Quelle Chris & Chris Keys ft. Earl Sweatshirt, Denmark Vessey, Merrill Garbus & Big Sen: MIRAGE

A hefty track here from Quelle Chris and Chris Keys, as they keep the hype up for their forthcoming return to the Innocent Country. On MIRAGE, they are joined by a superb list of guests, as Earl Sweatshirt, Denmark Vessey, Merrill Garbis and Big Sen all add their flavours to the mix. It’s probably my favourite cut from the album yet, with the exception of Sudden Death, which is just a sort of beautiful anomaly. You can stream MIRAGE below and pre-orders for Innocent Country 2 are also available. It’s out on 24 April via Mello Music Group.

Rich Jones ft. David Ashley: Coffee

A new track here from Chicago MC, Rich Jones, as he teams up with fellow local artist, David Ashley, for Coffee. Despite having met back in the early 2010’s, this is the first time the duo have appeared on a track together, which seems crazy given the obvious chemistry they have found on Coffee. Production comes from Denmark Vessey, who is as on point as ever, flipping the same sample that Tribe use on Get A Hold. The slick visuals come courtesy of New Trash Crew. The track is also available to download via Bandcamp.

Big Tone & House Shoes: From My Mouth To Gods Ears + Album Stream

Two Detroit legends combine their talents and experience to great effect, as Big Tone and House Shoes bless us with their Big Shoes project. From My Mouth To Gods Ears is just one of the gems the album holds, now accompanied by a fresh video from Aux Cinema. The album also features fellow Detroit rap alumni Quelle Chris and Denmark Vessey, as well as Blu, Jimetta Rose, 87 and Mosel. You can hear the full album below and head over to Fat Beats to check the physical editions.

Quelle Chris: Guns (Stream)

One of a number of undoubtedly strong projects released today is the latest solo effort from Quelle Chris. Having already been treated to a few tasters from Guns, including the title track and Straight Shot which features a surprising appearance from UK comedian, James Acaster, it was already pretty clear that this album was going to be another success for Quelle. Armed with his usual brand of wry humour and social commentary, the NY-based artist allows us to laugh at some of the current situations, where otherwise we might have no choice but to cry. The album is produced by Quelle, alongside Dane and Chris Keys. There are a stack of great features too including Jean Grae, Mach-Hommy, Cavalier and Denmark Vessey. Guns is ready to stream in full below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Bullies: いじめっ子 (Stream)

Pleased to see the arrival of the latest musical venture from Detroit rapper and producer, Denmark Vessey, as he unites with DrxQuinnx and Azarias to form Bullies. The album – いじめっ子 (Japanese for ‘bully’) – is out now, with full production from Azarias, who concocts a nice array of beats for Vessey and DrxQuinnx to go to work on. You can stream いじめっ子 in full below, with physicals and downloads available via FXCK RXP.

Denmark Vessey ft. DrxQuinnx & Vic Spencer: SellOut

SellOut is the latest track to be lifted from Denmark Vessey’s recent Sun Go Nova project. This particular track is produced by Earl Sweatshirt, who produced the entire project, alongside KNXWLEDGE. SellOut features DrxQuinnx and Vic Spencer. Sun Go Nova is out now on Mello Music Group.

Illingsworth: You’re No Fun (Stream)

Strong start to Illingsworth arrival on the Mello Music Group label, as he releases his new album, You’re No Fun. Primarily an instrumental album, peppered with a few vocal tracks, it acts as a fine showcase of Illingsworth’s dexterity behind the boards. There are a couple of features from fellow label mates Denmark Vessey and Open Mike Eagle, who appears on the previously released single, Peeves. The album is available to stream below and you can cop a download over on Bandcamp.

Denmark Vessey: Trustfall

One of my favourite Detroit MCs is coming back with an interesting new project.
Denmark Vessey’s, Sun Go Nova, will be split into two volumes – the first being five tracks produced by KNXWLEDGE and Earl Sweatshirt and the second being a beat tape from Vessey himself. The Crown Nation MC hooked up with the two producers when he was in LA, after Earl had earlier sang the praises of Martin Lucid Dream.
Sun Go Nova is due out on Mello Music Group on 20 April and you can get a taster with the new video for Trustfall above. Pre-orders for the project are available on all the usual platforms.

Son Of Sam ft. Denmark Vessey: System Animal

Every time Son of Sam release a new single, it becomes my favourite track of the moment. This time round they have enlisted the plentiful skills of Crown Nation affiliate, Denmark Vessey, on System Animal. It’s the next track to be taken from their excellent new album, Cinder Hill, which is out now on Tea Sea Records.

Buy Muy Drugs: Buy Muy Drugs

Crazy sounds on the new release from Buy Muy Drugs. The foundation for the project is a collaboration between rapper, Denmark Vessey and producer, Azarias. Between the two of them they craft a dystopian vision, which is also inhabited by a few other visitors, including Quelle Chris, Yasiin Bey and Open Mike Eagle. The sound is a rough blend of Afro-Brazilian flavours and dirty beats.
I’ve always been a fan of tales from a disturbed future, but as humanity continues down this destructive path we seem to be fastened to, releases like this are starting to sound more like guidebooks rather than imaginary events. So listen intently and take notes. You can stream the project below and you can download it via Bandcamp.