Afu-Ra – “Urban Chemistry” review

This is the 6th full-length album from New York veteran Afu-Ra. His 2000 debut Body of the Life Force is widely considered to be an underground classic & the 2002 follow-up Life Force Radio was pretty solid to me as well. Last time we heard from Afu was in late 2018 with Mazterchef & now, he’s back with Urban Chemistry.

The album kicks off with “Unstop”, where Afu links up with Starrlight talking about how untouchable they are over a symphonic instrumental. The next song “Kiss the Pain” with Myriam Sow sees the 2 getting romantic over a buttery instrumental while the title track with Big Shug & Keny Arkana finds the 3 talking about playin’ to win over a rock-influenced beat. The song “Reign on Me” with Mann gets conscious over a boom bap beat with a bit of an early-2000’s Dr. Dre influence to it while the track “Veni Vedi Vici” with Gavlyn talks about how both of them rose to stardom over a soulful beat.

The song “War Chemicals” with Stranjah Miller gets back on the conscious tip over a reggae infused trap beat while the track “Body’s Jumping” with Célia Kameni is a motivational piece backed with the perfect instrumental. The song “Take Me Along” with Taïro talks about elevation over a Caribbean instrumental while the track “Therapy” with LMK gets more spiritual over a dystopian beat. The song “Be Strong” with Dave Dario speaks for itself over a somber piano instrumental while the track “Lyrics Fly” with Lord Kossity is them showing off their penmanship over a boom bap beat with sample that sounds like it was taken from a Kung Fu flick.

The song “Molecular” with Jah Mason & Rocca sees the 3 talking about how it’s a big world out there over a beat with a Latin-flavored guitar throughout while the track “Lion Science” with Sr. Wilson is another reggae cut much like “War Chemicals” except this one has a more traditional feeling to it. The song “Money Change” with Skarra Mucci is pretty much about how currency can really effect one another over a Scott Storch inspired beat while the track “Firetricity” with Sizzla talks about babylon over a tense instrumental.

The song “Rise Up” with Lyricson gets back on the inspirational vibes over a colorful instrumental & while I like how the penultimate track “Me & My Sensei” with Charly B finds the 2 talking about how they always rep hip hop from New York to Paris, the beat is just ok to me. Then there’s the closer “I Try”, where Afu talks about how we need love every day & the instrumental really enhances the emotion.

It’s a decent album overall. I understand & really like the concept of him making a project showcasing the talents of artists from all over the world, but their contributions can be hit or miss with me at times & I can say the same thing about some of the production as well.

Score: 3/5

Lil Baby – “My Turn” review

Lil Baby is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia that rose to stardom in 2018 with his debut album Harder Than Ever. This was followed up with a collab project with Gunna entitled Drip Harder & his 4th solo mixtape Street Gossip, both of which didn’t match the quality of Harder Than Ever in my opinion. But after spending the last year doing features, he’s back with his sophomore album.

The opener “Get Ugly” talks about how life can be rough over a trap beat with some synths while the next song “Heatin’ Up” seems like a boring Drip Harder leftover. The song “How” takes aim it people ridin’ his wave over a bassy Murda Beatz instrumental while the track “Grace” with 42 Dugg sees the 2 flexing over an ominous instrumental. The song “Woah” continues to show off over a dull instrumental while the track “Live Off My Closet” with Future sees the 2 talking about their fancy possessions over a beat with some haunting keyboards.

The song “Same Thing” describes a day in the life of Lil Baby over a Tay Keith beat with an awesome acoustic sample while the track “Emotionally Scarred” talks about an ex over a bland beat. The song “Commercial” with Lil Uzi Vert sees the 2 talking about not looking back over a skeletal beat while the track “Forever” finds Baby getting with Lil Wayne to remind their listeners to be themselves over a demented beat. The song “Can’t Explain” talks about acting the same despite his new lifestyle over a trap beat with a quiet piano lead while the track “No Sucker” with Moneybagg Yo is pretty much both of them bragging over an airy beat.

The song “Sum 2 Prove” lyrically needs no further explanation backed with some strings & hi-hats while the track “We Should” with Young Thug finds both of them boasting about going from broke to rich & I love the ghostly melody in the beat. The song “Catch the Sun” gets more personal over a Hit-Boy beat with a mellow guitar lead while the track “Consistent” talks about his grind over a woozy beat.

