Dody6 – “Dodyworld” review

This is the 4th full-length studio LP from South Central Los Angeles, California rapper Dody6. Beginning at the start of the decade with a couple EPs Deep in da Gang & Sumn 4 the Streets, his debut album #FreeDody & the sophomore effort Property of the State made a name for himself as someone to keep an eye out for in the nervous scene as did The Godfather. Few months after his appearance on “hey now” off Kendrick Lamar’s 6th album GNX last fall, we’re entering the Nightshift & Dayshift of Dodyworld.

“Who” gets things going with this nervous instrumental talking about being 40 crips deep whereas “Stomach Ache” hooks up some pianos to promise that he’ll always be himself without a giving a fuck what others say. “Savage Mode” featuring R3 da Chillman finds the 2 showing off the ruthlessness that’s inside of both of them keeping the traffic music vibes in tact while “Rich as Fucc” talks about not being the one to fuck with.

Yatta joins Dody for “‘Bout My Life” keeps the nervous atmosphere going cautioning that they stay carrying the sticks on them just before “Dead Homiez” featuring Lefty Gunplay & X4 has my favorite beat on the album from Hit-Boy bring a Mobb-heavy there to the table matched with the trio displaying their gang ties. “Not the Same” featuring HBK Jachi goes for a traffic vibe talking about doing what they had to, but then “Cold N Here” featuring X4 links up so they can get money over on their side.

“Pressured Up” lets out some anger he’s been bottling up prepared to slide & people annoying him with a bunch of weird shit leading into “Demons” featuring Li Rye talks about nobody touching them because their homies got guns. “Party of Your Life” featuring Tru Carr works in more pianos to point out the amount of bitches in this party while “Sleeping Without You” featuring 03 Greedo talking about their lovers keeping them focused.

The penultimate song “Girls Gone Wild” welcomes everyone to the wildest party you’ve been to getting shit hype with him as the pilot of it all with heavy sub-basses, simple melodies, slow, sparse & slamming drums backing him that is until the closer “Air CNC” finishes it all up by getting this bitch jumpin’ advising for everyone to listen up if you want him to explain how you can be living. “Changed Me” begins Disc 2 boasting how smooth he is on the mic over some keys while “Trippin’” fuses g-funk & hyphy together talking about touching more chicken than the pots.

“Hating on Me” works in a woodwind warning that he shouldn’t be one to be pushed clapping back at his detractors in light of his biggest feature yet while “Day 4” featuring X4 looks at both of them tryna get their bust-downs whether it be their teeth or wrists. “Why” featuring Lil Vada returns to the nervous wheelhouse double-crossing hoes in the vein of Kyrie Irving while “Big Sandwich” goes off the top backed by some finger-snaps feeling more like himself.

Not too surprised by the Detroit trap feels of “Dozing Off” since some of that style borrows from the traffic scene a bit keeping his circle small enough excluding his own friends around him while “No Competition” featuring Shybelligerent talks about everyone making it to the top when it’s all said & done. “Just Bait” menacingly keeps a 3-headed snake on him betting his mother’s life on it while “Another Dimension” gives a glimpse of him getting extremely fucked up.

“Off Drugs” talks about spazzing out so hard to the point where a lot of people speculate that he’s geekin’ off substances while “Class Over” featuring 03 Greedo & Ralfy the Plug surpasses “Sleeping with You” from Disc 1 as a collaboration. “Troop By Myself” stunts on everything who disses Hood Trophy Records & confidently dismisses the need for any backup regarding them being handled while “Dody Did It” ends by talking about feeling like he has to lie since the truth hurts.

Dody’s been working on Dodyworld for a little while before GNX randomly came out & shocked the whole world, so hearing that this was gonna be a double LP made the stakes even higher for it although I probably would’ve enjoyed it more if you took the highlights from both discs & combined them into 1. There’s nothing wrong with the nervous-heavy production nor are there any issues with Dody’s own performances; the main critique that I have of this is the feature performances are generally hit or miss.

Score: 3/5

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unConventionAl KingZ – “UKMF (AZ2KC)” review

The unConventionAl KingZ are a duo from Phoenix, Arizona consisting of High Deafinician & Lowkey tha Wizard known for their unique fusions of hip hop, rock music, country music & funk music. They appeared on The Bootleg Kev Podcast around this time a year ago to kick a freestyle that was so dope, that Strange Music founders Tech N9ne & Travis O’Guin signed the duo to their It Goes Up Entertainment subsidiary for their official full-length debut album following a total of 6 singles.

