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4/14/25

Ken Carson Kicks Off New LP with "Lord of Chaos" Track

Ken Carson's latest album More Chaos dives deep into a world of dark energy, and the opener, "Lord of Chaos," sets the tone perfectly. As an Opium signee, Carson taps into his aggressive, almost sinister persona, crafting one of his most intense tracks to date. The production is menacing, with heavy bass and eerie synths that complement his chaotic delivery. However, the reception to More Chaos has been mixed, with some fans praising it as his best work yet, while others feel it's a step down from his previous project, A Great Chaos. The early streaming numbers from Spotify reflect this divide. While A Great Chaos racked up 14 million streams on its debut, More Chaos saw a slightly lower 10.9 million—indicating a polarized response from listeners. Despite the mixed feedback, Carson’s approach to blending high-energy chaos with introspective themes makes for a compelling listen, and "Lord of Chaos" is a strong starting point for the album.

Too Short Is "Still Mackin'" With His Latest Single

The rap legend Too Short is back, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. With his new single "Still Mackin'," the Oakland icon reaffirms his unwavering presence in the game. Having made his mark in 1983 with Don't Stop Rappin', Too Short, now nearly 60 years old, has racked up an impressive 30 albums over his decades-long career. With "Still Mackin'," Too Short is making it clear that he’s not stepping away from the mic anytime soon. The track serves as a bold reminder of his timeless relevance in the rap scene. His signature laid-back yet commanding flow takes center stage, echoing a message of longevity and resilience. As long as he’s got something to say, the legendary rapper isn’t going anywhere—he’s simply still mackin’.

Tobe Nwigwe & Sauce Walka Team Up for Gritty "Pain" Ahead of Godfather of Harlem Season 4

Ahead of Godfather of Harlem's much-anticipated fourth season, Tobe Nwigwe and Sauce Walka have dropped "Pain," a hard-hitting track that will feature in the show’s soundtrack. While their collaboration may seem an unconventional match for a series about New York’s crime world, the pair’s blend of intensity and grit fits perfectly within the show’s raw atmosphere. Both Nwigwe and Sauce Walka bring their signature styles to the track, delivering powerful, emotionally charged lyrics. The song embodies the themes of struggle and survival, much like the central figures in Godfather of Harlem. With its ominous tone and heavy beats, "Pain" is likely to soundtrack one of the show’s most intense moments, possibly at the culmination of a dramatic episode. The series premieres on Sunday, April 13, and fans are eager to see where the track will play into the storylines of season 4.

HoodTrophy Bino Honors Chris King in Posthumous Track “Runnin’ Up A Bag”

HoodTrophy Bino pays homage to his fallen friend Chris King on “Runnin’ Up A Bag,” a heartfelt release that transforms grief into gritty, determined art. The collaboration—one of King’s final recordings before his tragic passing in April 2024—serves as both a tribute and a testament to their bond. Over weighty production laced with emotion, Bino delivers bars that reflect the hustle, pain, and perseverance that defined their shared come-up. Chris King’s verse, recorded before his death, cuts through with raw clarity, giving the track a ghostly weight. It’s not just a song—it’s a goodbye, a celebration, and a statement of loyalty wrapped in one. “Runnin’ Up A Bag” doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it pushes forward with purpose—embodying the grind they lived by and the legacy they built together.

YMF Lil E Paints A Bleak But Honest Picture On “Know How We Ride”

YMF Lil E is carving out his own lane in Southern rap, bringing raw vulnerability to the forefront with “Know How We Ride.” Taken from his project Chosen One, the track is steeped in emotion and grounded in real-life experience. From Orangeburg, South Carolina, the 22-year-old is a leading voice in the emerging “pain music” wave—a sound defined by struggle and perseverance. His voice aches over moody 808s, turning hardship into melody. The lyrics don’t flex—they reflect. In a genre often filled with bravado, YMF Lil E offers something more gripping: truth.

