Supreme Cerebral – Hip Hop Dependency

December 29, 2025January 4, 2026 stefanoneder 2025

Favorites of 2025

We are going to do this a little different than we used to. In this end of the year post you will still see our favorite songs, projects, and we will acknowledge those we think differentiated and left that indellible stamp on the year. This is more commentary than list, and redefined as our “favorites” rather than just ascribe them as the “best” as we all know that’s contentious and debateable. There are ALWAYS dope tracks, great albums, and talented artists that these pages aren’t big enough to hold, so for that, we apologize. But THIS is the music that moved us most for one reason or another throughout the year that set itself apart. (Please note we will “slow rolling”the albums and songs out daily until we hit our favorites by January 1st so stay tuned for the updates!)

Favorite 50 Joints Of 2025

Artist	Song	Note
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
#21 – The Expert	*A Different Reality* (ft. Milc)	The flow off of this track is impossible to ignore. I had never heard of Milc before this but I definitely know now. These bars over this etheral production is godly. Off of *Vivid Viisions*
#22 – Mickey Diamond & BigGhost	*WTF*	We all wait with baited breath until the end of the year for the Mickey Diamond and BigGhost collabo and they did not disappoint with the ill *Wolf Tickets*. This is my favorite track from the album.
#23 – Elcamino	*London Gatwick*	Elcamino has made ALOT of music over the years but by far his opus is his album *MINO*. And the toughest track from this album featured a trip to London. Watch how he executes!
#24 – A-F-R-O & 60 East	*Corners*	This duo was back at it creating dope music in 2025 and this was one of my favorite story telling tracks of the year. Definitely check out their album At The Sideshow 2: Art House
#25 – K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa	*Breaking Bad* (ft. Coyote)	These two collaborators were literally out in 2025 cooking up something special yet again for the masses, offering this ill and frenetic track to the masses off of their fantastic album, Anger Management
#26 – Rasheed Chappell & Mickey Blue	No. 9	Another banging and memorable track from an extraordinarily talented artist…backed by banging yet spaced out production from Blue. Off of the Speer VIllage Alum album.
#27 – Eto & NicoJP	G#	NicoJP laces something dark and ominous for Eto to lace his elite pen game upon! The two lay down the rules of land in a commanding way. Off of *Sicilian Codes*.
#28 – Skyzoo	*Pardon Me*	I have said this many times but you can hear it EVERY time he flows…consummate emcee and rhyme writer with a voice that stand distinct. Off of the *Views Of A Lifetime* album.
#29 – Maze Overlay	*Deaf Confessions*	He’s always dropping something personable and relateable that puts things in perspective for the listener. His easy going flow really connects here. Off of the album, *Word*.
#30 – Skanks the Rap Martyr & Ruste Juxx	essential bars	essential bars…and that’s exactly what you get this single. Damn…these emcees bring solidified fire to the mic over some really nice production from UG. Off of the *Live From Crow Hill* album.
#31 – Ferris Blusa & Observe Since 98	*In Gawd We Trust*	This is the perfect combination of emcee and producer. They did something very unique with their project, *Let Go And Let Gawd*. Intertwining soul and lyricism seamlessly.
#32 – Lil Dee	Up All Night	We’ve seen lots of videos and freestyles of Lil Dee ripping up mics and now you get the album, *Danny James*…and this song stands front and center with his menta
#33 – Lord Juco	Hiatus	Nobody puts the soul into music quite like Juco and that’s on full display here. He gives you that unique conversational style like he’s talking to you through the track. Off of *Sweet Nothings*!
#34 – BlackLiq & Dub Sonata	10 Black Commandments	Blackliq put his own twist on the commandments as it pertains life and music. He’s dropping knowledge to artists every where. Don’t miss! Off of the extremely personaland dope Much Given, Much Tested.
#35 – Fuzzy Ed	Fragments Of Life (ft. Copywrite and Tone Spliff)	Favorite track off of the album, *The Way Home*. The strings, the drums, the scratching, and the way Copywrite flows so viciously over it all!
#36 – Ryu	Hang Time (Ryu To The Rescue)	I love how this leads the album *Medium Raw*. Ryu shows that his craft and lyricism are still sharp and the production has that vintage SOB flavor. Love it!
#37 – Napoleon Da Legend & Dub Sonata	Humble Pt 2	Love how Dub Sonata laced this beat…so damn beautiful And our emcee laces some introspective lyricism refelcting on life. Off of *Soul Vs. Math*.
#38 – Substance810 & Josiah The Gift	Pay The Price (ft. DJ Grazzhoppa)	Damn this song goes hard. The bars and the beat are phenomenal alone but Grazzhoppa take this joint next level with the scratches. Off of *You’re All Welcome*.
#39 – FuHandz	Done Different (ft. Planet Asia and Terror Van Poo)	Producer FuHandz linking up with venerable PA Medallions and TVP was the sure shot…love this beat and how he rocked it. Off of same titled project…Done Different.
#40 – Vega7 The Ronin & Machacaha	*Quoth The Raven*	Wish we had more from Vega7 in 2025 but what we did get was potent! And once again Machacha on the boards! Off of *The Ghost Orchid*
#41 – Fresh Daily & Parental	Plaid Patterns (ft. Awon & Debonair P)	It’s in the name…fresh. It’s a refreshing listen from a pair of really talented emcees. Off of *These Things Take Time*
#42 – Landon Wordsell & Es-K	Grudges	Another highly slept on emcee and project from this year hitting you from the heart. Off of *Remember To Breathe*.
#43 – Aesoprock	Opossum	Everyone feels this way at some point in their life or day. Aesoprock hits the nail on the head. Off of *I Heard It’s A Mess There Too*
#44 – B1 The Archtect	Find Out (ft. Daniel Son)	I know you slept on this one. This track is like fire in the darkness, and c’mon Daniel Son does not miss. Off Of *Heads Or Tails*.
#45 – Machacha	Wish You Hell (ft. Waterr x Andre Desaint)	Machacha. We will talk more about him soon. This is the perfect combo on this track. Off of *The Formula: 250*
#46 – Joell Ortiz	Ambidextrous	Very few as polished on the mic as Ortiz. And he shows his tenacity and dexterity yet again here. Off of *Love, Peace & Trauma*
#47 – Blame One & Preed One	Reach The Dust	Cuts by DJ TMB push this one over the top for 2025. Pure hip hop. Off of *Road Map*.
#48 – The Bad Seed	50	Seed isn’t just getting older but he’s getting better with time as you can hear on this banger producer by Murda Megz off of *From Us With Love.*
#49 – Griffen	Servititude (ft. Squirt ILL)	Addressing the state of music ownership in the illest possible way with a chorus that sticks in your head. Off of the *effortless pen 2*.
#50 – Shylow	Ya Timez Up	The first part of this song was pretty dope, but when the second verse hit with the drums it was a wrap. Off of The Contingency Plan.

