The Bad Seed – Hip Hop Dependency

March 10, 2026 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: The Bad Seed – John Q

Few have been more prolific and consistently dope in the last 10 years than The Bad Seed. A week or so ago he released his latest album, Book Of Himothy: Verse IV. This album conitnues his streak of really dope projects illustrating a talent that is not just tested in time, but getting better with it. The song that hit me hardest on this one is the most personal, John Q (named after the Denzel Washington movie). As we get older we handle things like sickness and mortality. It’s always fragile and not always graceful. The Bad Seed put his humanity on display. I can relate.

December 29, 2025January 10, 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 – El Gant & Martello Sousa	*Art Piece* (ft. Ras Kass)	If hip hop had a theme song in 2025…it was this. Art Piece is the pulse of the year when two of the most talented lyricists combine over a production such as the one Sousa provides. So step up your cipher in the coming year…THIS was the gold standard. Off of the *Gantatello* album.
#2 – Ransom & DJ Premier	*A Cut Above*	Oh c’mon…this beat by Premier is holy. Nothing less than holy. And Ransom’s ability to string thoughts and ideas across rhyme in unparalleled. No on packs so much meaning both detected and undetected than he. Off of *The Reinvention*.
#3 – Propaganda & DJ Sean P	*All My Life*	The song that most engaged me and thoughts of my own life was this one. This one just hit me next level. God’s lessons and blessings are inevitable and every time I hear this track I am reminded. Off the album Your Arms Are Too Short to Box Wit God.
#4 – Eddie Kaine	*Maurice & Shaunice*	Best storytelling joint of the year? Yes…this one. Eddie Kaine delivers a tale that you won’t hear the likes of in 2025. Really demonstrating a keen ability to weave a narrative and showcasing another level of what Kaine is capable of. Off of *Crown me Kaine*.
#5 – Water Buffalos	*Pieces* (ft. Illmac)	Some tracks just connect with you and this is one such joint. If you are searching and looking for answers or perhaps trying to figure out that missing piece in your day…this is the joint for you. Off of *World War 3*
#6 – Spit Gemz	*Bag Work*	No one brings it more consistently than Gemz. When he takes the mic…truth is spoken unabated with a delivery meant to stick the point…and this track…damn. Off of the *Diamond Cut EP*
#7 – John Jigg$ & Butterknife Haircuts	Vladimir	I have been promoting music from Jigg$ from the jump. I think his talent and dexterity is boundless and when you give him a beat like this with scratches from Tone Spliff…it’s game over! Off of *Teflonious Monk*.
#8 – Lateb & Kore	*Love & Sin*	How about a song that get so stuck in your head you are compelled to share it? that’s what we have here wit this single. This track is simple something to vibe out to in a perfectly infectious way. Off of the *& EP*
#9 – Substance810 & Big Trip	*Medusa*	It’s The Umbrella yet again flexing their sounds and skill and this time it’s over a flamethrower from Hobgoblin. This beat and polished pen game are simply top notch. Off of The Guillotine.
#10 – Fashawn & Sir Veterano	*My Crown*	Great track off of one of the best albums of the year in, *All Hail The King 2*. And with these two combining forces on the track I don’t think anyone is going to be lifting that crown from them any time soon.
#11 – M-Dot & Confidence	The Run Around (ft. Kore)	M-Dot has made a literal living of putting his life in these lines and this time he has production from Confidence to support these meaningful bars. And I always appreciate a chorus from Kore to top it off. From the album, Library Of Sound.
#12 – Benny Watts & Profound79	No Hook	This tracks is one of the toughest of the year. No frills, just a flow and pen that go for maximum impact. And this beat with the piano and vocal sample leave a heavy imprint on the year. Off of the album, Stovetop Chronicles.
#13 – DJ Mirage	*Lift Up* (ft. M-Dot, Big Shug, and Lil Fame)	I could have picked a couple of ill joints from Mirage’s album, *Background Check*. The project is super ill, but this one spoke the most to me. The beat with the vocal sample and quality of the bars coupled with Fame’s energy is not to miss.
#14 – Daniel Son & Ghost Notes	*T.O.*	Daniel Son has been synonymous with putting out dope releases since 2018. He never disappoints and always delivers a premium product…and as the chorus says…”I love me some me…” Off of the collaborative *The Estes Method*.
#15 – Tabinstereo & Anitek	*Captain’s Log*	Not only a great song but this by far was also my favorite video of 2025. The anmiation and creative vision was super slick. Music than you can sit back an enjoy. Off of the *Indigo Immaculate* album.
#16 – Ayoo Bigz	*Cheque Day* (ft. Daniel Son)	This is one of my most played songs of the year. Damn I love this beat and I love how the two emcess trade bars. This is the height of illness. From the album, *Unholy Scriptures*.
#17 – Asun Eastwood & MK Ortiz	Debaucherous Diary	This is one of the more personal tracks from the album, *Ask God For Help* . The beat is a sublime canvas for Eastwood to put his thoughts and perspective.
#18 – Sayzee	*Cha Cha*	Yes. It’s another Machacha sighting! This time flipping two beats for one of the dopest joints on Sayzee’s #1 album…*Word On The Street Is God Wants You Dead*.
#19 – Slaine & Statik Selektah	Coka Grillz (ft. Paul Wall & Ill Bill)	It’s the return of La Coka with a twist. Selektah hits us with a sick bass line while Slaine, Ill Bill, and none other than Paul Wall drop verses. this song hits just right. Off the album, *A New State Of Grace*.
#20 – Snotty & Goodphella	*Nobody’s Safe*	Last track from *The Blue Carpet* album and it just sticks with you. That beat, the lyricism, and the chorus make this joint a sure shot for the year. Umbreall over everything!
#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 Sayzee & Lupara	*Word On The Street Is God Wants You Dead*	First…best title for an album ever! Secondly the content matches the cover. I thought time and time again where this album would sit on a list of recommendations…and it’s undoubtedly first. The Lupara gang lace you not with just 14 beats but likely 28 as they so some impeccable switch ups. And Sayzee makes each snare worth it’s weight in lyricism. Canada brought it in 2025 and Sayzee with the crown.
#2 Fashawn & Sir Veterano	*All Hail The King 2*	Rarely do sequeals surpass their predecessors. This is true in literature, movies, and music. Typically. Not true here. Producer and emcess deliver a master class of emceeing and production…lacing you with dope track after dope track. This is exceptional music!
#3 Asun Eastwood & MK Ortiz	*Ask God For Help*	I said this in the description of one of the singels I reviewed for this project…growth. This album is about growth. It is the maturation of time, experience, and talent. There are no flaws in this album. Eastwood brings an elevated pen while Ortiz showcases some of the best produciton in 2025.
#4 M-Dot & Confidence	*Library Of Sound*	This is M-Dot’s best album to date in my opinion. The work put in with one producer (Confidence) gives this album a distinct sound where each song belongs and yet is distinctive. Perfect audible canvas where one of our favorite emcee’s thoughts can live.
#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.

