Napsndreds and Wordsworth released a collaborative album yesterday in the form of the Quick Routes. I have copped that but I haven’t yet listened to the EP yet, but I intend to get on that shortly. Voices is aptly titled with this this production from Jacques Retro. He utilizes a chorale element as the superb backdrop to our emcees’ verses. Really dope song with skill demonstrated from all angles.
Substance810 & Big Trip – Medusa (Video)
You want a tough as nails release for 2025? Well I am going to give it to you, and the proof lies over head. The Guillotine from The Umbrella’s own Substance810 and Big Trip is certified bulletproof release! This project (of which I have listened to three times) is one of the best releases under The Umbrella banner. It is one of the best releases of 2025, and each song hits as hard as the last. But if I had to pick a joint…Medusa, produced by Hobgoblin, might be it. The piano keys, the vocal sample, and these drums are menacing. But not soooo menacing that you can’t hear the cold ferocity in these emcees’ bars. Damn. So good.
DJ Premier & Ransom – Amazing Graces (Video)
Well this video single is sure to turn heads! It turned about 84K in YouTube views in just over a day so it’s safe to say the culture is well preserved! Amazing Graces features that classic DJ Premier production that has your neck snap just a few seconds in, and Ransom knows better than ANYONE how to deliver those bars with one of the sharpest pens around. I am hoping this means we are getting an EP or LP in the near future with these to icons of the craft.
Swamp Thing – Midnight Dangerous (ft. Ghettosocks) (Video)
There are three certain things in life…death…taxes…and Swamp Thing (Timbuktu x Chokeules x Savilion) dropping Halloween mayhem every year with a new album. This year we have Granny Knuckles, dropping on October 24th. And the first taste of the album is here with the video single, Midnight Dangerous, setting the terror off and featuring guest bars from oft collaborator Ghettosocks. Always a great time with great music…fused with clever rhymes and production guaranteed to wake the dead. Don’t miss!
Rigs – Free B (Video)
This one is a few weeks old, but I am not trying to be the first guy to share something but rather put you on to something memorable and that has substance. And when Rigs speaks we listen. He’s out there creating a better world for himself and imparting those gifts and narratives to you. Life gems. Enjoy.
M-Dot & Confidence – 24 to 1 (Video)
It’s a numbers game when it comes to the new video single from M-Dot and Confidence, 24 to 1. Confidence laces a powerful production ignited with some strings and heavy drums and gives us the feeling that time is ticking. Meanwhile, M-Dot, counts us down from 24 to 1 utilizing moments in his life and memorable experiences to match each number. It’s a dope concept that is executed from top to bottom. And if you haven’t already, you should cop the new album, Library Of Sound.
Planet Asia – Worldwide (prod. Meeco & DJ Access) (Video)
The most venerable Planet Asia unleashes verbal artillery over this production from Meeco and DJ Access for the joint Worldwide. The music and rhymes are superlative, creating one of 2025 best tracks. The video is also noteworthy incorporating Asia into a comic strip battling extraterrestials blending the surreal and the real. The legend continues to build…verse by dope verse.
Ryu – Save Me A Slice (Video)
Ryu (Styled Of Beyond) shows that his hunger for hip hop and being emcee is right where it needs to be as he gets ready to release, Medium Raw. Hang 10 laces the melodic and laid back beat for Ryu to kick this appetizer before you get the full meal. Enjoy!
Single You Out: The Expert – A Different Reality (ft. Milc)
Producer, The Expert, has a new project entitled Vivid Visions, and while I haven’t listened to it all the way through, I know a stand out track when I hear it. Milc jumps on the track, A Different Reality, and man this joint is beautiful both musically and lyrically. It separates itself in every way from the majority of music out there. The production is so melodic. The samples used are perfect…and lyrically…Milc’s pen knows no bounds. So many quotable parts. You just need to hear it!
Single You Out: Spit Gemz – 86 Amazin’
Spit Gemz unleashes some fury from the vaults! And tell me it doesn’t sound like it should make it on a project! This joint is dope and has Gemz lyrical stamp all over it that stands the test of time showing you that forgotten joints on hard drives can be like lost audio treasure.
Hip Hop Dependency 