“Kingmaker” produced by Lowkey tha Wizard is a rap rock intro letting everyone listening know as to who the fuck they are whereas “I’m Down” takes a funkier vibe instrumentally talking about being down for whatever. “Round Me” featuring Taebo tha Truth finds the trio getting together to tell those who have negative energy they can hit the bricks whilst elevating while “Run Away” gets goes rap rock once again talking about making a runaway.

Mario Casalini brings a more playful vibe to “Up, Up & Away” showing a boastful side to the duo lyrically just before “Shadows” featuring Joey Cool & Lex Bratcher shows the rap rock influences once more talking about a free woman you can find in every city. “Ashes in the Wind” passionately maintains the fusion of hip hop & rock expressing the plans that were previously made burning, but then “Mexico” blends country rock & rap homaging the country it’s named after.

“Brown Skin Cowgirl” keeps the sounds of the previous cut in tact talking about the type of woman who’ll drive you wild while “Feeling Me” wanting to know why certain people can’t keep it real with either one of them. “Enemy Lines” asks who exactly does everyone else think they’re fucking with while the trap-rock hybrid “Execution” featuring Big Doobie & Tech N9ne talks about no one being able to handle the death of the condemned.

King Iso appears for “Iron Addicts (The Anthem)” venturing beyond rap rock in favor of rap metal as the trio pretty much give a middle finger to the concept of rehabilitation while “I’m Free” featuring X-Raided talks about the trio each having a strong sense of freedom. “We the People” featuring Lex Bratcher & Wrekonize points out not knowing what tomorrow brings watching out for evil while “U.S.A.” salutes those who’ve fought for our country whether it be past or present.

“Hustlin’” soulfully shows off the KingZ’ continuous grind referencing 10-time WWE world champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion, United Football League (UFL) co-owner, TKO Group Holdings board of directors member & $7 Productions co-founder The Rock who appeared on the developmental NXT brand’s New Year’s Evil V last month while “W.A.D.S.A.N. (Work All Day, Smoke All Night)” featuring New Oracle talks about the relatable theme of keepin’ it movin’ & getting stoned at the beginning & end of each day. The song “Mary Jane” shows appreciation for marijuana over a trap rock instrumental while “The Way It Goez” talks about the industry turning friends into foes. “On My Mind” concludes the LP by melodically admitting they didn’t think they’d get this far.

It totally makes sense for a group as unique as the unConventionAl KingZ to sign with It Goes Up Entertainment & Strange Music because UKMF (AZ2KC) captures their whole style stronger than their Bootleg Kev freestyle did. Their production shows influences of all 4 genres that helped their name grow bigger in the underground, both past & present Strange Music artists all fit in with the duo fluidly & their songwriting makes their case as a dominant force in Arizona hip hop.

Score: 4/5

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Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR – “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” review

Toronto, Ontario, Canada rapper, singer/songwriter, actor, producer & entrepreneur Drake taking a break from his ongoing lawsuit against Republic Records’ parent company Universal Music Group for the 5-time Grammy winning Kendrick Lamar single “Not Like Us” spreading a “false & malicious narrative” when he was actually getting destroyed in a rap beef to do a collaborative LP with local singer/songwriter, rapper & producer PARTYNEXTDOOR in time for Valentine’s Day. One of whom is a pop rap star getting his start as an actor before becoming a Lil Wayne protégé signing to Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records over 15 years ago & the other was the very first artist OVO Sound ever signed. Take Care & If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late will always stand as Drake’s best full-length studio album & mixtape respectively with PND’s strongest material to me being his eponymous debut EP & the sequel debut album PARTYNEXTDOOR 2. The idea of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U doesn’t sound too far off since we’ve heard these 2 together on plenty of songs in the past like “Over Here” & “Preach”, it’s that Sony Music will notably be putting it out since I want to clarify for those confused that OVO as a label signed a new distribution deal with Sony last year & Drake has been on Republic as a solo artist since his YMCMB days seemingly trying to get out of his deal with everything going on.

