is kick-ass as fuck! 

Track 4 – Betrayal definitely has a more dark anthem type feel to it! It gives me a heavier version of Slipknot’s – Heretic Anthem energy in its track structure, its more rhythmic presentation, and the way the synth work is done, it feels more mainstream and built for stadiums and venues of people rallying together and chanting in using the words spoken! It’s a cool track to pump to if you’re looking for that extra hit of motivation through the day!

Onto the finale track -1 of 1000, we are taken back on a Grindcore meets Death Noise with those glitch-style layers that come and go throughout the track in a classic sporadic and fast-paced notion! 

You’ve got those trademark grindcore elements of speed synth and drums as well as those back-to-form relentless, cold-blooded vocal performances that complement the track’s aggressiveness to a tee! 

I also love the almost Horror Punk aesthetics of the last 30 seconds of the track, reminds me of Wednesday 13 in its haunting and eerie execution to close the track off!

This is one HELL of an EP. It’s chaotic, brash, and as energetic as you ever need an EP to be. This has definitely been a fantastic first impression, and I hope I can hear more from him in the future! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1uw1WDVqoujiEPZKD3yYGC?si=rM1I56xrQ1y_bjGM4GyAIg

(Below Chill)

There’s always something so exciting to cover an artist that is by all definitions ‘unpredictable’ a man who covers so many different styles and aspects of music that you never know what gets going to do next and in that respect here’s back to show us all again! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new BEAT TAPE by Producer Jester Exodus consisting of 12 tracks and 45 minutes of content! And as I stated above one of the biggest joys of listening to this man is his extensive knowledge of music and the many MANY variations that comes with it.

I mean let’s just go and discuss a few of these shall we? First let’s talk that intro track -NonFiction in where we get this mysterious, ambient style interlude with those spacey key progressions and distant/distorted spoken word that slowly changes into the main instrumental which consists of these ringing piano keys in a few different sonic shades with some acting as loops while others being more lively and engaging!

You’ve got that funky drum pattern that has a delightful funk rhythm to it as well as the rerun of those sci fi chords that come back just before half way of the track!

We can talk about the track -Regulations which has this more Atmospheric tone to it with those heavy droning key progressions, what sound like a bunch of call center static sounds, orchestration inspired long horns in the background and a systematically driven drum pattern and bass strings that give the track it’s extra layer of depth and structure! 

This almost reminds me of ‘Pink Floyds’ early stuff with those random snippets sprinkling on the track!

The track -Young Blooded (Young Blooded Mix) has this heavy techno/electric feel to it, in the songs structure and execution. Although stylistically it sounds like a hip hop beat with those soulful piano keys, drum beats and elegant guitar strings the actual set up for the song and the coming and going of the layers reminds me of the formula someone like ‘Deadmau5’ would use! It’s strategic and incredibly powerful in the way it’s handled!

As it has been the case for every single album and song I’ve covered by this man it screams VERSATILITY which isn’t a bad thing if done in the proper way and context. For example if you were going to make a traditional RnB Album you wouldn’t randomly put country or heavy metal influences because that would fuck up the consistency of the project!

But in this scenario when A: It’s a beat tape and B: he’s making sure although there’s plenty of variety that it’s utilised within the lane of Hip Hop then that helps everything feel connected and flow fluently. 

I purposely only listed a few tracks in description so that I don’t spoil the album only tease it! I want you all to experience the magic that is Jester’s production and I’m sure after just one listen you’ll be impressed! Go listen below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0B87NTfIteCkBEwpNBnmK1?si=Rjr97rNYQLq8tpXPEas42Q

(A PULSO)

Well, to say that we are back would be a grave understatement! because this man has spent the last year and a quarter building one of the most structurally impressive discographies to date in the underground with his variety of singles, albums (even a remix album thrown in!) and it seems his creative streak is just getting started because this one could truly be his BEST yet! let’s talk about it.