The song “Gang Signs” is essentially about reppin’ your set over a vicious DJ Paul & TWhy instrumental with a vintage Three 6 Mafia sample while the track “Hurtin’” vents about his pain over a spacious beat. The song “Forget That” with Rylo Rodriguez is them both of them trippin’ on wax over a somber beat & then the closer “Solid” continues to spit from the heart over an uneventful instrumental.

Wasn’t expecting a whole lot & walking away from it, I didn’t get much. There are a small handful of catchy bangers on here, but I find both the production & rapping to be subpar for a good portion cod it. Just another mediocre trap album.

Score: 2/5

Planet Asia – “Trust the Chain” review

This is the 19th full-length album from Fresno veteran Planet Asia. Starting off as a member of the duo Cali Agents, he would go on to have a very successful solo career & has made a lengthy yet consistent discography for himself. Including albums such as The Grand Opening, The Medicine, Pain Language, Abrasions & Anchovies. And to kick off his 2020, Rochester’s very own 38 Spesh is being enlisted to produce Trust the Chain in it’s entirety.

The album kicks off with “Body After Body”, where Asia reclaims his prowess over a triumphant beat. The next song “Resurrect Pharaohs” with The Musalini sees the 2 talking about how superior they are to their opponents over a suspenseful beat while the track “Mystery School” talks about running the game over a colorful soul sample. The song “God Degree” is filled with knowledge backed by an atmospheric beat & while the track “Passport Player” has some dope mob-bars over a boom bap beat with a luxurious piano lead, the hook is horrendous.

The song “Snake Charmer” talks about pushing drugs over a prominently icy flute lead while the track “Learned from OGs” with Elcamino & Fred the Godson sees the 3 showing love to those who came before them over a boom bap beat with an incredible orchestral loop. The song “Tec & a Mink” talks about how hard it is to be a good dude over a melancholic instrumental while the penultimate track “Juggernauts” talks about his crew shining over a victorious beat. The album finishes off with “Wintertime”, where Asia reflects on his childhood over a euphoric instrumental.

Personally, I find this to be one of Planet Asia’s best efforts yet. Could’ve been a bit longer as it only only runs for a half hour but in that short amount of time, he quickly reminds us of his place in the culture as a west coast legend with a ferocious pen-game & 38 Spesh backing him up with some very rich & grand production.

Score: 4/5

Elcamino – “Martyr’s Prayer” review

This is the brand new EP from Buffalo, New York emcee Elcamino. First time I listened to him was in November 2017 when he dropped his self-titled EP with Griselda Records. This was followed up by his Walking on Water mixtape in the summer of 2018 & last year alone, he dropped 2 studio albums & a few EPs. However to ring in the new year, he’s dropping off the 38 Spesh-produced Martyr’s Prayer.

After the titular intro, the first song “Legal Money” shows off his riches over a spooky instrumental whereas “Flowers” finds Camino aspiring to be respected while he’s alive over a calming beat. The track “Street Signs” talks about how he would’ve died for his block over a boom bap beat & after the “Martyr’s Speech” skit, the song “Young Lordz” talks about coming a long way from the hood over a blissful boom bap beat. The track “Get Hi Too” is a short yet effective stoner anthem with a mellow instrumental & before the outro, the final song “2K20” with Che Noir sees the 2 flexing over an impeccable BADBADNOTGOOD sample.

Compared to Elcamino’s last 2 projects that he dropped this past fall, this is a big step-up. I feel like it could’ve been more fleshed out since every single cut is under 3 minutes but nonetheless, Spesh cooks up some of his best production & the pen-game has improved also. Looking forward to see what else he does this year.

Score: 4/5

Royce da 5’9” – “The Allegory” review

Royce da 5’9” is a Detroit veteran that most are familiar with for being 1/2 of Bad Meets Ǝvil with local sensation Eminem. However his mark as one of the city’s illest lyricists has already been made with releases such as Death is Certain, Street Hop, Success is Certain, Layers & even Royce’s last album Book of Ryan. Also can’t forget to mention his work with longtime collaborator DJ Premier as the MC/producer duo PRhyme or with the now defunct quartet of all-star wordsmiths that was once Slaughterhouse. But with Black History Month almost over, Nickel is celebrating with The Allegory.

