New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Felt Like A Dream” (@HighFocusUK / 2022)

London’s Verbz has one foot in the past and the other in the present on this latest track to be lifted from the Mr Slipz-produced EP “Where It Started”.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Where It Started” (@HighFocusUK / 2022)

The UK’s Verbz shows some hometown love to his Croydon stomping grounds over mellow Mr Slipz production on this title track from the duo’s new EP release for the High Focus label.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Music Banging Like” (@HighFocusUK / 2022)

The creative chemistry shared by the UK’s Verbz and Mr Slipz is undeniable, as heard on this latest track to be taken from the pair’s recent EP “Where It Started”.

New Joint – Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz

Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz – “Seance” (@HighFocusUK / 2022)

Horn-laced flavour from the Australian / UK duo’s forthcoming collabo album “Ever Since” dropping on the High Focus label.

New Joint – Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz / Vitamin G / Verbz

Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz ft. Vitamin G & Verbz – “Oxford Scholars” (HighFocus.BandCamp.Com / 2022)

Head-nodding beats, heavyweight rhymes and humour from the High Focus camp.

New Joint – Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz

Nelson Dialect & Mr Slipz – “Only Just Begun” (High-Focus.Com / 2022)

Australia’s Nelson Dialect exudes understated confidence on this smooth-but-rugged collaboration with UK producer Mr Slipz for the High Focus label.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Changed” (@HighFocusUK / 2021)

London’s Verbz drops introspective verses over the hypnotic, head-nodding production of Mr Slipz on one of the many standout tracks from the duo’s brilliant 2020 album “Radio Waves”.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz / Nelson Dialect

Verbz & Mr Slipz ft. Nelson Dialect – “Hope” (@HighFocusUK / 2021)

Taken from the UK duo’s brilliant 2020 album “Radio Waves”, with assistance from Australia’s Nelson Dialect.

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2020 (Part Four) – Vic Spencer / Tesla’s Ghost / Elzhi etc.

Check Part One, Part Two & Part Three.

Vic Spencer – “Psychological Cheat Sheet” (GourmetDeluxxx.BandCamp.Com) – Joined by the brilliant August Fanon on production duties, Chicago’s inimitable Vic Spencer dropped verses packed with punchlines, dry humour and charisma throughout this album. As ever, Vic came across as the type of artist who would kick it with you for a few minutes if you bumped into him on the street, but he’d also be likely to laugh in the face of your favourite rapper if they happened to walk past.

Royce 5’9 – “The Allegory” (Royce59.Com) – This self-produced effort found Royce using the same microscopic attention to detail he’d applied to his personal life throughout 2018’s brilliant “Book Of Ryan”, but this time he turned to look outwards at wider society. Covering issues such as racism, violence and economic inequality, the Detroit artist used laser-like lyrical precision to cut through the noise and deliver some striking commentary on life in Amerikkka.

Stove God Cooks – “Reasonable Drought” (The Conglomerate Entertainment / Marci Enterprises) – 2020 was a breakout period for Stove God Cooks, but this was definitely no overnight success story, with the NY emcee having spent recent years working with both Lord Jamar and Busta Rhymes under the name Aaron Cooks prior to Roc Marciano’s involvement in his career. But it wasn’t just the name change and album full of Marci beats that gained people’s attention, it was also Cooks’ ability to breathe new life into the coke-rap genre with his distinctive delivery and creative punchlines involving references to aliens, singer Jon B and DITC’s Diamond D, amongst others.

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Radio Waves” (HighFocus.Com) – Proving themselves to be a potent partnership, this full-length collaboration from London emcee Verbz and Brighton-based producer Mr Slipz was an absolute gem of an album, blending inner-city introspection and mellow beats with sublime results. Appearances from the likes of Melanin 9, Confucius MC and Coops added further depth to what was already an impressive release.

Craig G – “The Fragile Ego” (Soulspazm) – Juice Crew legend Craig G put us all on the therapist’s couch with this thematic release revolving around the human psyche. In today’s social media-driven era of instant gratification and the constant desire people have for attention, the Queensbridge-raised emcee took a step back to look at how our relationship with our ego can impact mental health and have real life consequences. Compelling stuff.

