Awards And Accolades – Hip Hop Dependency

December 29, 2025January 4, 2026 stefanoneder 2025

Favorites of 2025

We are going to do this a little different than we used to. In this end of the year post you will still see our favorite songs, projects, and we will acknowledge those we think differentiated and left that indellible stamp on the year. This is more commentary than list, and redefined as our “favorites” rather than just ascribe them as the “best” as we all know that’s contentious and debateable. There are ALWAYS dope tracks, great albums, and talented artists that these pages aren’t big enough to hold, so for that, we apologize. But THIS is the music that moved us most for one reason or another throughout the year that set itself apart. (Please note we will “slow rolling”the albums and songs out daily until we hit our favorites by January 1st so stay tuned for the updates!)

Favorite 50 Joints Of 2025

Artist	Song	Note
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
#21 – The Expert	*A Different Reality* (ft. Milc)	The flow off of this track is impossible to ignore. I had never heard of Milc before this but I definitely know now. These bars over this etheral production is godly. Off of *Vivid Viisions*
#22 – Mickey Diamond & BigGhost	*WTF*	We all wait with baited breath until the end of the year for the Mickey Diamond and BigGhost collabo and they did not disappoint with the ill *Wolf Tickets*. This is my favorite track from the album.
#23 – Elcamino	*London Gatwick*	Elcamino has made ALOT of music over the years but by far his opus is his album *MINO*. And the toughest track from this album featured a trip to London. Watch how he executes!
#24 – A-F-R-O & 60 East	*Corners*	This duo was back at it creating dope music in 2025 and this was one of my favorite story telling tracks of the year. Definitely check out their album At The Sideshow 2: Art House
#25 – K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa	*Breaking Bad* (ft. Coyote)	These two collaborators were literally out in 2025 cooking up something special yet again for the masses, offering this ill and frenetic track to the masses off of their fantastic album, Anger Management
#26 – Rasheed Chappell & Mickey Blue	No. 9	Another banging and memorable track from an extraordinarily talented artist…backed by banging yet spaced out production from Blue. Off of the Speer VIllage Alum album.
#27 – Eto & NicoJP	G#	NicoJP laces something dark and ominous for Eto to lace his elite pen game upon! The two lay down the rules of land in a commanding way. Off of *Sicilian Codes*.
#28 – Skyzoo	*Pardon Me*	I have said this many times but you can hear it EVERY time he flows…consummate emcee and rhyme writer with a voice that stand distinct. Off of the *Views Of A Lifetime* album.
#29 – Maze Overlay	*Deaf Confessions*	He’s always dropping something personable and relateable that puts things in perspective for the listener. His easy going flow really connects here. Off of the album, *Word*.
#30 – Skanks the Rap Martyr & Ruste Juxx	essential bars	essential bars…and that’s exactly what you get this single. Damn…these emcees bring solidified fire to the mic over some really nice production from UG. Off of the *Live From Crow Hill* album.
#31 – Ferris Blusa & Observe Since 98	*In Gawd We Trust*	This is the perfect combination of emcee and producer. They did something very unique with their project, *Let Go And Let Gawd*. Intertwining soul and lyricism seamlessly.
#32 – Lil Dee	Up All Night	We’ve seen lots of videos and freestyles of Lil Dee ripping up mics and now you get the album, *Danny James*…and this song stands front and center with his menta
#33 – Lord Juco	Hiatus	Nobody puts the soul into music quite like Juco and that’s on full display here. He gives you that unique conversational style like he’s talking to you through the track. Off of *Sweet Nothings*!
#34 – BlackLiq & Dub Sonata	10 Black Commandments	Blackliq put his own twist on the commandments as it pertains life and music. He’s dropping knowledge to artists every where. Don’t miss! Off of the extremely personaland dope Much Given, Much Tested.
#35 – Fuzzy Ed	Fragments Of Life (ft. Copywrite and Tone Spliff)	Favorite track off of the album, *The Way Home*. The strings, the drums, the scratching, and the way Copywrite flows so viciously over it all!
#36 – Ryu	Hang Time (Ryu To The Rescue)	I love how this leads the album *Medium Raw*. Ryu shows that his craft and lyricism are still sharp and the production has that vintage SOB flavor. Love it!
#37 – Napoleon Da Legend & Dub Sonata	Humble Pt 2	Love how Dub Sonata laced this beat…so damn beautiful And our emcee laces some introspective lyricism refelcting on life. Off of *Soul Vs. Math*.
#38 – Substance810 & Josiah The Gift	Pay The Price (ft. DJ Grazzhoppa)	Damn this song goes hard. The bars and the beat are phenomenal alone but Grazzhoppa take this joint next level with the scratches. Off of *You’re All Welcome*.
#39 – FuHandz	Done Different (ft. Planet Asia and Terror Van Poo)	Producer FuHandz linking up with venerable PA Medallions and TVP was the sure shot…love this beat and how he rocked it. Off of same titled project…Done Different.
#40 – Vega7 The Ronin & Machacaha	*Quoth The Raven*	Wish we had more from Vega7 in 2025 but what we did get was potent! And once again Machacha on the boards! Off of *The Ghost Orchid*
#41 – Fresh Daily & Parental	Plaid Patterns (ft. Awon & Debonair P)	It’s in the name…fresh. It’s a refreshing listen from a pair of really talented emcees. Off of *These Things Take Time*
#42 – Landon Wordsell & Es-K	Grudges	Another highly slept on emcee and project from this year hitting you from the heart. Off of *Remember To Breathe*.
#43 – Aesoprock	Opossum	Everyone feels this way at some point in their life or day. Aesoprock hits the nail on the head. Off of *I Heard It’s A Mess There Too*
#44 – B1 The Archtect	Find Out (ft. Daniel Son)	I know you slept on this one. This track is like fire in the darkness, and c’mon Daniel Son does not miss. Off Of *Heads Or Tails*.
#45 – Machacha	Wish You Hell (ft. Waterr x Andre Desaint)	Machacha. We will talk more about him soon. This is the perfect combo on this track. Off of *The Formula: 250*
#46 – Joell Ortiz	Ambidextrous	Very few as polished on the mic as Ortiz. And he shows his tenacity and dexterity yet again here. Off of *Love, Peace & Trauma*
#47 – Blame One & Preed One	Reach The Dust	Cuts by DJ TMB push this one over the top for 2025. Pure hip hop. Off of *Road Map*.
#48 – The Bad Seed	50	Seed isn’t just getting older but he’s getting better with time as you can hear on this banger producer by Murda Megz off of *From Us With Love.*
#49 – Griffen	Servititude (ft. Squirt ILL)	Addressing the state of music ownership in the illest possible way with a chorus that sticks in your head. Off of the *effortless pen 2*.
#50 – Shylow	Ya Timez Up	The first part of this song was pretty dope, but when the second verse hit with the drums it was a wrap. Off of The Contingency Plan.

