A dope track from Fel Sweetenberg’s latest project, Reign Of The Giants Part 2. Thumbscrews is produced by one of the greatest to do it, Nottz, with scratches from DJ DJAZ. And Sweetenberg illustrates once again all the intangibles of being an elite emcee. He’s got a great flow, presence, and elite writing:
Your lumps are up like a blood orange / Stomach flooded with buzzing hornets abrupt to the eye cannot go unnoticed / It’s like a bomb hits you / The impact will lift you adrift / When you cannot be heard like a dog whistle
In their latest visual It’s All Good, Slaine and Statik Selektah prove that hip-hop doesn’t just age—it evolves. Taken from their collaborative album A New State of Grace, the video serves as a poignant sequel to their work from over a decade ago, trading the reckless energy of the past for a grounded, gritty serenity.
Visually, the video keeps it authentic and intimate, centering on Slaine in his element. It’s an effective approach that forces the viewer to focus on the lyricism. The track itself is a masterclass in accountability; over Statik’s signature soulful, scratch-laden production, Slaine offers an open letter of apology and gratitude to those he may have hurt during his chaotic rise to the top.
It’s rare to hear an emcee drop the ego so completely. Instead of bracing for a fight, Slaine embraces his scars, celebrating survival and sobriety with a flow that is as sharp as it is reflective. It’s All Good isn’t just a song; it’s a victory lap for anyone who has stared down their demons and lived to tell the tale.
“I loved you for believing in me even when I went and gave you every reason to flee… I’m sorry I hurt you with repeat / But I had no virtue and needing to eat / So we went our own ways and I paid a price.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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!
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.