“CN Tower” produced by Noel Cadastre expresses their feelings for their significant others through the colors of Toronto’s most popular tourist attraction over a moody instrumental shares concerns about their lovers’ thoughts whereas “Moth Balls” feels more like a Drake song with PND on the hook talking about being unable to get the smell outta their clothes. “$omething About You” psychedelically finds the 2 thinkin’ of lovin’ their partners all the way like nothin’ is holdin’ them back that is until the 2-parter “Crying in Chanel” stands as first of 6 Drake solo cuts feeling like an Honestly, Nevermind outtake.

PARTYNEXTDOOR links up with his mentor again on “$pider-Man $uperman” telling the women in their lives to admit that they wish both artists could save them over some guitar like while the only PND solo joint “Deeper” tells his girl to chill because he feels like he hasn’t been loving her properly rather get it right than wrong tonight. Drake pops back in for the woozy “Small Town Fame” talking about his girl having a brat summer & “Pimmie’s Dilemma” by Pim serves more as an acoustic interlude.

“Brian Steel” by Drake takes the trap route instrumentally publicly thanking YSL Records founder Young Thug’s lawyer of the same name for helping Big Slime come home last Halloween after the ridiculous R.I.C.O. case just before “Gimme a Hug” is another Drake solo cut reuniting with Gordo behind the boards responding to Ye formerly known as Kanye West saying that Kendrick eliminated in him in their beef when he really did & the questionable line “Fuck all rap beef, I’m trying to get the party lit. Trying to get the party lit for the bitches”. He even references the inaugural IWGPヘビー級チャンピオン, former 12-time WWE world champion, WWE tag team champion, 2-time WWE Hall of Famer & Real American Beer founder Hulk Hogan.

The penultimate & 3rd consecutive Drake solo joint “Raining in Houston” gets on the 2-parter vibes once more a bit talking about chilling with the guys on a Friday evening & arguing on a rainy day in H-Town itself while “Lasers” marks the return of PARTYNEXTDOOR singing about staring at their lovers’ tattoos during intercourse. “Meet Your Padre” horrifically shows a bit of a Latin influence drinking like it’s Friday on a Sunday & the final Drake solo cut “Nokia” easily sticks out as the most hideous of the 6, later becoming the official theme song of the WWE’s inaugural ESPN pay-per-view Wrestlepalooza V.

Jordan Ullman of Majid Jordan saves one of the more interesting beats for “Die Trying” has even if it feels like another Drake song with PND on the hook unable to decide if he should stay or leave with the woman he has in mind specifically while “Somebody Loves Me” featuring Cash Cobain on the remix sings about turning up in Miami knowing their special someone is out there. “Celibacy” is pretty much an R&B equivalent to “Life is Good” by Future which Drake is featured on while “OMW” works in synths & hi-hats getting calls from the condo to pick their partners up.

The song “Glorious” again feels like another Drake track featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR on the hook to kick off the encore of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U telling this woman to fuck him like she really means it while “When He’s Gone” that Internet Money Records in-house producer Niketaz laced finds the 2 hitting on women who’ve recently broken up with their previous boyfriends wanting them to call them once their exes leave. “Greedy” rounds out the collab project we should’ve gotten a decade ago with them talking about being gluttonous for love.

Don’t wanna come off as biased here because I still tend to enjoy Drake’s music from 2007-2015 & even For All the Dogs although “First Person Shooter” hasn’t really aged well. Point is: “euphoria” as an attack on Drake’s authenticity & personal image even naming itself after the Warner Bros. owned HBO show that Drake is the executive producer of currently preparing for their 3rd & final season has been proven to be the case considering John River claiming that the artwork concept was stolen from him & Bootleg Kev confirming the $ome $exy $ongs 4 U title was taken from Freddie Gibbs’ final Warner Records album $oul $old $eparately not to say that’s why I’m not a fan of the music on here. Feels dated.

Score: 2/5

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NEMS – “America’s Sweetheart” review

Brooklyn, New York emcee NEMS celebrating Valentine’s Day by putting together his 5th studio LP. Coming up in the battle rap circuit, he would go on to have a brief stint with Psycho+Logical-Records in the late 2000’s before dropping the debut Prezident’s Day under Creative Juices Music back in 2010. This was followed up almost 9 years later when he & JAZZSOON teamed up for the damn near flawless Gorilla Monsoon, but the follow-up Congo received more mixed results despite it’s highlights like “Wow” & “Cousins”. Paul Rosenberg signed the Mayor of Coney Island to Goliath Records & Virgin Music in the summer of 2023 for his Scram Jones-produced Goliath debut Rise of the Silverback which I liked more than Congo, building further anticipation ahead of America’s Sweetheart.

