New Joint – Arrested Development / Ras Kass / 1 Love

Arrested Development ft. Ras Kass & 1 Love – “Hello” (OfficialArrrestedDevelopment.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Upbeat Configa-produced track from AD’s recent “Bullets In The Chamber” album.

New Joint – 74db / Outkast

Outkast – “Ain’t No Thang – 74db Remix” (74db / 2024)

The UK’s 74db puts a breezy, horn-laced twist on what was one of the harder tracks from Big Boi and Andre 3000’s classic 1994 debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik”.

New Joint – Finian St. Omer

Finian St. Omer – “What You Need” (GoldenEraMusic.Com / 2024)

North Carolina’s Finian St. Omer aka Chaundon looks back on the come-up of the mighty Justus League crew with this self-produced single.

New Joint – Ferris Blusa

Ferris Blusa – “The Howard Johnson” (FerrisBlusa.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

A short-but-striking display of lyrical skill from the New Orleans-based artist’s album “I Talked To Gawd About This”.

New Joint – Kooley High & Tuamie

Kooley High & Tuamie – “Other Side” (KooleyHigh.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

North Carolina’s Kooley High crew deliver some life-affirming flavour from their forthcoming Tuamie-produced album “All Infinite”.

New Joint – Arrested Development / O’hene Savant / Montsho Eshe

Arrested Development ft. O’hene Savant & Montsho Eshe – “Arrogance” (OfficialArrestedDevelopment.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Produced by Jonas Vestergaard and taken from the album “Bullets In The Chamber”.

New Joint – Sirius B

Sirius B – “Hibernation” (BlakkLiberation.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Taken from the North Carolina artist’s recent “Imagination Of Mind” album.

New Joint – Killer Mike / Blxst

Killer Mike ft. Blxst – “Exit 9” (@KillerMike / 2024)

Celebratory vibes from the Atlanta legend’s award-winning album “Michael”.

New Joint – Kooley High & Tuamie

Kooley High – “All Infinite” (@KooleyHigh / 2024)

Title track lifted from the North Carolina crew’s new Tuamie-produced album.

New Joint – Yamin Semali

Yamin Semali – “How To Make A Pyramid” (YaminSemali.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Lyrical architecture from the Atlanta-based artist’s self-produced EP “YXL”.

New Joint – Rapsody

Rapsody – “Stand Tall” (IAmRapsody.Com / 2024)

The brilliant Rapsody peels back the layers on this personal track lifted from her forthcoming album “Please Don’t Cry”.

New Joint – Sean Links

Sean Links – “Hornets Nest” (@LinksTheVillain / 2024)

Smooth-but-deadly flavour from North Carolina’s Sean Links.

New Joint – Arrested Development / Montsho-Eshe

Arrested Development ft. Montsho-Eshe – “Overachiever” (OfficialArrestedDevelopment.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Inspiring, life-affirming vibes produced by Will Montgomery and taken from Arrested Development’s recent album “Bullets In The Chamber”.

New Joint – Yamin Semali

Yamin Semali – “Noon And Night” (YaminSemali.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Taken from the Atlanta artist’s new self-produced EP “YXL”.

New Joint – Kooley High & Tuamie

Kooley High & Tuamie – “Penmanship” (KooleyHigh.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Futuristic funk from the North Carolina crew’s forthcoming Tuamie-produced album “All Infinite”.

New Joint – Finian St. Omer

Finian St. Omer – “Creme Fraiche” (GoldenEraMusicInc.Com / 2024)

Soulful production and smooth swagger from North Carolina’s Finian St. Omer (also known as Justus League’s Chaundon).

New Joint – Tab One

Tab One – “Peace & Quiet” (Tab-One.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Tab One of North Carolina’s Kooley High crew drops some gems on this quality Scoops-produced single.

100 Favourite Albums & EPs Of 2023 (Part Five) – Strizzy Strauss / Killer Mike / Lord Sko etc.

Check Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.

