New Joint – Bub Styles & Farma Beats

Bub Styles & Farma Beats – “Yamazaki” (@BubStyles / @FarmaBeats / 2021)

Brooklyn’s Bub Styles pairs his gravelly delivery with the melodic, soulful production of the UK’s mighty Farma Beats on this quality cut from the pair’s new album “Bubdini: Escape Artist”.

New Joint – Bub Styles x Farma Beats / Spit Gemz

Bub Styles x Farma Beats ft. Spit Gemz – “Larger Canvas” (@BubStyles / @FarmaBeats / 2021)

Brooklyn-meets-Queens on this piano-laced slice of ruggedness off Styles’ forthcoming album “Bubdini: Escape Artist” produced entirely by the UK’s mighty Farma Beats.

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2019 (Part Three) – KingDem / Apollo Brown / Ray Vendetta etc.

Check Part One and Part Two.

Fly Anakin & Big Kahuna OG – “Holly Water” (MutantAcademyRVA.BandCamp.Com) – Raekwon and Ghostface. Erick and Parrish. Run and DMC. There are some emcees who were simply meant to rhyme together. Mutant Academy’s Fly Anakin and Big Kahuna OG can also be added to that list. Following up their four-part “Big Fly” EP series, the Richmond, Virginia duo delivered arguably their finest work to date in the form of this album, blending their undeniable skills with smooth, intoxicating production.

Phyba & Giallo Point – “René Mesrine” (CDVZ.BandCamp.Com) – 2019 was an extremely busy year for producer Giallo Point, with this project alongside fellow UK resident Phyba just one of a handful of collabo releases helmed by the talented music man. Revisiting the cinematic undercover spy-themed flavour of their previous work together, the combination of Phyba’s laidback, nonchalant delivery and Giallo’s atmospheric sonic drama once again made for a uniquely captivating listening experience.

People Under The Stairs – “Sincerely, The P” (PL70.Net) – Bringing their twenty year musical journey to a suitably impressive end, Thes One and Double K’s final album was another finely-tuned selection of funky beats, spontaneous energy and proud West Coast attitude, held together by the duo’s seasoned wisdom and genuine gratitude to fans for sticking with the PUTS brand over the last two decades.

Rick Hyde – “Plates” (RickHyde.BandCamp.Com) – Buffalo, NY emcee-slash-producer Rick Hyde delivered personal, emotionally-charged street-level rhymes on his debut album, executive produced by Griselda’s Benny The Butcher and featuring beats from DJ Shay, IceRocks, Chup and more.

Motman & Micall Parknsun – “Everyday Craft” (Motman1.BandCamp.Com) – Bristol emcee Motman dropped honest, down-to-earth rhymes over quality production from the ever-impressive Micall Parknsun on this long-player, with lyrical assistance from Flowtecs, Gee Bag and Ray Vendetta.

Westside Gunn – “Flygod Is An Awesome God” (GrisdeldaXFR.Com) – The Griselda juggernaut continued to steam-roll its way through the rap scene with this summer release from WSG, a worthy addition to the crew’s collective catalogue, featuring the Buffalo emcee showcasing sharp, street-related verses over elegantly raw production from the likes of The Alchemist, Evidence and DJ Muggs.

Rashad ThaPoet x The BeatHead – “Jefferson Street Blues” (RashadThaPoet.BandCamp.Com) – Nashville, Tennessee emcee / spoken word artist Rashad ThaPoet balanced the promise of the American Dream with the reality of the Amerikkkan Nightmare throughout this impressive BeatHead-produced EP, offering poignant, thoughtful observations on politics, race and the shortcomings of society.

Hubbs – “Tony Peña” (Hubbs.BandCamp.Com) – The Pittsburgh-based lyricist flexed his conversational-yet-authoritative flow to good effect on this quality, baseball-influenced project, backed by smooth, laidback production from the likes of Nysceworkk, Billy Hoyle, JR Swiftz and more.