Favorite 10 Albums In 2025

Artist	Album	Note
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5 Eddie Kaine & Machacha	*Crown Me Kaine*	When I heard this back in early 2025 I knew this is a record that would wind up as one of the best that year. Kaine’s intensity and talent is magnified overe these beats from Machacha. Also has one of the best songs of the year…(more later)
#6 BlackLiq & Dub Sonata	*Much Given, Much Tested*	This is probably one of the most personal releases of 2025 as our emcee really delves into his own experiences, growth, and missteps. He does so skillfully over some really diverse production from oune of our favorites.
#7 – Substance810 & Big Trip	*The Guillotine*	This release was unrelenting. Nine tracks that delievered without fail. Everything about this release was dope. The beats all hit. The rhymes and the chemsitry are on point. A few tracks longer and this one might have claimed the top spot. Savage.
#8 – Ferris Blusa & Observe Since 98	*Let Go And Let Ga w d*	Blusa has been prolific with his music…releasing several dope releases each year. But this album just sounds and hits different. It sounds like perfect chemistry between producer an emcee. Performed like it was live in Redio City Music and captures lightning in a bottle.
#9 – The Bad Seed	*From Us With Love*	Seed has blessed us with a lot of dope music over the decades. But as far as projects go, this album produced by Murda Megz is among his most impressive in my eyes. Hardest album of the year imo.
#10 – Supreme Cerebral	*Son Of Hannibal*	Supreme Cerebral has been crafting music and albums for a long time…but this album…backed by beats from Swab…hit hard and left an imprint for the duration of 2025.

January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 stefanoneder 2024

Top 50 Songs Of 2024

Here are some of my favorites songs from 2024 in independent hip hop. Again…not cumulative. I know your tastes my vary but maybe you will see something on the list you didn’t hear and enjoy. Click the song link to be taken to a youtube offering of that track. And as always…support the artist! Off to 2025!