Strizzy Strauss – “Love Is The Currency” (IAmStrizzyStrauss.BandCamp.Com) – Leicester’s Strizzy Strauss has built a reputation over recent years for making music that is thought-provoking, honest and relatable, with “Love Is The Currency” possibly standing as his most moving and vulnerable release to date. Inspired by the sad loss of a close friend, Strauss used this album to work through his feelings, reminiscing on past experiences, reflecting on his environment and peeling back the layers of life whilst offering words of wisdom to the next generation. Backed by well-crafted, emotionally-charged production from musical ally Rabbs, Strizzy came across here as a voice of clarity and reason in a world full of noise and disruption.

junclassic – “Tell me Something i Don’t Know” (junclassic.BandCamp.Com) – Prolific Queens emcee junclassic is an individual who has always effortlessly embodied the sights, sounds and experiences of New York City in his music. With a calm-yet-gritty delivery and seen-it-all-before attitude, junclassic once again delivered captivating five-borough tales on this Clypto-produced album, further proving himself to be one of the underground’s most consistent artists.

Emcee Millz – “Worth The Wait” (EmceeMillz.BandCamp.Com) – This latest EP from Houston’s Emcee Millz definitely lived up to its title. With her lively, energetic delivery, unabashed confidence and engaging subject matter, the Texas artist’s passion for her craft could clearly be heard throughout the six-tracks on offer here. Having found a solid musical partner in producer Skip The Kid, Millz flowed with hunger and determination, offering us all an invitation to come along on her journey to greatness.

Jman & The Argonautz – “Therapy In Session” (HighFocus.BandCamp.Com) – An ambitious live Hip-Hop release with warmth, depth and substance, this album from UK emcee Jman and the Argonautz band was a seamless blend of creativity and vibes which sought to provide motivation to all of us navigating our way through the everyday struggle.

Oddisee – “To What End” (Oddisee.BandCamp.Com) – Backed by an impeccable selection of quality musicians, Washington D.C.’s Oddisee balanced out-of-this-world talent with a down-to-earth attitude on this brilliant album. Having debuted twenty years ago, the DMV producer-on-the-mic is an artist who can confidently claim to have shown growth on each of his releases and “To What End” was no different. Uplifting, organic soundscapes provided the perfect backdrop for Oddisee’s life-affirming verses combining social commentary, political insight and personal reflection.

Count Bass D – “Walter Dwight” (CountBassD.BandCamp.Com) – Breezing through a smoothed-out collection of bite-size beat treats dug from the crates, the ever-impressive Count Bass D presented verses from his usual unique lyrical perspective here which were all delivered with an endearing laidback confidence. The feel of this album was best described by Count himself on the opening track “All Dwight” – “My way ain’t wrong, my way ain’t right. My way is mine, All I gotta do is me, It’s all Dwight…” Exactly.

Andreaus Haley – “Gotta E.A.T.” (AHaley91.BandCamp.Com) – Chicago’s Andreaus Haley rhymed with an urgency and energy throughout this seven-track EP which suggested its title was more than just a catchphrase. Genuine hunger could be heard here as Haley tackled Reg Vader’s rousing boom-bap beats with clever wordplay and a forceful flow.

Killer Mike – “MICHAEL” (KillerMike.Com) – No stranger to creating powerful rhymes and memorable musical statements, Atlanta’s Killer Mike managed to exceed the already high expectations people had for this release, crafting an album that may come to be looked at as his defining moment as an artist. Mike charged through a myriad of emotions here, digging deep into his personal experiences of love, loss, pain, pride, struggle and hope, told from the perspective of a Black man raised in an American South steeped in racism, religion and hustle.

Che Noir – “Noir Or Never” (CheNoir.BandCamp.Com) – Produced entirely by the brilliant Big Ghost Ltd, this album from Buffalo’s Che Noir was another dose of hard-knock lyricism from the talented emcee, giving a further glimpse into the life and times of an artist who isn’t afraid to be open and honest in her music, whilst also being quick to remind the competition that sharp verbal darts can be sent their way at any moment.

Elzhi & Oh No – “Heavy Vibrato” (NatureSounds.BandCamp.Com) – A truly remarkable lyricist, Detroit’s Elzhi delivered another lesson in what it means to be an emcee on this collaborative album with Cali-based underground stalwart Oh No. An invigorating mix of densely-packed, punchline-heavy tracks and concept-driven cuts, “Heavy Vibrato” showcased two individuals each operating at the top of their game.

Lord Sko – “UNITED PALACE” (EquityDistro.Com) – With its cover art offering a nod of respect to Harlem’s late, great Big L, it was clear from the outset that Washington Heights resident Lord Sko was definitely on his New York s**t with this album. Full of character and personality, Sko flowed effortlessly over an expertly selected collection of sample-heavy tracks from the likes of GrayMatter, Arlo Walker and the Lord himself.