Louis Cypher – “Cypher Sore Eyes” (BoomBap.BandCamp.Com) – Having been a consistently reliable outlet for quality Hip-Hop over the last fifteen years. UK label Boom Bap Professionals presented this free EP from Punning Clan member Louis Cypher, featuring the Nottingham-based emcee putting a nice selection of beats from DJ Severe, Kastanza and Pete 1st Blood to good use.

Chris Skillz & Storm Watkins – “Creer” (ChrisSkillz.BandCamp.Com) – A  naturally gifted emcee, Delaware’s Chris Skillz lived up to his name on this five track EP, blessing the dope, sample-heavy production of Baltimore’s Storm Watkins with a stream of captivating, well-crafted verses, accompanied by Left Lane Didon, All Hail Y.T. and Ronnie Alpha.

Leaf Erikson – “A Canvas Of Hope” (LeafErikson1.BandCamp.Com) – The first of three planned projects dedicated to his Detroit stomping grounds, emcee Leaf Erikson used this project to weave together Motor City stories grounded in “tragedy, triumph and the journey people experience along the way” accompanied by the subtle production expertise of Meftah.

Supreme Cerebral & Eloh Kush – “Clark Connoisseurs” (BugzyNino17.BandCamp.Com) – Showcasing a shared passion for Clarks footwear that even Ghostface would be proud of, LA’s Supreme Cerebral and New Jersey’s Eloh Kush combined forces on this Wallabee-influenced collection of punchy wordplay and suede-smooth production from Clypto and Juelz White. As Tony Starks said himself on the Purple Tape, this how you freak ’em!

KingDem – “The KingDem EP” (Tru-Thoughts.BandCamp.Com) – Coming to the table with timeless skills, unmistakable character and a whole heap of personal Hip-Hop history under their respective belts, legends Ty, Rodney P and Blak Twang spoke with experience and authority on this four-track release, offering some tough love to the UK scene they helped shape whilst looking forever forward. Vibes, substance and longevity in abundance.

Jay NiCE & Farma Beats – “POMPEii” (FarmaBeats.BandCamp.Com) – Delaware’s Jay NiCE spat hot lava over an impeccable production selection from the UK’s Farma Beats throughout his fourth release of 2019, a project which succeeded in elevating itself above most of the competition thanks to a satisfying combination of lyrical urgency and genuine creative chemistry.

Apollo Brown – “Sincerely, Detroit” (MelloMusicGroup.BandCamp,Com) – Motor City producer Apollo Brown celebrated the Hip-Hop legacy of the city that shaped his sound on this ambitious project, featuring a huge list of over fifty Detroit artists (including Black Milk, Slum Village and Phat Kat) all rising to the challenge of justifying their inclusion on this epic release, blessing a satisfying batch of stripped-down-but-soulful beats with accomplished lyricism.

Ray Vendetta – “The Billion Bar Mind EP” (PrestigiousRecordings1.BandCamp.Com) – Produced by Buffalo, NY’s TheRealSkitso, London lyricist Ray Vendetta let his mind spray in all directions on the third instalment of his 5 Star Saga series, showcasing the formidable street-savvy verbal science that’s kept the Triple Darkness / New Guardz member on the radar of underground heads both in the UK and overseas.

Clever 1 & Giallo Point – “Kiss Da Converse” (MarQSpekt.BandCamp.Com) – The second 2019 release to drop from the Buze Bruvaz camp, Philly emcee Clever 1 followed the example set by this rhyming partner Him Lo by also calling on the production talent of the UK’s Giallo Point for this solo release, pounding the understated loops and samples heard here with his always entertaining brand of brass-knuckle rap.

1520 – “Mosquito Fly & Starships” (1520.BandCamp.Com) – Veteran London emcee Nomadic Poet (of The Planets fame) teamed-up with gifted producer Drematic XL to celebrate the pair’s shared passion for the culture of Hip-Hop on this well-executed collection of true-school anthems, packed with lively rhymes and blistering beats.

