Brotha Lynch Hung – “Season of da Siccness 2: Kevlar” review

This is the long-awaited 9th full-length studio LP from Sacramento horrorcore pioneer Brotha Lynch Hung. Establishing himself with the debut EP 24 Deep & debut album Season of da Siccness, he would later regain popularity in the early 2010s after signing to Strange Music for Dinner & a Movie alongside Coathanga Strangla & of course Mannibalector an acclaimed trilogy. Bullet Maker proved to be a disappointment in 2016, so it only makes sense for him to make a comeback with Season of da Siccness 2: Kevlar & not miss the mark considering it’s importance to his discography.

After the “Yaw Ready?” intro, the first song “I Can Be a Killa” is this spine-tingling opener talking about his murderous tendencies whereas “I’ve Changed” works in some strings to explain how much he’s changed in the last decade since we last heard from him. “Get ‘Em” grisly talks about a man who was trying to commit suicide jumping off a building & a bullet striking him in the midst of him falling, but then “Gangsta” featuring G-Macc turns the symphonic elements back up getting on their g shit.

After the “Start the Car” skit, “Smoke” featuring Phonk Beta & V8 brings the trio together for a west coast flavored smoking anthem just before “Ill” featuring Swifty McVay of D12 following the “Born In It” skit eerily finding both MCs boasting how ill they are lyrically all these years later. “Viral” featuring TA has a tenser vibe to the beat as they set out to become extremely popular & spread across the internet leading into “Eyes Wide Open” dropping bodies backed by guitars & hi-hats.

“Bang Bang” morbidly talks about being strapped while “Da Siccness” ominously brings gets on his wicked shit once again. “Blocc Monsta” has a dark, funky tone instrumentally explaining how much of a monster he is around his block while “Grrr” menacingly talks about cooking without the deep dish. After the “Grinding” skit, the final song “Southside” ends Season of da Siccness 2: Kevlar ends the sequel to Brotha Lynch’s debut profoundly getting introspective.

Over a decade in the making, it’s as if that Brotha Lynch Hung never took all that time off focusing on recapturing the essence of what made his first LP a west coast horrorcore classic & refining it in a modern fashion. His own production is as consistent as the Coathanga Strangla trilogy back during the Strange Music days & most importantly, he sounds recharged on the mic breaking down where he started & where he’s at in his life currently whilst keeping it ripgut.

Score: 4.5/5

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Chief Keef – “Almighty So 2” review

Chicago, Illinois rapper, singer/songwriter & producer Chief Keef finally releasing his highly anticipated 5th LP after numerous delays. Rising to stardom in 2012 off his 6th mixtape Back from the Dead & the full-length debut Finally Rich, he would go on to become a progenitor for drill music popularizing it in the Windy City inspiring the likes of Lil Uzi Vert & 21 Savage or even Billie Eilish. Other standouts in Keef’s discography include Bang 2, Almighty So, Back from the Dead 2, Glotoven, 4NEM & more recently the Mike WiLL Made-It produced Dirty Nachos from a couple months ago. But when it seemed like it was never coming off, Almighty So 2 has finally seen the light of day.

“Almighty” with co-production from The Legendary Traxster is this apocalyptic opener referring to himself as a rapper’s dream & that everyone knows what he’s been through whereas the self-produced “Neph Nem” featuring Ballout & G Herbo works in a grander atmosphere going Chicago drill to flex. “Treat Myself” is a dedication to self care lighting a blunt in the morning & being himself going for a bit of a calmer approach instrumentally & after the “Jesus” skit, the song “Jesus” featuring Lil Gnar turns the aggression up calling their blicks Optimus Prime the way it transforms people’s brains.

We go into a vibrant trap vibe for “Too Trim” of course boasting about how trim he is just before “Runner” samples “Streetrunner” by Nancy Wilson telling y’all to watch your damn back because his crew be running the streets out here. “Banded Up” featuring Tierra Whack brings some bells into the fold flexing their wealth, but then the grim drill banger “Grape Trees” featuring Sexyy Red up to the party as players.