Favorite 10 Albums In 2025

Artist	Album	Note
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5 Eddie Kaine & Machacha	*Crown Me Kaine*	When I heard this back in early 2025 I knew this is a record that would wind up as one of the best that year. Kaine’s intensity and talent is magnified overe these beats from Machacha. Also has one of the best songs of the year…(more later)
#6 BlackLiq & Dub Sonata	*Much Given, Much Tested*	This is probably one of the most personal releases of 2025 as our emcee really delves into his own experiences, growth, and missteps. He does so skillfully over some really diverse production from oune of our favorites.
#7 – Substance810 & Big Trip	*The Guillotine*	This release was unrelenting. Nine tracks that delievered without fail. Everything about this release was dope. The beats all hit. The rhymes and the chemsitry are on point. A few tracks longer and this one might have claimed the top spot. Savage.
#8 – Ferris Blusa & Observe Since 98	*Let Go And Let Ga w d*	Blusa has been prolific with his music…releasing several dope releases each year. But this album just sounds and hits different. It sounds like perfect chemistry between producer an emcee. Performed like it was live in Redio City Music and captures lightning in a bottle.
#9 – The Bad Seed	*From Us With Love*	Seed has blessed us with a lot of dope music over the decades. But as far as projects go, this album produced by Murda Megz is among his most impressive in my eyes. Hardest album of the year imo.
#10 – Supreme Cerebral	*Son Of Hannibal*	Supreme Cerebral has been crafting music and albums for a long time…but this album…backed by beats from Swab…hit hard and left an imprint for the duration of 2025.

