Mickey Diamond – “Super Shredder” review

One of the illest Detroit emcees in the underground currently Mickey Diamond back with his 12th LP. Emerging at the beginning of 2020 off the strength of his debut EP Bangkok Dangerous, the dude has since gone on to turn quite a few heads in the underground by building up the impressive discography for himself with his previous 11 albums alongside 7 EPs & a mixtape. But for the past year, Mickey has been consistent putting out some of the best material of his career thus far. This includes the Gucci Ghost album & it’s sequelproduced by Big Ghost Ltd., the Ral Duke-produced Oroku Saki EP, the Sadhugold-produced Death Threat$ album, the Camoflauge Monk-produced Capital Gains album or more recently the 3rd & 4th installments to the Gucci Ghost saga this past winter. But to begin the 2nd quarter of the new year, Diamond & Ral Duke are getting back together for the Oroku Saki sequel Super Shredder.

“TGRI” begins with a cold boom bap instrumental treating the sewers like his 2nd home calling himself a bonafide villain with the chrome mask referencing WWE Hall of Famer, former WWE United States Champion, WCW World Television Champion & the inaugural WWE Royal Rumble winner “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan whereas “Shredder Loves April” goes for a soulful approach instrumental likening his romantic interest to April O’Neil. “Foot Clan Party” comes through with a cinematic sample talking about his name ringing bells from the Motor City all the way to Baltimore, but then “Cartoon Car Tunes” takes the uncanny boom bap route to cook in Dex’s lab in hazmat suits & protective masks declaring to be the face of true terror.

Moving on from there, “Coffee Beans” hooks up kicks & snares with a melodic vocal chop grinds on the office scene as well as people not knowing shit about high fashion until you saw him prior to “Rocksteady” ruggedly cautioning to get the fuck out the way since the Umbrella making their way in this bitch including a reference to WWE Hall of Famer, 7-time WWE women’s champion & WWE Hardcore Champion Trish Stratus. “The Masked Man” menacingly talks about Diamond’s competition knowing the deal with him by now but after the “Feudal Japan” interlude, “Tin Can Assassin” hops over strings discussing his style.

After the “Oozey” interlude, “Technodrome” continues the symphonic boom bap vibes to brush off anyone who steps up to him on the mic as “old news” while “Hyperstone Heist” heinously talks about being a killer. After the “Shredder’s Hideout” interlude, “They Took Splinter” dustily tells everyone else to say their prayers for God’s sake & after the “Anchovies” interlude, the final song “Shell Shock” finishes the album with a fun track for the party people.

4 months after dropping 2 last-minute additions to my Best of 2023 list, Diamond has done it again by taking everything that made Oroku Saki his best EP & translating it for the duration of an entire full-length. Ral Duke’s production is grimier even though he’s still somewhat new to being behind the boards for others’ projects, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles concept remains untouched for any fan of the franchise & Mickey’s lyricism goes harder.

Score: 4.5/5

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The Musalini – “Mackaroni” review

New York emcee & Jamla Records recording artist The Musalini teaming up with Cookin’ Soul for his 6th EP. Beginning to take the underground by storm since 2018 after dropping his debut mixtape Musalini Season, he went on to release 3 full-lengths & another tape before signing to TCF Music Group. Since then, he’s made himself home by dropping a few EPs & Return of the Oro in the early part of this decade. In God We Trust produced by 38 Spesh, The Don & Eye alongside its sequel fully produced 9th Wonder & Pure Izm produced by Khrysis have all quickly become his best material over the past 3 years. And with the run Cookin’ Soul’s been on these past couple months, I can say stakes for Mackaroni were pretty high personally.

“Say You Love Me” featuring Hus Kingpin & Reuben Vincent starts us off with the trio over a soulful admitting to their flings that can’t say they care whereas “Never Be a Stranger” takes the groovy boom bap route talking about being a pimp. “‘92 Olympics” featuring Tha God Fahim gives me a mafioso atmosphere a bit instrumentally likening themselves to the US men’s basketball team over 3 decades ago just before “I Want It All” featuring Planet Asia taking the luxurious route expressing their desire for everything.