“1,2,3” flips “And I Love Her” by Bobby Womack detailing his lifestyle while “Drifting Away” pretty much talks about being zooted in addition to referencing WWE Hall of Famer, former 3-time WWE world champion, 3-time WWE United States Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 9-time WWE tag team champion, 8 time WWE Cruiserweight Champion & アイアンマンヘビーメタル級王座 Rey Mysterio whose son Dominik is a former 2-time NXT North American Champion & WWE Tag Team Champion mixing trap, pop rap, hyphy & Chicago drill all in 1. “Never Fly Here” featuring Quavo demands respect on their names like Lil Baby & the “Told the bitch I don’t want her pussy, the bitch proceeded to rape me” line during the first verse was an eyebrow-raising moment obviously because it’s a fucked up situation that Sosa & no other person deserve to go through.

Beginning the last leg of Almighty So 2, the majestic drill-infused “Prince Charming” addresses a woman who’s been thinking of him recently while the 7-minute “Believe” gives off a psychedelic mood altogether refusing to put on someone else if you ain’t puttin’ on your mans. “Tony Montana Flow” crosses gangsta rap & Chicago drill over one another advising not to come over to his turf cause it’s crowded unless it’s Master P or you’re ’bout it ’bout it. “I’m Tryna Sleep” ends the album passionately attempting to rest after making $1M the week previously.

Almighty So is one of my top 5 mixtapes in Chief Keef’s discography, so my expectations for it were a bit higher than Dirty Nachos earlier this year. Lo & behold, Almighty So 2 surpasses the high level of quality Chicago drill music that made his previous tape amongst his best & the most I had enjoyed from him in a while. The instrumentals are all articulately conceived, Sosa recaptures the energetic performances from the classic we got over a decade ago & we have a tight guest list similar to Dirty Nachos’.

Score: 4.5/5

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Chief Keef – “Dirty Nachos” review

This is the 32nd mixtape from Chicago, Illinois rapper, singer/songwriter & producer Chief Keef. Rising to stardom in 2012 off his 6th mixtape Back from the Dead & the full-length debut Finally Rich, he would go on to become a progenitor for drill music popularizing it in the Windy City inspiring the likes of Lil Uzi Vert & 21 Savage or even Billie Eilish. Other standouts in Keef’s discography include Bang 2, Almighty So, Back from the Dead 2, GloToven & 4NEM. But with Mike WiLL Made-It fully producing Dirty Nachos, expectations for it were very high for me personally.

After the intro, the first song “2 Times” is an energetic trap opener talking about having to steal a couple times in the past & seeing dollar signs when you look in his eyes whereas the title track encourages to get off the block & take a trip. “Doja” briefly yet bombastically flexes the kind of weed he be smoking leading into “Ridiculousness” featuring Ballout bringing a suspenseful atmosphere this time around talking about being on too much savagery.

2 Chainz’ feature on “Pull Up Ghost-Clan” is significantly stronger vibrantly boasting that they’ll be at the spot in a coupe just before dedicating “Damn Shorty” featuring Sexyy Red to all the strip clubs out there & I can definitely hear this being played at those kinda spots. “Why You Mad?” hops over strings & hi-hats asking haters the titular question prior to “Watch for the Pigs” menacingly calling out the feds.

“Charged Up” gives me a cloudy trap vibe instrumentally telling us that’s exactly how he be feelin’ while “Promenade” almost has a quirkier tone talking about the cops trying to get him on a daily basis. “Beware of Dog” might be my least favorite on the tape because it feels a little unfinished to me personally, but then “Girl Woo” although more fleshed out seems like a flat pop rap cut.

Meanwhile, “Player in Me” brings a trippier flare to the beat boasting his player status while “Love Don’t Live Here” comes through with aggressive braggadocio. “Status” chillingly sets out to fit 5 or 6 bitches in his car being on Saturn while “Harley Quinn” comparing his girl to the titular DC character over synth-horns. “Bang Bang” rounds out the tape by bringing Chicago drill undertones to the fold portraying images of the gangsta life 1 last time.