Things kick off with “Mr. Grace”, where Royce delivers some wisdom & I love how the instrumental constantly switches from horn to string samples throughout. The next song “Dope Man” with Emanny sees the 2 discussing how drug dealers are the kings of the streets over an infectious instrumental while the track “I Don’t Age” talks about how dope he still is over a boom bap beat with the lead riff switching off between a bass-line & a piano sample. The song “Pendulum” is laced with battle bars backed with a solemn boom bap beat while the track “I Play Forever” with Grafh sees the 2 talking about falling in love with the street life over some horns.

After the “Ice Cream” interlude, the song “On the Block” sees PRhyme getting together to discuss hustling over a mesmerizing instrumental & the Oswin Benjamin verse really took me by surprise. After the “Generation is Broken” interlude, the song “Overcomer” with Westside Gunn is about how the 2 rose above their shortcomings over a prominent vocal sample & I definitely can’t forget to mention Royce’s disses towards former collaborator/Shady Records artist Yelawolf not too long after his verse starts. Is he really a “vulture pundit” in my eyes? No, not at all. That being said, I do understand Royce’s point of view on the whole thing. After the “Mrs. Grace” interlude, the song “Thou Shall” with Kid Vishisis essentially both of the Montgomery brothers talking about their accomplishments over a spooky instrumental.

The track “FUBU” with Conway the Machine sees the 2 challenging anyone who opposes them over a demented instrumental & after the “A Black Man’s Favorite Shoe” skit, the song “Upside Down” with Benny the Butcher finds both wordsmiths getting violent over a cavernous boom bap beat. After the “Perspective” skit where Eminem discusses racism in the music industry, the track “Tricked” with KXNG CROOKED is pretty much both MCs cleverly breaking down the idea of deception over a tense instrumental. After the “Black People in America”, the song “Black Savage” is empowering anthem towards African Americans with both dEnAuN & 6 July helping Royce heavily sample the afro-rock band of the same name. The bars that CyHi the Prynce & T.I. both bring to the table are dope, but White Gold’s verse was kinda pointlessly short to me.

The track “Rhinestone Doo Rag” despite being short is about how the next generation is on those listening over a soothing instrumental while the song “Young World” with G Perico & Vince Staples sees the 3 sending an important message to the youth referencing Tesla CEO, SpaceX founder & Neuralink founder Elon Musk over a funky instrumental. The penultimate track “My People Free” co-produced by S1 & Wu10 has a respectable concept, but it seems like more of an Ashley Morrell song to as she dominates a bulk of it & Royce makes very little appearance on it himself. Then there’s the closer “Hero”, where Royce pays tribute to his father over an instrumental that’s sweet to the ear.

The album isn’t perfect, but it’s still a fantastic listen. A couple of the features were pretty weak & the interludes are pretty annoying but lyrically, this is definitely Royce’s most conscious effort to date. And for him to start getting behind the boards & self-produce damn near the whole thing, he does a pretty good job at it.

Score: 4/5

Big Twins – “Queensbridge” review

This is the brand new EP from New York emcee Big Twins. Best known for being a member of the Infamous Mobb, it wouldn’t be until the late 2000s that he would branch out solo & has released 4 studio albums to date. However, he is now teaming up with California producer DirtyDiggs for Queensbridge.

It all starts with “No Hesitation”, where Twins raps about how he isn’t afraid to shoot anyone over an organ. The next song “Infamous Chain” with Godfather Pt. III & the Durag Dynasty sees the East Coast/West Coast titans painting vivid images of the street life over a while the track “Do It Big, Do It Dirty” gets more personal over jazzy boom bap instrumental. The song “Multi Million Art Collection” with Planet Asia & Willie the Kid sees the 3 talking about donning over a soulful beat while the penultimate track “Smells Like Blood” with Asia & Hus Kingpin speaks on death over a dark piano instrumental. Then there’s the closer “Cash In”, which is about both parties trying to get paid over an intimidating instrumental.

