New Joint – Cappo & Kong The Artisan

Cappo & Kong The Artisan – “Yardbird” (NoelPolandRecords.Com / 2024)

Taken from Nottingham legend Cappo’s brilliant Kong The Artisan-produced album “CANON”.

New Joint – Cappo & Kong The Artisan / Konny Kon

Cappo & Kong The Artisan ft. Konny Kon – “Let It Take You” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Nottingham’s master of lyricism Cappo trades rhymes with Children Of Zeus’s Konny Kon over the bubbling bass of producer Kong The Artisan off the excellent album “CANON”.

New Joint – Cappo & Kong The Artisan / Lee Scott

Cappo & Kong The Artisan ft. Lee Scott – “Badlands” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2024)

Taken from Nottingham emcee Cappo’s outstanding Kong The Artisan-produced album “CANON”.

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 – Cappo / Genesis Elijah / Kong The Artisan

Cappo, Genesis Elijah & Kong The Artisan – “’23 Til Infinity” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2023)

Two of the UK’s finest emcees came together for some personal reflection on this Kong The Artisan-produced track release on New Year’s Eve via the brilliant Noel & Poland label.

New Joint – Cappo & Kong The Artisan / Juga-Naut / Vandal Savage

Cappo & Kong The Artisan ft. Juga-Naut & Vandal Savage – “Midz” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2023)

Superb lyrical mastery from Nottingham legend Cappo’s brilliant new album “CANON”.

New Joint – Cappo & Kong The Artisan / Midnyte

Cappo & Kong The Artisan ft Midnyte – “Pain” (NoelPolandRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2023)

Nottingham’s Cappo has always been a master of his craft and on this first single from his Kong The Artisan-produced album “CANON” the UK emcee delves deep to deliver some powerful and intensely personal lyricism.

New Joint – Cappo

Cappo – “Leap Of Faith” (@Cappo_Genghis / 2023)

Nottingham’s Cappo delivers a masterclass in lyrical excellence here over sublime Beat Finder General production, adding on to his well-deserved reputation as one of the nicest on the mic device.

New Joint – Cappo

Cappo – “I Go Off” (BootRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2022)

Nottingham’s mighty Cappo unleashes a barrage of lyrical excellence over the understated sonic drama supplied by Doctor Zygote and Jazz T for this latest Boot Records release.

New Joint – Oblique Strategies / Confucius MC

Oblique Strategies ft. Confucius MC – “Cognoscenti” (WeStayTrue.Com / 2021)

Rumbling beats and top-shelf lyricism from the Mr Brown / Cappo collabo album “Raw Pastiche”.

New Joint – Oblique Strategies

Oblique Strategies – “Numbers Up” (WeStayTrue.BandCamp.Com / 2021)

Nottingham’s Cappo demonstrates yet again why he’s considered one of the nicest on the mic device with this track from his full-length “Raw Patsiche” collabo with producer Mr. Brown.

New Joint – Cappo & Remulak

Cappo & Remulak – “Slum Village” (VillageLive.BandCamp.Com / 2020)

Notts icon Cappo delivers scientific wordplay over haunting Remulak production from the new “Village Live Is Five” compilation album, released to celebrate both the label’s fifth anniversary and the memory of co-founder Joey Deez who sadly passed away earlier this year.

New Joint – Oblique Strategies

Oblique Strategies – “Bar Cardio” (WeStayTrue.Com/ 2020)

Nottingham’s lyrical legend Cappo demonstrates why he’s considered a master of his craft over quality, piano-laced Mr Brown production from the pair’s forthcoming album “Raw Pastiche”.

New Joint – Cappo / Senz Beats

Cappo / Senz Beats – “Tidal Wave” (BootRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Brussels-born, Montreal-based producer Senz Beats provides Nottingham rhyme scientist Cappo with the perfect sonic backdrop for his heavy-mental verses.

New Joint – Cappo & Cyrus Malachi

Cappo & Cyrus Malachi – “Aqua Lungi” (VillageLiveRecords.Com / 2019)

Lyrical mastery from the UK duo’s brilliant collabo album “Postmodernism”.

New Joint – AVER / Cappo

AVER ft. Cappo – “Something From Nothing” (@VillageLiveRec / 2018)

Producer AVER of UK crew The Natural Curriculum calls on the undeniable rhyme skills of Notts bomber Cappo for the lead single off his forthcoming album “Dressed For CCTV”.

New Joint – Apollo Brown / Juga-Naut / Vandal Savage / Cappo

Apollo Brown ft. Juga-Naut, Vandal Savage & Cappo – “Time’s Different” (@LowKeySourceAU / 2018)

Detroit producer Apollo Brown teams-up with some heavyweight UK talent for this cut off his EP “Across The Globe Vol. 1” dropping April 20th on Australia’s Low Key Source label.

New Joint – VVV

VVV – “Polo Zeus” (JugaNaut.BandCamp.Com / 2018)

Nottingham trio Juga-Naut, Vandal Savage and Cappo drop a gem off their recent “Bozo Boyz” collabo album.

New Joint – VVV

VVV – “Playin Out” (JugaNaut.BandCamp.Com / 2018)

Taken off the 2017 mixtape “Apocalypse Trent” from Nottingham rhyme giants Juga-Naut, Vandal Savage and Cappo.

Bozo Boyz Album Stream – VVV

Nottingham microphone masters Juga-Naut, Cappo and Vandal Savage flex heavyweight rhymes skills over an eclectic selection of beats on their unpredictable “Bozo Boyz” project.