March 2, 2025 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Supreme Cerebral – Devil’s Playground (ft. Born Unique) (prod. Level 13)

Supreme Cerebral is just getting started for 2025. After releasing the incredibly dope album with Swab, Son Of Hannibal, he is right back at it! On the joint, Devils Playground, he gets straight to it with the often featured talent of Born Unique, and over a heater from one of our favorite producers, Level 13.

January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 stefanoneder 2024

Top 50 Songs Of 2024

Here are some of my favorites songs from 2024 in independent hip hop. Again…not cumulative. I know your tastes my vary but maybe you will see something on the list you didn’t hear and enjoy. Click the song link to be taken to a youtube offering of that track. And as always…support the artist! Off to 2025!

Song	Artist	Note
#1 *T.I.M.E.*	K-Salaam, JdotL, Wrekonize, & Jae Skeese (ft. D.Lylez)	This is the perfect song. The production is a vibe. The lyricism is fantastic. And the hook bridges perfectly!
#2 Oppenheimer	Vega7 The Ronin & Ferris Blusa (prod. by Kalos Beats)	Sometimes you just need a song to slap you in the face…this my friends is that slap. This joint is tough!!!
#3 Act Of God	Ed OG (prod. by Tone Spliff)	Our emcee has been doing this a long time…and he still knows how to craft GREAT music.
#4 Dangerous	Bobby J From Rockaway & Dom Dirtee	This joint not only knocks but can easily get caught in your head. Infectious.
#5 The Magnum	Dan Johns (ft. Amen)	I’ve talked about this song at length. Trust me. Lyrics. Production. This is top notch.
#6 Fuck It	Grieves & Mouse Powell	Another anthem for when you can’t care. Exceptional musically and love the horns on this track.
#7 Flinch	Locksmith (ft. Ekoh)	If you are feeling like you are on the brink. Don’t give your enemies the satisfaction. Don’t Flinch.
#8 Spare Change	J. Lately (ft. Ian Kelly)	The guitar licks. The vibe. And the style make this song play on in your head for days on end.
#9 Stupid. Dumb. Illiterate.	Heems (prod. by Lapgan)	This song has so much finesse and a great sound. The production and flow of the track is remarkable.
#10 Two Kids	maticulous (ft. Elzhi)	The art of storytelling is not lost in hip hop. Check out this case in point from 2024.
#11 OHLawd	J57 (ft. H3RO)	This again is just beautiful music. I love this production , the chorus, and the lyricsm on display here.
#12 The Way	Spit Gemz (prod. by Nickel Plated)	Some music gives way to thought and makes you think with another light. This is that!
#13 Cadillac	Brother Ali	HipHop is primed to speak on social injustice and Brother Ali does that through his own story.
#14 Defiance	Izrell & Dead Perry	Sometimes you just need something epic…dark and epic.
#15 Roc Nation Brunch	Marv Won (ft. Freeway)	Great concept, and creating a fun visual through words. Inventive.
#16 Delusions Of Grandeur	K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa	This is one of the best pairings of the year and you can hear exactly why on this track!
#17 Raised On	Mic Bles & Level 13 (ft. ethemadassassin)	I’ve talked about THIS track at length too. But this that authentic hip hop flavor!
#18 Close	M-Dot (ft. Kore)	No one does that “life music” better than M-Dot. He speaks like you are in his shoes. You too are “close”.
#19 Crownsville	Rock & Ruste Juxx	The tandem takes you into the streets of Crownsville in the illest way possible.
#20 Broken Mirrors	Jae Skeese & Superior	Skeese speaks to me on this one. Wow. Music that makes you feel something is invaluable.
#21 My Nephew and I	Nef & Bobby J from Rockaway	This beat from Nef! One of the best, and wow, Bobby J just continues to impress. Sure shot!
#22 Courtleigh Chemist	Daniel Son & Finn	Here you have a producer and emcee in perfect step delivering that head nodder.
#23 Budda Palm	ZaZa God	“I’m Big Anubis…The Ra Royal!” This track just goes incredibly hard.
#24 What I’m Asking	Pro Dillinger	Is your relationship stressing you to the limits? Dillinger taps in. You know you’ve been there.
