John Jigg$ is capable of doing so many styles and versatility in rhyme as you can see from his ever growing discography, but when he decides to just let loose, there are few better. All Gas No Brakes is the title track to his new project produced by EZ Elpee. And you can hear that furious flow over this high octane production Elpee. And it should be also said, not familiar with Gale Salvo, but she delivered a talented pen to this piece as well. 3rd Whosane ties it all in with what is reminiscent of an ODB style chorus.
New video single out for Shabaam Sahdeeq’s joint Top Tier featuring General Steele on the chorus, and production from Es-K. This song is incredibly relevant and on point for a time where I feel like there are certain aspects in the hip hop world, particularly the digital one, where forces try to tear down talent and respectability. Sahdeeq is a talent that transcends decades and delivers time and time again…and at a high level. His grind, work ethic, and approach continue to yield sustainability in life and art.
El Gant has a new single out entitled Wordle featuring guest bars, from Brother Ali, and production from maticulous. The two emcees address the apathy and indifference of greed, exchanging sixteens that hit home in an era where ballrooms are more important than affordability. So put down your Starbucks, give it a listen, some thought, and spread the word.
M-Dot has got another album dropping next month and that’s exciting for myself and anyone who considers themselves a hip hop fan. If you need some help getting by or some extra motivation for a dark time in your life, M-Dot has got you along with producer Chill Ill with their single I Know. If the world has got you down…you are not alone, M-Dot has been there and is walking testament to both life and artistic perseverance. I speak from personal experience, in that his music has helped guide me from some dark times…it’s deeper than music.
Dynamic Duo brings us yet another superlative production from not-heard-from-enough underground virtuoso DC The Midi Alien. The production is built on a foundation of heavily textured, hard-hitting boom-bap drums layered over the rhythm with soulfully haunting undertones that give the track a very distinct feel.
And true to the the song’s title, the strength of Dynamic Duo lies in the chemistry in the verses between Abyssand Massachusetts artist Cyrus Da Zine over this really dope soundscape.
And you know I love a good DJ element to put a track over the top, and to round out the classic feel, Boston’s own DJ Slipwax handles the closing turn on the turntables. His precise, authentic cuts at the tail end of the record serve as the perfect punctuation mark! Check it!
When a legendary architect of dusty, soulful loops joins forces with one of underground hip-hop’s most unpredictable vocal stylists, expectations run high. On Hear Me, Cookin Soul and Estee Nack don’t just meet those expectations—they deliver a masterfully constructed slice of pure 90s-inspired boom-bap that feels both nostalgic and immediate.
Cookin Soul proves once again why his beat-smithing is revered globally. The sonic canvas of the song relies on a meticulously chopped, warmth-infused soul sample that anchors the track. The drums are crisp and classic, hitting with a knock that demands head-nodding but leaving ample breathing room for the vocal performance. The arrangement builds seamlessly, letting the vocal sample bridges swell organically to complement Estee Nack’s verses.
Estee Nack brings his signature gritty, multi-layered lyricism to the forefront, trading hyper-specific street realism with moments of deeper reflection.
His flow pattern effortlessly rides the pockets of Cookin Soul’s production, shifting from rapid-fire imagery to a more deliberate, conversational cadence that hammers home the gravity of his words.
The new album, Al-Andalus is out now. I haven’t checked it out in it’s entirety but it’s currently in my cart, and what i have heard thus far is tremendous!
The legendary Detroit lyricist One Be Lo (of the iconic duo Binary Star) has officially returned with his latest auditory masterpiece, Moon Walkman. True to form, the veteran MC delivers an avalanche of intricate, thought-provoking bars laid over a seamless, head-nodding sonic landscape.
If you have been waiting for a breath of fresh air in a saturated musical climate, this track is the gift your playlist needs.
Bars That Demand a Second Listen
One Be Lo has always been celebrated for lyricism that requires listeners to stop, rewind, and unpack the depth. On Moon Walkman his pen is sharper than ever. He juxtaposes nostalgic pop-culture references with heavy, socio-political commentary:
“Luigi shot the fireballs at the final boss, while Mario’s fighting ICE in office…”
From addressing corporate monopolies and political lobbying to the environmental anxieties of the modern world, the track functions as a profound observation of our current landscape. Yet, through it all, One Be Lo maintains his unshakeable identity, asserting that “black holes could NEVER take the astronaut out of me.”
The legendary Bay Area collective Hieroglyphicsis back, and they are reminding everyone exactly why they are pillars of underground hip-hop. Their latest track, Drum Talk, is a masterclass in retaining that classic, golden-era feel while sounding completely re-energized.
Featuring razor-sharp contributions from Casual, Phesto Dee, Tajai, and Del The Funky Homosapien, the track rides on a moving, break-heavy rhythm that demands a head nod from the very first second. True to form, the crew exchanges verses with the kind of effortless chemistry that only decades of collaboration can brew.
Among the many standout bars on the track, one verse cuts straight through the noise with an absolute gem of a lyric:
Anticipation Builds for All Said And Done
Drum Talk isn’t just a stellar standalone release; it serves as a powerful introduction to their highly anticipated forthcoming album, All Said And Done. If this single is any indication, the new project will be a formidable blend of sophisticated lyricism, boombap aesthetics, and the forward-thinking production the collective has always been celebrated for. September 3rd, 2026…mark the calendar!
Toronto’s hip-hop scene continues to shine glroiously with the release of the official music video for Barras Luco by Ché Uno alongside DNTE and Asun Eastwood. This track serves as a masterclass in gritty, boom-bap lyricism.
Barras Luco emphasizes intricate rhyme schemes and a no-nonsense delivery. The verses are dense, packed with metaphors that showcase the technical prowess of all three artists.
If you appreciate complex wordplay and the classic sound of street-level hip-hop, Barras Luco is an essential addition to your playlist
More visual dope from Daniel Son and Futurewave’s latest project, Shattered Glass. Daniel Son’s scenery may have changed but his bars remain razor sharp and his chemistry with producer Futurewave…unparalleled. Shattered Glass is chocked full of short but potent gems, so make sure you check out the project…better late than never!
I’m just here to chase my goals. Keep my head on a swivel through them late night strolls. I’m the captain. Can’t change my role. Should I pay my tolls? Pray it’s heaven where they place my soul
Hip Hop Dependency 