Black Rob "Life Story 2" (Album Stream)

Life Story 2 is a posthumous album from former Bad Boy recording artist, Black Rob, who passed away on April 17, 2021 (he died of cardiac arrest at age 52). Executive produced and spearheaded by D. Dot, Life Story 2 includes features from Kid Capri, Sway, Faith Evans, Smoke DZA, G. Dep, Kali Ranks, Joell Ortiz, Grandmaster Caz and of course, D. Dot as The Mad Rapper. Production is handled by Hitmen producers Nashiem, Carlos Broady, Yogi (Cru) and D-Dot, as well as Buckwild and more. With several interludes, the album boasts an ambitious 31 flavorful tracks and may represent the entirety of his vaulted music. His debut album is still a gem with several classic records that I revisit to this day. I recommend checking out this new nostalgic gem at your earliest convenience...

Westside Gunn & Conway "Hall & Nash II" (Album Stream)

Hall & Nash 2 is the collaborative album by Westside Gunn & Conway The Machine, entirely produced by The Alchemist. "When I first linked with Westside Gunn & Conway, the original plan was to do a Hall & Nash 2 tape. From the first day in the lab, I knew I needed these guys on my beats more than they needed my beats. The shit was coming out crazy, they linked with School Boy Q one day at my spot and made one, we knew we had something good. While we were finishing the project, they signed their deal with Shady. We ended up changing the plan to drop H&N2, and over time used some of the songs for different things, but a handful of songs never came out, & the original version of the album was never released. Now for the first time, the OG version of Hall & Nash 2 will be released on vinyl, cd and tape." Listen to their collaborative album H&N 2 below...

Elzhi & Oh No "Heavy Vibrato" (Album Stream)

Known for weaving together complex rhymes with style, Elzhi has been rapping circles around the competition for more than two decades. After years as a member of iconic group Slum Village, Elzhi’s impressive solo career has included projects produced by acclaimed artists like Black Milk, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Khrysis, and Will Sessions. Now, the Detroit emcee is linking with California beat maestro Oh No for the new collaborative album Heavy Vibrato. The project is a thrilling showcase for Elzhi's lyrical wizardry and cinematic storytelling, as Oh No breathes new life into a compelling tapestry of jazz samples, producing the entire collection. "The only thing you need to absorb this experience is an open mind," says Elzhi. With guest appearances by Blu and Guilty Simpson, Heavy Vibrato taps into an undeniable frequency. Stream their album Heavy Vibrato below...

Benny The Butcher x Thelonious Coltrane "Machine Gun Chords"

Machine Gun Chords is essentially a remixed album with beats by Thelonious Coltrane from Georgia and ripped AI acapellas from Benny The Butcher. Added to it are vocals from Pusha T, Stove God Cooks, Skyzoo, Jadakiss, 38 Spesh, Westside Gunn, Mayhem Lauren, RJ Payne, Conway The Machine, Diddy, Ransom and more. The fine artwork was handled by Wizard Steez. Bootleg, for sure... but creativity is what birthed hip-hop, so using technological advances to create something new is not going too far against the grain. That said, I do respect ownership so if this project gets taken down, I certainly won't be surprised. In the meantime, enjoy Machine Gun Chords streaming below...

Blu "Soul Amazing" (Part 12, Mixed by DJ Jon Doe)

Here's the latest installment in the Soul Amazing feature-mix series by Blu. This time the mix is done by the good homie from the Southern Vangard Radio show, DJ Jon Doe reppin' out of Atlanta. The mix showcases records featuring Blu alongside artists such as Stik Figa, Scienze, Cashus King, L'Orange ("Cafe Lover" is extra DOPE!), The Kickdrums, Kota The Friend, DJ Babu, Dela, Ray West, Breeze Brewin, and a whole lot more. 12 mixes in, you know what to expect and I'll continue to share as they are released. Listen to the mix from Blu and DJ Jon Doe below and hit the tags for more...

