So this is a few weeks old in terms of when the video was released but I still wanted to make sure the audience has their eyes and ears squarely on this project from Asun Eastwood and MK Ortiz, Ask God For Help. I really love the sound crafted in this album. As a big Eastwoood fan this is my personal favorite from him. MK Ortiz, with his well orchestrated and musically intriguing production, brings out the evolution and introspection in Asun Eastwood. On this particular track we are talking about the necessity of balance in life, and as we get older, this is a valued perspective. Shottie, who also has been bringing us life insight as of late, shares a dope sixteen to round out the dope effort.
Fel Sweetenberg – War Of Art (prod. by DJ Brans) (Video)
When they say “reaaaaallllllll hip hop” you should have Fel Sweetenberg appear out of thin air, because this guy screams authenticity when it comes to being an emcee. He is one of the most talented yet unheralded artists of my time. He’s been delivering bars in poetic purity for at least a couple of decades. And every time he picks up the mic, he shines again. War Of Art of slaps listeners with a DJ Brans beat and leaves you waiting for June 27th when he drops the first part of his album, Reign Of The Giants!
Jay Royale – The Jay & Dehaven (Video)
Jay Royale does no wrong. Ever. His brand of hip hop harkens back to that Mobb Deep sound perhaps even with a more lyrical flair. His last three projects are damn near impeccable. The Jay & Dehaven is off of his latest project, Jacked For The City. And you can hear on this track that chemistry with long time collaborator Ray Sosa. This joint is gritty and hits hard in all facets. Sleep not.
Dead Perry – Welcome To Hell (feat. P-Dirt, DJ Eclipse & ILL BILL) (Video)
DEAD PERRY. Remember this name. Keep it on the tip of your tongue. This producer is creating memorable music. Timeless music. His sound is infused with so much depth of talent that is stands alone. It so distinct. And his album, Acoustic Shadows, is the embodiment of all that talent and artistic vision. On one listen, I love this album. On the track Welcome To Hell you have P-Dirt and Ill Bill dropping heavy sixteens over a beat that has the emcees head hunting with DJ Eclipse on the cuts. Don’t miss this album! Your ears will regret and mock you for eternity.
Raz Fresco & Futurewave – Steve Austin (ft. Daniel Son) (Video)
Oh lawd! Raz Fresco and Futurewave cooked up some melodic brilliance with the new track, Steve Austin, off of their just released album Stadium Lo Champions.
And you add the skill set of Daniel Son to the equation, you have the track than can do no wrong. It’s superlative. Futurewave brings some instrumentation that just cascades over the drums, while these emcees trade bombs with their bars. From “Nagasaki bomb on your consciousness” to “I make contact call me Babe Ruthless” this flow and pen from both are impeccable.
Spit Gemz – Thousand Yard Stairs (Video)
More dope from Spit Gemz’ album, Diamond Cut. There is no abating the attack that Gemz and Eff Yoo put on you over this Ciecmate beat. Everything carries with it an intensity on this joint. This beat with the piano loop is insane. Ciecmate laced the whole EP with some fire. And these emcees are calling you out for your fraudulent ways and limited thinking. You are forewarned!
IAMGAWD – City Of Gawd (Video)
IAMGAWD is one of my favorite emcees. I started copping his releases a couple of years ago when I randomly came across one of his videos at the time. His talent to pen lyrics and his flow continue to impress release after release. And you can hear how he represents the city of Chicago on the the title track to his new project, City xf Gawd.
Shottie & Lupara – Alkalines (Video)
Shottie has teamed up with the EXCEPTIONAL production collective known as Lupara for a new project called, Pulp Nonfiction, which is out now and I will soon be copping.
On the video single, Alkalines, Shottie talks about the necessity of taking a step back, “rehydrating”, and recalculating. Flu laces the track with a heavy bass line, keys, drums, and at the end a jazzy element which like the video, give this track that smoke filled room vibe.
Really dope.
Spit Gemz – The Final Word (Video)
Spit Gemz. The name is synonymous with a relentless and ruthless pen game. I’ve used the word ferocious a few times recently but that’s what Gemz is…a blend of intelligence, experience, talent, and ferocity. His verses give you no quarter, they pin your brain down, and don’t let up until the song is done. And here you have that example with the new single, The Final Word. Ciecmate laced the beat, and he does an amazing job matching the emcees intensity with the production.
I seemingly say this with every recent release from Gemz, but his new EP, Diamond Cut, could be his best. I love the production on each track. It’s definitely a must have in 2025. Don’t miss.
Shottie & Lupara – Yellow Cab (Video)
Shottie gets personal with his new single, Yellow Cab, and it’s an exceptionally moving autobiographical moment put to music. He narrates the story of his father and mother, detailing moments in their life. Sharing with you, the listener, that he gets his drive from his father. This is the power of music. It moves you. This joint hit me. Dope production comes courtesy of Hobgoblin.
Hip Hop Dependency 