Cappo & Kong The Artisan – “CANON” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com) – An exceptional work of art, this latest album from Nottingham’s Cappo found the veteran UK emcee elevating to a higher level, using his already impressive lyrical capabilities to push his creativity in new directions. Backed by the meticulously crafted production of multi-faceted music man Kong The Artisan, Cappo got up-close-and-personal with his rhymes, “wading into pools of deep thought” and taking us all with him thanks to his intricate, engaging wordplay.

Lord Juco – “Company II” (LordJuco.BandCamp.Com) – A succinct six-track dose of underground excellence, Toronto’s Lord Juco swaggered across fellow Canadian representative Finn’s swinging, soulful production here and was joined by the likes of Saipher Soze, Rim and Ty Da Dale.

Rome Streetz – “Noise Kandy 5” (RomeStreetzMusic.BandCamp.Com) – Delivering yet another worthy addition to his well-received “Noise Kandy” series, London-born, NY-based emcee Rome Streetz blessed beats from Conductor Williams, Evidence, Wavy Da Ghawd and others with his striking brand of vivid product-of-the-environment poetry.

Double D – “New York City Transit” (FreshWaveRecords.BandCamp.Com) – French producer Double D took listeners on a sonic tour of NYC’s five boroughs with this creative instrumental release. Underpinned by a jazz-influenced feel, the mix of live instrumentation and samples worked well here as The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island all received their props.

Vic Spencer x August Fanon – “Psychological Cheat Sheet 4” (VicSpencer.BandCamp.Com) – Chicago’s irrepressible Vic Spencer and NY-based producer August Fanon are a perfect musical match for one another, with this latest outing from the pair supplying ample proof to back up such a statement. Fanon’s skin-tight loops and unpredictable sonic palette provided an ideal backdrop here for Spencer’s conversational rhymes, which ranged from verses full of humorous punchlines and acidic wit, insight into his personal history and commentary on tragic Windy City street violence.

Fuego Gawdz – “Fuego Proof Pockets” (FuegoGawdz.BandCamp.Com) – Toronto’s Che Uno and Wizdome Bunitall paired street-related rhymes with mellow, laidback production from Vago and Finn on this memorable EP. The combination of raw rhymes and soothing beats resulted in a potent collection of mood music that was ominously mesmerizing.

Kenautis Smith x lyfestile – “KUJENGA” (SomethingWonderfulRecords.BandCamp.Com) – Essentially a nod of respect and love to the culture of Hip-Hop with some social commentary also thrown into the mix, this album from St. Louis-based producer / emcee duo Kenautis Smith and lyfestile cleverly offered both old-school nostalgia and present-day criticism, paying tribute to the pioneers of the genre whilst also reminding listeners of the potential Hip-Hop still has to change lives.

Kakarot & Ghost – “Hello World” (KingKakarot.BandCamp.Com) – Another quality release from Evil Ed’s Hidden Identity label, this collaboration between DSOTM member Kakarot and veteran producer extraordinaire Ghost was a shining example of how good music can sound when it’s made primarily from a place of passion. Colourful, larger-than-life rhymes and moments of introspection met creative boom-bap beats here, resulting in an EP that jumped out of speakers and headphones with character and enthusiasm.

Nas – “Magic 3” (NasirJones.Com) – There was something almost poetic about Nas dropping the final release in his second Hit-Boy-produced trilogy on his 50th birthday during the 50th year of Hip-Hop celebrations. Still sounding as enthused as ever about his craft, the Queensbridge legend proved that he definitely hadn’t run out of things to rap about, clearly taking pride in the fact that with six albums dropping over the past three years he’d reset expectations of what a Hip-Hop artist in the later stages of their career could achieve.

New Joint – Master Wiz / Colle’ Kharis

Master Wiz ft Colle’ Kharis – “Revolution” (@Master_Wiz / 2024)

Powerful social commentary from Atlanta’s Master Wiz on this self-produced track.

New Joint – Planet Asia & MidaZ The BEAST

Planet Asia & MidaZ The BEAST – “Expensive Spaghetti” (MidaZTheBeast.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Produced by Delle Digga and taken from the recent Asia / BEAST collabo album “And 1 Rap Sh*t”.