Hus Kingpin: The Tricky Tape (Side A)

Hus Kingpin’s passion for the Bristol music scene continues with this latest project, which sees him drawing on inspiration from Tricky. Following on from his acclaimed Portishead tribute album, Portishus, the LA rapper embraces another of the city’s renowned artists, which begs the question, will a Massive Attack homage complete the trilogy? Only time will tell, but for now we can be thankful for these two releases.

Hus Kingpin: Portishus

Big fan of the latest release from Hus Kingpin. Having already flirted with Portishead samples in the past, the New York rapper now returns with a full project inspired by the legendary Bristol band. And it is. Not just sample wise, although there are a few noticeable ones that creep in along the way, but more in the mournful, slightly melancholic sound that the production takes. Impressive features too, including a blinding appearance from Breeze Brewin on Chasing Ghosts. I’m also a big fan of the way they work an interview with Beth Gibbons into the intro of the track which takes her name as the title; good shit. You can hear a preview of the LP below, with physicals available via wavo3000.com.

Vic Spencer & Sonnyjim: Spencer for HIGHER 3 (Stream)

Another solid project from Vic Spencer and Sonnyjim, as they reconnect to bring us the third instalment of Spencer for Higher. If you checked the first two releases, you will be happy to hear that this latest offering follows suit, with a whole bunch of added dope on the features. Hus Kingpin, Che Noir and Jeremiah Jae are just a few of the names on the bill, adding further heat to an album already aflame. There is also a typically tight remix from Big Ghost Ltd. to bring the album to a close. You can listen to the whole thing below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Sonnyjim x Illinformed: The Chemistry Must Be Respected (Stream)

A fresh release to bless the start of your week, as Sonnyjim hits us with another new album, this time teaming up with UK boom bap aficionado, Illinformed. The Chemistry Must Be Respected sees its full release today and is comprised of the sort of luxurious monotone raps, which we’ve been accustomed to from the Brum native over the last few years, as well as that soul-laced nod-inducing production that Illinformed has down to a fine art, but with a definite Sonny flair as he joins on the assist. There is support too, with Sony hooking up a smooth verse from Hus Kingpin on Diamonds & Carrots, while Leaf Dog steps up to the plate on Golden Gates, and Jehst does a masterful turn on Zircon. The full thing can be heard below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Hus Kingpin: Sunkist

New video from Hus Kingpin, as he selects another jewel from his recent Slime Wave album. Sunkist features some typically heavy, drum driven production from Stu Bangas and the video was made by DirtyDiggs.

Hus Kingpin: Ski Slippers

Quick burst of bars from Hus Kingpin on the Dirty Diggs produced Ski Slippers. The duo have a full-length on the project on the way, titled Slime Wave.

Hus Kingpin: Wally Face / Beautiful Murder

Two for the price of one from Hus Kingpin, as he drops double visuals for two of his recent ventures. Wally Face is lifted from the acclaimed DJ Muggs project, Dia del Asesinato, while Beautiful Murder is from the recently released Wavo project and also features Willie the Kid. The video was made by Dirty Diggs.

Hus Kingpin: Hannibal Hus

Hus Kingpin does what he does best on this new joint, as he breathes new life into Cowboys by Bristol favourites, Portishead. The track is apparently lifted from a forthcoming project named The Portishus Project. You can stream it below and downloads are available over on Bandcamp.

SmooVth & Giallo Point: Medellin II – Don Fabio (Stream)

Solid follow up to last year’s triumphant collaboration between New York MC, SmooVth and Crate Divizion producer, Giallo Point. Medellin II boasts all the same qualities as its predecessor, with both Giallo and SmooVth on their respective A-games. The features are in abundance too, with the likes of Estee Nack, Hus Kingpin, Roc Marci and CRIMEAPPLE assisting SmooVth with his obliteration of Giallo’s rugged production. You can stream the full project below, with downloads available via FXCK RXP.

DJ Muggs: Dia Del Asesinato (Stream)

Was happy to see the release of the new album from DJ Muggs, following on from his recent successes with DOOM and Meyhem Lauren. Even more pleased to be able to report that the project is another triumph. Muggs has always been a much-respected producer, with artists like Madlib citing him as a huge influence on their sound. And with good reason, as Dia Del Asesinato demonstrates. The list of features is testament to the esteem Muggs is held in by the scene as well, with MCs like Raekwon, Mach-Hommy, Hus Kingpin and DOOM all bringing their A-game to the project. The album is available to stream below and you can also buy it via Soul Assassins.