Wordsworth & Stu Bangas "Two Kings" (Album Stream)

Here we are treated to a remarkable collaboration between Brooklyn emcee Wordsworth and Boston-based producer Stu Bangas, resulting in the album Two Kings. This project seamlessly blends Wordsworth's insightful lyricism with Stu Bangas' hard-hitting production. Two Kings is a 12-track album where Wordsworth delves into themes of resilience, personal growth, and societal observations.​ The album boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists including longtime collaborators Punchline and Masta Ace, as well as Ali Vegas, Breeze Brewin, John Robinson, eLZhi, D.V. Alias Khryst and the homie DJ Jon Doe. Stu Bangas' production is solid from start to finish, and Wordsworth's passionate delivery is evident throughout the project, so dig into their collab LP Two Kings below...

Redman "Muddy Waters Too" (Album Stream)

Muddy Waters Too is the long-awaited ninth studio album by Brick City's Redman, and sequel to his classic 1996 album Muddy Waters. The album was finally released after fifteen years of anticipation going back as early as 2009. In 2015, following the release of his eighth studio album, Mudface, Redman was interviewed about his personal ranking of his own albums, and in that interview, Red stated that Mudface was more of an EP to hold the fans over until Muddy Waters Too finally dropped. We waited. Over 30 joints are now available on Muddy Waters Too, featuring Red's unique blend of humor and bar-heavy delivery. The project boasts a super-cut with all Jersey legends such as Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, Rah Digga, Shaq, Lords of the Underground, Lady Luck, Artifacts, Nikki D, Heather B, Hakim Green from Channel Live, and... well, hopefully I didn't miss anyone. Also featured on the album is long-time collaborator Method Man, Kid Capri, Faith Evans, Sheek Louch, Snoop Dogg, Melanie Rutherford, KRS-One + more. Don't skip the skits! Enjoy below...

Phoniks "A Phoniks Christmas" (Instrumental Album)

A Phoniks Christmas is a holiday beattape released by Portland-based producer Phoniks. It features 13 instrumentals to help get you into the holiday spirit. Not much else was detailed along with the project outside of the equipment used to put it together... Specifically, his Technics 1200 turntables; a SP404mk2; MPC Live 2, as well as a Korg Microkorg, Ibanex AF55 Artcore Hollowbody and all the jazz and soul Phoniks could muster on one project. The archives are filled with projects out of the Don't Sleep Records camp and there some posts for Christmas as well to keep you busy in the archives! It's an early message, but I hope you have a Happy Holidays + a Merry Christmas! Updated with the Deluxe Edition, released in 2025 with 4 bonus tracks and color vinyl is available.

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...

Skyzoo "Keep Me Company" (Album Stream)

Skyzoo’s "Keep Me Company" is a study of resilience and memory, capturing life shaped by enduring legacies. Each verse unfolds like a chapter in an epic, rooted in strength and identity. Through vivid imagery, Skyzoo invites listeners into his world, where cultural inheritance and self-growth coexist. His lyrics honor the past while reaching forward, blending introspection with grit. The production, textured and reverent, amplifies his vision without overshadowing it. Keep Me Company is both anthem and testament, a fierce reminder of survival’s beauty, the dignity of struggle, and the poetry found in perseverance. The project features Chuck D and production by JR Swiftz, Sir Williams, DJ Manipulator, Marc Nfinit, ANKN, Leo Confident and more. Listen to Keep Me Company...

Chino XL "Darkness and Other Colors" (Album Stream)

Chino XL, the legendary lyricist and actor, has unveiled his long-awaited magnum opus, Darkness & Other Colors, a brilliantly produced masterpiece by the exceptional BodyBagBen. This marks Chino’s sixth full-length studio LP, albeit his posthumous debut, showcasing the unparalleled talent of the East Orange, New Jersey emcee. The release of Darkness & Other Colors was not without controversy. There was some drama between Chino’s estate and Holy Toledo Productions founder and A&R extraordinaire M80. However, anyone who admires Chino’s artistry can understand why M80 was determined to bring this album to light. It offers a vivid explanation of Chino’s dedication to perfection, which he worked tirelessly to achieve back in 2020 during the COVID lockdowns when he was still with us. This one is tough to hear, especially the opening track. May Chino rest in peace.

Kendrick Lamar "GNX" (Album Stream)

GNX is Kendrick Lamar’s surprise-release sixth studio album. It's his first to be released outside of the Top Dawg Entertainment umbrella, and comes months after his highly-publicized feud with Drake. For months, many rumors circulated amongst fans about the album’s release, though none seemed to materialize. The first signal of new music releasing beyond Kendrick’s rap feud emerged in the “Not Like Us” music video—briefly previewing a track that would be later known as "squabble up." So much has and will be said about this project, that I don't think we need to drag this out any further. The Super Bowl performance is sure to break records/numbers but in all honesty, I think the beef has run its course. The rest of it can play out behind the scenes. That said, Kendrick makes great music, and on its own merit, this project is very solid. When Drake releases new music, his fans will run those numbers up too. Beef isn't the same anymore. Hear Kendrick's GNX below...

Ant "Collection of Sounds Vol. 2" (Instrumental Album)

Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2 is the second in a series of four albums of unreleased material from the vault of distinguished hip-hop producer Anthony “Ant” Davis (one half of Atmosphere, productions for MF DOOM, Brother Ali, Murs, Rav, Sage Francis, and more), offering a new window into his decades-long career and pushing his artistry to the center. Ant’s production is known for its rich, textured soundscapes that blend vintage and soulful elements with deep emotional resonance. The second installment of his instrumental series, Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2, features smooth beats, intricate sampling, and lush, jazzy layers that create an immersive atmosphere. He masterfully incorporates sly riffs and funk-laden grooves, stirring sentimentality and highlighting his ability to craft emotive, engaging music. The result is a sonically complex album where Ant blends funk, soul, classic R&B, and hip-hop influences, evoking a nostalgic sense of bygone eras. Ant’s introspective approach is complemented by a dynamic, vibrant energy in Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2. His production on “Damn Koop 2012” and “Claps, Cuica and Synth Part 2” includes playful, funky samples and energetic rhythms that infuse the music with a lively, upbeat quality. He balances this with laid-back, reflective songs like “Changes,” and “Velvet Ish,” featuring a mellow, retro ambiance. The beats are marked by crisp drum patterns and varied melodies, showcasing a broad range of influences. This versatility demonstrates Ant’s skill in navigating both introspective and spirited musical landscapes.