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.

March 2, 2024 stefanoneder Singles

Single You Out: The Bad Seed – Lebron Shoes (ft. Ethemadassassin x LR Blitzkrieg)

The Bad Seed is only accelerating when it comes to making great music. He just released Everything Means Nothing Vol. 1 and now he’s coming with the sequel in just over a month. And these aren’t filler tracks or left overs…the verbal artillery and the production is top notch. Freakshow is on the boards crafting the perfect backdrop for a posse cut. The guitar loop with the drums is perfect for Seed, Ethemadassassin, and LR Blitzkrieg to conduct their takeover. The pen game on this joint is elite. I especially like Ethemadassassin’s sports bars and metaphors. This is a sure shot!

Everything Means Nothing Vol. 2 coming in April!

February 6, 2024February 4, 2024 stefanoneder Single You Out

Single You Out: The Bad Seed – The Iron Toss (ft. Mims x Honey Dinero x Nam Nitty)

Fire in the hole! The Bad Seed and company regulated in harsh and talented ways over this JR Swiftz heat rock with Tone Spliff on the scratches. Seed, Mims, Honey Dinero, and Nam Nitty each body sixteens on this one. This smacks to me of the first REAL banger of 2024.

Everything Means Nothing, Vol. 1 drops today!!! Pick that up!

November 30, 2023 stefanoneder Video

The Bad Seed – Stand On It (Video) (prod. by Nottz)

The fantastic combination of The Bad Seed and Nottz deliver again with the video single, Stand On It. The song fuses uptempo hip hop, with that raw gritty lyricism, on top of real belief that you mean what you say and you don’t back off of it. Very similar to the duo’s single a few years ago, Belt Off, The Bad Seed and Nottz deliver that substance coupled with talent to set a crooked world straight.

Irene Taylor’s Grandson coming soon!