Almighty So 2 has been quickly turning into the modern day Detox by now, yet I’ll absolutely still take Dirty Nachos as a way of making up for the constant delays. Mike WiLL’s production is more refined than some of the O.G. versions Shawn Ferrari did, Keef gives some of his best performances I’ve heard from him in a while & the 3 features don’t bother me all that much.

Score: 4/5

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Mick Jenkins – “The Patience” review

This is the 4th full-length album from Chicago, Illinois emcee Mick Jenkins. Getting his start as a member of the YCA collective, he would eventually breakout in 2014 with the release of his GoodTalk Records-backed 3rd mixtape The Water(s) followed by his debut EP Wave(s) & the commercial debut The Healing Component. His next 2 albums Pieces of a Man & Elephant in the Room were both released to more mild reception, but I still went into Mick’s official RBC Records debut The Patience hoping it would become the strongest LP in his catalog.

“Michelin Star” is a lavish opener to the album by Mick providing genuine words of wisdom whereas “Show & Tell” featuring Freddie Gibbs dives straight into boom bap territory with a string sample talking about how they had to proving the doubters wrong in front of their very eyes. “Sitting Ducks” featuring Benny the Butcher works in an uncanny loop with more kicks & snares saying they keep that flame with them sans the propane leading into the calming lead single “Smoke-Break-Dance” featuring J.I.D talking about puffing on that good shit.

Meanwhile, we have Mick returning to the boom bap on “007” making it clear that he fucked around & found a way out just before “2004” works in some heavy synths talking about being around the same people as he was 2 decades ago. “Roy G. Biv” produced by Beat Butcha psychedelically puts a unique spin on the concept of the acronym for the sequence of hues commonly described as making up a rainbow, but then “Pasta” takes a more atmospheric route talking about how all he sees is imposters.

The song “Farm to Table” featuring Vic Mensa goes for a mellow boom bap vibe finding both Chi-Town natives boasting that they keep baddies on their arms & they’re not bitches at all while the penultimate track “Guapanese” is a jazzy drumless crossover pointing out how money talks in a distinctive fashion. “Mop” ends the album by endless mopping his flows over a crooning loop & a bass guitar courtesy of FNZ.

I’ll admit that it’s been a few years since I’ve covered Mick’s music, but The Patience is quite possibly the most mature LP in his catalog thus far. The production is rooted in the stylistic jazz rap sounds that we’ve come to know him for, the features all have perform more consistently than Elephant in the Room & you can genuinely hear the frustration with the process of progression in his voice for the half hour duration.

Score: 4/5

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Tech N9ne – “MORE FEAR” review

This is the 7th EP from the ever-hardworking Kansas City veteran Tech N9ne. He’s fresh off his 22nd full-length ENTERFEAR that just dropped back in April & it turns out so much material was recorded for that particular album, that N9na has seen fit to release some of those cuts in the first of 2 EPs.

After the “Heist” skit, the first song “ENTERFEARENCE” talks about feeling disoriented over a groggy beat from MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7 whereas the track right after “Bitch Slap” with Corey Taylor, GreatDaeg & Hopsin sees the 4 talking about hitting anyone who tries to harm their personal spaces over a trap metal beat. After the “Report” skit, the song “I Don’t Give a Pho” talks about not caring for bullshit over an eerie trap beat while the penultimate track “Inside” talks about giving himself a pick-me-up over an unexpected boom bap instrumental that works pretty fantastically. The EP finishes with “Specter”, where Tech talks about being a ghost over a melancholic beat from N4.

Personally, I think I might enjoy this EP a bit more than the album itself. As dark as ENTERFEAR was, most of these cuts should’ve made it onto that album because they would play into it much more solidly than the weaker cuts on there. Can’t wait for FEAR EXODUS at the end of the year.

