I am so thankful that the Natural Elements crew continues to bless us with not just music as the years have gone on, but amazing music. I love the 2026 spin on this classic…and this track, InfiNitE ShiNE, really highlights each member of the crew’s ability to write, articulate, and execute at such a high level for such a long time. I was always a huge Mister Voodoo fan back in the day but as I listen to this track, these guys are each operating at such a high level. Charlemagne on the boards recreating magic. New album under way people so don’t sleep!
Single You Out – M-Dot – Roller Coaster Pt. 2 (ft. Masta Ace)
M-Dot links up with Masta Ace for the sequal to the original that can be found on last year’s album, Library Of Sound. Producer Confidence’s beautiful soundscape now plays home to two of the best lyricists to do it. Masta Ace lends his insight on how to handle the ups and downs of life. Both emcees give levity on the mentality to be able to manage the days and the stress that comes within. Very dope and relatable.
Single You Out: Co-Defendants (ft. M-Dot) (prod. by 38 Spesh)
Co-Defendant’s (Benefit & Profit) team up with 38 Spesh to release a stand out track for this year. I love how Spesh laces these horns with the drums, seemingly just concocting audio magic. And of course we have another sixteen from standout emcee, M-Dot as he drops those introspective and personal anecdotes in the freshest of fasions. All the emcees drop perspectives that more than hit their mark. And what puts it over the top? Alexander Padei’s chorus holds it all together making this joint all around top notch.
I believe the digital Sky Reign EP is available now though it says pre-order. I will confirm and update!
M-Dot – Daydreaming (ft. Kore and Byna) (prod. by Johnny Cashle$$) (Video)
M-Dot and Kore catch a vibe over this super melodic production from Johnny Cashle$$. The prodiction from Cashles$$ has a very jazzy and soulful element, and sets this appropirate “dreamscape to let the painters paint. The two emcees spend their verses reminiscing and relefecting on their lives and careers. Sometimes when you chase your dreams time can just fly by…so be sure to stay with M-Dot as his journey continues to unfurl.
Single You Out: Hus Kingpin – Majestic (ft. Ghostface Killah x Planet Asia)
Hus Kingpin just release another dope project entitled, Wavo Forever. And what better way to announce it’s release than sharing the single. Majestic, featuring guest appearances from Ghostface Killah and Planet Asia. Those two lyrical stalwarts join Hus over a beat from none other than Big Ghost. Base on that line up, how could this joint NOT rock?! Top notch material! Make sure you check out the project!
Rigs – Drano (Video)
Rigs is dropping more gems than he ever has! He is channeling his life experience into all of these bars. Lyricism is chocked full of fuel for the brain and the heart. And it’s not just here in this song…every song he does hits with meaning. He’s not just dropping arbitrary lines…he is composing. One of the best doing it right now. The added bonus is that Chup the Producer gave him and epic soundsscape on Drano to drop the knowledge. Do not miss, I Got Samples 3.
“Purpose is the difference, I am trying to improve my life”
Gawds – Oh No (Video)
I remember the Gawds from their release, Gloria, a few years back. There were a couple of really standout joints from that album (Bonified Hustler and In Front Of You, still get massive rotation these days). I saw that they have a new album, The Care Package, that released recently and that this, Oh No, is the first single. I instantly remembered why I loved that first album, and those singles. First off, this bass line set this thing apart and off! Love how it krept right into the verses. And these guys can spit…love the song…the concept…definitely a standout in 2026.
Spit Gemz – Pendulums (ft. Skrewtape x Dango Forlaine x Doza The Drumdealer) (Video)
Spit Gemz just keeps on stacking wins with each release! Every time I think we hit the pinnacle, he hits you with something next level and the ceiling shifts. Not only does he deliver an incredible sixteen here but I look to see who produced this track because the beat is outrageous…and who do we see? Gemz. Gemz laced one of the illest beats so far this year! And on top of all that he brought along some very talented friends to lace some guest bars. Skrewtape, Dango Forlaine, and Doza The Drumdealer each with unique styles each deliver Grade A bars. This is one of my favorites.
Gemz has a new album dropping in a few weeks so stay tuned!
Single You Out: Halfcut & Cole The God – Soul Ice (Fuzzy Ed Remix) (ft. Daniel Son & Str8 Trip)
Halfcut and Cole The God released a really dope album in 2025 called The Relentless Two. Lots of dope tracks on the project that illustrate the highest level of skill in both emceeing in production. But I was perusing through bandcamp and saw that the producer Fuzzy Ed put his remix twist to a couple of tracks and I really enjoy his production, and this came out so nice! A great adptation on an already great joint! Check it out! Guest bars by the venerable Daniel Son and Str8 Trip.
Single You Out: Shyste – Legendary (ft. DJ TMB)
Shyste crafted a lyrical opus with his new album, In The Meantime. I listened to the project twice at this point and this is a display for the ears to behold. His best work to date, without a shadow of the doubt. Every song on this joint could be featured been any time DJ TMB is in the credits, that track gets the extra push. If you like this song, you will love the album!
Hip Hop Dependency 