Oddisee – “Odd Cure” (Oddisee.BandCamp.Com) – In mid-July, inspired by the shared pandemic experience being endured globally and heightened social tensions in America, DMV favourite Oddisee dropped this life-affirming EP which dealt with the realities of the situation, with some moments of light relief sprinkled throughout. Leaning heavily on live instrumentation, which gave the EP a warm, soulful feel, this release may not have solved all the problems people were facing, but it did provide a welcome distraction from the madness.

D.C. Cortez & Drew Dave – “Stoop Stories” (DrewDaveMusic.BandCamp.Com) – Emcee / producer duo D.C. Cortez and Drew Dave stopped to take a look around in order to craft this observational, concept-based project inspired by everyday life in America’s capital city. Dealing with issues such as systemic racism, gentrification, education, unemployment, family and friendships, Cortez tackled potentially difficult subject matter in an engaging, conversational manner, complimented by Drew Dave’s full-bodied beats.

Conway The Machine – “From King To A GOD” (WhoIsConway.Com) – The third 2020 project from The Machine found the Buffalo emcee balancing the code of the streets with the politics of the rap game, as Conway acknowledged the pain and loss he still experiences due to his connections with hood life, whilst dealing with new pressures and issues associated with his rising industry reputation. Perhaps Conway’s most revealing release to date, fittingly original production from the likes of Daringer, Beat Butcha and DJ Premier really allowed his verses to resonate.

Rashid Hadee – “6 Packs & Cognac” (RashidHadee.Com) – The Chicago artist delivered lyrics with substance throughout this dope six-track EP, featuring production from Kenny Keys, Nottz, 5ifth Element and Hadee himself. Offering thoughts on the realities of life as a Black male in the Windy City, Rashid addressed issues such as police brutality, white privilege and mental health, with the finished product providing heads with a poignant listening experience.

MidaZ The Beast – “Where The Sidewalk Ends” (MidaZTheBeast.BandCamp.Com) – Orlando’s MidaZ teamed-up with producer Delle Digga to craft this collection of short-but-effective tracks which played like sonic chapters in an engrossing musical book. Needing to be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated, the relationship here between the Florida-based emcee’s detailed verses and Digga’s subtle, sample-based tracks was nothing less than exquisite.

Phoenix Da Icefire x The Strange Neighbour – “Cinematic” (RevorgRecords.BandCamp.Com) – A clever album, this film-influenced collaboration between London’s Phoenix Da Icefire and producer Strange Neighbour offered plenty of high-definition, action-packed beats and rhymes, drawing listeners in with gripping lyrical narratives and a dramatic, well-crafted score. Pass the popcorn!

Tesla’s Ghost – “Strange Heirlooms” (TeslasGhost.BandCamp.Com) – A true lyrical craftsman, Triple Darkness emcee Tesla’s Ghost has an incredible talent for penning verses that combine raw street rhetoric with striking gothic-like imagery, leading listeners into a captivating creative space somewhere between reality and fiction. Production from the likes of Evil Ed, Karnate and The Historian provided the Ghost with some fittingly moody and eerie sonic backdrops. Play this only at night.

Sleep Sinatra – “No Anthems” (SleepSinatra1.BandCamp.Com) – When you’re an emcee who constructs lyrics that are as intricate and layered as those penned by Sleep Sinatra, you have to choose your beats carefully. On this release, the Nebraska-based artist found ideal musical allies in the form of production duo Parish & Bird, whose brand of understated mellow madness gave the rhymes here plenty of room to breathe, with Sinatra’s expert wordplay floating over hypnotic soundscapes.

Willie Waze – “Avant Scarred” (WillieWaze.BandCamp.Com) – Virginia-based emcee Willie Waze used the events of 2020 as inspiration for this honest, hard-hitting release, with production from the likes of DreamLife Beats, Kount Fif and Jewels Polaar bolstering the talented wordsmith’s striking bars. Acting almost as an audio diary, Waze did a great job here of expressing his thoughts, feelings and experiences during these undeniably turbulent times.

