Apollo Brown & Ty Farris "Run Toward The Monster" (Album Stream)

Run Toward The Monster is one of those albums that doesn’t flinch. It sounds like two artists meeting at the exact right moment — not to chase relevance, but to tell the truth clearly. Apollo Brown lays the foundation with production that’s heavy and soaked in soul. These aren’t beats built for spectacle. They feel lived in. Weathered. Like they’ve already survived somethin. And then Ty Farris doesn’t waste a second. His approach here is direct and disciplined. No overreaching. No fantasy rap. Just grown-man perspective, delivered with precision and weight. He raps like someone who understands the cost of avoidance — that running from fear only gives it more room to grow. The “monster” in this album isn’t a metaphor you have to decode. It’s anxiety, trauma, responsibility, doubt, pride — the things most people circle around instead of confronting. Apollo’s beats amplify that tension perfectly. The soul samples are gritty, sometimes ominous, sometimes reflective, always grounded. Drums knock without overstatement. The music leaves space — and Ty fills it with clarity. This is the kind of pairing where neither artist overshadows the other. They move in sync, locked into the same emotional frequency. There’s nothing flashy here. No attempt to modernize the sound for playlists. No empty hooks chasing momentum. Just intentional rap music, built on survival, self-awareness, and standing firm in who you are — even when it’s uncomfortable. This is cold-weather listening. Headphones on. World muted. An album that doesn’t offer escape, but instead encourages confrontation. And in that honesty, it finds its power. Dig into Apollo Brown & Ty Farris's LP below...

Apollo Brown "Elevator Music" (Instrumental Album)

Apollo Brown returns with Elevator Music, a full-length instrumental suite that’s anything but passive. This is mood music in the purest sense: rich, warm, and tailor-made for thinkers, builders, writers, and late-night drivers. Brown has always been a master of soul-chop alchemy, and this project proves he doesn’t need a single voice to make you feel something. The concept? Simple but sharp: reclaim the phrase “elevator music” and turn it into something head-nodding and meditative. Each track floats, but never drifts. There’s intention behind every loop. The textures are dusty but lush — think vintage Detroit warmth, filtered and fat, with drums that thump just enough to stay grounded. You can hear echoes of Clouds and Thirty Eight, but this is its own thing entirely. It may seem minimal on first listen, but the layers are all there. Apollo Brown knows the power of a perfect loop — and he leans into that with full trust in the craft. Pure instrumental soul, filtered through a Detroit lens. A quiet storm for the real heads. Artwork by Chris B. Murray. Listen below...

Apollo Brown & Crimeapple "This, Is Not That" (Album Stream)

When Apollo Brown and Crimeapple connect, it’s like old film grain under a projector—gritty, timeless. This album isn’t just boom-bap nostalgia; it’s a rebirth of smoke-stained bars, where Crimeapple plays both poet and philosopher, flipping bilingual manteca rhymes with a chef’s precision, stirring up the street grime and serving it with a side of sharp wit. Apollo Brown, as always, builds his beats like ancient architecture—dusty, soulful, and heavy with forgotten stories. These tracks sound like the cracks in the sidewalk talking back, the perfect companion for long nights and even longer thoughts. It’s a sonic novel, a street sermon, and Crimeapple’s wordplay dances through it like grease sizzling in a pan, a reminder that even in decay, there’s beauty. Dig in...

DJ Invasion "Plugs At The Apollo" (Blend Tape)

Plugs At The Apollo, the latest project by DJ Invasion, takes a verbal stroll through Buffalo, with Detroit as the musical back drop. Benny The Butcher's street infested gritty rhymes intertwined with Apollo Brown's vinyl crackling soulful beats, is a classic "What If?" combination, brought to life. Through years of manifesting this clash of styles, "Plugs At The Apollo" will take you on a musical journey through the everyday struggles, harsh realities, and making the almighty dollar, to come out on top.  This came out pretty fresh... Props to DJ Invasion, check out Plugs At The Apollo below...

Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene "Cost of Living" (Album Stream)

Here's the collaborative album between producer Apollo Brown and Chicago MC, Philmore Greene, Cost of Living. Philmore Greene is an ideal match for Brown's sumptuous canvasses, an MC who the Chicago Reader has hailed for making "confident, luxuriant boom-bap." But it's his ability to convey complex emotions, empathetic street narratives, and heartbreaking pathos that make him singular. The Cost Of Living may be high, but Greene and Brown allow you to understand that it is not insurmountable. There are too many losses and not enough gains, but as long as there remains a belief in something deeper and the possibility of something better, hope remains alive. This is soul music in the deepest sense, not as an aesthetic but as a physical place, where heart, philosophy, and the spirit reside. This is something for the ages, a work of tragic timelessness. After all, these issues have been here before us, and they'll be here long after us. Listen to Cost of Living below...

Apollo Brown "This Must Be The Place" (Instrumental Album)

Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown transposed the happiness he’s found in his career, family, and circle of friends into his latest album: This Must Be the Place. Brown’s first instrumental project since the grimy noir, Thirty Eight (2014), This Must Be the Place is a continuation of the celebrated Clouds (2011) and a departure from it. Clouds was melancholic boom-bap made for the fall, the soundtrack to a ruminative walk through a leaf-strewn park beneath gray skies, but This Must Be the Place trades somberness for warm nostalgia and glimmers of hope. Brown offers moments for reflective gratitude and portals of escape through new permutations of East Coast-rooted boom-bap, his drums hitting with concussive force as snares crack like ice on midwestern lakes. Though Brown is a consummate and discerning crate digger, he sought different source material for This Must Be the Place. After soliciting compositions from ten trusted sound designers, Brown holed up in his basement home studio, looping, chopping, and deconstructing their work to create 21 wide-ranging productions. For every instrumental that inspires reflection, another transports you above the clouds and to the cosmos. At every sonic turn, This Must Be the Place can remind you to appreciate living the life you imagined or push you as you navigate there. Listen via MMG below...

Happy Born Day, Apollo Brown! (Playlist)

Happy Born Day to the Detroit homie and talented producer, Apollo Brown. His album discography stretches back to 2007 with his instrumental release of Skilled Trade, followed by Make Do and Mello Music Group's release of The Reset and The Left's Gas Mask. By then, the blog era was in full swing and a he was a favorite of niche bloggers like myself, Dart Adams and others. He's since released collaborative projects with Boog Brown, Hassaan Mackey, Guilty Simpson, Ghostface Killah, Red Pill & Verbal Kent as Ugly Heroes, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Rappher Big Pooh, Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Locksmith, Joell Ortiz, Che Noir and more. One of the most prolific producers with a signature sound that continues to bring hard drums and soulful chops to the forefront. The playlist below shines some light on various tracks from his catalog that still stay in rotation for me, I hope that you enjoy it and give the man his flowers... I know he's cooking up more work as we speak! Oh, and do check out his new debut R&B album collaboration with Raheem DeVaughn... it's called "Lovesick".

Apollo Brown & Che' Noir "As God Intended" (Album Stream)

Buffalo & Detroit are America’s broken dream. They are once thriving cities, now known for frigid temperatures and violent crime. The cities were birthed in a different era, forged in fire, built of cold steel. It follows that the rawest Hip-Hop in recent memory has bled from these two regions. No two artists exemplify this hard truth more than legendary Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Buffalo’s maverick emcee Che’ Noir. The two artists came together to create a sound as natural as calm after the storm. The soulful, head-nodding production of Apollo Brown has been a staple called on by some of the greatest to ever do it. Apollo Brown’s signature style has become an iconic staple of the culture. Meanwhile, Che’ Noir has stepped onto the scene as smoothly as any double dutch veteran. She has emerged as one of the most extraordinary NY talents heard in years. The pair’s new album, “As God Intended”, drifts up and down city streets and offers a glimpse behind closed doors, telling the stories of gunshots, missing fathers, and playing the system. The new album from Apollo Brown & Che’ Noir features Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Ty Farris, and Black Thought. Listen...