Oxygen – “Age Appropriate” (Ox-The-Architect.BandCamp.Com) – Strong Island legend and Soundsci member Oxygen celebrated his 50th birthday with the release of this heavily-anticipated album, a project pairing the NY emcee’s unquestionable skills with top-shelf production from the UK’s Tom Caruana.

Supastition – “Sacrifice EP” (Supastition.BandCamp.Com) – Since his debut album dropped in 2002, North Carolina’s Supastition has deservedly earned himself a reputation as one of the rap game’s most consistent emcees. This release signalled the return of the always impressive lyricist, with four years having passed since his last project. A self-produced effort, this EP offered further proof as to why Supastition is held in such high regard by fans, with the rapper offering listeners a strong combination of personal opinions, life experiences and microphone techniques.

Part Four coming soon.

The Shadow Man EP Stream – Farma Beats

The UK’s Farma Beats enlists the lyrical talents of J Scienide, Supreme Cerebral, Ty Farris and more on this quality EP, blessing all of those involved with some well-crafted production, ranging from melodic, drum-less loops to raw, boom-bap soundscapes.

New Joint – Farma Beats / Supreme Cerebral

Farma Beats ft. Supreme Cerebral – “Illustrious Patterns” (FarmaBeats.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Pounding production and raw rhymes from UK legend Farma’s forthcoming EP “The Shadow Man”, which will feature appearances from Ty Farris, J-Scienide, Cousin Feo and more.

POMPEii Album Stream – Jay NiCE & Farma Beats

Delaware’s Jay NiCE spits hot lava over an impeccable production selection from the UK’s Farma Beats throughout his fourth release of 2019, a project which succeeds in elevating itself above most of the competition thanks to a satisfying combination of lyrical urgency and genuine creative chemistry.

New Joint – Jay NiCE & Farma Beats / Left Lane Didon / Rome Streetz

Jay NiCE & Farma Beats ft. Left Lane Didon & Rome Streetz – “Earl Simmons” (@NiCESUPREME88 / @FarmaBeats / 2019)

Ominous lead single from the US / UK duo’s forthcoming collabo album “Pompeii”.

Cipher EP Stream – Nomad Carlos x Farma Beats

Born and raised in Jamaica, currently residing in New York, emcee Nomad Carlos teams-up with the UK’s Farma Beats for this satisfying dose of true-school beats and rhymes.

New Joint – Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats

Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats – “Take These Gems” (NomadCarlos.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Taken from the Jamaica-born, NY-based emcee’s forthcoming “Cipher” EP produced by the UK’s Farma Beats.

New Joint – Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats

Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats – “Riot” (NomadCarlos.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Impressive second single off the forthcoming “Cipher” collabo EP from Jamaica-raised, New York-based wordsmith Nomad Carlos and the UK’s Farma Beats.

You Stole My Beat Stream – Farma Beats

A key figure in the UK Hip-Hop scene, Task Force legend Farma’s reputation on the mic is unshakeable, with the London-based emcee having also built an equally formidable rep in recent times on the production tip, via work with the likes of Mach Hommy, Recognize Ali, Rome Streetz and more.

On this first ‘beat-tape’ project to emerge from Farma’s lab, he effectively showcases his talent for crafting quality boom-bap-influenced instrumentals laced with obscure, well-chosen samples.

New Joint – Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats

Nomad Carlos & Farma Beats – “Leviathan Axe” (NomadCarlos.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Jamaica-raised, NY-based wordsmith Nomad Carlos delivers a barrage of raw skills over thumping drums on this lead track off his forthcoming “Cipher” EP produced by the UK’s Farma Beats.

New Joint – Magno Garcia

Magno Garcia – “God Aura” (@Mag_uh_No / 2019)

The Boston-based emcee drops some jewels over a mellow Farma Beats-produced soundscape.

The Dispensary Album Stream – WateRR & Farma Beats

Following up last year’s DirtyDiggs-produced EP “Wizard Of The Crystal”, Chicago’s WateRR calls on the heavyweight production skills of the UK’s Farma Beats for this quality full-length effort.

