We got a dope video single from the duo of Halfcut and Cole The God for their joint, Soul Ice. The video, production, and lyricism really grab you from the jump. But starting out with a sixteen from Daniel Son is NEVER a bad look. His pen game has gotten sharper and sharper since his debut back in 2018. He’s killing these features. And without him, I probably would have missed this track, because the whole cut is really good! The production gives you this somber forboding, while each emcee (also featuring Str8 Trip) delivers razor sharp bars. I am going to cop the new album, The Relentless 2 on the strength of this cut. Inspiring.
Spit Gemz – Cold Blooded (prod by D-Styles) (Video)
Yeah don’t step to the mic or in the ring with Spit Gemz. You will get snuffed out fast over this D-Styles produced single, Cold Blooded. This is a track that feel like both beat and lyrics were throwing dirt on someone’s grave…meaning somoene is getting buried quick here! Really tough track by one of the best to do it on the mic, over one of the hardest beats we have heard in 2025.
Single You Out: Van Gunz – Rainy Dayz (ft. Juxx Diamondz)
Virginia’s own Van Gunz breaks us off with the new project, Way Of The Gunz, brought to you by 6th Man Entertainment. This is inspring music, from a producer, who has perhaps low key, been dropping some hits. I love his production. His incorporation of a variety of sound, sample, instrumentation, and drums that slap is held in the highest of esteems. And that is very apparent with the my favorite song from the album, Rainy Dayz featuring Juxx Diamondz. I love the sample he uses here, along with the guitar sample, while Diamondz reflects on the tough times, and the current success he has.
Make sure you check this out! It’s actually free!
M-Dot & Confidence – Library Of Sound (2025)
Artist: M-Dot & Confidence
Album: Library Of Sound
Tracklisting:
- No Bail Out
- Rashad Opens The Curtain
- The Consistency
- Rollercoaster
- Roadwork (ft. Alexander Padei)
- The Reign (ft. Alexander Padei)
- Three Story Building
- Breathe In
- The Run Around (ft. Kore)
- Primavera (ft. Big Shug and Royal Flush)
- 24 to 1
- Don’t Know Why (ft. EMS)
- Connect The Dots (ft. G-Dot)
Notes:
His sound and words have resonated through these pages for a decade plus. His struggles and successes have in many ways inspired me to keep going…keep pressing. His sound and lyricism are for the people. It’s for the streets…it’s for those in their 9 to 5s…it’s for those who can celebrate their successes…and for those who take their losses. This is who M-Dot is.
With all that being said, M-Dot has made some amazing music over the years. He’s had some fantastic songs. He’s had game changing collaborations that one could only dream about. He has a lot to hang his hat on by the end of the day. But has he made his opus? Has he made the album where everyone says unequivocally: “That’s his best work!” Now enter producer, Confidence, and their latest album, Library Of Sound.
Continue reading “M-Dot & Confidence – Library Of Sound (2025)”Single You Out: B1 The Architect & Sythe – Find Out (ft. Daniel Son)
B1 The Architect has been featured a couple of times on HHD, and I see his name pop up from time to time, and always delivers a solid performance on whatever track he is on. So when I saw him tag in, Daniel Son for the track Find Out, it was a no brainer to check it out. And this joint is ridiculous heat! Sythe keeps it simple and eerie with this production adding various dope subtleties along the way. And the emcees just cook!
B1:
My life has been filled with curses I don’t bother to censor it / Until I bless them with words, then they honor the excellence / Never saw depression when I was lost in the depths of it
Daniel Son:
Lost money / Won Money / Son the stocks tricky / But I keep smoke for every artist in the fifty
Evidence – Different Phases (Video)
Evidence is back in 2025 to put a stamp on it! His talent and music leave a unique imprint in hip hop that you can hear instantly on any track that bears his name either as a producer or an emcee. On Different Phases, you can hear an artist who acknowledges his past, and his growth both as an artist and a man. His journey is his alone, and he owns that.
if I shoot a bullet I don’t hide the smoke from the cannon / leap of faith where I’m supposed to be is where I landed / in the best hands my people are my family if I’m stranded
New album coming August 15th, Unlearning Vol. 2. Beat Butcha and Coop The Truth on this beat!
Single You Out: M-Dot & Confidence – Roller Coaster
M-Dot and Confidence are gearing up for the release of their album, Library Of Sound on June 27th, and here we have released my favorite track from the album, Roller Coaster. This is real talk music. It’s about the ups and downs in life. It’s about the drive, the persistence, the success, and the struggles. It’s all the components that makes life worth living and music worth making. This is M-Dot’s journey over some soulful Confidence rhythms. You can do no wrong with this listen.
Blame One – What’s The Answer (ft. Aloe Blacc) (Video)
I haven’t been very inspired by music in the last couple of weeks, but this track from Blame One with Chill ill on the boards, brought me back. It’s that jazzy, laid back, melodic, yet lyrical flavor that I really needed for a reset. This joint is dope from both a lyrical and visual perspective. A vibe in the truest sense of the word. And having Aloe Blacc do a sixteen alongside Blame is the right choice. That’s the DEFINITION of smooth.
Single You Out: Kahlee & Digital Martyrs – Be Alright
Kahlee and Digital Martyrs put to music the feelings we all may be digesting from time to time. Sometimes we don’t know how we are going to make it, but we always find a way. And many of us find it in the music and lyrics of our favorite artists. So peep the smooth yet poignant offering:
My direction don’t depend on how the Carrot’s dangled
I set seas uncharted searching for perfect angel
The rain’s followed by the Gold pots and rainbows
The road blocks , and boat docks are open to the grateful
Daniel Son & Futurewave – French River (Video)
Daniel Son and Futurewave just released their new project, Baggage Claims on all DSPs. I couldn’t wait for that so I copped it a few weeks ago by purchasing a CD direct when I don’t even own a way to play it just so I could get the download early. That’s how much I love this combination of emcee and producer.
Baggage Claims takes us back to 2018 when the opus Pressure Cooker was made. These are joints that were crafted back at that time and released from the vaults now. And these songs resonate just as hard.
French River is the destination and the aspiration as the hustle continues. Make sure to support and purchase direct.
Hip Hop Dependency 