Apollo Brown "Sincerely Detroit" (Album Stream)

Detroit has an indelible legacy in hip-hop. From artists like J Dilla to Black Milk, from Denaun Porter to Apollo Brown, Detroit's music has a sound unlike any other. When Apollo Brown set out to create the tribute to his home, he knew he needed to do the city justice. Featuring over fifty Detroit artists, Apollo Brown’s new double disc album, “Sincerely, Detroit,” is a love letter to the culture. From different eras and different walks of life, veterans and newcomers alike lend their styles and deliveries to the twenty-one track album. Featuring artists like Royce Da 5’9”, Black Milk, Trick Trick, Elzhi, Slum Village and many, many more, “Sincerely, Detroit” is a nearly comprehensive look at the styles and flavors of Detroit. While the world watches Detroit for influence, Apollo is back to remind people that Detroit sets a standard for others to follow and is a creative haven for Hip-hop.

Apollo Brown "Anthology" (Mixed by Soulmind)

One of the best producers to come up in the last 10+ years, Apollo Brown represents the soul of Motown and the hard drums that make Detroit a premiere location for Hip-Hop music. Berlin's Soulmind has compiled this "Anthology" running through Apollo Brown's prolific catalog of music. From instrumental albums to collaborative projects with some of the best lyricists in music and still finding time to craft cohesive production albums, Apollo's work ethic puts him in a class of his own. The "Anthology" features tracks with Planet Asia, Boog Brown, Invincible, Guilty Simpson, Hassaan Mackey, Skyzoo, Ghostface Killah, The Left, Ras Kass, Masta Ace, Vinnie Paz, Sean Price, and more. Much respect to Apollo Brown, who I'm thankful to have a relationship with - built out of mutual respect - and I am glad to see him continue to win out here. Oh, and Happy Born Day, brother! 

Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz "Mona Lisa" (Album Stream)

"Detroit producer Apollo Brown has made a name for himself as one of Hip-Hop’s most legendary new producers while maintaining a golden era sound. His production credits are a who’s who of Hip-hop greats from Danny Brown to Ghostface Killah, Ras Kass to Westside Gunn. Even Chance the Rapper used a pair of Apollo beats on his debut mixtapes. Known for bringing the best out of musicians, Apollo has a knack for making timeless classics.  Brooklyn’s Joell Ortiz started on none other than Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label and built a huge buzz in the industry. He’s worked with legends like Just Blaze among others. He then signed to Shady Records as ¼ of the supergroup Slaughterhouse. He’s worked with Hip-Hop titans Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Akon, and Big Daddy Kane. Now the pair of Hip-hop luminaries have their first collaborative album on Mello Music Group. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece: Mona Lisa." - Mello Music Group. Peep the album below...

Apollo Brown & Locksmith "No Question" (Album Stream)

"West Coast Berkeley grad, battle rapper and musician Locksmith has hammered out a reputation as one of Hiphop's most enlightened no punch pulling emcees. From his early appearances on MTV's Freestyle Championship to his frequent Shade 45 appearances, Locksmith always brings cutting lyricism that not only questions the status quo but offers deep truths for reflection. Meanwhile Detroit's Apollo Brown has built his illustrious career on emotive production that draws the best out of already legendary mic kings. From his work with Ras Kass and OC, Skyzoo to Ghostface Killah, Apollo repeatedly creates eyes shut, head nodding, soul stirring perfection for our greatest storytellers to lay their truth bare. So when Richmond & Detroit came together in the studio the answer was "No Question" - a new project that finds Locksmith ruminating on everything from advice to his younger self to his continued drive to rise w/o following in anyones footsteps." - MMG

Apollo Brown & Ghostface "The Brown Tape" (Album Stream)

