Kut One "Live Wires 2" (Album Stream)

Melbourne, Australia producer and turntablist Kut One follows up last year’s acclaimed Live Wires compilation with a sequel brimming with incredible guest emcees and raw hip-hop production to match.  His aptly titled Live Wires 2 is a 13 track body of work that sees the producer pushing his sounds beyond his scope while keeping the original integrity of his hard-hitting signature style. As for the guests, he brings in well-respected names from O.C., Sadat X, Rome Streetz, Agallah, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, and many more. The project opens up with the ear-grabbing “Guerilla Season,” a smoky and head-nodding burner featuring a standout performance from Ghanian/American spitter Recognize Ali. This is followed by the somber "Get Mine Regardless" which boasts edgy street raps from Jamal Gasol, Rome Streetz, and Saipher Soze. The momentum keeps going on tracks like the Supreme Cerebral assisted hustler anthem "It's a Lifestyle." On "Best Served Cold," Kut One makes use of an ominous synth and dark sounds to create the perfect backdrop for Thamson P's graphic revenge-themed raps. Other standouts include “Make a Dolla,” a straight-up banger with Sadat X; and the more melodic “Take a Picture,” a lyrically sharp collaboration with KXNG Crooked, who brings his signature crazy wordplay and lyrical creativity to the track. - EarMilk. Listen to it below...

Kut One "The Icon Series Vol. 1-2" (Nine & Neek The Exotic)

Australian producer and turntablist Kut One showcases not only his own talents but those of two living New York rap legends on The Icons Series, Volume 1 & 2. On the first EP, he’s joined by Queens tough-talker Neek The Exotic, who brought along a few like-minded guests for the ride like Kool G Rap, Royal Flush and Large Professor. And for the second EP, you’ll hear Kut’s intricate productions complemented by the gravelly and gully rhymes of the BX’s Nine. And for the second half, Nine kicks things off with a bang on “Basquiat,” which boasts a hilarious shot at notorious loudmouth Stephen A. Smith over Kut One’s menacing production. That vibe continues on the criminal-minded lead single, “When Ah Pull Up,” the paranoia-heavy “Might Get Show,” and on the raw closing track, “Welcome to N.Y.C.” Taken as a whole, the first two installments of The Icons Series are a thrilling celebration of the grimier side of underground rap. They’re also a reminder that this style of rap has not—and will never—go out of style. It’s a timeless example of the culture’s underbelly, where sample-flipping Boom bap production sets the stage for emcees to talk their shit. Give The Icons a listen below...