July 29, 2023 stefanoneder Video

The Bad Seed & JR Swiftz – Def Leppard (Video)

The Bad Seed and JR Swiftz deliver a one handed beat down with the video single, Def Leppard. I love the guitar loop Swiftz uses for this single, and you should know by now that Seed only drops lava rocks in his verses. I’ve told you a multitude of times that this artist has only gotten better with time. He proves it every year. So consistent and so dope.

The NEW project is here, Strike The Shepherd. And you need to cop. This man only makes dope music.

April 22, 2023 stefanoneder Video

The Bad Seed – Yall Whylin (Video)

I keep on preaching through this site and other social media platforms on the talents of The Bad Seed. A clear cut case of an artist who just keeps getting better and better as the years go on. The voice, the turn of phrase, and ear for beats make everything this man puts out an auto-purchase. Nam Nitty laces a soulful yet boom bap soundscape for Seed to drop dope bar after bar. Really great track off of is recently released, …Oh and another thing…

They say I got a knack for this rap…agreed, I do

January 28, 2023February 12, 2023 stefanoneder 2022

50 Best Songs Of 2022

Lists of this magnitude are tough to do and I take a great deal of pride in crafting. I think the first ten to fifteen are easy to distinguish and then after, I think the places can be somewhat become interchangeable. All great tracks, where the pecking order becomes less discernible. So many artists could have been included multiple times on this list, but then we lose depth. Artists like Mickey Diamond and Jay Royale could have had multiple entries. As it stands only one emcee, Ransom, got two tracks selected for this list.

In the end, this is a testament to the strength of hip hop in 2022. We can agree to disagree on many points but maybe you will find something dope you hadn’t heard or a new artist to support. This is my hope.

Thanks for your time and readership!