Song	Artist	Note
#1 *T.I.M.E.*	K-Salaam, JdotL, Wrekonize, & Jae Skeese (ft. D.Lylez)	This is the perfect song. The production is a vibe. The lyricism is fantastic. And the hook bridges perfectly!
#2 Oppenheimer	Vega7 The Ronin & Ferris Blusa (prod. by Kalos Beats)	Sometimes you just need a song to slap you in the face…this my friends is that slap. This joint is tough!!!
#3 Act Of God	Ed OG (prod. by Tone Spliff)	Our emcee has been doing this a long time…and he still knows how to craft GREAT music.
#4 Dangerous	Bobby J From Rockaway & Dom Dirtee	This joint not only knocks but can easily get caught in your head. Infectious.
#5 The Magnum	Dan Johns (ft. Amen)	I’ve talked about this song at length. Trust me. Lyrics. Production. This is top notch.
#6 Fuck It	Grieves & Mouse Powell	Another anthem for when you can’t care. Exceptional musically and love the horns on this track.
#7 Flinch	Locksmith (ft. Ekoh)	If you are feeling like you are on the brink. Don’t give your enemies the satisfaction. Don’t Flinch.
#8 Spare Change	J. Lately (ft. Ian Kelly)	The guitar licks. The vibe. And the style make this song play on in your head for days on end.
#9 Stupid. Dumb. Illiterate.	Heems (prod. by Lapgan)	This song has so much finesse and a great sound. The production and flow of the track is remarkable.
#10 Two Kids	maticulous (ft. Elzhi)	The art of storytelling is not lost in hip hop. Check out this case in point from 2024.
#11 OHLawd	J57 (ft. H3RO)	This again is just beautiful music. I love this production , the chorus, and the lyricsm on display here.
#12 The Way	Spit Gemz (prod. by Nickel Plated)	Some music gives way to thought and makes you think with another light. This is that!
#13 Cadillac	Brother Ali	HipHop is primed to speak on social injustice and Brother Ali does that through his own story.
#14 Defiance	Izrell & Dead Perry	Sometimes you just need something epic…dark and epic.
#15 Roc Nation Brunch	Marv Won (ft. Freeway)	Great concept, and creating a fun visual through words. Inventive.
#16 Delusions Of Grandeur	K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa	This is one of the best pairings of the year and you can hear exactly why on this track!
#17 Raised On	Mic Bles & Level 13 (ft. ethemadassassin)	I’ve talked about THIS track at length too. But this that authentic hip hop flavor!
#18 Close	M-Dot (ft. Kore)	No one does that “life music” better than M-Dot. He speaks like you are in his shoes. You too are “close”.
#19 Crownsville	Rock & Ruste Juxx	The tandem takes you into the streets of Crownsville in the illest way possible.
#20 Broken Mirrors	Jae Skeese & Superior	Skeese speaks to me on this one. Wow. Music that makes you feel something is invaluable.
#21 My Nephew and I	Nef & Bobby J from Rockaway	This beat from Nef! One of the best, and wow, Bobby J just continues to impress. Sure shot!
#22 Courtleigh Chemist	Daniel Son & Finn	Here you have a producer and emcee in perfect step delivering that head nodder.
#23 Budda Palm	ZaZa God	“I’m Big Anubis…The Ra Royal!” This track just goes incredibly hard.
#24 What I’m Asking	Pro Dillinger	Is your relationship stressing you to the limits? Dillinger taps in. You know you’ve been there.
#25 Home	Waterr & Wavy Da Ghawd (ft. Spoda)	One of the hardest working emcees in 2024 delivered many great moments but this is among my favorites.
#26 Sins Of The Father	Supreme Cerebral (ft. Eloh Kush and O The Great) (prod. by Swab)	Swab laces a beautiful canvas and these emcees put it to work. One of the best posse cuts this year.
#27 Lunar Stroll	CG The Producer (ft. Revalation x MKDel x Lateb)	Let your mind drift as though it was on a space walk. This song will help you. Great song.
#28 A Different Kind Of Payne	RJ Payne & BP	Payne gets deep and personal over some eloquent BP production. Hear the inner pain.
#29 Lessons	Willie The Kid & VDon (ft. Eto and Rome Streetz)	Another one of the best combos in the game unleashed excellence this year. And this is among the best.
#30 Symbiote Suits	Daniel Son & Futurewave	Vicious. This joint is just vicious. If the phantom of the opera hit the streets, this is the epic it will tell.
#31 Illuminati Money	Planet Asia & 38 Spesh (ft. Klass Murda and Tristate)	Spesh and Asia win again combining all their superlatives for another banger. This beat and these lyrical skills…wow.
#32 Korean Kimchi	Jay Royale (ft. Vega7 The Ronin)	Jay Royale is vastly underrated. Such a talent! Here you can listen to him deliver alongside Vega7 over a really dope production. Love the vocal sample.
#33 LoFi	Guttr (Havoc x RJ Payne x Ras Kass)	Hip Hop supergroup put the industry back in it’s place with this one. Lyrical swordplay over some glorious production from Havoc.
#34 We Never Believe Anybody	Double Life (*LRoneous x Gennessee**)	Two emcees with distinctly different styles that unite to do something so dope…time and time again…favorite song off this year’s project.
#35 Green Screen	Copywrite (prod. by Evidence)	Lyricism you are accustomed to from Copy over the years and doing so over the freshest of beats from Ev.
#36 The Iron I Toss	The Bad Seed (ft. MIMS x Honey Dinero x Nam Nitty) (prod. by JR Swiftz)	You want a dope posse cut? I got you. 6th Man shit! JR Swiftz laces the production as each emcee shows and proves.
#37 Hour After Hour	Tek & Stu Bangas	“No success without sacrifice…life without music” Tek and Stu Bangas created something memorable in 2024
#38 Gucci Gambinos	Mickey Diamond (ft. Pro Dillinger)	Umbrella over everything! Diamond and Dillinger over Big Ghost…you know it’s godly. Super tough.
#39 Mask On, Mask Off	Maze Overlay & Swab	Best song off of a great album from 2024. Maze and Swab give you some dope hip hop that knocks.
#40 Born Alone, Die Alone	Snak The Ripper	You want to hear the rock bottom of unhinged? Here we go! Snak delivers the darkness in the dopest way possible.
#41 Esoteric	Skyzoo	I said it before and I will say it again, Skyzoo is a PROFESSIONAL emcee. You can hear that on this excellent cut!
#42 Los Angeles	Blu & Evidence	From their city to yours! Blu and Ev bring a piece of California to your eardrums with their superlative tradecraft.
#43 Master Seminar	Eyeree Beats (ft. Jay Royale, Snotty, and Supreme Cerebral)	Producers getting their due on HHD. Beautiful production with right emcees to do the job!
#44 OMG	Philmore Green	One of the best albums of the year also has one of the best songs. Great lyricism, production, and scratches.
#45 Heat Wave	Murderers Row (Outerspace x King Syze x Reef The Lost Cause)	Really looking forward to this full project. So great to hear these guys deliver such heat on the same song.
#46 Money On The Line	Chuck N Lock (prod. by Oppenheimer)	The tandem never fails to deliver bars that make you rewind profusely. A style unto themslves. Genius.
#47 So Long	Paradime	Paradime can make some great songs! This one has you reminiscing and singing that chorus alongside him.
#48 Listen	V-Styles	Introspective and thought provoking music that will get you to do exactly that…Listen!
#49 Blood In, Blood Out	Bozack Morris (ft. Asun Eastwood x Lex Tallonis)	Some songs on this list are just filthy. This song fits that category. Morris unleashes the sinister on this one!
#50 The Summit	Kail Problems & DJ Hoppa	Another fiya beat from DJ Hoppa lends itself to another win with Kail Problems delivering bar after dope bar.

January 4, 2025 stefanoneder 2024

Top 5 EPs (2024)

There was quite a few Extended Play releases in 2024. I identify those releases as less than 10 songs on the project, excluding intros, interludes, and outros. I give you my top five of 2024 and I encourage you to give them a listen, purchase, and spread the word on this exceptional music.