Score: 4/5

Stevie Stone – “Black Lion” review

Stevie Stone is a 39 year old MC from Columbia, Missouri who first gained attention as one of the very last 2 artists to ever sign with Ruthless Records alongside Hopsin. Both of their full-length debuts New Kid Comin’ & Gazing at the Moonlight received little to no promotion, leading both artists to leave the crumbling label. Hopsin went on to form Funk Volume shortly after before closing shop in 2016 whereas Stevie signed to Strange Music in 2012. He eventually became one of the label’s biggest artists with albums like Rollin’ Stone, 2 Birds 1 Stone, Malta Bend & my personal favorite: Level Up. Then came the JL collab album Kontra-Band in 2018, which was really good too. But after Tech N9ne dropped his latest album ENTERFEAR this past spring, things over at Strange slowed down drastically due to the pandemic. However, Stevie is helping the Snake & Bat back in their groove by dropping Black Lion.

The album kicks off with “Set in Stone”, where Stevie talks about being unchangeable when it’s all said & done over an acoustic guitar. The next song “V.I.P.” serves as a club banger with a cavernous trap beat while the track “Type of Time” talks about being a threat over a MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7 instrumental with a cool woodwind thrown in.“Underrated” vents about deserving more appreciation over a delicate instrumental while “The Worst for Me” details how this woman can’t leave him over a luxurious boom bap beat.

“Can’t Deny It” talks about a groupie wanting to chill with him over a smooth instrumental & while “Selfish” featuring Flawless Real Talk finds the 2 talking about why they’re so finicky over a vibrant beat with a woodwind sample. The track “No Permission” gives the listeners a proper clue of what his do’s & dont’s are over a druggy instrumental while the song “Teknique” featuring Tech N9ne gets sexual over an hyphy beat.

The track “Conquer” featuring Spaide R.I.P.P.E.R. is a decent mosh pit starter while the song “Jungle” featuring King Iso gets on the more braggadocious tip over a trap beat with a unique cricket loop throughout. “Dope Sick” talks about hard he be going over an intimidating instrumental from Wyshmaster while the track “Holiday” featuring Maez301 is an incredibly fun party anthem.

“Hennessy & Harmony” talks about being all in over a cloudy instrumental while the track “Vibe” featuring ¡MAYDAY! stoner’s tune backed by the reggae style production throughout South of 5th. “Some Days” speaks on having all these emotions bottled up over a piano-inflicted trap beat while the penultimate track “Still Standing” featuring Rittz finds the 2 talking about how far they’ve come over a melancholic instrumental. “Taste” ends the album opening up about how much fame has changed him over a chill beat.

Like I said earlier: Stevie Stone is one of the most prominent acts on Strange Music & this album is a fine example as to why even if it’s said to be his last under the local indie major. There are a couple of features that don’t really land with me, but you’re gonna get a good look at how much he’s changed throughout the years & the artist/person that he has become today.

Score: 4/5

Run the Jewels – “Run the Jewels 4” review

Run the Jewels are a super-duo consisting of Killer Mike & El-P. They first crossed paths with each other in 2012 when the latter produced Mike’s 5th album R.A.P. (Rebellious African People) Music in it’s entirety, but came together officially the following year with a self-titled debut. Their sophomore album in 2014 is my personal favorite though, as it’s a lot darker. Last we heard from Mike & El-Producto together in a full-length capacity was in 2016 with their much more political 3rd album but in classic Run the Jewels, they’re releasing their long awaited 4th album a couple days early.

Things kick off with “yankee & the brave (ep. 4)”, where the duo display their chemistry over an abstract chaotic instrumental. The next song “ooh la la” with Greg Nice sees the 3 talking about over a piano-inflicted boom bap beat while the track “out of sight” with 2 Chainz talks about being menaces over a vintage rap rock instrumental. The song “holy calamafuck” is a dark shit-talking anthem with a phenomenal beat switch about halfway through while the track “goonies vs. E.T.” talks about having another chance over an abrasive instrumental.

The song “walking in the snow” is pretty much a well-timed response George Floyd’s recent murder over a dynamic instrumental while the track “JU$T” with Zack de la Rocha of course talks about the industry over a Neptunes-influenced beat which is fitting because Pharrell kills it with his additional vocals. The song “never look back” talks about moving on from the past over a futuristic instrumental while “the ground below” talks about how love never meant much to them backed by an amazing sample of “Ether” by Gang of 4. The penultimate song “pulling the pin” cleverly uses grenades as a metaphor for their hearts over an instrumental with a cavernous instrumental with phenomenal guitar playing from Josh Homme & then the album finishes off with “a few words for the firing squad (radiation)”, where Killer Mike & El-P make an epic dedication to those whose voices were never heard over a more minimalist instrumental.