New Joint – Haze / Farma Beats

Haze & Farma Beats – “Rap & Bulls**t” (@HazeOfMainAim / @FarmaBeats / 2019)

Massachusetts-based microphone fiend Haze joins forces with the UK’s Farma Beats for this solid display of quality beats and rhymes.

Alien Grey EP Stream – Farma Beats

Whilst the past year or so has been extremely busy for the UK’s Farma Beats, producing for the likes of Rome Streetz, Recognize Ali, Flashius Clayton and more, this three-track release finds the London-based artist getting back to the mic, showcasing the unique rhyme skills that the M.U.D. Family / Task Force member has been impressing heads with since the 90s.

New Joint – Uncle John

Uncle John – “7PM In Japan” (UncleJohn13.BandCamp.Com / 2019)

Taken from the NY emcee’s Farma Beats-produced “Lyrical Assassin 4” project.

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2018 (Part Two) – Kamanchi Sly / Ocean Wisdom / Westside Gunn etc.

Check Part One here.

K-Sly – “Me And My SP” (KamanchiSly.Com) – Kamanchi Sly is a legend and pioneer of the UK Hip-Hop scene, but the Hijack emcee hasn’t been prepared to simply rest on his laurels, with “Me And My SP” being the London mic vet’s third album in six months at the time of its release in May 2018. A rambunctious mix of true-school attitude, classic breaks and raw rhymes, this release was powered by the undeniable and infectious energy generated by Sly’s unwavering love for the culture of Hip-Hop.

Crimeapple & Big Ghost Ltd – “Aguardiente” (GourmetDeluxxx.BandCamp.Com) – Backed by the dramatic and ominous production of the mighty Big Ghost (Ankhlejohn, Ghostface Killah etc), New Jersey’s Crimeapple demonstrated throughout this project why he has grown to become one of the most revered rhymers of rap’s new generation, with a sneering confidence in his rugged verses that evoke images of the bearded lyricist holding the mic in one hand and a wack emcee by the scruff of his neck in the other.

Poisonous Diggs – “Volume 84” (IAmKillaKali.BandCamp.Com) – A short-but-effective barrage of fly beats and razor-sharp rhymes from the Gold Chain Music / Poison Ring Regime camp, this collaborative EP from Dirty Diggs and Killa Kali was the type of Hip-Hop that made you screw your face up, adopt an old-school arms-folded b-boy pose  and pledge allegiance to the culture in no uncertain terms.

Big Toast & Jack Diggs – “Call It On” (RevorgRecords.BandCamp.Com) – Opening with the line “I don’t want to listen to your whinging…”, it was clear from the outset that this project from South London blood brothers Toast and Diggs wasn’t about pandering to the masses, with the pair instead offering blunt insight into modern-day life, taking verbal shots at the self-righteous of the world with a heavy dose of  acidic wit and quality self-produced boom-bap beats.

Raashid Aariz – “Knowledge, Wisdom & Understanding” (RaashidAariz19.BandCamp.Com) – Virginia-based producer Raashid Aariz delivered music to meditate to on this refined instrumental project, mixing his love of soul and jazz with the influence of 90s Hip-Hop, ranging from mellow, late-night electric relaxation vibes to sax-heavy, Wu-Tang-sampling workouts.

Ocean Wisdom – “Wizville” (HighFocus.BandCamp.Com) – An artistic triumph in every sense of the term, this sophomore project from Brighton’s Ocean Wisdom confidently blended genres, bridged generation gaps and cracked the Official UK Album Charts in the process (a massive achievement for an independent homegrown Hip-Hop artist). Easily holding his own on tracks with long-established artists such as Rodney P, Method Man and Dizzee Rascal, Wisdom’s clever, rapid-fire rhymes shone throughout. Welcome to Wizville, indeed.

AG – “The Taste Of AMbrosia” (AGofDITC.BandCamp.Com) – Diggin’ In The Crates member Andre The Giant has remained consistent on wax for almost thirty years now, with the NY emcee managing to balance his old-school Bronx rap roots here with a desire to step forward artistically and not simply retread old ground. “The Taste…” was the sound of a legacy artist who is as passionate about his craft today as he was when he first picked a mic up all those years ago.