Ransom & Nicholas Craven – “Director’s Cut: Scene Two” (Presidential / Momentum) – Jersey City emcee Ransom definitely left his mark on 2020, releasing a trilogy of “Director’s Cut” projects with Canada’s Nicholas Craven behind the boards that effectively showcased his formidable rhyme skills. To be fair, any of the pair’s releases could have filled a slot on this list, but there was something about the “Scene Two” EP that stood-out to me in particular. Craven’s soulful-yet-melancholy production really brought the emotion out of Ransom’s hard-knock life lyricism on this one.

Elzhi – “Seven Times Down Eight Times Up” (FBDistribution.BandCamp.Com) – Former Slum Village member Elzhi’s first full-length release since 2016 was a deep dive into the Detroit representative’s mind-state, produced entirely by JR Swiftz. Encouraging persistence and resilience in all areas of life, not one word was wasted here, as Elzhi rhymed with a clear purpose, further cementing his status as one of the rap game’s most talented artists.

Oliver Sudden – “Sudden Impact” (RevorgRecords.BandCamp.Com) – This self-produced full-length from the Cronx Don Oliver Sudden was full of South London swagger, soulful loops and sharp wit. Taking time to look back on his career so far, whilst also looking towards what is still to be achieved, this album felt like the work of an artist taking stock of their position in life before embarking on the next chapter of their journey. Quality beats and rhymes.

Radio B – “All ARt AiN’t PreTTy” (KillTheDreamer.Com) – How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That was the question posed at the beginning of this album from Richmond, Virginia’s Radio B. The content of the project, however,  made it very clear what the talented emcee’s answer to that particular query was.  Released during the summer, following the tragic murder of George Floyd and with protests sweeping across American cities, Radio B used this album to drop social commentary, encourage Black pride and inspire independent thought. Powerful.

Magno Garcia x Chairman Chow – “Ba-Loo-S” (ChairmanChow.BandCamp.Com) – A great collaboration between two gifted Boston individuals, Magno Garcia’s contemplative, street-smart rhymes found a perfect match here in the boom-bap-influenced, boundary-pushing production of Chairman Chow. The pair definitely proved themselves to be a good combination throughout this release, increasing hopes that they’ll be working together again in the future.

Athletic Mic League – “Playground Legends Vol. 1” (AthleticMicleague.BandCamp.Com) – Originally hailing from Michigan but with members now scattered across the US, the Athletic Mic League crew (responsible for such underground favourites as 2002’s “Sweats And Kicks”) reunited for this quality seven-track EP, with the likes of Buff1, 14KT and DJ Haircut (aka Mayer Hawthorne) proving that the group’s chemistry and bond were both as strong as ever.

Part Five (the final instalment) coming soon.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz / Confucius MC / Coops

Verbz & Mr Slipz ft. Confucius MC & Coops – “Decline Of Self” (@HighFocusUK / 2020)

Soothing, piano-laced beats and soul-searching rhymes from the UK duo’s new album “Radio Waves” which dropped today on the High Focus label.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz / Fliptrix

Verbz & Mr Slipz ft. Fliptrix – “My Wonders” (@HighFocusUK / 2020)

The UK duo deliver another mellow, contemplative gem from their forthcoming “Radio Waves” album – a project which is shaping up to be one of 2020’s best releases based on the quality of the material dropped from it so far.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “The Feeling” (@HighFocusUK / 2020)

Introspective rhymes, thoughtful life advice and soul-stirring production from the UK duo’s forthcoming album “Radio Waves”.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “2202 FM” (@HighFocusUK / 2020)

UK duo Verbz and Mr Slipz once again prove to be a good combination on this latest slice of quality Hip-Hop, pairing smart, quick-fire rhymes with heavy drums and dramatic samples.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “For My Peeps” (@HighFocusUK / 2020)

London’s Verbz shows some crew love over hazy, melodic Mr Slipz production for this latest gem out of the High Focus camp.

New Joint – Verbz & Mr Slipz

Verbz & Mr Slipz – “Iron Grip” (@HighFocusUK / )

The London / Brighton duo celebrate signing to the UK’s High Focus label by releasing this horn-laced slice of smoothness perfectly capturing the effortless creative chemistry shared by the pair.

 

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2018 (Part Four) – Phonte / O.C. / Ty etc.

Check Part One, Part Two & Part Three.