DJ Filthy Rich "Enter The Midnight Chamber" (Mix)

30 Years ago, Tribe's 'Midnight Marauders' & Wu's 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' were released on Nov. 9, 1993. For some, a hard decision had to be made that day: Do you go with the conscious vibes of Tribe, or the hard street raps of Wu? The familiar sound of ATCQ, or the debut from the mysterious guys wearing hoodies with stocking caps covering their faces? If you were lucky, you walked out of the store with both (paid or not). Those 2 albums changed many of our lives, so 5 years ago on the 25th anniversary DJ Filthy Rich created 'A Clan Called Wu - Enter The Marauders' as a tribute to both masterpieces. This is the 2nd chamber in the Wu x Tribe blendtape saga. The 1st volume featured Wu's gritty vocals over the jazzy Midnight Marauders instrumentals. This is the reverse combo - Tribe's bouncy vocals over RZA's grimy production. No matter how you combine them, the marriage of the 2 forms like Voltron. All the parts came together to make something new.

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (30th Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

30 years of Black Moon's Enta Da Stage! I [still] remember being in the basement of my boy Chris' spot in Queens, and his older brother pulling out this cassette tape! While it was many of the remixes that from vinyl and maxi-singles that added life to this project, the full LP version is still incredibly dope on its own merit. Wreck and Nervous had shit on lock and can't front on Weeded Records neither. Props to Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich for unveiling this 30th anniversary mix and sharing the following message, "The LP was one of the bricks in the foundation for the Golden Era of east coast hip-hop. Da Beatminerz raw, dusty beats created a unique sound that became the signature of the Boot Camp Clik. This album was very influential to me, so I've decided to put together this mixtape tribute to the NYC legends. Remixes, blends, party breaks, OG samples & B-Sides." Torre Pentel on the comic art above. Dig into another really dope tribute mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Additional images because why the hell not...

V Knuckles & Phoniks "The Next Chapter" (Album Stream)

Welcome to "The Next Chapter," the brand-new hip hop album by Boston's own V Knuckles and beatmaker Phoniks. With a remarkable presence in the underground hip-hop scenes of Boston and Cambridge for over two decades Knux has made his mark globally as part of the legendary group NBS (Natural Born Spitters), gracing stages on six continents. The title, "The Next Chapter," signifies Knuckles' journey as he embraces a new life chapter, settling down with his fiancé and welcoming a baby boy into the world. This narrative unfolds through beats and rhymes, capturing his evolution and newfound inspiration. Knuckles and Phoniks brought a team of underground legends with them on this project including the iconic Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), Fredro Starr (of Onyx), Termanology, Edo. G, Reks, Awon, Flash (of NBS), and more. Each artist adds a unique flavor, resulting in a dynamic and captivating album that not only pays homage to underground hip-hop's roots but also propels it into 'The Next Chapter.' Listen to it V Knuckles & Phoniks' collaborative album below...

Beneficence & Jazz Spastiks "Summer Night Sessions" (Album Stream)

New Jersey, Brick City hip-hop MC Beneficence and UK based producer duo Jazz Spastiks unearth a timeless treasure with the release of their collaboration album "Summer Night Sessions". With a completely jazzy street feel and slick written, soothing, intellectual lyrics the Ill Adrenaline co-founder releases his 8th full length album. Over 25 years of successfully releasing independent music, Beneficence set the bar high by using lo-fi, jazzy boom-bap sounds masterfully. Well selected guest appearances in these "Summer Night Sessions" include Skyzoo, Saukrates, Doodlebug (of Digable Planets), Awon, El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), J-Live, Rakaa Iriscience (of Dilated Peoples), Kid Abstrakt, and Shabaam Sahdeeq. On the first single "Do This, Do That" feat. Awon, Beneficence flows smoothly over simple but captivating horns reminiscing about his come up on the music scene. "At the time I was seated behind Diddy and Biggie, '95 Source Awards keys to the city". "Mic Epps" displays lyricism in its finest form when Beneficence playfully pans between a reference to comedian Mike Epps and microphone episodes. "Civilize 'em with a mic check, I get funny on 'em, Mike Epps, you coming ugly imma swipe left, what we giving you is priceless, the nicest!". The musical marriage between the beautiful sounds of Jazz Spastiks and the sharp pen of Beneficence is tactfully done with rich and hypnotic bangers for hip-hop lovers with an ear for certified dopeness. Listen below...