This is the brand new album by MC J.O that features a verse from the iconic -Smello and production from the likes of
-Renaissance Tone
-Smello
-Lynch Villain
-Sticky Bangers
-Renaissance J.O.

And across these 6 tracks we are given a masterclass in elegance, fluency and structure. That’s an aspect across all of J.O’s releases that most don’t think about or appreciate enough! the fact that he’s always so precise, careful and refined when it comes to his projects it’s never messy or unorganized in the presentation. There’s always a comforting level of efficiency and grandeur to his music that you don’t find with everyone and to me that’s really fucking awesome!
That’s pretty much what sums up the production across these tracks, a collection that fits the sonic narrative of the one that came before and after like a river of powerful vibrations collaborating together to form a strong bond of sounds, influences and cinematic (yet smooth and humbling) in it’s execution of the various instrumentation and layers included.
I suppose the most obvious example is the finale track -Pecado en la Nave (which is the one track I already reviewed) but arguably ends the project on the most relaxing and subtle notes period. With those gorgeous Jazz horns, delicate piano keys and wavering sense of drums that passively go off in the background!

We have tracks like -Warning Shot which is produced by Smello which by default provides that trademark 23 Incredible ‘Splash’ energy to the instrumental from those atmospheric piano keys, those methodical drums and a nice layer of bass that wasn’t too overwhelming and added a nice distinctive texture to the whole song. I’ve been very vocal over the year of my love for THEMELLOS and I think both brothers are ridiculously talented and this is just another example of that in spades. (Not to mention Smellos dope verse on this song too)

We can even discuss the track -Mas Problemas which is produced by -Lynch Villain and I’d say this has to be the most interesting beat on the whole album! It has this dark, haunting orchestral vibe to it with those sharp chord progressions, what sounds like a flute sample loop and those thudding drums as well as this cold, looming bell sounding note that never stops throughout the entire song. If midnight in a sketchy area had a theme song then THIS would be it! It’s uncomfortable, gritty yet powerful in it’s process!

As far as the MC work goes, anyone who has been following the career of J.O so far should know that he’s always one to not only ‘look out for’ but expect greatness from because he’s someone who has built a career on consistency and balance across his various releases and this one is no different.
On this album we hear J.O’s prominent wordplay that’s filled with rhythmic sentences, witty and fun bar structures with his impressive vocabulary and special way with words that helps him turn any verse into a MUST LISTEN experience of verbal exchanges of vivid and colorful nature with J.O utilizing his trademark precision on top of these beats!

Whether you want to bring up his slick flow or his cold yet mesmerizing story telling abilities that make you feel like your transported into the scenario’s he’s literally bringing to life in your brain. OR his impactful and addictive way with words where it damn near sounds like he’s doing vocab gymnastics across the production! wrapping his words around them, amplifying his sentences and bars 10x fold using just his skill, experience and knowledge across the 6 tracks! In fact -Smello does the exact same thing which is why he’s the perfect feature for this song (In both verse and production) and the fact that there was only one feature makes his contribution that much more powerful!

So, what are you waiting for? I’ll be putting the link down below. This is truly a highlight for the month/year and it’s on bandcamp right now as ‘Name Your Price’ you literally have NO EXCUSE not to buy it! tap in NOW!
https://jo2024.bandcamp.com/album/a-pulso

(Veil Of Reality)

Well, for a producer, I only discovered today that he has brought with him some incredible company! Two men who I’ve been following for a while now who have paved their own lanes into the culture come together to form like Voltron! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by producer Mickey Blue, accompanied by MC’s Apathy & Ferris Blusa (which, to my knowledge, is the first time these two have worked on the same track together) across this booming three minutes and 23 seconds of pure, unadulterated hip-hop madness! 