Phonte – “No News Is Good News” (Phonte.BandCamp.Com) – Whilst the music industry continued trying to reinforce the misconception that rap is only a sport for the young, North Carolina’s ever-impressive Phonte delivered a solid slice of grown-man Hip-Hop that was defiant, honest, realistic and entertaining. Accompanied by producers such as Marco Polo, Tall Black Guy and Nottz, this was the sound of an artist facing his mortality through music that was so good it will guarantee his immortality.

Sleep Sinatra – “[D]Arkangel” (GourmetDeluxxx.BandCamp.Com) – Sometimes you can just hear the sense of satisfaction an emcee derives from twisting words into verses full of verbal virtuosity. Nebraska’s Sleep Sinatra is one such emcee. This album was a lesson in lyricism that felt like Sinatra was channelling some other-worldly energy, enabling him to craft the non-stop barrage of intricate wordplay found here. As the man himself says, you should study the science more.

AWAR – “The Spoils Of War” (AWAR.BandCamp.Com) – Calling on production heavy-hitters such as The Alchemist, Lord Finesse and Showbiz, Rotten Apple rhymer AWAR delivered an album that was grounded in golden-era attitude yet managed to avoid sounding like an artist simply trying to relive a time that has passed. “The Spoils Of War” showcased the skills of an emcee clearly passionate about his craft.

Benaddict – “A New Leaf” (VinDig.BandCamp.Com) – Following up 2017’s impressive “The Garden Of England”, UK artist Benaddict continued to deliver his take on modern-day living in his own inimitable style with “A New Leaf”, a quality collection of mellow, jazz-influenced beats and subtle, insightful wordplay. Sharing production duties with the talented Ded Tebiase, Benaddict carefully crafted his own sonic world here and proudly invited us all in. Sublime mood music.

The P Brothers – “Mentaltainment” (PBrothers.BandCamp) – Nottingham, England’s DJ Ivory and Paul S have spent years building a strong reputation as suppliers of hardcore beat science. This latest release from the two Notts bombers didn’t disappoint on that front. With Daniel Son, Your Old Droog, Doo Wop and Milano matching the P Brothers’ uncompromising rawness with equally impressive performances, this EP was short yet effective.

O.C. – “A New Dawn: 2nd Phase” (OmarCredle.BandCamp.Com) – One of the greatest emcees of all-time, Diggin’ In The Crates legend O.C. added to his impressive album catalogue with this sturdy collection of mature, thoughtful Hip-Hop. Backed by the production of Showbiz, Motif Alumni, Dark Keys and Gwop Sullivan, the Rotten Apple rhymer demonstrated that it is possible for veteran artists to give original fans some of what first grabbed their attention in the past whilst still showing growth that reflects the present. Word…life!

AnyWay Tha God & Micall Parknsun – “Over P’s” (AnyWayThaGod.BandCamp.Com) – UK emcee AnyWay Tha God sought to inspire and motivate on this Micall Parknsun-produced EP, attempting to bring the best out of both himself and his listeners in the process. Mixing intelligent, meditative rhymes with soul-stirring beats, AnyWay continued his journey along the path of mastery. Spiritually minded music.

Conway The Machine – “Everybody Is F.O.O.D.” (WhoIsConway.Com) – The title of this project from Griselda’s Conway told you everything you needed to know about the Buffalo resident’s attitude as an emcee. If you’re not part of the family then you’re getting rolled over. Largely produced by regular collaborator Daringer (with input from Pete Rock, Green Lantern and Statik Selektah), “Everybody Is…” tightened the Griselda camp’s grip on the underground just that little bit more, with Conway yet again combining street knowledge with natural rhyme skills.

Mr Slipz – “It Don’t Stop” (Yogocop.BandCamp.Com) – A master at crafting atmospheric, off-kilter soundscapes, Brighton-based producer Mr Slipz delivered a seamless album which made the listener feel like they’d stumbled into an open-mic session in a hazy, smoke-filled basement. With emcees such as Vitamin G, Verbz and Benaddict lending their lyrical talents to the project, “It Don’t Stop” was music to zone out to.