For an EP, this is honestly one of Big Twins’ best releases yet. His lyricism has continuously stepped-up over time & DirtyDiggs reminds us that he’s one of the dopest West Coast producers that the underground has to offer. Love to see them collaborate with each other more in the future.

Score: 4/5

$uicideboy$ – “STOP STARING AT THE SHADOWS” review

This is the 9th mixtape from New Orleans, Louisiana duo the $uicideboy$ consisting of Ruby da Cherry & $crim. The founders of G*59 Records have been releasing a plethora of EPs & mixtapes since 2013, but it wasn’t until 2018 that they made their full-length debut with I WANNA DIE IN NEW ORLEANS. Last time we heard from them was last May with the Travis Barker produced Live Fast Die Whenever EP & now 9 months later, they’re hitting fans with Stop Staring at the Shadows.

The opener “All Dogs Go to Heaven” finds the duo getting bloodthirsty over a bass trap beat with some Atari-esque synths & then the next song “I Wanna Be Romanticized” talks about being on the verge of killing themselves over a moody beat. The track “One Last Look of the Damage” talks about making it to 30 over a cloudy beat while the song “[whispers indistinctly]” talks about death over a woozy beat. The track “MEGA ZEPH” gets apocalyptic over an frightening trap beat while the song “Putrid Pride” speaks on time moving fast over a dreary beat.

The track “That Just Isn’t Empirically” talks about losing their minds over a bleak instrumental while the song “What the Fuck is Happening?” thematically picks up where the previous joint left off over an abrasive beat. The track “Bizarro” is a horrifically delivered drug anthem backed with an intoxicating beat while the song “Scope Set” talks about murder over some sirens & loud bass. The penultimate track “Fuck Your Culture” is a dedication to 2 of their late homies that appear on the refrain over a spooky instrumental then the closer “…& to Those I Love, Thanks for Sticking Around” reads off as a suicide note backed with a cumbersome instrumental.

While it’s not a cut above Eternal Grey & I WANNA DIE IN NEW ORLEANS as hyped up to be, this is still a solid tape from Ruby da Cherry & $crim. It’s a little too short running at only 26 minutes but both of them still go hard in terms of delivery, lyrics & their Three 6 Mafia-influenced sound.

Score: 3.5/5

Vinnie Paz – “as above so below” review

Vinnie Paz is an underground veteran from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known for being the MC of Jedi Mind Tricks & the leader of the Army of the Pharaohs collective. He put out his first 2 solo albums Season of the Assassin & God of the Serengeti in 2010 & 2012 respectively, but returned in 2016 with The Cornerstone of the Corner Store. Last time we heard from him solo-wise was with The Pain Collector in 2018 & with Valentine’s Day arriving, he’s back with his 5th full-length album.

It all starts with “Crime Wave Tehran”, where Pazzy talks about shooting someone over a minimalist yet intimidating instrumental from Giallo Point. The next song “Scorched Earth” with Estee Nack & Jay Royale sees the 3 spitting some vicious mobster-style lyricism over a Stu Bangas beat with some prominently harmonious vocals while the track “I’m the Chaos” reminds us of Paz’s place in this culture over a boom bap/rock fusion from Vic Grimes. The song “Mabuhay Gardens” talks about how nothing other than death is guaranteed referencing WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano over a somber beat while “The Conjuring” compares himself to that of a magician over a Bronze Nazareth beat with a relaying vocal sample.

“The Black Hand” with Demoz sees the 2 talking about murder over a cavernous beat from C-Lance supplied with a hook delivered in this weird faux-Jamaican patois while the song “Mock Up on Mu” sends a message to his competition over a suspenseful instrumental. The track “Ankle Bracelets” talks about wanting to be alone over a calming beat & a stellar hook with Queen Herawin while “The Conpleat Witch” with Nowaah the Flood finds both MCs painting some vivid street imagery over a boom bap beat with some creepy keyboards.

The song “Hannibal” is laced with gun talk over a boom ball beat with a luxurious pianos lead while the track “Silician Bull” compares himself to just that over an ominous beat. The song “Cero Miedo” gets confrontational over an eerie beat. The song “Spilled Milk” is a tear-jerking tribute to his father with a piano instrumental to enhance the emotion while the track “Vahid Moradi” with Rigz sees the 2 talking about staring into Satan’s eyes over some strings.