I suppose I’ll get started talking about the performance side of things as we have Apathy! I mean, to have either one of these men kick off your track would be ridiculous, but Apathy, an underground pioneer who has spent the better part of a decade utilising his powerful raps, his fluency in his wordplay tied in with his intricate bars and set-ups, whether that be in his solo work or as part of the supergroup ‘Army Of The Pharaohs’, this man is always a standout, and it’s because of his dominating performances, intense rhythm, and smart/calculating presence on the beat that makes him such a memorable MC, and he only further demonstrates his strength on this one!

He rocks on this beat more smoothly than I’ve heard him in a minute! His killer timing and killer precision are executed 10x fold here. The way he’s able to set up his bar structures with his breath control is crazy; it’s like he’s manipulating his words to wrap around the beat! Absolutely insane. 

All the same can be said about Ferris. This man in the new generation has been a leader among men, building a discography that is the personification of quality as he flexes his creativity and immersive storytelling capabilities to create songs and verses that will live with a person for life.

That same formula is applied here as he gives us yet another masterclass in verbal precision, smooth and clear enunciation, cold and lethal charisma with a hint of witty and godlike acuity and rhythmic accuracy that makes every beat he’s on feel GAWDLY with his presence! 

You combine the two? And you get absolutely magic.

When we discuss the beat, we have this throwback to the early 2000s underground hip-hop shit. This brings me serious nostalgic -Eyedea -Atmosphere type vibes! 

On this beat, we have a combination of these mesmerising drum patterns, two different layers of swaying, plucked chords, one which is the more prominent chord that appears every few seconds, and the second comes every 20 seconds with an almost sci-fi sound effect attached to it!

On top of all this, there’s a hint of an electric guitar in the background as well as some old-school reminiscent cuts and scratches that add that extra bit of texture to an already powerful instrumental! 

All in all, man, this is one incredible single! From the iconic MC’s to the blasting production, this one has it all and it’s just a click away to experience for yourself! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4kxfcwNm7OPEprxxq2VohR?si=Vkkb9fjHQOyocIWPNCa8Dw

(THE LIGHT THAT YOU CAN’T DIM)

Whenever these two come together for an album it’s the definition of a ‘must listen’ their collaborative albums rank a lot deeper then you think. They have a chemistry unlike any other and we saw their reunion last year on ‘CCE’ and now that are back to flex their legendary chemistry once again. So let’s talk about it!

This is the brand new surprise drop album by the notorious duo of MC’s Estee Nack and Al Divino a pair that have literally changed and moulded the industry more then possibly anyone else in the underground. From their game changing ‘TRIPLE BLACK DIAMONDS 1’ to the rest they haven’t missed yet and they don’t start now.

Across this tape we have production from

-mastamind

-poisun

-Al Divino

And features -INF and -SHAWBRUVAZ and across this 9 tracks we hear the duo tap into the sounds and chemistry of their late 2010’s run which is arguably their most aggressive and raw!

See, on their album ‘Coldest Combo Ever’ as amazing as that album is (one I keep on repeat) I felt Grubby Brought a more cinematic and profound impact to the production which made that one feel like a street film score!

But on this one I feel that same rough around the edges atmosphere that I’ve felt a custom to from projects such as

-TRIPLE BLACK DIAMONDS

-AKIRAONACID

-ABRAKADABRA, ALAKAZAM! 

-VEDA

-MALEFICIS ARTIBUS (just to name a few)

And it’s that unprecedented, unpredictable and ultimately dangerous nature that makes those albums as well as this one that much more exciting and hypnotic! Across this tape we hear their iconic splash style in full effect. 

The fact of the matter is, no one can spit verses back and fourth the way these two can! They may as well be blood brothers at this point the way they know each other inside and out. 

They can read the others mind at this point and with that level of bond you get a sense of synchronicity that no one else has.

They go bar for bar, verse for verse like the rent is due. You wouldn’t believe they’ve been going at it together for over a decade at this point with how engaging, fresh and creative their minds work side by side. That’s another thing these songs are about 2 minutes (on the higher end) and around 1 minute and 30 on average and they still are able to blow you away with their rhymes.

