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!