MadeinTYO interestingly joins Mu$ on the luxurious boom bap cut “Mack of the Year” talking about being the pimp’s pimps of 2024 leading into “Got Her” showing a J Dilla influence to the beat getting in his romance shit. “1 Time” featuring Le$ works in these organ-synths with kicks & snares bringing that style for the block whilst turning it up a notch while “Fresh Air” featuring Raz Fresco & Skratch Bastid keeps it boom bap with lavish piano chords talking about mornings on the beach. “Lay Up” warmly looks to turn everything he touches into chicken & “Pay the Man” is a jazzy closer demanding to be paid what he is owed.

Despite the fact that some of of Mu$’ output can be a bit too overloaded with the amount guests, I’m not gonna deny that Mackaroni is the most I’ve enjoyed his music in a while. Cookin’ Soul goes on a 3-peat with the production since it’s on par with Supreme Dump Legend: Soul Cook Saga’s & Bakin’ Soul’s, the performances from the features themselves are more consistent & Mu$’ is straight mackin’ for nearly 26 minutes.

Score: 4/5

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1600J – “16GTC” review

This is the 24th EP from Bronx, New York up-&-comer 1600J. Emerging in the winter of 2018 off his first EP Mud Motel, he would go on to drop 22 more EPs, a solo mixtape & 4 collab efforts. Standouts include Hitmakers, GTA 6, NextDoorNeighbors with Ghetto Luxury Entertainment general Pasto Flocco & RealYung16’s eponymous debut EP. However coming fresh off producing Casey Veggies’ latest mixtape Nostalgia over a month ago, Dylvinci is teaming up with 1600J the day after April Fool’s Day 2024 for 16GTC.

“Clear Out the Room” is a warm plugg opener with 1600J talking about his shooters making all the rooms empty whereas “Bag It” continues to bring a summery atmosphere to the table admitting that he’s not looking to be boxed in & I completely understand that. “Look At Me Now” featuring Lil Xellybrings this infectiously groovy trap flare reflecting on going from being clowned to where he is currently while the sensual “Blowin’ My Phone” featuring Rx Papi finds the 2 talking about chick continuously callin’ them & telling them to come to the spot. France’s biggest artist in plugg right now Serane joins 1600J on “Global” giving me a cavernous trap vibe with them flexing that no one compares to them & “What He Can’t” by RealYung16 featuring BoofPaxkMooky finishes 16GTC on a cloudy note as the trio talk about being better than the dudes you’re already with since they can do shit that they wouldn’t.

Going through the insane amount of EPs that 1600J has put out in only 6 years, 16GTC has to be my favorite one that he’s put out. Dylvinci’s production refines 1600J’s whole plugg/pluggnb style consistently start to finish, the performances from 1600J himself are on par & even the features during the last 4 cuts all bring their individual flavor on top of it. If we so happen to get another project from them down the line with a shorter guest list, it really could be on par if not better.

Score: 4/5

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Eddie Kaine – “Last Exit to Crooklyn” review

This is the 6th full-length LP from Brooklyn, New York emcee Eddie Kaine. Turning heads at the beginning of the decade off his Big Ghost Ltd.-produced debut album A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, the next couple albums Wonderful World of Kaino & Chosen were both moderately received until the Finn-produced Quincy Street Blues marked a return to form for Eddie. But coming off the BP Infinite-produced House of Kaine last fall, Kaine & Big Ghost are linking back up to take the Last Exit to Crooklyn.

“The Wrong Era” opens up shop by bringing a jazzier flare instrumentally so Eddie himself can admit he feels like he’s gettin’ lit in the wrong era giving flowers to those who paved the way like Gil Scott-Heron & Bobby Womack whereas “Reflections” works in some piano chords to get more spiritual than some think he is. “Gylan Kaine” shifts into soulful territory talking about the only goal is to do what they say he can leading into “Chain Walkers” featuring Planet Asia bringing the 2 backed by horns to get in their battle rap bags.

Moving on from there, “Could Never” clashes these somber keys with kicks & snares boasting that he cannot be touched just before “Crooktown” featuring Rim going back & forth with one another perfectly over a rugged boom bap beat sounding better than most of the cuts off their collab EP Meta if I have to be honest with myself here. “To the Pedal” has a warmer approach sonically talking about having his foot on the gas pedal full throttle, but then “Lanier vs. King” featuring Jae Skeese brings back the soul flips referencing Marcus Lanier & Lee King.