Narrated by The RZA, this is Ghostface Killah’s brutal tale of gangsters, betrayal and one vengeful soul hunting the 12 most powerful crime lords in the World. The Deluca's pressed Tony's remains into 12 vinyl records - one for each member of the family. But little did they know - he would return... This project is a daring, full-length Crime/Horror concept album. Executive Producer, and Ghostface Killah's longtime Wu-Tang Clan collaborator, The RZA refers to the album as "groundbreaking" in the hip hop genre. Apollo Brown was asked to record an alternate album at the same time as Adrian Younge created “Twelve Reasons To Die.” Keep in mind, the legendary Detroit producer (Apollo Brown) was given access to Ghostface Killah’s recordings and constructed beats around GFK's work. This made the project one of the producer's most challenging projects to date. That hard work has paid of as “The Brown Tape” is also one of the best albums to date from Ghostface Killah or Apollo Brown. Cinematic and nasty, this is Hip-hop at it’s most raw. Dig into The Brown Tape below...

Reks 'H.I.P.H.O.P.' (Prod. by Apollo Brown)

Reks just released visuals for another standout track off last year's phenomenal double-disc album, 'The Greatest X.' The track is the Apollo Brown-produced single, 'H.I.P.H.O.P.' Now, I don't watch a lot of music videos, but I am glad I caught this one because the visuals build from the good vibes on the track. It shows how this culture has spread and impacted so many lives, and it's especially dope to see these brothers traveling the world and making a living off their gifts and their art. Worth mentioning: I've always known Reks to be a student of the game, so for him to buck back at the industry and release a double album in a single's market is proof he's catering to his audience! I'll keep my fingers crossed they both figure out that a full-length collaborative project would be an exceptional idea. Cop 'The Greatest X' on iTunes, CD or LP, and if either or both of them come to your city, be sure to check out their live (unforgettable) shows. Check out the visuals below. 

Chino XL "Father's Day" (Prod. by Apollo Brown)

Chino XL is a friend of the site; a great dude and world-class lyricist. Releasing a project about every 5 years, he's remained consistent even in those long gaps. Like many artists of his caliber, I charge that to being meticulous when writing and recording. I consider his debut album, 'Here To Save You All,' a real gem in '96 on American Recordings, but I'm gonna fast-forward to 2012 to his double-disc release, 'Ricanstruction,' on Viper Records. As soon as the drums came in on 'Father's Day,' I knew it was Apollo Brown on production. Chino shows his range both lyrically, conceptually and vocally on this introspective and heart-felt record about his daughter. I imagine he performs this at shows and its life changing for the audience. 'This isn't happenin' to you, I'm like Superman / And I could protect you from anything, I was really scared...' Our vulnerabilities make us human and he captured that beautifully making him an incredible artist... and father. Salute, Chino XL! Dig in...

Apollo Brown x Skyzoo "The Easy Truth" (Album Stream)

"After years of mutual respect, circling each other in collaborations, tours, style and respect, two titans of their craft have finally collided in Apollo Brown & Skyzoo’s “The Easy Truth.” The album is everything you’ve dreamt it would be: breakneck instrumentals and syllables crafted to make your head spin. The marriage between Detroit instrumentals and NYC wordplay has never been more cohesive. Themes range from police brutality to NY ambitions; Skyzoo shows you the world the way he sees it. Recorded and produced in Detroit, “The Easy Truth,” is the perfect distillation of hiphop influences. Every moment on the album is a loaded question, a perspective positing a notion of truth, the convergence of grit and symphony. Joining the artists on the record are Joell Ortiz, Westside Gunn, Stalley, Conway and Patty Crash, a reciprocal band of guests that only add depth and richness to the duo’s chemistry." - Mello Music Group. This came out dope, check it out below...