Kota the Friend & Big Sean Deliver Purposeful Cool on “MICHIGAN”

Kota the Friend and Big Sean make an impactful debut collaboration with “MICHIGAN,” a sharp, motivational anthem that blends lyrical clarity with crisp production. As a lead-up to Kota’s next album No Rap on Sunday, the track sets the tone for introspective yet focused storytelling. Both emcees bring their signature strengths—Kota’s grounded realism and Big Sean’s seasoned confidence—to verses that explore mental peace, ambition, and staying locked in on the mission. The phrase “cold like Michigan” becomes a metaphor for resilience: staying calm under pressure while continuing to build. Kota handles the beat with finesse, laying down a smooth, mid-tempo instrumental that lets the rhymes breathe without losing momentum. The chemistry between the two is natural, and the message lands without overreach. “MICHIGAN” is a reminder that growth is quiet, discipline is cool, and success is built one bar at a time.

Awich & A$AP Ferg Cut Up On Ruthless “Butcher Shop” Produced By RZA

Awich and A$AP Ferg team up for a no-nonsense lyrical onslaught with “Butcher Shop,” the first single from Awich’s upcoming project co-produced with RZA. The track lives up to its name—razor-sharp bars, bloodstained metaphors, and a cold, cutting beat straight from the Wu-Tang legend himself. Awich, a veteran in Japan’s hip-hop scene, showcases her sharpened craft here with unapologetic precision. Having spent time in Atlanta absorbing the roots of American rap before returning to Tokyo, she blends global influences with commanding poise. This record is proof of her evolution: multilingual, multi-dimensional, and militant. Ferg slides in effortlessly with his trademark intensity, matching Awich’s grit bar for bar. There’s no fluff here—just fire verses and a surgical instrumental that sets the tone for the rest of the album. If “Butcher Shop” is any indication, Awich’s next chapter will be as bold as it is brutal.

4/7/25

Mac Mikes Assembles a West Coast Dream Team on Street Heater “TURNAROUND”

Mac Mikes is putting the game on notice with his latest drop, “TURNAROUND,” a hard-hitting street anthem that brings serious energy. Teaming up with fellow spitters ZayBang, Lil Yee, and Baby Money, the Euro Step artist makes it clear he’s here to stay — and he’s coming with backup. The track dives headfirst into themes of street life, hustle, and survival, with each rapper bringing their own flavor to the gritty beat. Everyone on the lineup delivers with precision, proving this isn’t just another posse cut — it’s a warning shot. As Mac Mikes continues developing his platform and presence in the scene, “TURNAROUND” marks another confident step forward. The bars are tight, the chemistry is real, and the streets are listening.

El Snappo Talks Big Pockets on Bold New Single “Dave Blunts”

El Snappo is riding a wave of momentum with his latest drop, “Dave Blunts,” a track that cleverly taps into the viral fame of the titular rapper. With a hook that hits hard — “Tryna run that chicken up, my pockets bigger than Dave Blunts” — Snappo flexes both his wordplay and charisma, proving he knows how to grab attention and keep it. The track is paired with a flashy visual where Snappo spells out the song title using stacks of $100 bills — a literal and lyrical flex that fans are eating up. In the YouTube comments, the love is real: “First time listening and I ain’t gone lie, you really Snapped, Snappo!” one user writes, while another hypes him up as “puttin' on for Florida” and their “new favorite rapper.” “Dave Blunts” arrives hot on the heels of Snappo’s recent run of shows with 1900 Rugrat, signaling he’s not just a one-track wonder but an artist with serious staying power. If he keeps this energy going, El Snappo could be Florida’s next breakout.

By Storm Make a Triumphant Return With Expansive New Single “Double Trio 2”

By Storm — the new project from former Injury Reserve members RiTchie With a T and Parker Corey — returns with another genre-defying statement in the form of “Double Trio 2.” The track is a sprawling, emotional sequel to their debut single under the By Storm name, and it further cements their reputation as two of the most forward-thinking minds in music right now. RiTchie delivers a gripping, introspective performance, weaving themes of self-growth, resilience, and clarity through dense, poetic bars. The production — helmed by Corey — is dizzying and masterfully layered, blending skittering percussion with soaring synths. To top it off, saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi closes the song with a stunning, bittersweet flourish, giving the track a cinematic final breath. “Double Trio 2” follows their previous single “Zig Zag” and continues a strong run of work from both artists, including RiTchie’s acclaimed Triple Digits [112] and the Quiet Warp Xpress EP with FearDorian. With each release, By Storm isn’t just pushing boundaries — they’re redrawing them.