#1 Dan Johns- Resurgence

The number one EP of the year was easy for me. When Dan Johns released, Resurgence, I knew this was the one. It’s five self-produced tracks that showcase some of the best production and lyricism this year. Really impressive work. I would honestly rate each track 4.5 to 5 stars. It’s that impeccable. And to add to this blessing is Amen has a verse, that I would count as one of the best this year. Favorite Track: The Magnum

#2 – Spit Gemz – Eulogy For The Devil

The #2 EP this year goes to one of the realest to do it. Spit Gemz has a few EPs released in 2024, but my favorite is him rocking over some Nickel Plated production on Eulogy For The Devil. This project is just unabating and knocks hard. But you know what else makes this special? The knowledge and perspective that Gemz brings to the table track by track. One of the greatest compliments you can pay an artist is that he gave you food for thought. Favorite Track: The Way

#3 Ransom & Harry Fraud – Lavish Misery

Speaking of someone who makes you think, Ransom linked up with super producer, Harry Fraud for our #3 EP, Lavish Misery. Very few can turn a phrase like Ransom. But there is also so much more to his lyricism. There is a message. There is double entendre. There is so much nuance involved in his bars that a casual listener just can’t catch. So set 20 minutes aside for this beautifully orchestrated, Fraud produced release. Favorite Track: Immaculate Conception

#4 Mic Bles & Level 13 – Still No Halos

Sometimes you just need some straight hip hop. No frills. You need to be reminded about that authentic boom bap flavor. Mic Bles and Level 13 are here to be that reminder with the #4 EP of last year, Still No Halos. This is just hip hop in it’s purest form. It’s all about the boom bap beats, those precise scratches, and that ill lyricism. If you mix a few dope features in, this is the “no miss” recipe for this EP. Favorite Track: Raised On

#5 Premrock & Willie Green – Through Lines

And our last featured EP from 2024, is the union of talent between Premrock and Willie Green. Through Lines. Premrock is a poet extraordinaire that is unlike anyone you have heard and when combined with Willie Green’s weaving and turning productions, you have something unique and timeless. It’s two artists who each themselves dance to different drummers but when together, create the most special of rhythms. Let’s hope for more: Favorite Track: Love What You’ve Done With The Place

December 29, 2024 stefanoneder 2024, Awards And Accolades

Top 10 Albums 2024

I know how people feel about lists. These are simply HHD’s personal recommendations for the albums we enjoyed most in 2024. There were so many to consider and inevitably this is not a total of all the great music that was released this year, merely our favorites. Assuredly many dope releases that are deserving of recognition are not on this list. Out of 355 albums that were purchased this year, THESE are the ones I present to you as our Top 10 and do so humbly out of respect to all the artists who share their craft with us.

The #1 album of 2024 is none other than Skyzoo’s, Keep Me Company. Skyzoo has a catalog of dope releases over the last couple of decades, and as some artist’s taper and diminish, he is creating his best works. He is the “emcee’s emcee“. His wordplay, concepts, and just charisma on the microphone are undeniable on this his latest album. He is a one man showcase, displaying unparallel talent with this album! Favorite Tracks: Finders Keepers, Courtesy Call, Esoteric

The number two album of the year in my mind belongs to Philmore Green, with his project, The Grand Design. And that’s an extremely fitting name. In this album is woven, a city, an experience, a tale, a man, and his music. You can’t take a piece of that away, or else the album loses it’s identity. This album strikes as the embodiment of being an artist and a man in Chicago. It’s as if Chicago was speaking through him. Favorite Tracks: Street Lights, OMG, Stay Gone

Bobby J From Rockaway and Dom Dirtee strike hip hop gold with their collaborative album, Higher. This is an album made for the fans, by artists who are elite in their craft. There is a sound for every mood and endeavor. Every vibe and moment is tapped into by our artists for this album. Whether your mind is in attack mode, a somber state, or just simply want to vibe out. This album was made for YOU in mind. Favorite tracks: Higher, Dangerous, Break Me Down

With our #4 favorite album of the year we bring you Heems and Lapgan with their album, LAFANDAR. It released much earlier this year and is my MOST listened to album in 2024. I can’t get enough of the sounds that Lapgan curated to give this project a vibe all unto itself while letting Heems unleash bravado, observation, and humor in the cleverest of ways. It’s just a unique and captivating release. Favorite Tracks: Stupid Dumb Illiterate, I’m Pretty Cool

We again have a city and artist collide for the makings of our #5 album, Los Angeles, by Blu & Evidence. I was not immediately taken by this album, because the expectations of a Blu and Evidence were enormous. But listen after listen, I began to hear the brilliance and the music resonate with me. It became more exceptional with each play and is an album, you must delve further into! Favorite Tracks: Los Angeles, LA Traffic, Wish You Were Here

Unabating and relentless is how I would describe the #6 album on our list. Locksmith pulls no punches with, No Atheists In Foxholes. He is aggressive yet insightful, but ALWAYS with the touch of one of the most preeminent pens and flows in hip hop. He is able to tackle self-reflection, social commentary, vulnerability, and confidence like no one else in the game. Favorite tracks: I Meant It, Watch Your Mouth, Flinch

Rockness Monsta and Ruste Juxx keep the spirit of Sean Price alive to the fullest with the release of Crownsville. Our #7 album of the year is the embodiment of the art that Duck Down has represented since the early 1990s. And when the sidewalks talk we listen! Ruste and Rock combine elite talent with chemistry on the mic that was more than impressive over some of the best beats in 2024. Favorite Tracks: Crownsville, Crash Ya Whip, Sean Lives On

Speaking of chemistry we need to talk about what Finn and Daniel Son did with their album Hare Brained Schemes which clocks in as the HHD #8 release of 2024. I love Daniel Son as an emcee. And he has put out a ton of dope projects the last few years, but what I love on this release is how Finn laces this melodic production that showcases Daniel Son’s talent and dexterity on a new level. Favorite Tracks: Courtleigh Chemist, Chalk Brothers, Fall Breeze

At #9, we have Maze Overlay, with his Swab backed release, Enzo. Now by the time of this writing, I think Maze has seven albums in 2024 which is prolific, and all range from quite good to excellent. But Maze and Swab crafted something a little more haunting with this release and I love how emcee and producer fed off of one another to create this unique and ominous sound. Favorite Tracks: Respect The Brand, Mask On Mask Off, Phlex

#10

With #10 we are going with K.A.A.N. and DJ Hoppa’s Delusions Of Grandeur. Hoppa creates a chaotic masterpiece that is equal to K.A.A.N.’s frenetic pace. It is a dark, girtty, and sometimes unnerving body of work, but also one of the most cohesive albums you will find this year. It’s hip hop from the padded room. So journey through the mind! Favorite Tracks: Nightmare, Delusions Of Grandeur, Kiss The Ring

January 27, 2024February 17, 2024 stefanoneder 2023

Top 25 Songs Of 2023

I think I have probably about 4,000 hip hop songs added to my library in 2023 so it’s no small feat to narrow it down to the Top 25 for the year, hence my time in taking to create this list. I could spend an eon trying to make a longer and more inclusive list. But the songs mentioned below were “no-doubters”. I play them over and over in a world where new music is released daily. This list is personal, but they are obvious recommendations of music I know that you would love and enjoy. It’s also a tribute to artists making this remarkable music. So have at it. I have also put a short blurb as to why the joint was favored and enjoyed along with links to the artist and music where applicable. Here are my favorite independent hip hop joints of 2023 in their respective order.