Following the “America’s Intro”, the first song “Go Fat Boy” produced by Cartune Beatz was a fun hardcore hip hop & boom bap lead single warning that your face will get cut quickly if you talk shit to him whereas “CTE” keeps it in the basement courtesy of Vinny Idol to get on his battle rap shit lyrically. “My Side” featuring Millyz finds the 2 dabbling with trap a bit stealing your bitch while “2 Live & Die in NY” featuring Leeky Bandz maintains a trap vibe thanks to Statik Selektah talking about his home state.

“Gunther” not to be confused with the current World Heavyweight Champion, the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion & former PWG World Champion whose Imperium tag partner in former 2-time NXT Tag Team Champion Ludwig Kaiser is dating the current WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton returns to the boom bap airing out his grievances towards a woman who holds genuine hatred towards him just before the 2-parter “Coney Island” represents the part of Brooklyn that made him who he is today. “Light the Room” hooks up some organs maintaining a dusty edge once again belittling everyone who wants to step up to him, but then “God’s Hands” shows an inspirational side to the Fuck Ya Lyfe general talking about everything being God’s plans & not yours.

Tony Touch joins NEMS on the horn-infused “Afuera” aggressively making it clear that absolutely no one wants smoke with either of them while “Amouna” talks about trying to get right & everything in him died. “Big Shot” brings a trap flare back to the table flexing his newfound popularity in recent years & “Viral” featuring Dios Moreno ends America’s Sweetheart promising to keep winning whether others like it or not.

After the “America’s Reintroduction” skit, “Son Shines” starts the deluxe run with a Shortfyuz instrumental talking about the rain clearing up whenever he steps out during a rainy day while “Zoo” reminds everyone where he comes from over more horns. “Count It Out” talks about it taking a while for him to get his foot through the door over a Ron Browz beat & the final bonus track “Go Realer” dustily suggests you do your research.

A year & a half after signing to a major label, the Mayor of Coney Island reinforces his status by cooking up an album that showcases his gritty lyricism & charismatic storytelling paired with his signature humor & wit even if I think the production on the predecessor was more consistent. The same can be said about the guests even though I can appreciate him bringing on a lesser amount than he did last time.

Score: 3.5/5

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Pasto Flocco – “Rebirth” review

Queens, New York rapper Pasto Flocco returning after a 2 year hiatus for his 8th EP. Coming up as an associate of Lil Tecca, he’s seen quite the success off his own once branching out on his own by dropping his first 2 albums March Madness & Dreams 2 Reality along with a debut mixtape Surf to Kill (SGBSTK) as a member of the Surf Gang collective. Pasto rang in 2022 by dropping sophomore tape R.O.A.M. (Rich Off A Mic) under his newly founded Ghetto Luxury Entertainment & continued to build upon the sample drill sound on March Madness 2 & Walking Glitch. The Way Lyfe Goes was a solid mix of all kinds of sounds & is returning for a Rebirth following up Flocc4President.

“My Aura” is this cloudy trap intro produced by Swervo of Vanguard Music Group talking about the chick that’s seeing him feeling the vibes he gives off generally whereas “Nick Cannon (Wylin’ Out)” works in some synthesizers to flex that he still gets these hoes going crazy even after his sabbatical. “D Rose” maintains a synth-heavy sound comparing himself to the Windy City Assassin who retired after the previous NBA season, but then “Mentally Stable” talks about stepping away to get right.

Moving on from there, “Off the Grid” goes for a plugg vibe refusing to go for 2nd place while “Jimmy Butler (Sean John)” makes a bold nod to disgraced Bad Boy Entertainment founder Puff Daddy a.k.a. P. Diddy or Diddy & that he feels like the Golden State Warriors player. “Hot Like Summer” has these fabulous synthesizers showing off his stunner status leading into “Keep It 100” calling for everyone to be legit around him.

