There are more than a couple of wonderful things about this joint…so number one…Superior…a producer I am a really big fan of, hit me up about his new track with Let The Dirt Say Amen…Hopeful Studies. And if you are not familiar with Superior…please study up…pun slightly intended. The man has worked with several of your favorite artists and is likely responsible for some of your favorite music. I always look out for music from him. Next…his collaboration on this track with Let The Dirt Say Amen is a tribute to the inspiration of the late KA. KA was revered by many for unique insight, thoughtfulness, and music. Hopeful Studies is a “tipping of the hat” to a pioneer. Let The Dirt Say Amen has many ways of acknowledging his respect for KA. His entire cadence to more nuanced references in his rhyme prove as testament which is fitting as Superior takes us to church with this production. It all ties itself nicely together. And lastly this is just a precursur to the a project to come from the duo, The Saint, The Servant, The Sinner
Doc Da Mindbenda – Four Of A Kind (Ft. Rufus Sims & Tru Foe) (Video)
Producer Doc Da Mindbenda celebrates his 44th birthday with us by releasing this really dope track and video, Four Of A Kind, feautring Rufus Sims and Tru Foe. This track has a bit of everything. The exchange between Sims and Foe show really great chemistry with trading bars and blending street narratives in “fours” seamlessly. And Mindbenda not only hits you with one dope beat, but switches to another one in mid stride. Really great music.
This is coming off of a forthcoming project called, Bet The House and hope to hear more about that SOON!
Hus Kingpin – You Heard Of Me (prod. by MK Ortiz) (Video)
MK Ortiz put me onto the fact that this project with Hus Kingpin was brewing about a month ago. And that had me pretty excited because ever since I heard his collaboration with Asun Eastwood, Ask God For Help, last year, I was wanting to hear more from him as a producer…now we get that chance with what seems like a great combination in Hus Kingpin. Hus blesses the track with literal poetry in motion giving some lyricism to sink your ears into. And MK Ortiz does not disappoint with his production…yet again demonstrating a great ear for sound and rhythm…I specifically love his use of guitar loops.
And while I am not sure…I feel like this is the tip of the iceberg between the two. Let’s hope there is more to come.
Mickey Blue – Knuckle Sammich (ft. StressWon) (Cuts by Tone Spliff) (Video)
You wanna a banger to knock in the whip or in the headphones this weekend? We got that for you right here with another video single from producer Mickey Blue featuring StressWon on the mic and Tone Spliff on the cuts. Blue drops the ominous rhythm while StressWon hits you with a staccato flow…and to finish it up…the venerable Tone Spliff scratches the final stamp on it.
This is off of the really dope and project I have been really looking forward to, ILLusion of Permanence. I listened to it on Spotify last night, and it’s in by bandcamp cart today. Nothing but bangers on this. If you love hip hop…you will love this!
John Jigg$ & EZ Elpee – All Gas No Breaks (ft. Gale Salvo and 3rd Whosane) (Video)
John Jigg$ is capable of doing so many styles and versatility in rhyme as you can see from his ever growing discography, but when he decides to just let loose, there are few better. All Gas No Brakes is the title track to his new project produced by EZ Elpee. And you can hear that furious flow over this high octane production Elpee. And it should be also said, not familiar with Gale Salvo, but she delivered a talented pen to this piece as well. 3rd Whosane ties it all in with what is reminiscent of an ODB style chorus.
Pick up the new project, All Gas No Brakes Vol. 1, out now!
Shabaam Sahdeeq & Es-K – Top Tier (ft. General Steele)
New video single out for Shabaam Sahdeeq’s joint Top Tier featuring General Steele on the chorus, and production from Es-K. This song is incredibly relevant and on point for a time where I feel like there are certain aspects in the hip hop world, particularly the digital one, where forces try to tear down talent and respectability. Sahdeeq is a talent that transcends decades and delivers time and time again…and at a high level. His grind, work ethic, and approach continue to yield sustainability in life and art.
New album out, Outside The Lines. Check it!
Cookin Soul & Estee Nack – Hear Me (Video)
When a legendary architect of dusty, soulful loops joins forces with one of underground hip-hop’s most unpredictable vocal stylists, expectations run high. On Hear Me, Cookin Soul and Estee Nack don’t just meet those expectations—they deliver a masterfully constructed slice of pure 90s-inspired boom-bap that feels both nostalgic and immediate.
Cookin Soul proves once again why his beat-smithing is revered globally. The sonic canvas of the song relies on a meticulously chopped, warmth-infused soul sample that anchors the track. The drums are crisp and classic, hitting with a knock that demands head-nodding but leaving ample breathing room for the vocal performance. The arrangement builds seamlessly, letting the vocal sample bridges swell organically to complement Estee Nack’s verses.
Estee Nack brings his signature gritty, multi-layered lyricism to the forefront, trading hyper-specific street realism with moments of deeper reflection.
His flow pattern effortlessly rides the pockets of Cookin Soul’s production, shifting from rapid-fire imagery to a more deliberate, conversational cadence that hammers home the gravity of his words.
The new album, Al-Andalus is out now. I haven’t checked it out in it’s entirety but it’s currently in my cart, and what i have heard thus far is tremendous!
One Be Lo – Moon Walkman (Video)
The legendary Detroit lyricist One Be Lo (of the iconic duo Binary Star) has officially returned with his latest auditory masterpiece, Moon Walkman. True to form, the veteran MC delivers an avalanche of intricate, thought-provoking bars laid over a seamless, head-nodding sonic landscape.
If you have been waiting for a breath of fresh air in a saturated musical climate, this track is the gift your playlist needs.
Bars That Demand a Second Listen
One Be Lo has always been celebrated for lyricism that requires listeners to stop, rewind, and unpack the depth. On Moon Walkman his pen is sharper than ever. He juxtaposes nostalgic pop-culture references with heavy, socio-political commentary:
“Luigi shot the fireballs at the final boss, while Mario’s fighting ICE in office…”
From addressing corporate monopolies and political lobbying to the environmental anxieties of the modern world, the track functions as a profound observation of our current landscape. Yet, through it all, One Be Lo maintains his unshakeable identity, asserting that “black holes could NEVER take the astronaut out of me.”
Che Uno – Barras Luco (ft. DNTE & Asun Eastwood)
Toronto’s hip-hop scene continues to shine glroiously with the release of the official music video for Barras Luco by Ché Uno alongside DNTE and Asun Eastwood. This track serves as a masterclass in gritty, boom-bap lyricism.
Barras Luco emphasizes intricate rhyme schemes and a no-nonsense delivery. The verses are dense, packed with metaphors that showcase the technical prowess of all three artists.
If you appreciate complex wordplay and the classic sound of street-level hip-hop, Barras Luco is an essential addition to your playlist
Daniel Son & Futurewave – Paid My Tolls / Kolors On Queen (Video)
More visual dope from Daniel Son and Futurewave’s latest project, Shattered Glass. Daniel Son’s scenery may have changed but his bars remain razor sharp and his chemistry with producer Futurewave…unparalleled. Shattered Glass is chocked full of short but potent gems, so make sure you check out the project…better late than never!
I’m just here to chase my goals.
Keep my head on a swivel through them late night strolls.
I’m the captain.
Can’t change my role.
Should I pay my tolls?
Pray it’s heaven where they place my soul
Hip Hop Dependency 