What Had Happened Was "Run The Jewels Part 2" (Podcast)

In 2014 El-P and Killer Mike released their second full length as Run The Jewels. While they knew that the energy and sound of RTJ was undeniable, it was the second release that truly catapulted the duo to worldwide popularity. But, as they say... along with the success came brand new challenges. Learn about all that and lots more in the latest episode of Open Mike Eagle's What Had Happened Was podcast. Dig into the archives for Season 2 episodes and Season 1 with Prince Paul...

The Alchemist "This Thing Of Ours" (EP Stream)

Continuing his prolific run, the West Coast beatsmith unleashes his latest offering, This Thing Of Ours. The EP boasts 8 tracks (well, four vocal cuts and their instrumentals), which feature Boldy James, Earl Sweatshirt, Maxo, Navy Blue, Pink Siffu and Sideshow. It's dope to hear ALC and Earl Sweatshirt working on music together, hopefully these two tracks are a hint at future collaborations. I'm a fan of Earl, for sure. Props to Mr. Krum on the layout, dig into the EP below...

Apathy "Where The River Meets The Sea" (Album Stream)

The trials and tribulations of real life tends to bring out the best in artists. Hearing the maturation of emcees in real time brings us closer to their experience, and reminds us of ours. Apathy is no exception to this rule. After losing his father to cancer, becoming a father of two, and dealing with life’s ills, he proves to be a skilled navigator on the river of life. Apathy's 7th studio album, "Where The River Meets The Sea", is not only a geographical nod to his origins, but also a metaphor for the long winding journey through life which ultimately leads to the cosmic sea of eternity. No stranger to hip hop aesthetics however, Ap can’t resist flexing his lyrical ability on braggadocio laden tracks, ensuring he delivers an album for his fans across the board. The LP features Styles P, Lil Fame, Snak The Ripper, Chris Webby, Pep Love, Tajai (of Souls of Mischief), ANoyd, Hayze, plus vocalists Brevi and Bennett. Production by Apathy, Stu Bangas & Teddy Roxpin. Listen to Apathy's latest LP below...

Brock Berrigan "Smooth Sailing" (Instrumental Album)

Smooth Sailing is the latest intsrumental album from beat maker, music enthusiast and multi-instrumentalist, Brock Berrigan. The LP features 15 instrumentals and if you've appreciated his back catalog or a first-time listener, it's certainly a smooth listen. He shares the following message along with its release, "Making this album really helped me keep sane during Covid. Put a lot into this project and am happy I can finally share it all with you. Pour yourself a drink, sit back, and enjoy."

DMX "Exodus" (Album Stream)

Exodus is the first posthumous studio album from DMX, who passed away on April 9th of this year. Released through Def Jam Records, it is also X's first studio album since his 2012 effort, Undisputed. DMX boasted in his Drink Champs interview that there would be several impressive features and he wasn't lying as the album has features from The LOX, Jay-Z, Nas, Alicia Keys, Bono, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Snoop Dogg, Usher and more. "That's My Dog" comes out the gate knockin' hard, even with Swizz's vocals which are completely unforgettable, and there ARE tracks that keep the album movin', but I'd be lying if I didn't say it FEELS rushed. What do you think? It's great to hear DMX, even if it feels bittersweet. Rest in Peace, Dark Man X!

38 Spesh & Benny The Butcher "Trust The Sopranos" (Album Stream)

38 Spesh and Benny The Butcher have brought together their respective labels (TCF and BSF) for a compilation entitled Trust The Sopranos. This monumental meeting of the minds features potent verses from Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, Elcamino, Ransom, Che Noir, Klass Murda, Heem, RickHyde, Chase Fetti, Ampichino, and Street Justice. As well as production from an all-star line-up which includes 38 Spesh, RickHyde, DJ Shay, IceRocks, Buda + Grandz, Corty Tez, and Reddy Roc. The album boasts the hit singles "Immunity,” “Spineless,” and “Love Left.” Listen to the project below...

Asun Eastwood "The S.O.U.L." (Album Stream)

The S.O.U.L. is the latest LP from Canadian eMCee, Asun Eastwood. Reuniting with producer Finn, The S.O.U.L. (Science of Understanding Life) features the homie Ill Conscious, Daniel Son, Rigz, Flee Lord,  Saipher Soze, M.A.V., and more. Some of the features are dope, others are a bit lackluster, but overall it doesn't take much away from the project. The production is real solid throughout with soulful boombap-inspired soundscapes. The album is available on CD and Vinyl via Gold Era up in Toronto, ON. Dig into the archives for other related projects as this new crop of eMCees are definitely doing their thing consistently. Honestly, I'm still getting put on to the back catalog. Dig in...

David Bars & Mono En Stereo "B=MC2" (Album Stream)

B=MC2 is the latest offering from D.I.T.C. affiliate David Bars. The production on the LP is entirely done by NYC's Mono En Stereo. With some Jazz-infused (sample based) hip-hop and traditional NYC boombap, D Bars delivers yet another stellar offering. I always love hearing lyricists over piano-laced beats, reminds me of a young Kool G Rap in his prime. I know that the Diggin' In The Crates crew was putting a lot of time and collaborative energy behind David Bars, but I don't know the current status of that relationship. Hopefully it's still a go, because having that cosign is a huge push! Either way, listen below to this solid collaborative LP B=MC2 from the Bronx MC, David Bars...