Waterr & Lupara - Whenever The Drama Comes (ft. Defcee): I obviously thought alot about the top joint in 2023 and landed here. First, Bohemia Lynch crafts a beautiful production that is in perfect sync for the emcees who drop both exceptional and thought provoking lyricism. And Waterr’s chorus was the perfect bridge to it all.
Paradime – The Reign: While this joint was not on his actual album but on a single, it still held the highest of places for me musically this year. The music, lyricism, and chorus were all top notch, and resonated with me since it dropped. Just a dope body of work.
DJ Access & Meeco (ft. Dice Payne) – Honestly: Speaking of a song that can get stuck in your head over and over again. This is a head nodder and a half, and Dice Payne’s has so much style in his flow and lyricism.
Nef & Bobby J From Rockaway (ft. Hush) 718213 Interlude: This was a favorite from the jump. This flip is incredible and brings such energy. The verbal exchange with this production is just special.
DJ J Hart – Brookland (ft. RIM and Eddie Kaine): - Speaking of exchanges…there is NO BETTER collaboration than RIM and Kaine. None. And DJ J Hart sets off this duo with a banger. Not since Smooth and Trigga. This is a flamethrower.
Speaker Bullies – Bad Rap: - I could have gone with a couple of songs from this album, but Praise and Supastition brought so much energy and dopeness on this one. It had to be this one in my mind. Great album by the way.
Maze Overlay - Atonement: Powerful song. This is just something that spoke to me which is what music is supposed to do. The whole feeling of redemption and making a path forward is more than relatable.
DJ Akil & Starvin B – Aliens: This is a straight hip hop joint right here. It’s boom bap in it’s purest form with a Dragnet appeal. I dare you to try and stop your head from nodding.
Supastition – Cold Blood: This is another one I can feel to my core. And Supastition may be one of the most relatable emcees who has ever done it. He conveys his and thoughts in the dopest of fashions and allows his story to speak to yours.
Will4Prez & Hobgoblin – The League: This is the most slept on artist of the year. No doubt in my mind. And he is verbal flame thrower! These bars I will put up against anyone. And Hobgoblin is one of the dopest producers.
Living Legends – If I Was Car: The Legends were back collectively in 2023 and what a blessing for hip hop fans everywhere. There’s a reason they have “legend” in the name. The creativity of this track coupled with the funk makes this track, well….fun…!
J. Rawls & Cas Metah – Seven Kings: Yes this is the best posse cut of the year. Rawls laces the perfect beat for so many talented emcees to rock over. And EVERYONE on this track demolishes. So much talent condensed into five minutes can’t be ignored.
Mickey Diamond – Tex Avery: I could have put five Mickey Diamond tracks on this list. In my mind, he rules the roost in hip hop right now. He delivers dope music after dope music, but this song knocked the hardest to me! “One Eye Open….Fetty Wap”
RJ Payne – The Rack: Putting this next to Tex Avery is no accident…that plus this song from RJ Payne and Cartune Beatz are too tough for the competition. I listened to this relentlessly. Payne’s pen game is next level.
Kahlee & XP The Marxman - Don’t Take It Personal: A union of west coast talent proves to be a problem on with this single. Dope production with Tone Spliff on the cut makes this such a memorable hip hop joint!
Planetary – Ruin Ya Life: The Outerspace veteran delivered a great solo album, and showcases a career built on talent. He’s still razor sharp with his wordplay.
Substance810 & Hobgoblin – Untimely Demise: Off of one of the better albums in 2023, this joint again puts talent on full display. This production by Hobgoblin is fantastic and brings the best out of Substance810. This joint is vicious.
38 Spesh – Dark & Grim: Short but ominous describes this joint. Very few possess the talent that Spesh does. Production and emceeing are at the upper echelons. And even though this joint is short, it’s potent.
Real Bad Man & Blu – The Golden Rule (ft. CL Smooth): So much talent on this track. Real Bad Man is an incredible producer and not mentioned enough. And these artists really blend and shine.
Spit Gemz – Abbadon: Nobody drops it with more intensity than Spit Gemz. He delivers every bar like he was taking head shots. Such great mic presence.
Skyzoo & The Other Guys – Straight Drop: Who is smoother than Skyzoo on the mic? Who? When I think of microphon charisma, this is where I turn and The Other Guys know exactly how to do smoooooth.
Boot Camp Click – Wotcha Call Strength: Not very many groups in hip hop can stand with the talent in the Boot Camp Click, and they decided to let you all know in 2023 that they still deliver in ferocious fashion. Message delivered.
Eddie Kaine & BP Infinite – Forever: I know you feel this. BP is another producer more people should give dues to. This guy concocts memorable production. Listen to this vocal loop! And Kaine demonstrates that he’s on his “shit forever”. Love this joint.
DJ Low Cut – Last Day (ft. Daniel Son): Low Cut is back and brought in the incomparable Daniel Son to assassinate some epic production. These two artists once again prove to be a force on this one.
Boldy James & Chanhays – Strange World: Last track for this list was not easy but I think Boldy and Chanhays aced it with this song. Harmonious. Beautiful. And meaningful. You can’t miss.