They don’t need 5 minute verses across a 10 minute song to kill, they just let the atmosphere and vibe of the track and their impeccable rhythm and flow do the talking!

I also love INF across this tape, easily one of the most creative artists I’ve heard in a minute who has been killing it in his own right lately and his style and charisma pairs perfectly with theirs! He’s proving himself to be one of the dopest cats of the new generation by rapping alongside two established legends! Amazing work

The production of this album as I said has the feel of the late 2010’s catalogue of albums I mentioned above. That heavy experimental and ambient based instrumentals with that raw and abrasive sonic approach that they dominated the culture with!

That disorientating classic/soul samples with that dusty, intense and distorted feel to it. It’s the type of anti mainstream sound that I’ve come to approach by Divino and company!

If you’re a seasoned Divino & Estee supporter this sound will be nothing new to you. Their unmatched aura and soundscapes are the type to run through your whole body and make you experience the ‘4th dimension’ that no other artist has been able to achieve!

If I had to play DEVIL’S ADVOCATE and chose my favourite beat on this album I’d have to say -bungee cord (track 2) this instrumental is fucking sick!

You’ve got those distorted vocal loops, thudding bass strings, some manipulated chord progressions and what sounds like some form of piano chords that sound warped by the chaos of the track! (Not to mention INF’s incredible verse)

If by some rare chance this is your first type experience a Estee & Divino tape then it’s a pretty solid way to start and hopefully inspires you to back in their discography and go find their older tapes!

If you’ve already a fan then this is a MUST LISTEN! It’s reminiscent of the grind that brought them to the dance and the production on here is extraordinary! 

Click the link  and you’ll find the acces to the album! 

https://jackpotrecords.vip/shop/ols/products/the-light-that-you-cant-dim-vinyl?fbclid=PAb21jcAQtu91leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaeQAUO63vWSaEG590TZptE2tf8JnQKWBA-mAiMrCfBA1W2lSp1IlFEyRCsV6Q_aem_NZFsvQSue1rNJIbbQC-yfg&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig

(Band Chasing)

First off, I wanna say how DOPE that album cover is! A thugged-out Monopoly board? That’s tough. Anyway, we are back with a man who might be going under the radar to a lot of you but one that I’ve covered many times over the last year and one who has continued to impress me! Alongside a dope feature and beat maker, he’s coming in STRONG! So let’s get into it!

This is the brand-new single by MC Benny Watts and Producer Sypooda, as well as the feature from -Fuego Base, and together this trio comes together to create this 3 minutes and 16 seconds (and I ain’t talking Stone Cold Steve Austin) when I say you better give this track a HELL YEAH!

First of all, let’s talk about the production side of things! We have this mix of mysterious, classical, and boom bap all wrapped in a fantastical sonic bow! You’ve got those lavish chord progressions, those sinister piano chords, methodical drums, and some thick bass capable of coming alive and giving the audience a stone-cold stunner! 

Although there aren’t many layers on this track, each one is executed to the highest quality that it doesn’t even matter!

There’s also this occasional screeching chord played twice during the chorus! Which gives a bit of extra texture to the whole song! 

As far as the rappers go, we have these two premier rappers coming together under some boss shit! Whether you’re talking about Benny’s slick, overachieving performance with his fluent and charismatic delivery with that smooth wordplay, vivid variety of street poetry combined with his infectious enthusiasm and precise pen game! 

Or Fuego’s cold-blooded, raw, and no-nonsense style with his rough and rugged delivery, methodical pacing, and calculated bars! That sounds like your local drug dealer stopping you on the street corner to spit some of the hardest bars you’ve heard in your life!

Regardless of the one you prefer and which verse you find better, they both have immaculate chemistry that suits the production to a tee! They bring a sense of brotherhood to the track with their sharp and dominant verses that light the track up in unison!