Philmore Greene – “Chicago: A Third World City” (PhilmoreGreene.BandCamp.Com) – Talented emcee Philmore Greene took listeners on a sonic tour around his Windy City stomping grounds on this captivating, hard-hitting project, tackling the impact of street violence, social conditions and politics on the people of Chicago, with the soulful soundscapes of Rashid Hadee adding further poignancy to the lyricist’s earnest, heartfelt verses.

Royalz – “Live 95” (GrhymeProductions.BandCamp.Com) – As its title suggests, this well-crafted project from Australian producer Royalz wore its 90s influences on its sonic sleeve, with the likes of SmooVth, Conway and Dialect blessing a strong selection of raw-yet-refined beats.

Rome Streetz & Farma Beats – “Street Farmacy” (RomeStreetz.BandCamp.Com) –  This transatlantic collaboration from NY emcee Rome Streetz and London producer Farma Beats supplied Hip-Hop fiends with plenty of that uncut dope, as grimy, project-building poetry was laid over an eclectic collection of samples and loops.

Dabbla – “Death Moves” (PotentFunkRecords.BandCamp.Com) – Another blazing display of rhyming agility from Dabbla, this follow-up to 2016’s “Year Of The Monkey” album further cemented the UK emcee’s reputation as a naturally gifted talent, with the Problem Child member putting a lyrical leash on a wide-ranging selection of beats, from futuristic, bass-heavy wave twisters to straight-up, sample-based head-nodders.

Westside Gunn – “Supreme Blientele” (Grisleda / Daupe.BandCamp.Com) – The Griselda Records family continued to stamp their dominance on the rap game throughout 2018, with this immediate cult classic from Gunn just one of a handful of quality releases from the camp over the past twelve months. Backed by heavy-hitting producers such as Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Alchemist and (of course) frequent collaborator Daringer, WG masterfully utilised his distinctive delivery to offer more of his captivating insight and perspective on both the street life and the rap game.

Napoleon Da Legend & Giallo Point – “Coup D’Etat” (FXCKRXP.BandCamp.Com) – It’s always good to hear a full project from an emcee and producer who are truly on the same page creatively. This release from NYC’s NDL and the UK’s Giallo Point definitely hit that mark. Clever, intricate, street-savvy rhymes were coupled here with smooth, atmospheric production, resulting in an album that sounded both familiar and individual at the same time.

K Zorro – “Winnie’s Passion / Bernard’s Legacy” (NewGuardzOnline.BandCamp.Com) – With so much of today’s popular culture dominated by image, hype and empty posturing, it’s always refreshing to hear music from an artist who appears determined to genuinely let the listener into their world, capturing life’s struggles, hopes and regrets along the way. Enter London-based emcee K Zorro with this well-crafted album, which found the New Guardz member getting up-close-and-personal as he spilt his soul over the fourteen tracks on offer here.

Da Flyy Hooligan – “Roman Abramovich” (GourmetDeluxxx.BandCamp.Com) – Possessing a moniker that truly captures his lyrical approach, London’s Da Flyy Hooligan effortlessly elbowed his way through the stripped-down-yet-sublime production of D’Lux Beats on this short-but-satisfying EP. Offering both style and substance, DFH once again proved himself to be a formidable force in the microphone booth.

IceRocks – “Live From The Bunker” (IceRocksDXA.BandCamp.Com) – Following up his 2016 instrumental project “Bunker Beats”, DXA producer IceRocks once again showcased his dope brand of NY boom-bap throughout this album, adding some talented lyricists into the mix this time around, with the likes of AG Da Coroner, Meyhem Lauren and Spit Gemz lending lyrical support. A project best listened to whilst wearing Timberlands and a hoodie.

C.A.M – “Persian Rugs” (CAMOfficial.BandCamp.Com) – The London-based emcee followed-up his impressive 2017 EP “The First Move” with this second collection of sharp, intelligent lyricism superbly produced by Hashfinger. Combining a quick-fire delivery with an attention-grabbing vocal tone able to penetrate a beat like a razor-blade through rice paper , C.A.M’s latest project was immediately captivating, demanding to be revisited again and again.