January 28, 2023February 12, 2023 stefanoneder 2022

50 Best Songs Of 2022

Lists of this magnitude are tough to do and I take a great deal of pride in crafting. I think the first ten to fifteen are easy to distinguish and then after, I think the places can be somewhat become interchangeable. All great tracks, where the pecking order becomes less discernible. So many artists could have been included multiple times on this list, but then we lose depth. Artists like Mickey Diamond and Jay Royale could have had multiple entries. As it stands only one emcee, Ransom, got two tracks selected for this list.

In the end, this is a testament to the strength of hip hop in 2022. We can agree to disagree on many points but maybe you will find something dope you hadn’t heard or a new artist to support. This is my hope.

Thanks for your time and readership!

-Stef aka thathiphopguy

Song	Artist	Notes
#1 – Done	M-Dot & Apollo Brown	This is the track that sets the tone for the entire year and this is what M-Dot and Apollo Brown typify: Hard work and talent!
#2 – Unruly	Vandal & Nottz	A song that gets caught in the head and does not let go. It is a personal anthem.
#3 – Power Nap	Nicholas Craven & Boldy James	Boldy and Craven is a beautiful union and nobody makes me crave a little rest like this cut. Beautiful music.
#4 – A Most Dreadful Symphony	Ransom & V Don	This song’s whole vibe gives me chills.
#5 – Chain Gretzky	Mickey Diamond & Big Ghost	No song went harder than this in 2022.
#6 – War I Bring	Sherm LaRock & Midaz	No song went harder than this in 2022…except above
#7 – Area 57 (ft. Skyzoo)	J57	Dope rhymes. Fluid flows. A Change Up. Perfect.
#8 – Qtna	Defcee & Boathouse	From the best album of 2022, you would expect a Top 10 song.
#9 – Highly Favored (ft. Bub Styles & Mickey Diamond)	Ty Farris & Slim One	It’s raw hip hop with a fantastic producer and three consummate emcees.
#10 – Linchpins (ft. Prince Po)	Guilty Simpson	The strings are glorious and the rhymes abound.
#11 – Everywhere I Go (ft. Muja Messiah, Guilty Simpson, and Copywrite)	Dub Sonata	The connections and cohesion on this joint are unparalleled. So clever!
#12 – Paint Pictures (J.Rocc Remix)	XP The Marxman	Hip-Hop holds true to it’s purest form on this joint.
#13 – The Most Exalted	IAMGAWD	Pen game is strong with this one. Glorious.
#14 – 3x	Madhattan & NV	Pied Piper type smooth. Follow the flute and dope flow.
#15 – Sal’s Pizza	38 Spesh & Harry Fraud	Spesh and Fraud are an elite combination, and you can hear it here.
#16 – Why Bitch	Starvin B & DustyVibes	Starvin B is a regular on these lists and this year is no different.
#17 – No Time To Waste (ft. Jadakiss)	Apathy & Stu Bangas	If you love sick lyricism this is the joint for you.
#18 – Cancel Myself	Ren Thomas & Brutal Caesar	You make a mockery of hip hop so Thomas and Caesar make a mockery of you.
#19 – Immortals (ft. Casual)	Lunar Heights	Great track and the Casual cameo is spot on.
#20 – Keeper Of The Flame	Mooch & Oh Jay	Smooth track and crisp flow.
#21 – Gunsmithz (ft. Phat Kat, Asun Eastwood, Recognize Ali)	Ol’ Man 80zzz	Another track in 2022 that knocks harder than most.
#22 – Stuck In Our Ways (ft. Rigz, MAV, Mooch)	Real Bad Man	It’s Da Cloth!!! Flames!
#23 – Carlito & Kleinfeld	Jay Royale & Kool G Rap	It’s that certified street shit featuring a legend with one of today’s strongest.
#24 – Bone Tomahawk	Spit Gemz	This is an intro to Gemz project and packs a lot of heat in a minute’s time.
#25 – Fire Slingers (ft. Snak The Ripper)	N.B.S.	Yeah. This track stays true to the namesake. They are spitting flames on here.
#26 – Scud Missle	Planet Asia & Snowgoons	Legends unite to give you this heat rock. These guys are at the pinnacle of their craft.
#27 – Roar Of The Lions	El Gant	Another track that just “feels” like hip hop. It gets you hype to be a fan.
#28 – Slay	Johaz & Nottz	Nottz does it again this time taking you to church with Johaz.
#29 – Dis Could Be Bad	MAV	It could be bad, but MAV is oh so good.
#30 – Raekwon’s Table	Ullnevano & God Sense Beats	Not all are worthy to sit at Raekwon’s Table. But these artists show and prove.
#31 – Lo Pan	Teek Hall	Teek Hall is name you should know and when this song gets caught in your head, you’ll remember.
#32 – Hans Gruber (ft. Lil Fame)	Wais P & Pete Twist	Bruce Willis may not approve but the hip hop community agrees this is a banger.
#33 – Diamond Backs (ft. Daniel Son)	Maze Overlay	Northside and AZ link up over some Farma heat.
#34 – Compromised	Ransom	Ransom is too talented to not make this list twice.
#35 – Guerrero (ft. Westside Gunn)	Benny the Butcher	The power and talent of Griselda is undeniable. This joint feels like it was actually made in a lab.
#36 – Triple Threat (ft. RIM & Frankky Smaccz)	Eddie Kaine	Flamethrower bars over some production from the talented Hobgoblin.
#37 – Both Sides	The Tangiers	Every time this cut comes on, my head nods instantly. Drops heavy.
#38 – One Bridge (ft. Fashawn & K-Prez)	Snowgoons	The organ that drives this track is the perfect set up. And the emcees give such great energy!
#39 – Bars After Bars	Fatt Father & DJ Jewels Baby	The Wu-Tang flip is insane and the bars and flow speak for themselves.
#40 – Museum Piece (ft. Torae)	Napoleon Da Legend & Just Music Beats	This song has the necessary hype and talent equivalent to make the list. Lyricism for days.
#41 – Hamster Wheel	Locksmith	One of the most authentic artists in hip hop delivers a virtuoso performance.
#42 – Tyrant	Shabaam Sahdeeq & John Jigg$	Two of my favorites link up for some lyrical gold here.
#43 – Dudesovadere (ft. Dro Pesci)	Mic Handz	This project is full of bangers and needs to be heard. This is just one of those harbody tracks.
#44 – Too Convinced	Nelson Dialect & BigBob	This joint is just so melodic. It honestly should be higher on this list but what’s done is done. Incredible track.
#45 – Queens Gambit	Shaz Illyork & Buon Anni	So good to hear Illyork over these banging beats from Buon Anni.
#46 – Big Coffins (ft. Mickey Diamond and Pro Dillinger)	Snotty	It’s The Umbrella posse cut that bodies the competition.
#47 – Bill and Fame (ft. Tone Spliff)	The Bad Seed	A tribute of sorts to M.O.P. and no one is more set to do it properly than Seed!
#48 – Riot	Daniel Son x Futurewave x 36 Cypher	Yes. This joint could easily cause a riot. Everything is intense on this cut.
#49 – It’s Like That (ft. DJ Grazzhoppa)	Supreme Cerebral	Supreme Cerebral slays tracks and he takes this rock infused beat and wreaks havoc.
#50 – Gawds Wrath Massacre (ft. Don Streat x Rico Blox x J Fliz x Jae Hussle x Street Da Villain)	Slik Jack & Kng Bondalero)	I needed to set off the list with this ill posse cut because this beat by Bondalero is an anthem.