“Accident Prone” starts the encore of Pasto’s first body of work in 2 years with a colorful plugg track talking about a clumsy woman trying to get with him & basically telling her to back the fuck up from him that is until the official closer “Lobotomy” finishes off the EP with these psychedelic synths talking about having too much on his mind calling out every fuck boy copying him these past couple years when he stepped away.

The Surf Gang nowadays is mostly known for their run as a production team since a lot of their vocalist members have departed the collective & for Pasto’s comeback effort, quite possibly my favorite member of the collective departs from the sample drill sound that was prominent on his most recent material in favor of plugg rapping as if he never even had to take a step back.

Score: 4/5

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Josiah the Gift – “The Happening” review

This is the 7th full-length studio LP from Brooklyn, New York emcee Josiah the Gift. Emerging in the late 2010s by releasing his first 2 EPs Jack Johnson & Raw, he later broke out within the underground back in the summer of 2020 off his acclaimed debut album Iron Mic. His profile continued to elevate with the debut mixtape Remain Raw, the sophomore effort Mightier Than the Sword as well as the sequel, the True Cipher-produced TOGO, God’s Gracious, The Glorious Si’s eponymous debut & his previous album Lavish Language from last summer. Over 5 months later, Machacha’s being listed to fully produce The Happening.

“Jeux” featuring Vega7 the Ronin sets the tone of what’s to come with both of them over a drumless loop talking about the flowers they tried to water being hydrophobic whereas “Honor” featuring Willie the Kid taking the boom bap route showing off a savage psychiatry. “Guess Who” featuring Eddie Kaine reminds that they were the ones down with the drama & left in the end leading into “Thor” stripping the drums asking how you want it.

M.A.V. joins Josiah on “Royalties” returning to the boom bap talking about stacking up their dough & “Teflon” keeps it in the basement instrumentally showing us what his legend status has made out of. “The Lord is My Sheppard” aggressively makes it a mission for him to go hunting for dead meat while the flute-tinged “Heroes” talking about every single way that people could imagine a hero being refusing to get political in the process.

“When the Pen Hits” brings the woodwind-heavy boom bap sound back in the fold once again boasting his lyrical ability that’s been elevated, but then “The Reality” featuring Jamil Honesty talks about being prisoners feeling the conviction beforehand asking why they have to comprise themselves for their safety. “Trivial” finishes my new favorite Josiah project with him over a vocal sample turning shit into gold possibly only bodying your soul with his skills.

Familiarizing myself with the Gift of the Umbrella several years ago through several features he’s done, his first offering of 2025 & the Lavish Language follow-up surpasses his debut from 5 years ago as the strongest & most cohesive thing he’s ever done. Machacha’s production outstandingly balances drumless & boom bap on top of the well-assessed guest appearances leveling Josiah’s penmanship.

Score: 4.5/5

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D. Savage – “We Love D. Savage” review

D. Savage is a 28 year old rapper & songwriter from Los Angeles, California who signed to Victor Victor Worldwide & Capitol Records for his debut EP D Phoenix & the full-length debut Trust No One shortly after his debut mixtape Born a Savage dropped. The sophomore effort BPL marked his debut for EMPIRE Distribution & with the 2-year anniversary of Mafia Musik approaching in a few days following this ongoing weekend, D.’s dropping his 4th studio album to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

“Kick ‘Em Out” starts the album with a plugg instrumental talking about hoes not wanting him back then & all of the sudden wanting him now that he’s becoming a popular artist whereas “Woozy” turns the cloudiness up so he can get fucked up off the lean he poured up. “2025” flexes that he got all the hoes he wants without it even mattering ahead of “Slow Rise” talking about refusing to slow down.

The intoxicating atmosphere of “Like Me” is fitting telling this woman he sees running around that she won’t find anyone else on his level out here leading into “Been a Joint” featuring 310babii finds the pair talking about building an EMPIRE a lot like the label D. Savage is signed to. “How Many Grams?” wants to know the exact amount of weed that was put into the blunt prior to it being rolled while “Palm of My Hand” asking why the fuck everyone soft as they are nowadays.

“Donut” featuring Dave Blunts brings the 2 together wanting to have fun & the killas by their side going up with them just before “inthej” featuring the streamer who finally got DJ Akademiks cancelled PlaqueBoyMax addresses every single person who wants to see them down & failing. “Geek’d Up” featuring Ty$ pours up the lean high enough where it’ll knock them out, but then “Until I Fall” boasts being as wealthy one of the greatest boxers of all-time & Mayweather Promotions founder Floyd Mayweather.