#25 Home	Waterr & Wavy Da Ghawd (ft. Spoda)	One of the hardest working emcees in 2024 delivered many great moments but this is among my favorites.
#26 Sins Of The Father	Supreme Cerebral (ft. Eloh Kush and O The Great) (prod. by Swab)	Swab laces a beautiful canvas and these emcees put it to work. One of the best posse cuts this year.
#27 Lunar Stroll	CG The Producer (ft. Revalation x MKDel x Lateb)	Let your mind drift as though it was on a space walk. This song will help you. Great song.
#28 A Different Kind Of Payne	RJ Payne & BP	Payne gets deep and personal over some eloquent BP production. Hear the inner pain.
#29 Lessons	Willie The Kid & VDon (ft. Eto and Rome Streetz)	Another one of the best combos in the game unleashed excellence this year. And this is among the best.
#30 Symbiote Suits	Daniel Son & Futurewave	Vicious. This joint is just vicious. If the phantom of the opera hit the streets, this is the epic it will tell.
#31 Illuminati Money	Planet Asia & 38 Spesh (ft. Klass Murda and Tristate)	Spesh and Asia win again combining all their superlatives for another banger. This beat and these lyrical skills…wow.
#32 Korean Kimchi	Jay Royale (ft. Vega7 The Ronin)	Jay Royale is vastly underrated. Such a talent! Here you can listen to him deliver alongside Vega7 over a really dope production. Love the vocal sample.
#33 LoFi	Guttr (Havoc x RJ Payne x Ras Kass)	Hip Hop supergroup put the industry back in it’s place with this one. Lyrical swordplay over some glorious production from Havoc.
#34 We Never Believe Anybody	Double Life (*LRoneous x Gennessee**)	Two emcees with distinctly different styles that unite to do something so dope…time and time again…favorite song off this year’s project.
#35 Green Screen	Copywrite (prod. by Evidence)	Lyricism you are accustomed to from Copy over the years and doing so over the freshest of beats from Ev.
#36 The Iron I Toss	The Bad Seed (ft. MIMS x Honey Dinero x Nam Nitty) (prod. by JR Swiftz)	You want a dope posse cut? I got you. 6th Man shit! JR Swiftz laces the production as each emcee shows and proves.
#37 Hour After Hour	Tek & Stu Bangas	“No success without sacrifice…life without music” Tek and Stu Bangas created something memorable in 2024
#38 Gucci Gambinos	Mickey Diamond (ft. Pro Dillinger)	Umbrella over everything! Diamond and Dillinger over Big Ghost…you know it’s godly. Super tough.
#39 Mask On, Mask Off	Maze Overlay & Swab	Best song off of a great album from 2024. Maze and Swab give you some dope hip hop that knocks.
#40 Born Alone, Die Alone	Snak The Ripper	You want to hear the rock bottom of unhinged? Here we go! Snak delivers the darkness in the dopest way possible.
#41 Esoteric	Skyzoo	I said it before and I will say it again, Skyzoo is a PROFESSIONAL emcee. You can hear that on this excellent cut!
#42 Los Angeles	Blu & Evidence	From their city to yours! Blu and Ev bring a piece of California to your eardrums with their superlative tradecraft.
#43 Master Seminar	Eyeree Beats (ft. Jay Royale, Snotty, and Supreme Cerebral)	Producers getting their due on HHD. Beautiful production with right emcees to do the job!
#44 OMG	Philmore Green	One of the best albums of the year also has one of the best songs. Great lyricism, production, and scratches.
#45 Heat Wave	Murderers Row (Outerspace x King Syze x Reef The Lost Cause)	Really looking forward to this full project. So great to hear these guys deliver such heat on the same song.
#46 Money On The Line	Chuck N Lock (prod. by Oppenheimer)	The tandem never fails to deliver bars that make you rewind profusely. A style unto themslves. Genius.
#47 So Long	Paradime	Paradime can make some great songs! This one has you reminiscing and singing that chorus alongside him.
#48 Listen	V-Styles	Introspective and thought provoking music that will get you to do exactly that…Listen!
#49 Blood In, Blood Out	Bozack Morris (ft. Asun Eastwood x Lex Tallonis)	Some songs on this list are just filthy. This song fits that category. Morris unleashes the sinister on this one!
#50 The Summit	Kail Problems & DJ Hoppa	Another fiya beat from DJ Hoppa lends itself to another win with Kail Problems delivering bar after dope bar.