January 2, 2023February 12, 2023 stefanoneder 2022, Awards And Accolades

10 Best Albums Of 2022

There are many ways to go about crafting a list. I think some people go out of their way to create the most eclectic list of music that they honestly would never give replay value to. There are others who would make such a large list that it winds up showcasing the average with the great. And no list will do everyone justice and so this list was crafted with the ten albums I feel that demonstrated the best melding of talent comprised of ten songs or more in one platter. Did elite lyricsm live within an ill beat? Can you replay this album indiscriminately and still appreciate the value? THESE were my requirements. With that being said I had 400 albums to sift through for the year and this is the top 5% of that collection. So, without further ado.

#1 – The number one album of my musical journey this year is For All Debts Public And Private from the duo of Defcee and Boathouse. I can revisit this album time and time again and find something different to love all over again, while appreciating the familiar. The production from Boathouse strikes every chord imaginable creating a boom bap powerhouse. And Defcee…wow. There is such a cleverness with his rhyme schemes, and he delivers each bar with such and strength and commitment it just sticks to your ears. So many quotable lines on this project. The whole thing is a tireless listen. It never grows old. It is the “go to” project for 2022 and set for many listens to come.

#2 – If the list was bigger, you would see the names, Mickey Diamond and Big Ghost littered all over it with other amazing projects. As it stands, there is no joint that knocked harder in 2022 than Gucci Ghost. The skill level embodied in this release is insurmountable. Big Ghost makes this album slap in unheard of ways. He could literally define the term “banger” with this one. And I don’t think anyone brings as much confidence and persona to the mic right now more than Mickey Diamond. He has the natural gift and the ferocity to deliver that is unmatched in today’s music scene.

#3 – A late entry but clear contender, is Ransom and V Don’s project, Chaos Is My Ladder. This album is riveting in both its sonic instrumentation and its delivery of hard hitting and introspective lyricism. Ransom is hip hop’s philosopher’s stone. He drops more than just lyrics but thought-provoking moments bar by hard hitting bar. And he does so in keeping the moments gritty and not being over the top. He doesn’t fly over your head but keeps your finger pressed on the rewind button which is a true gift. This pairing is a true blessing for hip hop.

Most temporary homies will teach you permanent lessons

#4 – Lebron James loves it. Kevin Durant loves it. And we here at HipHopDependency love it as well! 38 Spesh has proved year after year just what a talented artist he is, either with the mic or behind the boards. And here we have him blessing the former over some premium production from none other than Harry Fraud. Beyond Belief is a showcase of distinction. These two artists have a sound that simply cannot be replicated. Spesh has that unique cadence, voice, and style that plays beautiful with Fraud’s haunting rock infused hip hop. There’s so much to love here and you can see it play to all audiences.

#5 – Surprise! I know you don’t know about this one but Fatt Father and DJ Jewels Baby cooked you up something special with Grindset Vol 2. Fatt Father has this way where his lines fly like darts and resonate with the listener. He combines topics of being a father, self-improvement, and also showing that he is not man to be trifled with. He can handle any topic and any beat, speaking of which DJ Jewels Baby brings a diversity of fire for our emcee to spit on. He’s got the whole repertoire on display here with hard hitting beats and impeccable sample usage. This project is extremely relatable touching on topics that we can all feel. Please don’t sleep on this joint.

#6 – Waterr and Vanderslice crafted a really great sound with their new album, Life Is More Than White Bricks. This project has so much soul entrusted to it. Vanderslice really brought plenty of depth to the music, using lots of different instrumentation and giving each song a ‘musical’ place in the album. There is such a melodic quality about this album that differentiates itself from other releases this year. And Waterr has always been impressive on the microphone. He has that sound that stands alone, and cuts through the music effortlessly, and allows his lyrics and message to be hear with clarity.

#7 – Casual and DEAD Perry are up next for this talented yet dark and twisted musical journey The Art Of Reanimation. Perry really just does a masterful job of bending sound giving each song a deep, rich, and yet dark tone. It’s boom bap with a shadowy twist and I absolutely love what he did sonically. And lyrically, Casual is razor sharp. His rhyme schemes and wordplay are not just as good as they were in 1992, but actually I think he’s better. And you can’t say that about so many. I think this album, released earlier this year, needs to get considerable credit for breaking quite a few molds.