-Stef aka thathiphopguy

Song	Artist	Notes
#1 – Done	M-Dot & Apollo Brown	This is the track that sets the tone for the entire year and this is what M-Dot and Apollo Brown typify: Hard work and talent!
#2 – Unruly	Vandal & Nottz	A song that gets caught in the head and does not let go. It is a personal anthem.
#3 – Power Nap	Nicholas Craven & Boldy James	Boldy and Craven is a beautiful union and nobody makes me crave a little rest like this cut. Beautiful music.
#4 – A Most Dreadful Symphony	Ransom & V Don	This song’s whole vibe gives me chills.
#5 – Chain Gretzky	Mickey Diamond & Big Ghost	No song went harder than this in 2022.
#6 – War I Bring	Sherm LaRock & Midaz	No song went harder than this in 2022…except above
#7 – Area 57 (ft. Skyzoo)	J57	Dope rhymes. Fluid flows. A Change Up. Perfect.
#8 – Qtna	Defcee & Boathouse	From the best album of 2022, you would expect a Top 10 song.
#9 – Highly Favored (ft. Bub Styles & Mickey Diamond)	Ty Farris & Slim One	It’s raw hip hop with a fantastic producer and three consummate emcees.
#10 – Linchpins (ft. Prince Po)	Guilty Simpson	The strings are glorious and the rhymes abound.
#11 – Everywhere I Go (ft. Muja Messiah, Guilty Simpson, and Copywrite)	Dub Sonata	The connections and cohesion on this joint are unparalleled. So clever!
#12 – Paint Pictures (J.Rocc Remix)	XP The Marxman	Hip-Hop holds true to it’s purest form on this joint.
#13 – The Most Exalted	IAMGAWD	Pen game is strong with this one. Glorious.
#14 – 3x	Madhattan & NV	Pied Piper type smooth. Follow the flute and dope flow.
#15 – Sal’s Pizza	38 Spesh & Harry Fraud	Spesh and Fraud are an elite combination, and you can hear it here.
#16 – Why Bitch	Starvin B & DustyVibes	Starvin B is a regular on these lists and this year is no different.
#17 – No Time To Waste (ft. Jadakiss)	Apathy & Stu Bangas	If you love sick lyricism this is the joint for you.
#18 – Cancel Myself	Ren Thomas & Brutal Caesar	You make a mockery of hip hop so Thomas and Caesar make a mockery of you.
#19 – Immortals (ft. Casual)	Lunar Heights	Great track and the Casual cameo is spot on.
#20 – Keeper Of The Flame	Mooch & Oh Jay	Smooth track and crisp flow.
#21 – Gunsmithz (ft. Phat Kat, Asun Eastwood, Recognize Ali)	Ol’ Man 80zzz	Another track in 2022 that knocks harder than most.
#22 – Stuck In Our Ways (ft. Rigz, MAV, Mooch)	Real Bad Man	It’s Da Cloth!!! Flames!
#23 – Carlito & Kleinfeld	Jay Royale & Kool G Rap	It’s that certified street shit featuring a legend with one of today’s strongest.
#24 – Bone Tomahawk	Spit Gemz	This is an intro to Gemz project and packs a lot of heat in a minute’s time.
#25 – Fire Slingers (ft. Snak The Ripper)	N.B.S.	Yeah. This track stays true to the namesake. They are spitting flames on here.
#26 – Scud Missle	Planet Asia & Snowgoons	Legends unite to give you this heat rock. These guys are at the pinnacle of their craft.
#27 – Roar Of The Lions	El Gant	Another track that just “feels” like hip hop. It gets you hype to be a fan.
#28 – Slay	Johaz & Nottz	Nottz does it again this time taking you to church with Johaz.
#29 – Dis Could Be Bad	MAV	It could be bad, but MAV is oh so good.
#30 – Raekwon’s Table	Ullnevano & God Sense Beats	Not all are worthy to sit at Raekwon’s Table. But these artists show and prove.
#31 – Lo Pan	Teek Hall	Teek Hall is name you should know and when this song gets caught in your head, you’ll remember.
#32 – Hans Gruber (ft. Lil Fame)	Wais P & Pete Twist	Bruce Willis may not approve but the hip hop community agrees this is a banger.
#33 – Diamond Backs (ft. Daniel Son)	Maze Overlay	Northside and AZ link up over some Farma heat.
#34 – Compromised	Ransom	Ransom is too talented to not make this list twice.
#35 – Guerrero (ft. Westside Gunn)	Benny the Butcher	The power and talent of Griselda is undeniable. This joint feels like it was actually made in a lab.
#36 – Triple Threat (ft. RIM & Frankky Smaccz)	Eddie Kaine	Flamethrower bars over some production from the talented Hobgoblin.
#37 – Both Sides	The Tangiers	Every time this cut comes on, my head nods instantly. Drops heavy.
#38 – One Bridge (ft. Fashawn & K-Prez)	Snowgoons	The organ that drives this track is the perfect set up. And the emcees give such great energy!
#39 – Bars After Bars	Fatt Father & DJ Jewels Baby	The Wu-Tang flip is insane and the bars and flow speak for themselves.
#40 – Museum Piece (ft. Torae)	Napoleon Da Legend & Just Music Beats	This song has the necessary hype and talent equivalent to make the list. Lyricism for days.
#41 – Hamster Wheel	Locksmith	One of the most authentic artists in hip hop delivers a virtuoso performance.
#42 – Tyrant	Shabaam Sahdeeq & John Jigg$	Two of my favorites link up for some lyrical gold here.
#43 – Dudesovadere (ft. Dro Pesci)	Mic Handz	This project is full of bangers and needs to be heard. This is just one of those harbody tracks.
#44 – Too Convinced	Nelson Dialect & BigBob	This joint is just so melodic. It honestly should be higher on this list but what’s done is done. Incredible track.
#45 – Queens Gambit	Shaz Illyork & Buon Anni	So good to hear Illyork over these banging beats from Buon Anni.
#46 – Big Coffins (ft. Mickey Diamond and Pro Dillinger)	Snotty	It’s The Umbrella posse cut that bodies the competition.
#47 – Bill and Fame (ft. Tone Spliff)	The Bad Seed	A tribute of sorts to M.O.P. and no one is more set to do it properly than Seed!
#48 – Riot	Daniel Son x Futurewave x 36 Cypher	Yes. This joint could easily cause a riot. Everything is intense on this cut.
#49 – It’s Like That (ft. DJ Grazzhoppa)	Supreme Cerebral	Supreme Cerebral slays tracks and he takes this rock infused beat and wreaks havoc.
#50 – Gawds Wrath Massacre (ft. Don Streat x Rico Blox x J Fliz x Jae Hussle x Street Da Villain)	Slik Jack & Kng Bondalero)	I needed to set off the list with this ill posse cut because this beat by Bondalero is an anthem.

July 28, 2021 stefanoneder Video

The Bad Seed – Already Dead (prod. by Snowgoons) (Video)

Very few have been as prolific as The Bad Seed has been in the last couple of years, but yet somehow that just gets discounted. This man is a beast on the mic! I’ve been listening to him since you could only find his music on 12″, and he is just getting better as the years go on!

Here he demonstrates that high skill level over a beat from none other than the Snowgoons! That’s a match made in heaven in my mind. Those subtle strings and that voice/flow sound like destiny. The results are dope and this is a precursur to the new album, ALPHA which I hope will make it’s way to us soon!