December 8, 2024 stefanoneder Video

O The Great – Cidade De Deus Pt. 2 (ft. Supreme Cerebral (Video)

O The Great is back with a new video single, Cidade De Deus Pt. 2, featuring long time collaborator, Supreme Cerebral. Here’s they are rocking over a production from appropriately titled producer, Isac No Beat. I say that because we have a drumless production which is either usually excellent, or something I will pass over quick. But since I posted it, you can imagine it is the former. The haunting vocal sample has more than enough charm to it as the emcees supply the artillery to make this joint pop.

November 28, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Supreme Cerebral – Sins Of The Father (ft. Eloh Kush & O The Great) (prod. by Swab)

I was excited back in April when I heard that Supreme Cerebral and Swab were linking for a project, Son Of Hannibal. I knew this would be a great combination. But then I didn’t hear anything for months. And Supreme Cerebral was sharing music from other projects, and I just assumed it was tabled…but that’s what I get for assuming. With the release of the single, Sins Of The Father, we get another taste of what is possible…this beat by Swab is sensational. I love the vocal loop. And Cerebral, Eloh Kush, and O the Great drop scorching verses.

This album is going to be a sure shot. Dropping in January!

October 27, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Supreme Cerebral – Build Or Destroy (ft. Alphabetic)

A new single from Supreme Cerebral produced by The Architect and with guest bars from Alphabetic. The production is subdued and presents a laid back canvas for the emcees for the emcees to Build Or Destroy.

This is cloth made by angel wings / I’m nice with words from A to Z / Amazingly I’m flavory / Yet wicked as some slavery / It pays to be pervasively aware / Over drum and snare…

July 21, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Eyeree Beats – Master Seminar (Ft. Jay Royale, Snotty & Supreme Cerebral)

Again, not an “official” single but I really wanted to share and spotlight this track from Eyeree Beats project, .Wav Gawd. Master Seminar is another tough track this year with some serious hitters on the mic. Jay Royale, Snotty, and Supreme Cerebral, hop on some intoxicating production from Eyeree and leave those scorching sixteens. This joint is simply bulletproof and I hope you enjoy and cop the project.

June 29, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Grime Lords – Polo Duffle (ft. Supreme Cerebral)

It’s that hardbody hip hop coming from a couple of the heaviest hitters in the Virginia hip hop scene. Born Unique and Pete Twist have been honing their craft and bring you that raw for years as the Grime Lords. Hard hitting drums, and a piano riff lead the way for Unique and west coast powerhouse Supreme Cerebral to lick shots over. This is a tough track and I would expect nothing less.

June 9, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: Supreme Cerebral – Never Let You Go (prod. by The Kurse)

Supreme Cerebral and The Kurse release a soulful steez for the track Never Let You Go. The initial feel from The Kurse’s production is that this going to be a laid back track, but Cerebral’s pen game is always the sharpest blade and prone to cutting the competition on any sound scape.

April 7, 2024 stefanoneder Video

Supreme Cerebral & Swab – Grimy Life (ft. Big Twins) (Video)

Supreme Cerebral and Swab are linking up for a project called the Son Of Hannibal, and I am very excited for this one. I think the vicious flows of Cerebral make a great pairing with Swab’s production! You can hear it here with Big Twins linking up for the track, Grimy Life. That somber piano loop, those drums, and those grimy flows say it all! This is a highlight foe 2024.