These guys now have 4 consecutive classics together, because this did not disappoint me at all. I love how they took all the elements of their first 3 albums & fused them all together into 1 near-perfect 39 minute album. The production is off the wall, their chemistry is unmatched at this point & the political commentary is perfect for everything that’s going in the world right now.

Score: 4.5/5

Tech N9ne – “ENTERFEAR” review

Tech N9ne is an MC from Kansas City, Missouri who really doesn’t need an introduction at this point. The man has put in an insane amount of work over the course of his nearly 3 decade career from starting up the most successful independent label in hip hop Strange Music to a lengthy discography including Anghellic, Absolute Power, Everready [The Religion], K.o.D. (King of Darkness) & Special Effects. The last we heard from Tech was just about a year ago with N9NA & with the 1 year anniversary of that coming up, he’s back with his 22nd album.

The album kicks off with “Just Die?”, where Tech takes aim to those saying it’s falling off over a rap metal beat. The next song “Suckseed” with King Iso sees the 2 telling everyone to suck their dicks over a rock/trap fusion while the track “Outdone” talks about going from rapping for the first time in 1985 to being co-signed by some of the greats & I love how layered the beat from MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7 gets as it progresses. The song “Look What I Did” with the Flatbush ZOMBiES talks about making it in the industry over a cavernous trap beat while the track “Yeah No!” talks about being reclusive now over a dark instrumental.

The song “Dr. Sebagh” with Landxn Fyre sees the 2 showing off their skills over a spacious beat while the track “Question Mark This!” with Lex Bratcher sees the 2 talking about backstabbers over a druggy beat. The song “Snake & the Batman” is a short yet merciless flex over a slow yet suspenseful instrumental while the track “Feel So Sad!” talks about how he isn’t perfect over a dreary acoustic instrumental.The song “Leave It on the Flo!” talks about hooking up with 2 women over a sensual beat & an awkward Landxn verse in the middle while the track “Phonk” with Merkules & Scru Face Jean is a decent sequel with a soulful boom bap beat.

The song “Angel Baby” talks about all the times he’s survived death over a funereal instrumental while the track “On the Outside” talks about getting money over an upbeat instrumental. The song “Smell Good” with Krizz Kaliko sees the 2 getting flirtatious over a smooth instrumental while the track “Stoli Doli” continues the same themes over a more meditative beat.The song “For Ya Love” talks about this woman holding a grudge over an intoxicating beat while the track “B.I.B. (But I’m Blessed)” sees Tech & Krizz talks about being grateful despite their shortcomings over a calming yet atmospheric beat. The song “Saw Somethin’” with Iso sees the 2 talking about the supernatural over a ghostly instrumental & then the closer “KC Smile” pays tribute to his hometown over a jazzy beat.

Tech has always been one of my favorite artists in all of hip hop & this just goes to show why. A couple of the features could’ve been better at points, but I really like how the album takes a much more darker approach than N9NA did.

Score: 3/5

King Iso – “World War Me” review

King Iso is a 30 year old rapper & producer from Omaha, Nebraska that came up as a protege of San Diego chopper Twisted Insane, dropping his first 2 albums & The Insanity Plea & Autophobia under Brainsick Muzik. Shortly after, they had an unfortunate falling out & it prompted Iso to put out his next album DeMenTia independently in 2018. However, I was thrilled to see him sign with Strange Music last spring & couldn’t wait to see what would happen on his debut with the biggest independent hip hop label in the world.

The album kicks off with “Requiem”, where King Iso links up with Tech N9ne to deliver some vicious battle bars over a dark piano trap instrumental. The next song “Chopped Liver” talks about being on the rise over an ominous beat while the track “My 1st Body” talks about the first time he killed someone metaphorically over a funereal instrumental. The titular song vents about his inner demons over a bloodcurdling instrumental & after the “Pride” skit, the track “G.I.’so” compares himself to that of a soldier over a vibrant instrumental.

