New Joint – Skandouz

Skandouz – “Letter To My Big Bro” (@Skandouz / 2020)

London-based FRSHRZ member Skandouz pays tribute to the late, great Ty on this nostalgic, heartfelt Charles The Earthman-produced single – beautifully done.

New Joint – Blak Twang

Blak Twang – “TYME” (@BlakTwang / 2020)

Tony Rotten offers a personal, heartfelt Urban Monk-produced tribute to friend, Kingdem ally and fellow UK legend TY who sadly passed away last week following a battle with coronavirus – RIP to a truly unique and genuine individual who will never be forgotten.

New Joint – TY / Durrty Goodz

TY ft. Durrty Goodz – “The Real Ones” (@TyMusic / @DurrtyGoodzFM / 2020)

Emotionally-charged tribute to the late, great TY from fellow London emcee Durrty Goodz

Rest In Peace Ty!

RIP Ty who has passed away following a battle with coronavirus! Such a sad loss. Ty was a truly unique individual. He was one of the first artists to show me support when I was trying to get on as a writer in the 90s. Every conversation / debate with Ty was a learning experience. He helped so many and was always about progression. Ty!

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.

New Joint – KingDem

KingDem – “Rhino” (@Tru_Thoughts / 2019)

UK legends Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang flex dynamic double-time flows over bubbling, reggae-influenced production on this cut off the trio’s recent release “The KingDem EP”.

New Joint – Seanie T / Roots Manuva / Rodney P / Ty / Karl Hinds etc.

Seanie T ft. Roots Manuva, Rodney P, Ty, Karl Hinds etc. – “Veterans” (@SeanieT2010 / 2019)

Epic posse cut featuring a heavyweight line-up of legendary UK mic talent spanning different generations and genres – taken from Seanie T’s DJ Suro-produced album “Rough, Rugged And Smooth”.

New Joint – KINGDEM

KINGDEM – “KingStep” (@Tru_Thoughts / 2019)

UK legends Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang showcase timeless flows and true-school ethics on this horn-laced speaker-shaker off their forthcoming release “The KINGDEM EP”.

New Joint – Terri Walker / Ty

Terri Walker ft. Ty – “OK” (@TheRealMzWalker / 2019)

Rousing, life-affirming, funk-fuelled soul off the talented London-based vocalist’s Joe Buhdha-assisted EP “Breakout”.

New Joint – KingDem

KingDem – “The Conversation (We Ain’t Done Yet)” (@Tru_Thoughts / 2019)

UK icons Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang celebrate the success of their recent tour in these visuals off the forthcoming, heavily-anticipated KingDem EP.

 

New Joint – FRSHRZ

FRSHRZ ft. DJ Psykhomantus & DJ Shorty – “KINGDEM Tribute” (@FRSHRZ / 2019)

London trio Artcha, Skandouz and Dray Styles pay homage to UK Hip-Hop icons Ty, Blak Twang and Rodney P on this brilliantly-executed Micall Parknsun-produced track.

New Joint – The KingDem

The KingDem – “KingStep” (@Tru_Thoughts / 2019)

Combining talent, experience and a genuine love of Hip-Hop culture, UK rap heavyweights Ty, Rodney P and Blak Twang drop the second single off their forthcoming KingDem EP, a horn-laced, speaker-thumping cut rich in homegrown flavour and true-school vibes.

Fire In The Booth – Kingdem (Ty / Rodney P / Blak Twang)

True-school UK royalty Ty, Rodney P and Blak Twang visited Beats 1’s Charlie Sloth to turn up the lyrical heat for a very special Fire In The Booth.

New Joint – The KingDem (Rodney P / Ty / Blak Twang)

The KingDem (Rodney P, Ty & Blak Twang) – “The Conversation (We Ain’t Done Yet)” (@Tru_Thoughts / 2019)

Currently touring the UK together, the legendary trio of Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang trade punchy rhymes over melodic, speaker-thumping production on this collaborative single.

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 – Ty

Ty ft. Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets – “Somehow Somewhere Someway” (@TyMusic / 2018)

Lively, colourful visuals for this soulful slice of organic Hip-Hop goodness from the London-based artist’s new album “A Work Of Heart”.

A Work Of Heart Mini-Documentary – Ty

Veteran London-based lyricist Ty offers some insight into his new album “A Work Of Heart”.

New Joint – Ty

Ty ft. OG Rootz (formerly Durrty Goodz), Deborah Jordan & Pumpkin – “Eyes Open” (@TyMusic / 2018)

Soulful, thought-provoking beats and rhymes from the ever-impressive UK artist’s forthcoming album “A Work Of Heart” dropping March 2nd on the Jazz re:freshed label.

New Joint – TY

TY – “Brixton Baby” (@TYMusic / 2017)

UK Hip-Hop vet TY delivers a proud dedication to his London stomping grounds complete with vibrant visuals which premiered earlier today on AfroPunk.Com.

New Joint – Ty / Seanie T / Miles Bonny

Ty ft. Seanie T & Miles Bonny – “Baby Love – Work Of Heart Mix” (@TyMusic / 2017)

Limited edition seven-inch vinyl flavour from the veteran UK emcee.