King Draft – “Two Eyes” (KingDraftMusic.BandCamp.Com) – As both a member of The Kingdom and a solo artist in his own right, King Draft has been on my radar since 2014. The talented North Carolina-based artist added to his already impressive catalogue with this ambitious release, an eclectic blend of organic live instrumentation and concept-driven lyricism.

Vic Spencer & Sonnyjim – “Spencer For Hire” (Eat Good Records / GourmetDeluxxx.BandCamp.Com) – Chicago’s Vic Spencer joined forces with the UK’s Sonnyjim to drop this smoothed-out selection of lo-fi liveness, featuring Quelle Chris, Hus Kingpin and Chris Crack. Spencer’s swaggering, self-assured steez meshed perfectly with Sonnyjim’s supreme stash of soundtrack-style loops.

EvillDewer – “Apocrypha” (EvillDewer.BandCamp.Com) – Boston-based producer and self-proclaimed Crown Chakra Rocka EvillDewer showcased his musical imagination on this instrumental project, steering clear of typical boom-bap beats and pushing his creative boundaries, drawing the listener deep into an intricately-crafted collection of inspired, sample-driven soundscapes.

Part Three coming soon,

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2018 (Part One) – Masta Ace & Marco Polo / Children Of Zeus / Funky DL etc.

Politically, socially and economically, 2018 will no doubt go down in the history books as a particularly disastrous year. Wherever you looked across the globe, there was chaos, unrest and mistrust. In contrast, however, and on a more positive note, 2018 was an incredible year for new Hip-Hop.

It’s been near impossible to keep up with the vast amount of product flooding the market, with both veteran artists and a new generation of talented emcees, producers and deejays all contributing to the rich selection of beats and rhymes that have been made available over the past twelve months.

As I’ve said before when writing previous ‘best-of’ intros, some ‘heads” still seem surprised that I’m able to find a hundred releases during the course of a year that I’ve genuinely enjoyed. In reality, there have been more than that, and this 2018 selection, as with other years, has been scaled down from an original list which far exceeded that number.

So if you’re still of the opinion that quality Hip-Hop isn’t being released in high quantities, then you’re really not listening or looking hard enough – and in today’s digital era, when most of that music is available at the click of a button without you even having to leave your house, it really couldn’t be easier to find something that suits your sonic preferences.

On a mainstream level (as has largely always been the case) the best that Hip-Hop has to offer isn’t being represented. But in the underground, talent, skill and creativity are still there to be found by those prepared to dig and support.

So with all that being said, this list represents what I had in heavy rotation throughout 2018.

Props as always to all the artists out there making memorable music from a genuine place of love for this incredible culture.

Peace!

Masta Ace & Marco Polo – “A Breukelen Story” (Fat Beats) – One of the best to ever do it, since his 1990 debut long-player “Take A Look Around” Juice Crew legend Masta Ace has consistently proven himself to be a true virtuoso of the album format, delivering a long line of well-rounded, concept-based projects. This collaborative effort with the ever-impressive Marco Polo successfully bound together the pair’s individual BK-related narratives, demonstrating what quality, timeless music sounds like in the process. They live in Brooklyn, baby.

Royce Da 5’9 – “Book Of Ryan” (Heaven Studios / eOneMusic) – Intensely personal and brilliantly executed, Detroit wordsmith Royce’s seventh album ran the full gamut of emotions, presenting the listener with a sonic photo album which captured poignant moments in the emcee’s family history, both past and present. Displaying a no-holds-barred honesty in his writing, Royce’s ability to tackle difficult subjects here such as addiction, domestic abuse and suicide, without coming across as overly judgemental or preachy, was a testament to his level of dedication to his craft. “Book Of Ryan” was an album that was shocking, humourous, tragic and inspiring in equal measures.

