Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 2

Following on from last week’s continued roundup of some of my favourite releases from 2022, I’m back with what I thought was going to be my final selection. The original plan was to cover 30 EPs and albums, but as time has gone on my mind has decided to trigger more musical memories from the year. Add to that the fact that the last breaths of 2022 brought us a few more releases and I realise now that I could easily do a top 40 (shout out to 80’s Sunday evenings on Radio One). So without further ado, here are my next ten choices, and as usual they arrive in no particular order beyond the sequence my memory brought them to the surface. The third and final instalment will follow shortly.

BeTheGun: Metropolis

At last we are being treated to a full project from one of the more sought after but least heard rappers in the country. BeTheGun has been a cult favourite – in every sense – for a while, but until now we have never been able to eke out more than a few hooks and verses here and there. That was until recently, when he announced the imminent arrival of a brand new EP, entitled Miami Deco. Metropolis is the first single and it comes fully equipped with a video as slick and suave as the man of the hour. Production is handled by Lee Scott, with Jack Chard joining him on the remainder of the project, which is due for release on Blah on 24 October.

GROUP ft. Lord Apex: Everything I Know

New music from the Blah camp, as GROUP announce their arrival with the release of their debut single, Everything I Know. No official info about the crew has been released yet, other than the fact that the track is produced by Jack Chard, but you will probably recognise the other members when you hear them. Everything I Know also features a slick verse from Lord Apex. This is the first single from GROUP’s forthcoming vinyl release, 1. More news on all that coming soon.

CLBRKS & Morriarchi: SEAFOOD

More delicious visuals from CLBRKS and Morriarchi, as they continue to polish off the gems from their recent album. The video for Seafood was made by LOUDHOUSE. Microwave Cooking 2000 is out now on Blah.

CLBRKS & Morriarchi: Camel Blue

Another new Blah release on the horizon, as CLBRKS and Morriarchi announce they have made an album together. Camel Blue is the lead single and it paves the way for what will no doubt be an exceptional project from two artists as on point as these guys are. The video was made by Honey JD and the album, Microwave Cooking 2000, is due for release shortly.

Black Josh: Locals

Another very strong single from Black Josh and his upcoming Mannyfornia album, which is due for release in the near future. Locals sees the Blah MC teaming up once again with fellow LEVELZ affiliate and producer, Metrodome. More news on the album when I’ve got it.

Cult of The Damned: OFFIE

Almost full gang in the latest video from Blah Records, as Children of the Damned release their first new music in two years. OFFIE is the first of two new tracks, which are also getting a limited 7″ vinyl release. The track features, in order, Lee Scott, Milkavelli, Barebase, Bill Shakes, King Grubb, Sly Moon and Salar, on top of some murky production from Wholesome Fun and Lee. It’s a great track, made all the more better thanks to a full verse from Barebase, which is pretty much a guaranteed improvement in any area of life. The video was made by Siim Parisoo and Lee. More info about the vinyl is available over at the Blah site.

Lee Scott: ffsman ep (Stream)

Not content with giving us a surprise album at the end of 2019, Lee Scott then continued his gift giving with a brand new EP, which he released exclusively to Blah Cult Members on Christmas Day. The EP saw its full release on Friday, which means that us mere mortals can now savour the joys of what is another great project from arguably one of the most prolific artists of the moment. The ffsman EP is a features bonanza, with the Cult Mountain rapper teaming up with a cross-generational list of MCs, including YNR head honcho, Jehst, rising London star, CLBRKS, and new Potent Funk family member, Dream Mclean. The production credits are just as strong, with the likes of Morriarchi, dylantheinfamous, Sumgii and Sam Zircon, all bringing their respective sounds to the mix. The EP is available to stream/download now and you can also hear it in full below.

Black Josh x Metrodome: Self Destruction

Brand new bars from Black Josh, as he kicks off the year with another leak from his forthcoming album. On Self Destruction, the Manchester rapper has united with his LEVELZ pal, Metrodome, who lays down a heavy drum-driven beat for Josh to get busy on. The album, Mannyfornia, is due for release in the not too distant future on Blah Records.

Lee Scott x Sniff: Yellow x Green

Yellow x Green is the latest track to be taken from the SUPERGANG project, which saw its release back in May, courtesy of Lee Scott, Milkavelli, Sniff and Sumgii. This particular track features Lee and Sniff, as they deliver an ode to the halcyon days of Jobcentre Plus and surviving on the dole. The video was made by RSLBM. SUPERGANG is out now on Blah.