LEX – “Alex” (LEXNYRE.BandCamp.Com) – The Queens, NY emcee attempted to find meaning in the struggle of the daily grind on this self-produced project. Blending life observations and brotherly advice with personal experience, LEX’s down-to-earth persona endeared him to listeners, making his rhymes all the more relatable.

Jaz Kahina – “School Run” (JazKahina1.BandCamp.Com) – The London lyricist showcased her versatility on this six-track EP, with the talented emcee stamping her irrepressible personality over a diverse selection of production from DJ LoK, Nutty P, Micall Parknsun and more.

Roc Marciano – “Behold A Dark Horse” (Marci Enterprises) – Sayings such as ‘less is more’ and ‘quality over quantity’ just don’t apply to Strong Island’s Roc Marci. The second of three full-length Marcberg projects to drop in 2018, “Behold…” offered more macked-out microphone techniques delivered over a smooth selection of minimalist loops, with input from Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip and Black Thought.

DJ Muggs – “Soul Assassins: Dia Del Asesinato” (SoulAssassins.Com) – Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs may have sold millions of records, toured the world and won industry awards, but at the end of the day, the NY-raised, LA-based producer is still a fan of that grimy, hardcore Hip-Hop first and foremost. If you needed proof, this project found the likes of Kool G Rap, Meyhem Lauren and Raekwon spitting darts over Muggs’ unapologetically dark and moody beats.

J-Live – “Lose No Time” (RealJLive.BandCamp.Com) – Since his initial mid-90s releases, NYC’s J-Live has remained one of Hip-Hop’s most consistent emcees. This self-produced EP was another worthy addition to the talented lyricist’s catalogue, with Live dropping clever, witty and entertaining verses over quality beats.

After Ourz – “After Ourz” (StarvinB.BandCamp.Com) – Starvin B, Foul Monday and Flushing Tek repped for the borough of Queens in no uncertain terms throughout this EP, accompanied by production from Stu Bangas, Fel Sweetenberg, Fifth Element and more.

Big Cakes – “No Expenses” (BigCakes.BandCamp.Com) – Featuring Cakes’ usual engaging mix of life observations, social commentary and political insight, this eighth album from the talented London-based emcee was heavy with substance and heartfelt sentiments.

Fraction & Finsta – “Thoughtwork” (Fraction.BandCamp.Com) – Quality collaborative effort from Finsta (of New York 90s favourites Finsta Bundy) and Canadian vet Fraction, this album was all about dope rhymes and dope beats. The pair were clearly determined to deliver some undiluted true-school flavour on this project and they succeeded in no uncertain terms.

Ty – “A Work Of Heart” (TyMusics.BandCamp.Com) – Known for his observational writing style, sharp wit and progressive musical approach, London’s Ty upped the creative ante once again on his fifth album. Inspiring, forward-thinking and life-affirming, “A Work Of Heart” reminded us all that Ty is an artist in the truest sense of the term; always pushing, always elevating, always growing.

Precyce Politix & D.R.U.G.S. Beats – “Drug-Politix” (PrecycePolitix.BandCamp.Com) – NY-raised, North Carolina-based emcee Precyce Politix delivered well-crafted, substance-filled verses over quality production from D.R.U.G.S. Beats on this impressive long-player featuring OC From NC, Illpo and Major Green.

Dell-P – “Wordsmith” (WHOMAG Distribution) – This aptly-titled album offered further evidence that Philadelphia’s Dell-P is one of the most gifted emcees to have entered the rap game in recent years. Forthright, intelligent and always remaining true to his own artistic vision, the 215 representative put his lifetime inbetween the paper’s lines throughout this release,  proving that the name Dell-P deserves to be mentioned alongside the long line of Illadelph greats.

Fifth and final part coming soon.

New Joint – Mr Slipz / Verbz

Mr Slipz ft. Verbz – “Sketches” (@Yogocop / 2018)

Mellow, melodic lo-fi dopeness from the UK producer’s new album “It Don’t Stop”.

New Joint – Mr Slipz / Vitamin G / Verbz

Mr Slipz ft. Vitamin G & Verbz – “Mic Loud” (Yogocop.BandCamp.Com / 2018)

Attitude-fuelled beats and rhymes from the UK producer’s forthcoming album “It Don’t Stop”.