Children Of Zeus – “Travel Light” (First Word Records) – Arguably the best blend of Hip-Hop and soul since Mary J. Blige enquired about the 411 back in 1992, Manchester duo Konny Kon and Tyler Daley proved that hard work does pay off when, after years of building a cult fanbase for their unique brand of UK street music, the pair finally gained the wider recognition they’ve deserved for so long with the release of this brilliant debut album. An organic mix of sonic influences both past and present, “Travel Light” proudly took its place next to defining works by the likes of Loose Ends, Soul II Soul and London Posse as a truly individual example of quality British music.

Micall Parknsun & Mr Thing – “Finish What We Started” (Village Live Records) – Genuine creative chemistry is something that’s hard to come by in any artistic partnership. Thankfully, that wasn’t a problem UK duo Micall Parknsun and Mr Thing had to worry about, with their brilliant album “Finish What We Started” pulsating from beginning to end with an energy that could only be achieved when people share the same drive, focus and passion for what they do. An album with real replay value, “Finish What We Started” was the sound of both Parknsun and Thing at the top of their game, mixing old-school values with now-school skills.

Superbad Solace – “Sol Controller” (SuperbadSolace.BandCamp.Com) – Teaming up with frequent collaborator Mono En Stereo (pka El RTNC), Timeless Truth member Superbad Solace went for dolo on this quality EP, reppin’ for the borough of Queens in no uncertain terms, weaving fly NY wordplay around melodic, sample-based soundscapes with impressive results.

Planet Asia – “The Golden Buddha” (Brick Records) – A key figure in the West Coast indie scene of the mid-to-late 90s, an increase in output over recent years has further proven Planet Asia to be one of the most consistent artists in the game.  Produced entirely by San Francisco’s izznyce, “The Golden Buddha” was packed with quality beats and pyramid-precise verses, with PA flowing like the Nile with authority and apparent effortlessness.

The Mouse Outfit – “Jagged Tooth Crook” (TheMouseOutfit.BandCamp.Com) – Having further refined their live, organic sound on each  of the group’s full-length releases, this third album from Manchester-based collective The Mouse Outfit was arguably the crew’s most musically sophisticated effort to date. Largely based around mellow, jazzy production laced with tinges of reggae and soul, “Jagged Tooth Crook” found the likes of Dubbul O, Black Josh and Ellis Meade dropping life-affirming lines and spontaneous styles throughout this mammoth seventeen-track project.

Showbiz – “A-Room Therapy” (DITCEnt.Com) – With sonic input from producers Motif Alumni and Dark Keys, legendary crate-digger Showbiz pulled together members of the core DITC crew and extended family affiliates for this showcase of quality Rotten Apple rap, with the likes of O.C., A.G, David Bars and the late Tashane bridging the generation gap with their undiluted rhyme skills.

Flashius Clayton – “Wolf Moon” (FlashiusClayton.BandCamp.Com) – Cali-based Knuckle Sandwich Deli representative Flashius Clayton set 2018 off the right way with this tight EP which dropped on Jan 1st. Combining competition-crushing attitude with natural rhyming ability and an ear for strong production, the West Coast wordsmith singled himself out as one to watch with this release.

Blueprint – “Two-Headed Monster” (WeightlessRecordings.Net) – Grounded in golden-era traditions yet refusing to wallow in nostalgia, veteran Ohio-based producer-on-the-mic Blueprint’s latest long-player was a shining example of thoughtful, mature Hip-Hop which succeeded in sparking your brain cells whilst making your head nod.

Farma Beats – “The Sentimental Alien” (FarmaBeats.BandCamp.Com) – Having made his name in the UK Hip-Hop scene of the 90s primarily as an emcee with London’s Bury Crew, M.U.D. Family and then Task Force, 2018 saw Farma go global with his production skills, with “The Sentimental Alien” featuring an impressive list of collaborators including Chester P, Recognize Ali and Estee Nack showcasing their skills over obscure loops and quality beats.

