So here is a list of my favorite EPs from 2018. I easily could have extended this list to 25 projects and been really comfortable about that. However, I really wanted to showcase what I consider to be the best projects in a year where there was so much greatness to consider. In the end, there were no votes, judges, or etcetera. This was simply a matter of personal preference. I hope you enjoy these projects as much as I did.
Single You Out: Only & Ill – 97 Busta
Illmaculate and OnlyOne are about to drop another album, but what better way to prepare that road than to unleash a little “Whoo Haaaa!” in honor of the much respected Busta Rhymes who just had a birthday this week. Also, not to be forgotten is this is all executed over some special Chase Moore production.
Enjoy!
Single You Out: Al-One – Legends Of The Fall (ft. Illmaculate & Theory Hazit)
This song is sharp. It’s got everything you need in a hip hop cut for 2017. The bars from Al-One, Illmac, and Theory Hazit are all primo quality. And the beat from Rey Holliday is pretty special in it’s own right. It’s got some soul, funk, and boom bap wrapped inside.
Al-One’s, Sharptongue, drops next week, and I am pretty sure it’s going to be special. Stay tuned.
Single You Out: Illmac – Second Wind (prod. by Chase Moore)
Illmac and Chase Moore team up again and release abounding goodness with the single, Second Wind. And forgive me, but if Illmac needed a second wind, he didn’t show it. He has been killing the game. And if he has gotten a second wind then the rest of the industry should be put on notice. This song is something else. If you are blessed with a nice day today, roll the windows down in the whip, and ride to this. This is certain dope!
Single You Out: Illmaculate – Cupid (ft. ePP) (prod. Calvin Valentine)
Illmaculate and Calvin Valentine have really outdone themselves with their latest project, The Red Tape. The way Valentine weaves the boom-bap around select Otis Redding samples is simple breathtaking. Illmaculate continues to show elite skill level on the microphone. He truly is a master of the art and a complete emcee.
The track Cupid is my personal favorite off the album. The subject matter is that of making our relationships stronger. Both Illmac and ePP aim their discourse at taking their imperfections and making stronger bonds. The chorus is also super smooth.
Definitely show some love for this project and put forth a few coffers for the download!
Single You Out: Illmaculate – Oscar Nominee b/w Excuses
Oscar Nominee serves as the second and most recent single from Illmaculate’s upcoming EP, Still Standing. A dope song that features production from long time collaborator, Chase Moore.
“I would probably have an Oscar for acting like gave a fuck… I am sorry but no apologies…”
Excuses was of course the first single from the same EP. The beat from Moore on this joint is a creeper. It just embeds itself in your head and stalks the mind. Illmaculate, meanwhile, writes and executes a couple of dope verses. Guest, Bobby Bucher, tackles a third verse that make me reminiscent of Devin The Dude in cadence and flow.
Illmaculate & OnlyOne – Only & Ill (Video)
Title cut from Illmaculate and OnlyOne’s new album, Only & Ill. These guys have been making music for quite a while and you can see that chemistry shine through on a track like this. The whole album is ill. There are so many dope tracks that will resonate with you. Chase Moore is responsible for this beat.
Single You Out:Goldini Bagwell – Virtual Reality (ft. Illmaculate & David Lincoln Mann)
Goldini Bagwell is back with another cut from his Smoker’s Jacket series this time bringing into the fold, well accomplished compatriot Illmaculate. Virtual Reality is a trippy journey that looks at relationships it what almost seems like an out of body experience. The track is sponsored by Chase Moore.
Illmaculate & OnlyOne – GATTACA (Official Music Video) feat. J-Rome
OnlyOne and Illmaculate are known for making great music but this cut is among the most premium. This is just some really good music period. Chase Moore continues the string of flawless production with this concoction and J-Rome blesses the hook to complete the effect. Meanwhile the two emcees drop incessantly dope lyricism that will at moment leave you a little slack jawed.
This is just a pre-emptive strike of what’s to come when they drop their album this summer, Only & Ill.
Single You Out: illmaculate – Stay Humble (prod. by Chase Moore)
Now illmaculate and Chase Moore are just showing off. This is just insane. Moore kills the boards with something that leans a little more melancholy while illmaculate resists the temptation of simply looking down on the competition. The music he makes does the talking needed. This is a major win for artist and listener alike. Nice Poe line in the opening stanza if you listen close.
Hip Hop Dependency 