Supastition "Every Last Word" (Album Stream)

Supastition returns with the first edition of a two-part project. Part One is entitled ‘Every Last Word.’ The two projects are connected in music, concept, and artwork and will be released in tandem a few months apart. Recorded during his most challenging moments throughout the past few years, Supastition documents his struggles with health issues, anxiety, anger, and grief from losing loved ones. The project was written, recorded, and produced by Supastition. As a bonus, the Deluxe Edition also includes the instrumentals and physical vinyl is available for the project as well. Props to DJ Robert Smith who features on the project with razor sharp cuts and as always, Supa overdelivers with introspective lyrics and clever rhymes. Listen to Supa's Every Last Word below...

DJ Premier "Beats That Collected Dust, Vol. 3" (Instrumental Album)

DJ Premier is back with a bang, unleashing the third volume of his iconic series, "Beats That Collected Dust." Renowned for his unmatched production skills, Premier has curated a masterpiece that's pure hip-hop at its core. These beats, originally crafted for artists like Westside Gunn, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, now emerge from the shadows as a testament to Premier's timeless artistry. In a digital age, Premier pays homage to hip-hop's roots with an exceptionally limited vinyl release of the project too. Don't miss out on owning a piece of hip-hop history, order HERE and listen to the project below! Y'all know it, DJ Premier is undeniably the G.O.A.T. in my eyes!

Marco Polo & Torae "Midnight Run" (Album Stream)

The wait is finally over, Torae & Marco Polo return with their sophomore release Midnight Run, the follow up to their classic debut album Double Barrel. Midnight Run packs 11 tracks that will instantly satisfy fans of the elite lyricism and hard hitting production the duo is known for. The intro “Reloaded” sets the tone from the very beginning and stand outs such as “The Return”, “Makin’ Up” and “Oh No” maintain the momentum throughout. With no guest verses, no bars off and no filler Midnight Run gets directly to what you’ve been waiting for from the “Gray Sheep” Torae and Marco Polo. Go back and dig into Double Barrel too! Good to see them back in the studio together.

Nas "Magic 3" (Album Stream)

Capping off one of the most remarkable runs in modern Hip-Hop history, Magic 3 marks the trilogy of Nas' second album series executively produced by Hit-Boy, the final piece in the producer-rapper duo’s incredible album run. Alongside the King’s Disease trilogy, Nas and Hit' have flooded the music world with six albums in three years, with all being released through Nas' very own record label, Mass Appeal. Released on Nas' 50th birthday, and the year Hip-Hop turns 50 as well, Nas first teased the album during the intro track to Magic 2, “Abracadabra”, when he rapped: "2020 when we did the first one, five album run, not a cursed one, it’s a blessed one / By the time y'all hear this, we be halfway through the next one." Similar to the second Magic album, the LP came with little orchestrated hype, as Nasir ultimately announced the final Hit-Boy-produced album on September 12th, 2023. Nas revealed the tracklist for his seventeenth studio album in the hours before it’s release. The LP contains fifteen songs, with one feature (Lil Wayne on “Never Die”). All told, the duo’s six albums have produced over 80 tracks, with memorable guest appearances from The Firm, Eminem, A$AP Rocky, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne along the way. As this streak of high-quality music has etched it’s name into the history books, the next step in Nas' illustrious career remains to be seen. - via Genius. Happy Born Day to one of the G.O.A.T.s, Nas! Stream Nas and Hit-Boy's Magic 3 below...

Blu & Real Bad Man "Bad News" (EP Stream)

Real Bad Man keeps expanding his circle of collaborators by teaming up with fellow LA native Blu on their brand new collaboration effort "Bad News". Blu's introspective, intricate and mind bending rhymes perfectly blend with Real Bad Man's fresh and sample-heavy productions, creating a unique piece of works, boasting guest appearances by NY legend CL Smooth as well as Planet Asia, Cashus King, Donel Smoke and Definite. While only 8 tracks, this is a great little EP that showcases Blu's ability to wrestle with demons and come out the other side with unique perspectives and introspective lyrics. They overdelivered with this one, check out Blu/RBM's latest, Bad News, below...