As for “Sin4thewin”, the conclusion of We Love D. Savage draws even closer getting back on his bullshit carrying a machete on him taking his meds to calm his ass down “Fr!ed” rounds out the LP by talking about being back in his bag grindin’ on the road & geeking up with 100 other rich homies outside with him as well as promising to kick the asses of anyone he catches speaking ill of him.

Given that I’ve never reviewed D. Savage up until now, I was first introduced to him when D Phoenix came out & felt that he was a good fit for Victor Victor until his departure. We Love D. Savage as far as his EMPIRE output goes stands as my new favorite compared to his last couple offerings. It’s produced better, the guest-list is tight & he returns after almost 2 years to deliver some of the most enjoyable performances I’ve heard from him in a while.

Score: 3.5/5

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Westside Gunn – “Hitler Wears Hermes XII” review

Buffalo, New York emcee, songwriter, entrepreneur, curator & now professional wrestling promoter after forming the 4th Rope independent circuit promotion Westside Gunn continuing the Hitler Wears Hermes series with his 12th mixtape & the 12th installment overall. Proving his legend status & that he’s to be a force to be reckoned with all in nearly a decade whether it be running one of the hottest hip hop labels in recent memory to his first 2 full-lengths FLYGOD & Supreme Blientele. Initially set to come last month, the 12th chapter is here ahead of joint pay-per-view between 4th Rope & Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) called For the Culture taking place in Las Vegas during the same weekend as WWE’s WrestleMania XLI live on the Comcast Corporation subsidiary NBCUniversal streaming service peacock.

After the “Michelle World” intro, the first song “Boswell” featuring Estee Nack & Stove God Cook$ is this 5-minute boom bap opener dropping hardcore lyricism including a reference to the current ROH World Tag Team Champion & ROH World 6-Man Tag Team Champion Dustin Rhodes leading The Sons of Texas faction in AEW/ROH over a sample provided by Denny LaFlare whereas “Adam Page” featuring Stove God named after the former AEW World Champion, AEW World Tag Team Champion & 2-time ROH World 6-Man Tag Team Champion who became more over after his feud with former AEW World Champion, AEW World Tag Team Champion, CZW World Heavyweight Champion, CZW Wired TV Champion, 3-time DEFY World Champion, DEFY Tag Team Champion, Evolve Champion, MLW World Heavyweight Champion & NXT North American Champion Swerve Strickland talks about being crazy rich these days.

“Veert” by Estee Nack & Stove hops over a drumless piano instrumental from Daringer to showcase their skills the soulful “055” demands you praise West & Stove. “Health Science” featuring Brother Tom Sos that the homie CG slickly laced lets off shots to the head as if it’s personal leading into Brother Tom Sos sticking around for “Gumbo Yaya” having somewhat over a funkier vibe to the beat talking about them living it & having it for a grip. “East Miami” featuring Estee Nack strips the drums again to portray the gangsta lifestyle for 4 & a half minutes just before “Bury Me with a Stove” featuring Estee Nack gives their flowers to former 4-time WWE world champion, WWE United States Champion & CWA Heavyweight Champion Sid Eudy.

The only single “Outlander” finds Rick Hyde’s son & Benny the Butcher’s nephew Myles behind the boards interestingly hitting the backend of the 12th installment of the Hitler Wears Hermes saga referencing the late WWE Hall of Famer, former WWE Intercontinental Champion, 3-time WWE United States Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion & 2-time WCW World Television Champion “Rowdy” Roddy Piper showing some jazzier influences this time around prior to the drumless “Dump World” featuring Stove God Cook$ taking shots at those who failed at throwing dirt on their names.

Hitler Wears Hermes XI last Devil’s Night was a huge indication that the infamous series can carry on right when everyone initially thought Hitler Wears Hermes X would be the end of it & if anything, Hitler Wears Hermes XII feels more like a sequel to Peace FLYGOD other than both of Brother Tom Sos’ appearances primarily because of Estee Nack & Stove God Cook$ being featured all over it like they were on Peace FLYGOD in addition to the strong production during the 43 & a half minutes.

