The way Jay Royale is cranking out these singles lately, I feel another project coming on sooner rather than later, which is good for me, and good for hip hop. More hardbodied hip hop from the man, backed with production from one half of the Grimelords, Pete Twist, and one half of Dirt Platoon, Raf Almighty. So you know with those names, this song is a flamethrower through and through. Royale only brings heat.
Halfcut & Cole The God – Soul Ice (ft. Daniel Son & Str8 Trip) (Video)
We got a dope video single from the duo of Halfcut and Cole The God for their joint, Soul Ice. The video, production, and lyricism really grab you from the jump. But starting out with a sixteen from Daniel Son is NEVER a bad look. His pen game has gotten sharper and sharper since his debut back in 2018. He’s killing these features. And without him, I probably would have missed this track, because the whole cut is really good! The production gives you this somber forboding, while each emcee (also featuring Str8 Trip) delivers razor sharp bars. I am going to cop the new album, The Relentless 2 on the strength of this cut. Inspiring.
Spit Gemz – Cold Blooded (prod by D-Styles) (Video)
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.
Single You Out: Van Gunz – Rainy Dayz (ft. Juxx Diamondz)
Virginia’s own Van Gunz breaks us off with the new project, Way Of The Gunz, brought to you by 6th Man Entertainment. This is inspring music, from a producer, who has perhaps low key, been dropping some hits. I love his production. His incorporation of a variety of sound, sample, instrumentation, and drums that slap is held in the highest of esteems. And that is very apparent with the my favorite song from the album, Rainy Dayz featuring Juxx Diamondz. I love the sample he uses here, along with the guitar sample, while Diamondz reflects on the tough times, and the current success he has.
Make sure you check this out! It’s actually free!
M-Dot & Confidence – Library Of Sound (2025)
Artist: M-Dot & Confidence
Album: Library Of Sound
Tracklisting:
- No Bail Out
- Rashad Opens The Curtain
- The Consistency
- Rollercoaster
- Roadwork (ft. Alexander Padei)
- The Reign (ft. Alexander Padei)
- Three Story Building
- Breathe In
- The Run Around (ft. Kore)
- Primavera (ft. Big Shug and Royal Flush)
- 24 to 1
- Don’t Know Why (ft. EMS)
- Connect The Dots (ft. G-Dot)
Notes:
His sound and words have resonated through these pages for a decade plus. His struggles and successes have in many ways inspired me to keep going…keep pressing. His sound and lyricism are for the people. It’s for the streets…it’s for those in their 9 to 5s…it’s for those who can celebrate their successes…and for those who take their losses. This is who M-Dot is.
With all that being said, M-Dot has made some amazing music over the years. He’s had some fantastic songs. He’s had game changing collaborations that one could only dream about. He has a lot to hang his hat on by the end of the day. But has he made his opus? Has he made the album where everyone says unequivocally: “That’s his best work!” Now enter producer, Confidence, and their latest album, Library Of Sound.
Continue reading “M-Dot & Confidence – Library Of Sound (2025)”Single You Out: B1 The Architect & Sythe – Find Out (ft. Daniel Son)
B1 The Architect has been featured a couple of times on HHD, and I see his name pop up from time to time, and always delivers a solid performance on whatever track he is on. So when I saw him tag in, Daniel Son for the track Find Out, it was a no brainer to check it out. And this joint is ridiculous heat! Sythe keeps it simple and eerie with this production adding various dope subtleties along the way. And the emcees just cook!
B1:
My life has been filled with curses I don’t bother to censor it / Until I bless them with words, then they honor the excellence / Never saw depression when I was lost in the depths of it
Daniel Son:
Lost money / Won Money / Son the stocks tricky / But I keep smoke for every artist in the fifty
Single You Out: uMaNg & B.B.Z Darney – Return 2 The Classics (ft. Shabaam Sahdeeq)
I know a lot of people may not be familiar with the combination of emcee uMaNg and B.B.Z. Darney but rest assured their chemistry has been proven again and again over the years. Darney I feel is one of the most unheralded producers this age. He doesn’t drop in large quantities but when you hear his beats you are reminded about how gifted he is behind the boards. That also coincides with UManG’s modus operandi: The man has one of the sharpest tongues in the game, you just don’t hear it as much. All that said, when they DO release…it’s special. The chemistry is prevalent, and they are rooted in this hip hop music. On Return 2 The Classics…they colloaborate with the right emcee…Shabaam Sahdeeq, who knows a things or two about penning a gem. The result is you get something celebratory in witty lyricism and innovative production.
They have a new (older?) album coming soon so don’t sleep!
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!
Asun Eastwood & MK Ortiz – Ask God For Help (2025)
Artist: Asun Eastwood & MK Ortiz
Album: Ask God For Help
Tracklisting:
- Heart Of Bullets
- On The Road (ft. Bub Styles & Cousin Feo)
- Leonard Nimoy (ft. SmooVth & Falcon Outlaw)
- Chequing Balances (ft. Shottie)
- For Help (Instrumental)
- Debaucherous Diary
- Married To Money
- Tabernacle321
- Ask God
- Para Ti (ft. Maze Overlay)
Review:
It’s been a while since inspiration and time collided to the point that I felt compelled to write an album review. But as the music gods have it, Asun Eastwood and producer MK Ortiz have crafted that inspiration in their album, Ask God For Help, and my time allows to showcase it.
Eastwood has a multitude of releases and projects, all of which are dope in their own right so what make this one special? What sets it apart? Simply put, it’s evolution of an artist and a vibe that make this one hit different. When giving it a listen, it transports to you a place and just holds your attention there. And I honestly, had never heard of producer MK Ortiz before this instance, but his debut on these pages is more than impressive. It’s stellar. He gives each song enough consistency without becoming overly familiar. In the end, Ask God For Help, makes is irrefutable proof that this a great pairing.
Continue reading “Asun Eastwood & MK Ortiz – Ask God For Help (2025)”Single You Out: M-Dot & Confidence – Roller Coaster
M-Dot and Confidence are gearing up for the release of their album, Library Of Sound on June 27th, and here we have released my favorite track from the album, Roller Coaster. This is real talk music. It’s about the ups and downs in life. It’s about the drive, the persistence, the success, and the struggles. It’s all the components that makes life worth living and music worth making. This is M-Dot’s journey over some soulful Confidence rhythms. You can do no wrong with this listen.
Hip Hop Dependency 