Rigs has been dropping a lot of glimpses into his mindset through music and video. He has a new project dropping in a couple of weeks and for me…this is highly anticipated. He’s dropping on some mature topics…and showing growth…and imparting knowledge. The evidence can be seen yet again as he moves forward in life with the track…New Leaf.
Godilla & Native Born – Channel Surfing Intro/??What’s This?? (Video)
So one of our ‘day one’ artists on this site many years ago was the emcee Godilla. He brought all the things we love to his music. He had a knack for dope production, the right collaborators, a deep appreciation for hip hop, and immense talent for rhyme writing. When we heard his album Jaguar Paw many moons ago, we were instant fans. That’s still an album over a decade later that we can play again and again.
Now after a many year hiatus he is back to share his gift with us backed with production from Native Born. A new project is on the way and here we get just a taste of what’s to come as we are given a visual showcase through the 80s. And if you were raised in that era you are going to see some familiar and forgotten childhood memories. While taking us down memory lane Godilla gives us that resurgence and invigoration on the mic, reminding us that talent is ageless and skills are only refined.
Fel Sweetenberg – Thumbscrews (Video)
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
Don’t miss out on Sweetenberg’s music!
Slaine & Statik Selektah – It’s All Good (Video)
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 & Wordsworth – Voices (Video)
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.
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.
Hip Hop Dependency 