Score: 3.5/5

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Action Figure 973 – “JxllyB & Blunts” review

Belleville, New Jersey emcee/producer Action Figure 973 reuniting with Queens, New York producer Wulverine for his 5th EP. Introducing himself off the UFO Over City Music beat tape followed by a couple solo mixtapes & the last 4 EPs he’s put out, I should further mention that the beatsmith from Act-Lo’s neighboring state has fully produced Luchadors Going Platinum Was Destined to Come & it’s sequel Luchadors Going Diamond Was Destined to Come the previous year respectively.

“Outside” opens with a reference to both the inaugural IWGPヘビー級チャンピオン, former 12-time WWE world champion, WWE tag team champion, 2-time WWE Hall of Famer, Real American Beer founder, Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF) co-founder & known racist Hulk Hogan and former 7-time WWE world champion, 3-time WWE tag team champion, 5-time WWE United States Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion & 2-time WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart whereas “Fuck Bill Goldberg” featuring Ricky Mapes & the homie 100GrandRoyce disses the WWE Hall of Famer, former 4-time WWE world champion, WWE United States Champion & WCW World Tag Team Champion of the same name.

Book$ joins Action Figure 973 for “Coke & a Smile” to reference former 2-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, JCW World Juggalo Tag Team Champion, NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, TNA Hall of Famer, WWE United States Champion 5-time WWE tag team champion & 39-time WWE Hardcore Champion Raven’s former valet Beulah McGillicutty taking piledrivers from her husband in former 2-time アイアンマンヘビーメタル級チャンピオン, 2-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, 3-time ECW World Tag Team Champion, TNA Digital Media Champion & 14-time WWE Hardcore Champion Tommy Dreamer.

“Mets vs. Sox” featuring Chyna Baejing strips the drums so both of them can talk about treating hip hop as if it’s a martial art & after the “Smoke Break” skit, the final song “1 Night in Sue” officially wraps up JxllyB & Blunts with a drumless guitar instrumental putting the Belleville luchador’s storytelling abilities on full display breaking down an encounter he had with a woman of the same name & admitting that he hasn’t been getting out much as of late because of him spending time in the studio continuing the everlasting hustle.

As a 90’s baby who got into professional wrestling during the Ruthless Aggression Era a little over 2 decades ago already & a hip hop head for as long as I can remember, Action Figure 973’s potential as a lyricist is undeniably bright & compared to the last couple EPs that he had Wulverine fully produce for him, JxllyB & Blunts leaves me torn with slightly more highs & lows. I don’t mind the boom bap/drumless production or Act-Lo’s lyricism, but the guests’ performances don’t really do the same aside from 100GrandRoyce.

Score: 3/5

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Fat Ray – “Food From the Gods” review

Detroit, Michigan veteran Fat Ray returning after 4 years for his 4th album. A member of the trio B.R. Gunna alongside Black Milk & Young RJ, he would eventually go solo in 2008 by dropping the criminally slept-on The Set Up, but it wouldn’t be until a full decade later when it was followed with both The Lunch Room mixtape & then his sophomore effort Perseus. Santa Barbara proved to be the strongest since his debut & he’s taking it back to where it all began on Food From the Gods.

After the “From the Gods” intro, the first song “Elderberry” starts with a trippy boom bap instrumental wanting to know how to sow & reap whereas “Talcum” psychedelically talks about having that powder. “Cane” featuring Guilty Simpson works in a guitar sample to warn that you’ll get popped for playin’ with them, but then “Just Say No” featuring Danny Brown fuses jazz rap & drumless together cautioning that this ain’t chess.

“Double It” continues the sampling boasting that he’s been doubling up while “Franky Lymon” featuring Bruiser Wolf atmospherically talks about who these hoes think they are. “El Hongo (The Mushroom)” explains that you either fight or fly heading for a rap rock vibe just before the orchestral “Stash” talks about cashing ruling. The final song “Gotta Know” ahead of the “Daily Bread” outro charismatically shows off his brilliance to finish his best album since his debut.

Over 15 years after Black Milk helped cook up Ray’s acclaimed debut, they get back together for a successor that show’s how much both of them have grown since then. Granted that Food From the Gods can be quirky sometimes, it’s mostly a grimey sonic ride through the streets of the Motor City with raw tales told through the lens of the ever so sharp & witty standout of the Bruiser Brigade crew.

Score: 4.5/5

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