“Misery” keeps the chipmunk vocal sampling in tact talking about feelin’ like B.I.G. with all the Versace & Coogie on while “Cutthroat Drills” mixes pianos with kicks & snares getting back on the hardcore tip lyrically. The penultimate track “Roundtable Meeting” featuring Emilio Craig, Odawg, Passport Rav, Rim, Smaccz & Spoda is a cool 4-minute posse cut with a rawly rock-inspired sound just before “All the Above” shows off Eddie’s artistic versatility since he’s singing his heart out during the LP’s final moments.

A lot of the same essence that made A Tree Grows in Brooklyn so personal & relatable had crept it’s way onto Last Exit to Crooklyn, but it’s still very much a different story with new perspectives & some artistic maturity thrown in the mix. Big Ghost’s production is a bit jazzier than last time although the elements of boom bap, chipmunk soul & drumless are still present as Eddie touches on topics & has a true gift for making you feel like that’s your homie from round the simply just talking to you.

Score: 4.5/5

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M.A.D – “M.A.D (Me Against Death)” review

M.A.D is a 33 year old MC/producer from California City, California notable for being 1/2 of the duo Madopelli. Much like his partner-in-rhyme Ant Dog who put out his 3rd solo effort albeit LSP debut Sadistic Symphony yesterday, M.A.D himself has quite a few solo efforts under his belt already including Predominantly Me as well as Full Circle & 24/7. But considering the acclaim that Madopelli has gotten ever since Lyrikal Snuff Productionz signed them & Sadistic Symphony releasing a day prior like I said, it makes sense for M.A.D to go eponymous for his 4th LP by himself.

After the intro, the first song “Murder Music” opens the album with a bleak boom bap instrumental wanting his flowers when he’s here whereas “Tell on My Name” takes the trap route sonically talking about calling him Suge White since he’ll leave muthafuckas hanging off the balcony. “Ay Mad How You Feel?” brings back the kicks & snares with a soul sample in the mix admitting that he’s feelin’ incredibly high leading into “New Snuff Sound” by Madopelli putting a Snuff twist to the hardcore hip hop/boom bap style.

”Watered Down” incorporates more kicks, snares & even some piano chords calling out those watering themselves down artistically while “Gutted Like a Fish” keeps it dusty reminding that what goes around does in fact come around & that you’re only gonna hate your own self in the end. “Long Way Home” brings a bluesier flare to the beat for a dedication to those who never had a home & “Mt. Snuffmore” by Madopelli featuring M.M.M.F.D. establishes themselves as the LSP-equivalent to Mt. Rushmore itself.

Starting the last leg of the album, “Juggalo Love 2” is this acoustic trap crossover showing mad juggalo luv while “Go to Sleep” incorporates this high-pitched vocal sample with kicks & snares passionately asking why they be sleeping on his name. And before the outro, the final song “Feel Alone Again” concludes M.A.D’s best solo album yet going trap metal talking about loneliness.

Madopelli has quickly established themselves within the underground ever since signing to LSP & much like Sadistic Symphony which we got only yesterday, it’s counterpart M.A.D (Me Against Death) further exemplifies the freshness that they can do as solo acts. Very much indeed the best albums that they’ve done on their own. M.A.D is not only one of the most interesting producers rising in the underground wicked shit scene in the last couple years, but his hunger here is next level.

Score: 4/5

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Drego & Beno – “True Story” review

This is the sophomore full-length studio LP from Detroit trap duo Drego & Beno. Blowing up in the summer of 2018 off their debut mixtape Sorry for the Get Off followed by both Meet Us Outer Space & Sorry for the Auto-Tune after signing to EMPIRE Distribution, they would eventually take a 3-year break from making music before returning a year & a half ago on Sorry We Was Trapping. True Story however made me curious as to whether or not they could outdo themselves compared to the debut.

The title track produced by Helluva comes straight out the gate with a 2-minute Detroit trap banger talking about being in the hood if they ain’t trappin’ whereas “Boobie Trap” brings a menacing atmosphere instrumentally referring to themselves as big tippers. “On My Momma Ass” works in these ominous piano chords from Drego himself interestingly enough talking about bitches that don’t follow instructions bringing great destruction just before “Slimed Out 2” serves as a fun sequel to their biggest song.