Scran Cartel – “Blue Plaque Candidates” (ScranCartel.BandCamp.Com) – Possibly the best combination of Hip-Hop and food since the Fat Boys cracked open a pizza box on the cover of their 1984 debut album, this collaborative project from UK duo MNSR Frites and Benny Diction contained high-protein beats and rhymes that were guaranteed to satisfy the appetite of any music connoisseur. Featuring production from Chemo, Downstroke, Blue Buttonz and more, “Blue Plaque Candidates” was three-course home-cooked goodness – no fast-food rap to be found here.

Da Buze Bruvaz – “Ni$&@tivity” (Grilchy Party) – Philly’s Clever One and Him Lo continued to steam-roller over the competition on their latest collection of put-you-in-a-headlock Hip-Hop, with the larger-than-life pair dropping aggressive-yet-entertaining punchlines and thinly-veiled threats over fittingly hardcore production from affiliates such as Shaheed Mudfoot, Claymore and Gosilla. Guard ya grill!

Kool G Rap & 38 Spesh – “Son Of G Rap” (38Spesh.BandCamp.Com) – A collection of unapologetically raw street knowledge  which attempted to join the dots between various eras in New York Hip-Hop, “Son Of…” found lyrical architect Kool G Rap passing the baton to Rochester’s 38 Spesh, with the likes of Cormega, AZ and Meyhem Lauren on-hand to rep for the Rotten Apple over production from sonic craftsman such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock and The Alchemist.

Funky DL – “Blackcurrent Jazz 3” (FunkyDL.Bandcamp.Com) – As suggested by its title, this release from London-based producer-on-the-mic Funky DL was grounded in the UK veteran’s love of all things soulful and jazzy, with his witty couplets and entertaining story-telling rhymes meshing perfectly with a seamless sample-based blend of mellow pianos, smooth horns and 90s-influenced beats. He got the jazz, he got the jazz.

Kyo Itachi – “Night Life” (ShinigamieRecords.BandCamp.Com) – France’s king of boom-bap Kyo Itachi pulled together an impressive guest list for this well-executed collection of underground gems, with the likes of Artifacts, Keith Murray and Milano Constantine displaying their well-tested skills over head-nodding, full-bodied production.

Spnda & Grubby Pawz – “Holographic” (CityYardMusic.BandCamp.Com) – Following up their brilliant 2017 project “Steel Sharpens Steel”, Boston’s Spnda and Grubby Pawz once again showcased their creative chemistry on this equally impressive project, a collection of masterfully vivid rhymes and superbly selected samples stitched together with a sci-fi undertone.

Rasheed Chappell – “First Brick” (RasheedChappell.BandCamp.Com) – Seven years since the release of his critically-acclaimed debut album “Future Before Nostalgia”, NY-based emcee Rasheed Chappell joined forces once again with production legend Kenny Dope  for this undiluted dose of East Coast Hip-Hop, demonstrating growth in his already impressive writing abilities, drawing inspiration from yesterday whilst looking towards tomorrow.

Ray Vendetta & Karnate – “The Master Chambers LP” (PrestigiousRecordings1.BandCamp.Com) – Having already proven himself to be one of the game’s most consistent and hard-working emcees, London-based lyricist Ray Vendetta didn’t take any time off in 2018, with this Karnate-produced album ranking as arguably the Triple Darkness member’s most complete body of work, highlighting all facets of Vendetta’s rhyming abilities, from street-savvy barbs to moments of subtle personal reflection.

Milano Constantine – “Attache Case” (FXCKRXP.BandCamp.Com) – Co-signed by both Big Pun and Big L, Diggin’ In The Crates affiliate Milano is an emcee who has always stayed dedicated to the art of lyricism and this project with Netherlands-based producer Oh Jay didn’t find the Rotten Apple representative deviating from his path. Action-packed wordplay and drama-fuelled soundscapes were the order of the day here, with Milano yet again standing head-and-shoulders above most of his competition on the microphone.

Part Two coming soon.

New Joint – Mooch

Mooch – “Ruin Ya Life” (@DaClothM / 2018)

Taken from the Farma Beats-produced EP “Heroin Farms”.