#8 – There were quite a few dope producer albums that dropped in 2022 but I don’t think anyone served up a more delectable platter than Reckonize Real on his album Subterrane an Obscura. There is such a great mix of sounds here that range from subdued and haunting to that boom bap slap. And you have a superb selection of emcees solicited for their rhyme skills. And each emcee and beat complement each other perfectly. Nothing sounds forced or out of place which I think is incredibly hard to do on a producer album, because out of sixteen tracks you would think something would be amiss. Not here. This is a complete release and a highlight of the year.

#9 – It’s the splendid union of soul with producer Nicholas Craven and emcee Boldy James. Both artists contributed alot of time and talent to 2022 but together they crafted the most soulful, yet slick album of the year with Fair Exchange No Robbery. Craven’s use of honing the perfect sample and creating a complete vibe in rhythm is on full display. This sound provides the perfect home for Boldy James, as his flow sounds completely at home over this production. His wordplay just cascading over this production with beautiful results. And that track, Power Nap, is simply one of my favorite tracks ever. Brilliant.

#10 – So when I think of who’s got next in hip hop, the first name that came to mind in 2022 was Maze Overlay. And when you hear his project, Aztecaz, produced by Farma you will understand why. Maze has some gritty lyricism and really great flow. Much like one of his guest spots on the album, Daniel Son, he always seems to be in the pocket. Perfect timing with a quick turn of phrase with at times an even melodic tone as he dips in and out of the chorus and into verses. And this is the best I have heard Farma in the last couple of years. These beats prove equally as gritty as the emcee and the perfect complement. He uses this somber guitar element a few times throughout the album that is really effective. Also, a perfect amount of dope guest spots to make this album the sure shot.

January 1, 2022January 1, 2022 stefanoneder 2021

Top 5 EPs (2021)

This is the toughest arena to choose because this is the era of the quick hitter (which I like). Projects with 5-9 tracks seem to dominate the indie hip hop scene. And that’s how I am defining this category, 5 to 9 tracks constitutes extended play, anything more, you have an album, anything less, you have a maxi single. So let’s get it moving on this very competitive category. Here are my Top Five extended plays for 2021.

#5

Daniel Son x Slim One – Bloodlust

I am not sure how many people have heard this project as it hasn’t been released on major DSPs. So it may be a hidden jewel. Slim One has showcased amazing production talent time and again, and from the main attraction to the interludes he crafts some brilliant music. Likewise Daniel Son, has been a stalwart emcee for a few years now, bodying everything in sight. These two proved to be a formidable duo in 2021 and worth the extra effort to hear this joint.

#4

AM Early Morning & Nightstalker – LNEM III

AM Early Morning and Nightstalker put together a true vibe with their recent EP, L.N.E.M III. From the jump you get this smokey jazz club vibe injected with all the hip hop elements we come to love. I think the artists did an incredible job giving these tracks a dope consistency in sound throughout while keeping the listener engaged. It’s jazzy, it’s bluesy, and it can at times be sobering. But the bottom line is it’s unique and a sure shot listen for years to come.

#3

Spit Gemz – Pardon My Poetry

This is the shortest endeavor on this list, but Spit Gemz has a tendency to deliver alot of lyricism and talent in any given amount of time. And he delivers with such intensity you just can’t ignore him. He commands that attention. With joints like Shoot The Fair One and Maury’s Wigs he drops more gems here than most can in a full length album.

#2

Wounded Buffalo Beats – Wounded

This represents the sole, ‘production based’ EP on this list. And Wounded made it for good reason! This joint knocks from start to finish. It’s ridiculous in it’s quality of dope production, guest emcees, and quality bars. When all of the aforementioned are taken into account, you have one of the dopest projects in 2021. Favorite tracks? I think they are all five of five to be honest. Each as dope as the next. But The Victor by Ruste Juxx is truly insane.

#1

Ransom – Se7en

Ransom steals the show in the extended play category with his tribute to the seven deadly sins. By now everyone knows that his talent level is ridiculous. He has surpassed so many bars (literally) and as an artist he seemingly has no ceiling. And here he takes on each sin, and gives it depth and personality like no one else could. This project is my favorite as it is more tightly woven than any project this year. My favorite sins? Gluttony and Wrath.

January 4, 2019May 5, 2019 stefanoneder 2018

Hip Hop Dependency: Best Albums Of 2018

Well, here we are! Our Top 10 albums from 2018. I literally listened to hundreds of projects this year so giving you a top ten was no easy task considering not only the number of albums but also the quality. And these lists are always prone to spark debate and conversation, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? I simply wanted to shine a light on my favorite joints this year and in part give my definitive salute as a fan to these artists and their body of work. Here we go…Enjoy!!

Continue reading “Hip Hop Dependency: Best Albums Of 2018” →

January 1, 2019May 5, 2019 stefanoneder 2018, Interviews

2018 Hip Hop Dependency Artist Of The Year: Recognize Ali

Rec1

It’s been five years since we actually did and end of the year segment where we lauded particular artists and albums for their efforts. 2018 has felt like the right time and place to bring that back our Artist Of The Year accolade. Recognize Ali embodies the dope movement we saw this past year. He put out five albums, all of which are dope, none of which are identical. They are distinctive in sound and all offer something great to hip-hop fans of all walks. He was also probably featured more times than anyone else this year on projects from others. In short, his immense talent matched an unrelenting work ethic that was matched by few others this year.

It is when talent and work ethic reach such high levels that we feel compelled to do something special to share that unique gift with our audience. So please listen to the man’s music…pass the word along to others and read this interview he so graciously granted us. It’s a great read! We’ve also included a few of our favorite Recognize Ali cutz for your listening pleasure at the end. Enjoy!

Continue reading “2018 Hip Hop Dependency Artist Of The Year: Recognize Ali” →