9th Wonder "Zion IX" (Instrumental Album)

Zion IX is the latest installment in 9th Wonder's prolific Zion instrumental series that dates back to 2016. With considerable replay value, there are 34 instrumentals on IX, and the Durham, North Carolina producer sounds as focused as ever. 9th has been reppin' the culture as a lecturer and record executive (Jamla Records), and while I haven't heard as many collaborative releases in recent years, his extensive catalog puts him among the top producers to represent that soul-based sample sound that we all grew to love. On occasion I still go back and revisit his epic episode of Rhythm Roulette, his energy making that beat is still infectious to me. Anyhow, stream Zion IX below...

Joell Ortiz "Signature" (Album Stream)

On "Signature," Joell Ortiz's raw lyrical prowess converges with L’Orange's creative brilliance, resulting in an album that is truly a musically collaborative masterpiece. Together, they infuse each track with a renewed artistic vision, meticulously reconstructed and reimagined. The result is a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that invites you to experience Joell Ortiz in a wholly novel and captivating way. Drawing inspiration from Ortiz's influential legacy, L'Orange crafts beats that exude an undeniable vintage charm, while also pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration. The attention to detail infuses the music with an intoxicating intensity, creating a striking fusion of classic hip-hop vibes and haunting undertones a sonic landscape that pays homage to Ortiz's unparalleled talent while showcasing a new dimension of artistic expression. Listen to Joell Ortiz's Signature below...

Chino XL & Stu Bangas "God's Carpenter" (Album Stream)

After co-founding the duo Art of Origin, Chino XL was signed at age 16 by Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. In 2014 he formed a hip hop supergroup along with rappers Vakill, Copywrite, Tame One and producer Stu Bangas called Verse 48. Chino XL now reunites with producer Stu Bangas on this new project, God's Carpenter. It features guest appearances from Mystic, Dj Romes, Violet Revenge and Vinne Paz. I've had the pleasure of connecting with Chino XL numerous times over the years and he's always remained a humble giant. His razor sharp lyricism is an excellent home for Stu Bangas' hard, driving beats. More than anything, it's a gift to continue to see the release of music from Chino XL, who spent the bulk of his career without many physical releases, but maintaining the underground respect for the legend that he is. Stream Chino & Stu's God's Carpenter below...

Nas "Magic 2" (Album Stream)

Magic 2 is the sixteenth studio album by rapper Nas. The album serves as a sequel to Nas' 2021 album Magic, and is the fifth consecutive Nas album produced by Hit-Boy, following the King's Disease trilogy, as well as the first Magic album. I'm amazed at the output from Nas... I can't simply charge it to artists recording and releasing more music to keep up with the appetite of customers, because I just don't believe Nas is motivated that way. I believe he was inspired and caught lightening in a bottle with the production from Hit-Boy. Again. Magic 2 includes features from 50 Cent and 21 Savage. In other news, Nas will join Wu-Tang Clan and De La Soul on the NY State of Mind Tour coming to your city shortly! At last, go listen to Nas and Hit-Boy's Magic 2 album below...

Black Milk "Everything Good?" (Album Stream)

Everything Good? is the eighth studio from Detroit producer and MC, Black Milk. This talented brother has been releasing music for two decades and continues to push the envelope on creativity in his production. The 12-track LP features Quelle Chris, Karriem Riggins, Mick Jenkins, Raphael Saadiq and Phonte. Originally signed through Fat Beats Records, we crossed paths a lot in those early years and Detroit had a stronghold on heavy drums and soulful production at the time. "Long Story Short" off his Tronic album is still one of my favorite beats. Anyone remember the Prince instrumental project that lasted on the internet a cold 10 minutes before it got ripped from the internet? Lol. Listen to his progression on this latest effort, Everything Good? streaming below...

Speaker Bullies "Art of Disrespect" (Album Stream)

First working together on Supastition’s ‘Gold Standard’ album, Supa and Praise debut their new group, Speaker Bullies. The sound is described as "in the same vein as MF Doom or Run the Jewels where anything goes musically.” Supastition’s esteemed career includes acclaimed projects, world tours, and collaborations with KRS One, Little Brother, Royce da 5’9”, Jedi Mind Tricks, RJD2 + more. Known for hard-hitting drums and infectious bass lines, Praise has many production credits including Pharoahe Monch, BJ the Chicago Kid, Joyner Lucas, Torae + more. The group's album ‘Art of Disrespect' album is available below via Soulspazm Records, dig into it! Props to my brother Supa!