Wish Master: THE BULL Intro

New music from Wish Master as he prepares to hit us with one of the multiple projects he’s currently sitting on. The man really is a machine and another one who calls bullshit on the quality over quantity rule; why not both? THE BULL Intro is our first taster from the album and features some nice jazzy production from Ral Duke, who also provided the artwork for the video, which was made by Mr Sleven. THE BULL is due for release on 5 June.

Axel Holy: Let It Go

Another superb track from the new Axel Holy album, which saw its full release on Friday. Baileys Brown’s alter ego is transported into an animated world in the video for Let It Go, thanks to the ample talents of Monsta Art. The track is produced by Jack Danz, I’ve got a proper post about the album en route, but for now enjoy this video and check the full album, Wonderworld, on all good streaming platforms.

DRS: Somebody Pray For Us

Image credit to Spilt Cocoa

A moving and necessary piece of music here from DRS, as he voices his emotions about the current situation in America and the centuries long struggle that it is a product of. It’s more important than ever for all of us to voice our support for our black brothers and sisters across the globe, who have faced and continue to face this sort of wanton disregard for their lives every day. We must stand up to injustice in every instance, no matter how big or small; a zero tolerance policy on racist, fascist and other bigoted bullshit is the only correct course of action. Nationwide protest are being held in the UK this weekend, so please attend if you can. Details should be available on Facebook, if you search for ‘Black Lives Matter’ + your location. The image is part of a series taken by Spilt Cocoa, on the night the protests first rose up in Minnesota.

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist: Baby $hit

Here’s a little taster from the Alfredo album that surfaced on Friday, courtesy of Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist. The whole thing is available to stream online now.

Joell Ortiz & KXNG Crooked: H​.​A​.​R​.​D. (Stream)

Another album worth some of your attention today, is the new collaboration between Joell Ortiz and KXNG Crooked. Having kicked off their careers at relatively the same time, when they both won XXL’s Freshmen of the Year Award in 2008, these are two accomplished rappers who between them have been signed to Death Row, Aftermath and Shady Records. Basically their reputation proceeds them and so it was really only a matter of how good this album was going to be, as opposed to whether it would flop. There are definitely no flops on the production side, thanks to contributions from the likes of The Heatmakerz, Erick Sermon, Apollo Brown and Illmind; not really any surprises in there, but the selection definitely fits the bill. Only two features, from fellow Mello resident, Blakk Soul, who brings his soaring vocals to an emotionally charged hook on Lose My Mind, and vocalist, MRK SX, who you might remember from the first single. You can hear the album for yourself below and downloads are available via Bandcamp.

Dabbla x Sumgii: Nobody (Video) + LP Stream

New visual antics from Dabbla and Sumgii, as they celebrate the release of their new album with a fresh video. Nobody is the titular track, as well as the opener, and as you will hear the duo kick things off with a bass-heavy bang. I’ve got a proper review coming in The Wire next month, but just know that for my money this is Dabbla’s strongest work to date, and when he’s alongside a producer he knows that well and the producer is as talented as Sumgii is, then you’re already looking at a recipe for success, which is easily surpassed on Nobody. The tense, bloodthirsty visuals come courtesy of This & That Media. Nobody is out now on Potent Funk and you can stream it in full below.

Raw Poetic, Archie Shepp & Damu the Fudgemunk: Tulips + LP Stream

Beautiful sounds from Raw Poetic and Damu the Fudgemunk, as they bring us a new video from their recent album, which they made alongside jazz legend, Archie Shepp. It’s basically a jazz album, but with the added energy of Raw Poetic’s lyrics, which are delivered over a series of improvised recording sessions. Tulips is one of the gems to be found on Ocean Bridges, and you can hear the remainder of the album below. It’s also available to download and stream.

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib w/ El Michels Affair: Gat Damn (The Diamond Mine Sessions)

While I do feel a bit dirty posting an Amazon Music exclusive, the strength of the performance outweighs any real moral objections I might have. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib recently hooked up with the aforementioned spawn of the devil to give an exclusive live rendition of Gat Damn, which is taken from last year’s acclaimed Bandana. MadGibbs are also joined by El Michels Affair, which is a genius move as you will hear from the end result.

Coops: Laws Of Nature

New single here from Coops, as he reunites with Talos for Laws Of Nature. It’s rare those two put a foot wrong when they work together and Laws Of Nature is no exception, ably backed up with another tight video from Craig Capone, whose kaleidoscopic visual is reminiscent of some earlier classics. The single is also available to stream on all the usual platforms.

Benaddict: Angel Eyes

Very happy to be able to bring you new music from Benaddict, as he returns to the fore with a new single. The Yogocop MC and producer has been relatively silent since his 2018 album, A New Leaf, so it’s nice to hear him back at it, and with a really nice track too. Angel Eyes features production from Mr Slipz, fresh from his recent signing with High Focus alongside Verbz. The track is the first to be taken from Benaddict’s upcoming album, Rain Falls, which I will have more news on soon. The video was made by This & That Media. Pre-orders for Rain Falls are already available.