Onyx & L'uzine Ignite Global Rap Collab With Explosive Single "Paris Is Burning"

Onyx is linking continents and generations with their scorching new single, “Paris Is Burning.” The legendary South Jamaica, Queens group teams up with France’s underground rap crew L'uzine for a high-octane preview of their upcoming joint album — a rare, possibly unprecedented collaboration between two full rap collectives from different countries. Known for their aggressive delivery and raw energy, Onyx brings their signature East Coast grit to the track, while L'uzine — featuring members Cenza, TonyToxik, Tonio le Vakeso, Souffrance, Biyiway, Dpa, Msb, and DJ Keshkoon — match the intensity with confident French verses and tight chemistry. Though lesser known globally, L'uzine has been a staple of the French underground since the early 2010s, and their lyrical prowess shines through here. The result? A gritty, anthemic track that bridges New York street rap with Parisian firepower. If “Paris Is Burning” is any indication of what’s to come, this upcoming full-length collab is shaping up to be something special — a cross-cultural moment in hip-hop you won’t want to miss.

1999 WRITE THE FUTURE & The Pharcyde Drop Nostalgic Groove With “Timeless”

1999 WRITE THE FUTURE continues their incredible collaborative streak, this time teaming up with legendary West Coast group The Pharcyde for a new track titled “Timeless.” The name says it all — the record bridges generations with ease, blending soulful 90s textures with a modern-day bounce. Known for their genre-bending production and eclectic features, 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE has worked with everyone from Conway the Machine and Offset to Ghostface Killah and Busta Rhymes. Now, they’ve added The Pharcyde to their growing legacy, and the result is a vibrant, warm-weather-ready track that captures the essence of hip-hop’s golden era without sounding dated. “Timeless” marks The Pharcyde’s first collaboration in nearly a year, following their 2024 feature with Tropidelic. With shimmering piano loops, funky synth flourishes, and laid-back bars that radiate positivity, this one sets the mood for summer — early.

4/4/25

DDG & DaBaby Link Up for High-Energy Anthem “MOTION”

DDG is officially in album mode, and he’s kicking things off with a bang. His new single “MOTION” taps DaBaby for their first-ever collaboration — and the result is a slick, braggadocious anthem built for heavy rotation. Originally rumored to drop his long-awaited album on April 1, DDG flipped the script and delivered this fiery single instead, teasing what’s to come. As the title suggests, “MOTION” is all about staying on the grind and reaping the rewards. Both artists flex their signature flows and clever punchlines over an infectious beat that demands the aux. Between DDG’s growing fan-driven momentum and DaBaby’s energy, “MOTION” feels like the perfect launchpad for DDG’s next chapter.

Nardia Captivates with Soulful New Single “Is It You”

Rising Australian R&B artist Nardia returns with “Is It You,” a sultry, emotionally rich ballad that explores love, longing, and vulnerability — and sets the stage for her upcoming album Own Every Scar. Fresh off a standout showing at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis — where she was the only woman to make the finals in the band category — Nardia continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with. “Is It You” showcases her signature vocal depth, layered with smooth production and heartfelt lyricism that draws you in from the first note. It’s a track that feels both intimate and universal, offering a perfect preview of the soul-baring honesty fans can expect on her next project. If you haven’t yet tapped in to what Nardia’s bringing to the R&B game, now’s the time.

Linnon Stylz Breaks Out with Passionate Debut Single “Robbery”

Detroit’s own Linnon Stylz is stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “Robbery” — a smooth, emotionally charged blend of R&B and hip-hop that introduces a fresh new voice with undeniable promise. Fusing melodic vocals with a streetwise edge, Stylz channels influences like Chris Brown and Trey Songz while carving out a lane that’s uniquely his own. Released on his birthday and dedicated to his late mother, “Robbery” carries a personal weight that makes the track hit even harder. It’s more than just a song — it’s a statement of arrival and a tribute wrapped into one. Stylz brings both vulnerability and swagger to the mic, creating a sound that feels authentic and heartfelt. If “Robbery” is any indication, Linnon Stylz is ready to make serious noise in the R&B/hip-hop world.