Ugly Heroes "Everything In Between" (Album Stream)

Few things are more ugly or heroic than telling the truth. Life is often bleak, brutal, and over all too swiftly. Leaders are corrupt. Job prospects are limited. But between the lunacy and squalor, there exists those who make it all worthwhile: family, friends, and ruthlessly honest artists who remind you that you aren’t alone, shedding light on those dark nights of the soul. As Michigan’s anti-Surgeon General, Red Pill quips: “We may not be the heroes this world needs, we're definitely not the heroes this world wants, but at least we're here.” His partners in Ugly Heroes are Chicago MC Verbal Kent, and Detroit producer Apollo Brown. Their sophomore Mello Music Group release, Everything In Between, offers diamonds of wisdom amidst the existential dumpster fire. It’s been said that if you go down deep enough, past the personal, you eventually reach the universal. Ugly Heroes embody that axiom, unraveling their own stories, self-doubts, and bouts with depression to arrive at something as profound as it is vulnerable. Apollo Brown warps soul music and bayonet-hard drums, creating a singular form of soul-coughing dirty-sky symphonies. Levitating boom-bap for the 21st Century. In a frivolous world, Ugly Heroes prove that talent will always reign supreme and honesty can never become obsolete. Listen to the latest Mello Music Group release below...

The Left "Gas Leaks" (EP Stream, 2010)

I remember back when Dart, Eric and Trav were pushing The Left hard through Bloggerhouse. We all agreed, they had an ear up on some classic hip-hop! I recently did a quick search for The Left in my laptop and up popped the LP, instrumentals, and then "Gas Leaks." I couldn't recall if these were demos I'd heard in those Bloggerhouse days or a separate EP that was released after "Gas Mask" dropped, so I did another search and there was the press release/blurb to remind me: "Coming off the success of their debut album Gas Mask, Detroit trio The Left, made up of producer Apollo Brown, rapper Journalist 103, and DJ Soko, are treating fans with the release of a brand new EP -- for free. Gas Leaks is comprised of unreleased material from Gas Mask, and while Gas Leaks was initially intended for release prior to the album, the group explains, "we wanted to bring a shock value for this album since it is was highly anticipated and Gas Leaks just puts more value and credibility to "Gas Mask." When I copped the LP back in 2010, the one track that disappointed me a bit was "Real Detroit," because it was different than the version that floated around prior to its release, however it did land on Apollo's producer LP, The Reset. There may (or nah) have also been a slightly alternate version of "Get In Where You Fit In," too, but my memory is fading. Either way, stream the 3 bonus tracks + instrumentals and the Real Detroit "remix" below. Props to Dart Adams, Trav G and Eric for their work behind the scenes helping to secure a label home for the album.

Apollo Brown "Grandeur" (Album Stream)

In recent years, Apollo Brown has become an institution of Detroit hiphop. Through skillful collaborations and refining his own recognizable style, Brown has moved to the forefront of the underground scene. For his newest album, "Grandeur," Apollo Brown has assembled an all-star cast of MCs like Evidence, Rasheed Chappell, Chino XL, Finale, Ras Kass, M.O.P., Vinnie Paz, O.C., Eternia, Westside Gunn, Masta Ace, Sean Price, Reks & more to join the stage with him as he displays his signature brand of hard hitting production. My favorite tracks are M.O.P.'s "Detonate," Vinnie Paz's "Walk With Me," and I'm bias, but much love to my artist, Eternia, on the track, "Each Other." Dig in...

Rapper Big Pooh "Words Paint Pictures' EP (Album Stream)

Rapper Big Pooh has definitely been coming with that heat as of late. His collaboration with Apollo Brown has brought out some of his best solo music to date IMO. After hitting us with a string of leaks, Rapper Big Pooh and Apollo Brown’s collabo EP is now ready for the world to hear. The NC emcee and Detroit producer just released Words Paint Pictures via Mello Music Group. The 9-track EP has features from Ras Kass, Marv Won, Novej, and more. “The project captures the complex agonies of the human condition with themes of race relations and the black experience in America, tales of corrupt politicians, reality TV distractions, substance abuse, thieving preachers and rapacious exploitation –all offset by tremendous strength. Listen to the full project below, then go purchase it HERE. Personal favorites: "Augmentation" and especially "How I Move" with these lyrics:

"Fuck rap when your life's spiraling out of control

But all they wanna know is "When that new shit coming?"

Standing on stage by myself, heart drumming

Pour your soul out, they ain't coming

Step outside box they go running

I'm giving up a piece of me

Open up for a piece to see

It's all peace when you finally free"

- "How I Move"