“I Don’t Even Rap” has this bouncy, futuristic approach to the beat to talk about wettin’ up opps if they so happen to run into each other in the club while “MPR” once again brings a grisling vibe to the table discussing the gangsta lifestyles that they’ve experienced. “Ignorance” has this suspenseful trap groove to it admitting they could be tied in with the cartel, but then “Sheed” goes for a shimmery Detroit trap approach making it in & out the bank like Lloyd.

The rubbery “Get Me Going” asks if you want a tour of their house while the last cut together “Ball” fuses elements of orchestral & Detroit trap looking to hit the mall & spend it all shopping. The bells throughout Beno’s solo cut “Habit” are a unique touch saying that ballin’ is a habitual occurrence for him & fittingly, Drego’s solo joint “S.M.M.O. (Show Me My Opponent)” ends the duo’s 2nd album with Helluva throwing a hint of a west coast influence in his signature production style asking who his opponent is.

If Sorry for the Get Off is Drego & Beno’s best mixtape of the 3 they put out up until EMPIRE signed them, then True Story has to be the best LP of the 2 they’ve given us in nearly 2 years & the strongest they’ve sounded since the very mixtape that put them on the map. It’s significantly well-produced than a lot of their previous material & they pretty much make the case that they don’t need features to hold down the fort.

Score: 4/5

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Q-Unique – “Royal Blood” review

Brooklyn emcee, singer & producer Q-Unique teaming up with Jake Palumbo for his 3rd EP. Emerging as 1/4 of the Arsonists & the lead singer of the 3-man hard rock outfit Stillwill, he’s also built up impressive solo discography for himself since the Uncle Howie Records-backed Vengeance is Mine nearly 2 decades back at this point. He would follow it up the previous decade with Between Heaven & Hell alongside BlaQ Coffee and The Mechanic before Stillwill bassist Fieldy of KoЯn fame to produced his last EP Pound for Pound in full last spring. So hearing Jake was producing Royal Blood, I was just as excited.

“Bad Meaning Good” sets the tone with it’s horn-laced boom bap instrumental to the lyrics looking to shatter dreams like LeBron whereas the rugged “Eye Don’t Sleep” works in strings, kicks & snares talking about being up before the sunrise. “133rd Psalm” takes the soulful route describing how wonderful & pleasant it is when brothers live in harmony just before “Don’t Wanna Wake Up” intricately pays homage to everyone that paved the way for hip hop culture. “Chess Checkers” ruggedly talks about being done running from trouble with blood on his knuckles while “Random Play” keeps it in the basement instrumentally to discuss the street life. “Ingredients” closes the EP by admitting he got that Bruce Banner anger mixed with the love of a ‘60s hippie.

Pound for Pound was received to mixed responses although I felt it was a great comeback for Q & it only made since for Fieldy to hop behind the boards throughout the duration of it. That said, I feel like those who didn’t get a lot out of that previous EP will come away from Royal Blood enjoying a tad bit more. Jake’s production is more rawer in comparison to Q’s Stillwell bandmate & Q himself goes just as aggressive on the mic as last time.

Score: 4/5

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They Liv3 – “Obey” review

They Liv3 is an underground trio from Milwaukee, Wisconsin consisting of Jaysin Logik, King Relik & Prolifik. All of whom have collaborated with one another extensively since signing to Force 5 Records as solo artists before forming a group together over a year ago & properly introducing themselves as a unit on their eponymous full-length debut. However with the first quarter of 2024 coming to a close on Easter weekend, They Liv3 are linking back up for a debut EP.

“TCOB” begins by hooking up horns, kicks and snares so everyone can go back & forth with each other on the mic whereas “Galvanized” goes rap rock to talk about being the real deal. “Evil Wayz” brings a Memphis trap atmosphere instrumentally to get in their wicked shit bags & after an interlude, “Hollow” featuring Rick Dogg works in these summery guitar passages going where the wind blows while the trap-driven “Killaz” talks about drinking. “Crazy” featuring their deejay Danny Diablo sends off Obey with a 2-minute hardcore jam.