The song “T.F.B. (Training For Battle)” is a really cool gym anthem with a trap beat backed by a chilling choir sample while the track “I Declare War” talks about being at war with himself over a bassy yet supernatural sounding instrumental. After the “Gluttony/Greed” skit, the song “Manic” talks about being insane over a solemn instrumental while the track “Tally Bandz” talks about making paper over a nightly instrumental.

The song “War Zone” talks about surviving through anything over a buoyant instrumental while the track “AWOL” talks about being better off dead. The song “Dog Tags” is a cool take on DMX’s “Where My Dogs At?” over a trap beat with a luxurious piano lead while the track “Weakened Dad” talks about how he never really knew his father growing up over a cloudy instrumental.

The song “Apparent Absence” talks about children in the hood without parents over a grim instrumental while the track “Trippy Love” is a decent, intoxicating lust anthem. The song “Euthanamerica” is a insightful message to the youth in our country over an spacious beat while the track “Jealous” talks about the feeling of envy over an pretty acoustic instrumental. The penultimate song “Folded Flags” provides the listener with some knowledge over an instrumental with a godly atmosphere to it & then after the “Thank You” skit, the closer “Edicius” talks about ending a part of himself over a dreary trap beat.

As expected, this is King Iso’s best work to date & it shows why he’s a brilliant fit for Strange Music. His production skills are refined as is his pen-game & flows, but what I really love about the album most is that he provides a unique take on struggling with mental health & the lack of features truly cements that.

Score: 4.5/5

Maez301 – Self-titled review

Maez301 is a 26 year old rapper from Gaithersburg, Maryland that first got his start in 2017 with his debut mixtape Nowhere. The project eventually caught the attention of Ervin Pope & Jerome Taylor, both of whom helped Maez get a record contract with Strange Music last year. And as the label closes out 2019, they’re letting Maez shine with his self-titled debut entirely produced by Ervin.

The intro “Change” finds Maez pouring his heart out over a mellow instrumental while the next song “Advance” starts bragging over a nocturnal trap beat. The track “On One” talks about his newfound success over an instrumental with a chill West Coast feel to it while the song “Ay” with Tech N9ne sees the 2 talking about being on top of the game over a colorful instrumental.

The track “Rider” with Infinite E sees the 2 talking about their main chicks over a dream-like instrumental while the song “Fuck No” with Nef the Pharaoh sees the 2 talking about not loving hoes over a galactic instrumental. The track “Fake Love” with Leila sees the 2 talking about a chick frontin’ over a smooth trap beat while the song “Get ‘Em” goes at his competition over a minimalist instrumental. The track “Emoji” is a sensual R&B tune while the song “Watch Me” angrily raps about his haters over a suiting instrumental.

The track “Fucked Up for You” vents about an ex over a chilled out instrumental while the song “No Rest” finds Maez pouring his heart out over a vibrant instrumental & I absolutely love the Travis Scott homage in the hook. The track “Dream” with Black Jesus talks about chasing their lifelong goals over a relaxing beat with this prominent acoustic guitar while the song “Made It” of course continues to brag about Maez’ success over a rich instrumental. The track “Dogg’n These Hoes” gets back with Infinite E to talk about just that over a trap beat with some Neptunes inspired piano chords & the song “Grab a Bag” while repetitive is a catchy club banger.

The track “Switch” talks about how he came a long way over a moody instrumental while the song “Break Your Heart” talks about making it right with his girl over a funky beat. The penultimate track “Real Bitch” talks about needing a good woman over a futuristic sounding trap beat & then the album ends with “Momma”, where Maez pens an endearing tribute to the woman who gave him life over a spacey beat.

To me, this kid is the future of Strange Music alongside King Iso. The features were hit or miss for me personally with my favorites being Tech & Nef, but Maez has a lot versatility & I really think Ervin’s production really helps hone that in. Really excited to see him grow as an artist & what the label has in store for him next.

Score: 3.5/5