You want a tough as nails release for 2025? Well I am going to give it to you, and the proof lies over head. The Guillotine from The Umbrella’s own Substance810 and Big Trip is certified bulletproof release! This project (of which I have listened to three times) is one of the best releases under The Umbrella banner. It is one of the best releases of 2025, and each song hits as hard as the last. But if I had to pick a joint…Medusa, produced by Hobgoblin, might be it. The piano keys, the vocal sample, and these drums are menacing. But not soooo menacing that you can’t hear the cold ferocity in these emcees’ bars. Damn. So good.
Pro Dillinger & Futurewave – Say So (Video)
Pro Dillinger and Futurewave not only are among the most talented in their respective crafts but they are two of the hardest working artists in the industry. They are relentless in putting out some of the best music we have heard in 2024 and they united for one of the best projects this year in Dirtwave, Vol. 1. On the joint Say So, you hear Futurewave bringing that magic on the boards (best way I can describe it, a style unto itself), and Dillinger delivering gritty bars, telling you that he is in full control of what he’s doing. This is a tremendous project. Don’t sleep!
Substance810 & Clypto – Gargoyles (ft. O The Great & DJ Grazzhoppa)
If this song doesn’t get you hype about the new album from Substance810 and Clypto, I don’t know what quite would do the trick. This joint is a smash! The production got’s some street Phantom Of The Opera organ vibes going and with DJ Grazzhoppa on the cut, this joint is a direct hit, don’t miss! Love the ODB sample mixed in, and then the smooth yet sharp deliveries from Substance810 and O the Great really compliment not only the track but each other. Love this joint!
Check the album, Wise Words, out now!
Big Trip – Death Wish (Video)
The Umbrella has been doing big things in the last several years. But one of the lesser known quantities of the unit (at least for me) was Big Trip. Well, as they say, if you didn’t know then, you know now. Big Trip comes out guns blazing with this Jamil Honesty infused heat rock. This joint knocks, and Trip can see death around the corner.
New project, Honestly Filthy, is completely produced by Honesty, and he does a really amazing job behind the boards, and Trip really impresses. I can’t get enough of this release.
Single You Out: The Umbrella – Shifty
The Umbrella is taking over. Of this there is no doubt and I love the fact the collective did a single under the name. Substance810, Pro Dillinger, Snotty and Josiah The Gift rock over some superlative production from Mosbeats. I love the beat flip that occurs on Josiah’s verse. But on the whole, these artists ALWAYS bring that A-Game. It’s so time for The Umbrella to release that ‘family album’. So much talent in this group. Each artist brings something to the table. Love that.
Snotty – Better Days (Prod. Txger Vppercvt) (Video)
The Umbrella veteran, Snotty, eases into the cut dropping some gems over some short and smooth production from TXGER VPPCVT. You already know! Everything Snotty and the team drop gets a listen and a spot. Consistent dopeness.
Single You Out: Snotty – Real Love (prod. by Brisk Fingaz)
You know what time it is! It’s time for the Big Umbrella! And Snotty knows how to deliver a high level of potenecy in a short period of time. And when he rocks over this Brisk Fingaz beat, it sounds like a dusty jazz club vibe with tales from our emcee taking front and center on a smoke filled stage. Sleep not!
Mondo Slade – Tone Loc (ft. Pro Dillinger) (Video)
Here’s a fresh video single from Mondo Slade’s new album, Shoots & Ladders. The beat by King Rem is uptempo and infectious. It builds that good vibe and adrenaline for verses from Slade and Pro Dillinger. Both emcees deliver on their end of the bargain with some solid sixteens. Really dope collaboration that turned out to make this song the sure shot.
Make sure you go check the album if you are feeling this cut.
Single You Out: Allah Preme x 29Kill – Black Theater
Allah Preme has been grinding heavy under The Umbrella banner as of late, and I am feeling alot of the man is putting out there. He’s got some heavy hitters out there and it’s about time we start showing the some love on here.
This is a shorter track but no less dope. A quick sixteen over some 29Kill production for the win.
Single You Out: Zaza God – Heard You (ft. Pro Dillinger & Grea8Gawd) (Prod. Irie-1)
This song is THE joint right now. Wow. I really feel this jazzy boom bap beat from Irie-1. It really hits hard, yet has a melodic appeal. Zaza God, Pro Dillinger, and Grea8gawd all drop some stellar sixteens, but the opening verse (Is this Zaza God? I am guessing so) is a superlative introduction to this artist. From the jump, after I heard him flip the word “king” I was sold.
This is flames.
Hip Hop Dependency 