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.
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!
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.
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.
Asun Eastwood x MK Ortiz – Chequing Balances (feat. Shottie) (Video)
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!
Hip Hop Dependency 