The song “I’ll Buy All the Uranium You’ve Got” talks about being strapped over a boom bap beat with a prominent vocal sample while the song while the track “Doomsday Machine” with Demoz & Vast Aire sees the 3 talking about how ruthless they are over an instrumental with a beautifully dark atmosphere to it. The song “Serve the Creator” with Recognize Ali sees the 2 talking about Allah over a soul sample & some horns then the closer “The Gone-Away World” gets conscious over a killer rock instrumental Vinnie made himself with co-production from Scott Stallone.

Paz’s discography has always been known for being consistently hardbody & this is no exception. A couple of the features could’ve been better to me personally, but his lyricism has gotten sharper over time & the production is as equally gritty.

Score: 4/5

Denzel Curry – “UNLOCKED” review

This is the new surprise EP from Carol City’s very own Denzel Curry. A man that got his start as a member of the Raider Klan, founded by SpaceGhostPurrp. His 2013 debut Nostalgic 64 was nice, but the next 2 albums he would put out Imperial & TA13OO would show his talents much more clearer. Last time we heard from Zel was this past spring with ZUU & not even 9 months later, he’s teaming up with Kenny Beats for UNLOCKED.

After the predominant spoken word intro “Track 01”, the EP’s first actual song “Take_it_Back_v2” finds Denzel lashing out & getting wreckless over a dystopian instrumental. The track “Lay_Up.m4a” talks about fighting haters over a spacious beat while the song “Pyro (leak 2019)” speaks on being on a God-level over a woozy. The track “DIET_” is pretty much Zel bragging over a trunk-knocking beat while the song “So Incredible.pkg” talks about how great he is. After the “Track 07” interlude, the closer “Cosmic.m4a” drops knowledge to the phonies tryna bite him over a hypnotic instrumental.

Didn’t think Denzel would drop new music this quickly but nonetheless, I’m very pleased with the outcome of UNLOCKED. The concept is a lot more interesting than ZUU as much as I enjoyed that previous album, Kenny reminds us that he’s one of the best producers out right now & Denzel continues his reign as the King of the Florida hip hop scene.

Score: 4/5

Boldy James – “The Price of Tea in China” review

This is the long-awaited sophomore album from Detroit emcee Boldy James. A man who rose to fame with his Alchemist produced 2013 debut M.1.C.S. (My 1st Chemistry Set). This resulted in a contract with Nas’ independent label Mass Appeal Records, but unfortunately Boldy got locked up for a while. He eventually made his comeback a few years ago with his House of Blues mixtape & now after reuniting with the Uncle Al on his Boldface EP a couple months ago, they’re back again with The Price of Tea in China.

The album kicks off with “Carruth”, where Boldy reminisces on his past over some piano chords & a chilling vocal sample in the background. The next song “Giant Slide” gets mafiosio over a boom bap beat laced with these eerie whistling noises while the track “Surf & Turf” with Vince Staples sees the 2 talking about being overlords backed by this intoxicating instrumental. The song “Run-Ins” talks about being chased by the cops over a repetitive vocal sample that fits in flawlessly, but then it switches into a grimy ass beat leading into the track “Scrape the Bowl” with Benny the Butcher as the 2 talk about smuggling coke to their respective hometowns. The song “Pinto” talks about being rich from the drug game over a beat with these luscious string sections while the track “Slow Roll” finds Boldy flexing over an intimidating instrumental.

The song “S.N.O.R.T.” essentially gets back on the coke tip alongside Freddie Gibbs over a gritty beat then the track “Grey October” with Evidence sees the 2 pouring their hearts out over a psychedelic instrumental. The song “Mustard” has a funereal feel to it that I really like despite being way too short while the penultimate track “Speed Demon” talks about criminal activity over a boom bap beat with some nice horn samples. Then there’s the closer “Phone Bill”, which is about going from broke to rich over a calming beat.

For a comeback album, it’s damn near perfect to the point where it almost feels like Boldy never left. His pen game is still razor sharp as it was on the debut & Alchemist continues to provide him with brilliant musical soundscapes that help bring his bars to life.

Score: 4.5/5