Apollo Brown & Che’ Noir ft. Black Thought: Hustle Don’t Give

It’s getting to the stage now where Mello Music Group are announcing and releasing albums faster than I can keep up with. And they all sound promising too. Take one of the forthcoming projects they have lined up, featuring a collaboration between Detroit legend, Apollo Brown, and Buffalo queen, Che’ Noir, which kicked off with a Black Thought assisted lead single. The album is further boosted by features from Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Ty Farris and Blakk Soul, who all seem like good partners for Che’s unflinching lyricism. You can hear Hustle Don’t Give for yourself below and pre-orders for the album are also available. The release date is set for 10 July.

The Leonard Simpson Duo ft. Wildchild: Heavy Organ

Another video from the excellent LSD album, which was released earlier this year by The Leonard Simpson Duo. Better known as Guilty Simpson and Leonard Charles, their album is a highly enjoyable, psychedelia tinged affair, thanks to the New Zealand producer’s affinity with the 60’s and 70’s rare acid rock sounds of his homeland. And it works so well with Guilty Simpson, who genuinely seems at home on any beat I hear him on. See for yourself in their latest video for Heavy Organ, which features a guest spot from Lootpack favourite, Wildchild. The whole album is also available to stream below.

Boldy James ft. Vince Staples: Surf & Turf

Another week, another cold cut from Boldy James and Alchemist, as they deliver the latest video from their recent album. This time round, the Detroit native is joined by one-time Odd Future affiliate, Vince Staples, and they’re accompanied by a tight video from Lonewolf. The Price Of Tea In China is out now.

Illingsworth: i don’t wanna see u again

An open break up letter of sorts, as Illingsworth says a much needed goodbye to 2019 – the sort of year he never wishes to see repeated. The Detroit MC/producer explains that the beat was inspired by his daughter’s love for Wajatta, and that he created it by using his voice as an instrument. It makes for an interesting style and one I would be keen to hear more experimentation with. You can listen to i don’t wanna see u again below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Apollo Brown ft. Clear Soul Forces: Deception & Woes

Check out the latest gem to be taken from Apollo Brown’s recent Detroit-focused opus, this time featuring local rap quartet, Clear Soul Forces. Sincerely, Detroit is out now on Mello Music Group.

Chris Orrick & The Lasso: I Read That I Was Dead (Stream)

Having already been blessed with one album from Chris Orrick this year, I feel particularly lucky to be able to share another stunning release from the Detroit MC. Departing from the sound of Out To Sea, this time round the Mello Music Group artist has teamed up with label-mate, The Lasso, to create an altogether different album but one which is still very much a Chris Orrick project. I Read That I Was Dead was sparked by Orrick reading about the death of a cryptozoologist who shared his name, which then began a journey into new creative territories. The majority of the album is occupied by the two stars, but there is another MMG related appearance from Quelle Chris, on the previously released single, Specimens. The album can be heard in full below and downloads are available via Bandcamp.

Apollo Brown: Sincerely, Detroit (Stream)

The mammoth new album from Ugly Hero and production don, Apollo Brown, is finally here. For Sincerely, Detroit, Brown has set his sights on the abundance of talent held within the city he calls home. It’s a recipe for success in my eyes, given the amount of artists housed within the city limits and the scope of the styles and flows they encompass between them. From Phat Kat, Royce and Trick Trick to Chris Orrick, Slum Village and Crown Nation, it feels like a pretty definitive tribute to the Detroit scene and Brown’s production is strong enough to make every track land just right. Downloads of Sincerely, Detroit are available via Bandcamp and you can also listen to it in full below.

Apollo Brown ft. Black Milk, Ketchphraze & DJ Los: God Help Me

There’s a new album incoming, from the always on point, Apollo Brown. The Detroit Producer is drawing on the multitude of talent contained within his city’s walls, as he drafts over 50 artists into the project. There are contributions from the likes of Slum Village, Chris Orrick, Illa J, Guilty Simpson and Boog Brown. The first single emerged this week and features Black Milk, Ketchphraze and DJ Los. You can stream the track, God Help Me, below and pre-orders are available over on Bandcamp. Sincerely, Detroit is due for release on 29 October via Mello Music Group.

Nolan The Ninja: SPORTEE (Stream)

Great to see the arrival of Nolan The Ninja’s long awaited album on his new label-home, Mello Music Group. SPORTEE weighs in at 21 tracks, with Nolan armed with a particularly sharp form of lyricism. The album boasts a nice list of guest spots, including features from the likes of Jaye Prime, Chuck Inglish, T3 and Boog Brown. You can listen to the album in its entirety below, with downloads available over on Bandcamp.

Clear Soul Forces: Hit Me Now

Typically solid track from Clear Soul Forces, as they treat us to another video from their recent album, Still. Hit Me Now is produced by Ilajide. The album is available to stream/download on the usual platforms.