Self-titled was a solid showcasing of They Liv3’s chemistry & Obey continues to further establish themselves as one of the most integrating groups that the Milwaukee hip hop scene has to offer right now. The production goes from boom bap to rap rock, Memphis rap, trap & even a bit of hardcore punk as they all continue to ping off each other impressively just like they did on the debut from 13 months ago.

Score: 4/5

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Dom McLennon – “The Changing of the Trees” review

Dom McLennon is a 31 year old MC/producer from Hartford, Connecticut notable for being a founding member of the now defunct BROCKHAMPTON collective as well as the older brother of it’s former de facto leader Kevin Abstract. He also has 3 mixtapes alongside a couple EPs & a few instrumental projects under his belt on top of that but coming off Prologue last month, Dom’s following up Matt Champion’s solo debut Mika’s Laundry from last weekend by putting out his 3rd EP.

“First Offering” is a guitar-laced opener looking to build a coalition while everyone else is trying to build companies whereas the cloudy “Sculptor’s Request” vibe talks about being the only real one in a bunch of fake situations & that’s the reason why he’s lost a lot of patience. “Amongst Swords” slows down his vocals a bit over a peaceful instrumental flexing that he’s in everybody’s ears more than the warranty extensions leading into the drumless “Generations” talking about making hundreds off stackin’ dimes.

To start the 2nd half, the catchy “River” explores identity through a conversation about growth & peace providing words to guide you through your travels just before the piano ballad “Gym Hours” is a profound letter to himself. “Russian Cream” gives me a boom bap vibe rappin’ like the muthafuckin’ rent’s due, but then the trippy “4theblock” finishes the EP by getting out of bed with Satan himself.

Of all the solo projects that I’ve heard from Dom ever since getting into BROCKHAMPTON, I actually came away from The Changing of the Trees liking it more than his last couple EPs Prologue & Roadtrip. I’m sure that he’ll continue to progressively improve on the jazzy production here along with the consciously abstract style of lyricism he goes for on here, which I think will catch some people who’re familiar with his BROCKHAMPTON material off-guard.

Score: 3.5/5

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Zukenee – “Player Slayer” review

This is the official full-length debut studio album from Atlanta, Georgia up-&-comer Zukenee. Getting his start in the spring of 2021 off his debut EP Undiscovered, he would continue to make a name for himself in the underground by putting out a couple more EPs in Castle & Playful alongside the debut mixtape Stop Playing last summer. Subsequent exclusive singles like “OJAYS” & “Chest” would later become amongst his best since both of them were released in the span of a year & a half, so it was more than enough to peak my interest for Player Slayer.

“CURSIVE” is this psychedelic trap opener talking about signing the pussy as if the characters are all joined similarly to the titular writing style whereas “X OFF LIST” looks to shoot back without giving a fuck who it is bringing a quirkier tone to the instrumental kinda. “PEEP” dives into rage turf talking about having to check out the spot prior to the syrupy “STOP TRIM” admitting the 1 thing he knows for certain is that bitches come & go, hence why he doesn’t stress over hoes.

Moving forward, “ACTRESS” brings an exuberant trap flare to the beat flexing that he fuckin’ actresses out here while “BAE SLAY” continues to incorporate pianos & hi-hats clarifying that trap isn’t dead when it’s actually the bitch-made who’re simply scared. “SARAN” featuring Talinwya finds the 2 talking about catching them if you can with a once again quirky instrumental, but then “ZACK BIA” clashes keys & synthesizers together shouting out the Field Trip Recordings founder of the same name.

“PROJECT LIVING” vibrantly asks if you’re down or pussy while “BAD WOMEN” futuristically boasts his lifestyle. “RAPUNZEL” featuring Sk8star has to be one of the best tracks on the album from the synth-inflicted beat to both of their performances while “BANKROLL PLAY” talks his shit over some plinky chords. The bassy penultimate track “POP” sayin’ they either push it or move it & “HOODWINKED” finishes the album by needing a hood queen to smoke good weed with.

Even though we’ve been seeing a progressional artistic growth in Zukenee over the course of these past 3 years with all 4 of his previous projects that I mentioned at the very beginning, Player Slayer here as a debut outdoes himself to the point where his status is bound to get bigger from here. The production is uniquely interesting, the 2 features are tight & his performances keep getting stronger.

Score: 3.5/5

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