Make sure you go check this track out ASAP! It’s got killer production combined with two of the dopest spitters you’ll hear all year! Don’t sleep on it! Link below! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0gEB9xq05BGFOicgpSuN5p?si=e9fDzVW9TlywnRrTFnLDpQ

(Celestial Clockwork)

I wanted to take a break from covering something modern and go back to an album that is probably the most influential hip-hop album in my life. The album that introduced me to the power and awe of lyricism and just how impressive a man can be with his pen game. This man is still considered my favourite underground rapper of all time, and this album began all of it.

This is the third album by legendary MC Illogic. One of the best pound-for-pound lyricists to ever grace the mic. On this one, it’s produced by Blueprint and was released in April of 2004 with 13 tracks just shy of an hour and the likes ofAesop Rock & Vast Air on the feature list.

I really can’t stress this enough: this album transcended the genre as a whole. When talking about the early 2000s era of ‘underground’, it was a very different landscape then it is now. As impressive as the culture is now, back then it was predominantly run by what I would call ‘Poetry Rap’ veterans such as

-Aesop Rock

-Slug

-Brother Ali

-Eyedea, and of course (and in my opinion the best one) Illogic. So the lyrical aspects of albums like this are mind-blowing in the most complex and interesting ways possible.

What’s interesting is that if you go back and listen to the handful of albums before this one, Illogic had a more aggressive and raw approach with his rapping. Dare I compare him to early Eminem? It felt like he had a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, while on this one we get to hear the true essence and mastery of his pen game in full force.

His poetry is both expressive and complex. It’s from this album that got me passionate about learning more advanced vocabulary and showing an interest in poetry! 

It literally feels like each song is its own magnificently crafted poem. One of the more iconic and long-lasting tracks is the song ‘1000 Whispers’, which is almost 5 minutes of non-stop lyrical genius. This is actually one of the only tracks I was never able to memorise because of its sheer complexity! 

Keep in mind on tracks like -Time Capsule he raps alongside the legends -Aesop Rock and -Vast Aire, two men renowned for their advanced penmanship! And yet Illogic just fits right in EFFORTLESSLY! (Anyone who is a fan of the two will understand how ridiculous of a statement that is) but it’s true!

This album’s wordplay and pen game have stood the test of time for over two decades now. There have been some incredible lyricists I’ve discovered since Illogic, but none hit as hard as this one does. Also, the fact that his discography did not stop here! He only further expanded his lyricism in his later drops; his last few drops in the past few years have been equally as impressive as he’s started production on his own music, and it turns out he has a knack for that as well!

Speaking of production. If his lyrics were mesmerising, that only speaks volumes to Blueprint, who created one of the most powerful and trippy scores I’ve EVER heard on a rap album to date.

This feels like a trip through space. Once you put headphones on and experience this album, it makes me imagine I’m sitting inside a spaceship watching the ever-expanding emptiness of space pass me by as I see the glaring sun and the moon in my eyesight! It has a magical effect that I can’t do justice with just words.

Every aspect from track one to the end is done in this atmospherically driven way that has the essence of mystery and wonder trapped in the music itself.

If Pink Floyd made a hip-hop album, I swear this is what it would sound like. From the choices in the instrumentation to the specific voice snippets used throughout the album, it just feels like you’re stuck in a deadbolt through space and time inside a pocket universe surrounded by experimentally constructed soundscapes that are as compelling as any I’ve ever heard!

Blueprint and Illogic have a strong history together, and it makes sense why. They understand each other in a way many wouldn’t. The chemistry they have and the art they create is one of a kind. 

I’m asking all my readers to donate 59 minutes of your time to listen to this front to back. I stand on the hill that this is one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time done by the premier lyricists, period. 

If you have heard this before, take the time to revisit it now because it only gets better with age! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZlfKq4gy7qMjlPNfIupvR?si=JiOrFCkBSAy7xHej9Bn9-w