Chuck Platinum returns with Beats in the Attic Volume 4, a
carefully crafted instrumental release filled with soulful melodies, dusty
textures, and timeless Hip Hop vibes. Whether you're a producer, rapper, or
simply a fan of great music, this collection offers plenty to appreciate from
start to finish.
The OG of prairie folk rap returns with Heater In My Truck II, an album that is a sequel in both name and spirit to his vinyl-only album from 2003. Epic proves here that he is a master at manifesting the mundane through music, touching on such exciting topics as his “Old Shit out in the Garage”, putting a “Survey in a Box”, and the beautiful “Wallpaper”, all done with a mix of earnest honesty and humble humour. He also honours the roots of hip hop with songs like “Lethal Test Pressings” and “Cassettes”, along with plenty of references to hip hop history matched in number only by his references to Canadiana. You can tell these are two things close to his heart. Unlike his last two albums, Heater In My Truck II taps the talents of multiple producers, such as Moka Only, Moves, Maki, Aries, Gods.& Nmbrs, and more, but the album is purposefully curated to create a jazzy, chill vibe with enough upbeat bops to get the toes tapping along with the head nodding. Recorded alongside the darker, heavier, and more experimental A library called Calder, Heater II is more emo folk rap than that album or even Nassau Manor. And to provide a little more vocal variety, Epic calls on the lyrical prowess of his friends Noah23, Emprime, Inky, Aries, and newcomer 33, who all add their own unique touch to the proceedings. Yet another choice addition to the legacy of late-era Epic.
Tucked within the rugged landscape of Northern Ontario, Canada, Max Moon has been steadily carving out his own distinctive place within rap music, and his debut record is a testament to this. The Grand Howl, a reference to the collective noise of human emotion, is a blend of dusty, moody production, and free, contemplative rhyme schemes, with field recorded poetry and harmonic vocal segues. Max Moon may have previously been best known as a rapper/producer with horrorcore trio Magick Show, but his solo effort veers madly off in alternate directions. Max Moon assumes most of the album’s production duties, save contributions from Juno-nominated MPC wizard Fresh Kils (“Little Do They Know”) and acclaimed Ukraine rapper/producer Smuff Tha Quiz (“Rendezvous”). And only impactful features appear on The Grand Howl, with Max Moon enlisting the prolific duo ShrapKnel (PremRock & Curly Castro, Backwoodz Studioz) for the stream-of-consciousness barrage of “DEAD END$” and friend, label-mate, and Toronto fire-spitter Ultra Magnus for the boom-trap anthem “Scrawlings”, The end result is an album that is ultimately true to this MC.
Welcome to the enigmatic world of A library called Calder, the latest from veteran Canadian emcee Epic. This world-building hip hop record pulls together a rich collection of thought-provoking narratives as Epic issues his reports and observations from once familiar territory. From the opening strains of “Chickpeas”, Epic brings the listeners with him as he points out jarring changes in the world around him, musing about what once was while pressing on into an uncertain future that still finds hope on album finale “Properly Swim”. With a perspective as unique as his voice, Epic guides listeners through a labyrinth of emotions and ideas, each verse twisting and turning around the dreamlike, otherworldly production by Montreal's Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music). Ethereal beats grounded equally in Golden Age boom bap and sweeping prog rap abstraction serve as the perfect compliment to this mesmerizing and profound record that serves as a travelogue of both past and present. Together, Epic and Deadly Stare have built something magnificent in A library called Calder. Step inside and check it out.
The Coalition is a collaborative project between Toronto-born MC Fortunato and Calgary-based producer The Dirty Sample. Sharing a deep mutual admiration for the music of the other, the two finally joined forces a few years ago to work on this project. “I’m incredibly picky when it comes to beats” says Fortunato. “I listened to The Dirty Sample for years and every beat was so interesting and unique! I knew that I had to work with him.”
The album took shape over the last few years as beats and verses were exchanged between the two via email. The result is a dark, psychedelic trip into the grimy roots of underground hip hop. Both Fortunato and The Dirty Sample have lengthy music careers and their experience and passion for the culture shines through. Songs like “The Grime” and “Get It”, the first and third singles, are indicative of a bygone era where dark foreboding beats meet inspirational and introspective lyrics. The Coalition is a must for any listener who longs for the purity of hip hop as it was originally intended.
Written and performed by Fortunato, except “Will To Survive” by Fortunato and Ol’ Gorilla Bones
Nickel City blue collar MC Mickey O’Brien released his third solo album on September 29, 2023. Orebody delved deeper into his soul and psyche as he explored his own inner workings with each song representing a specific emotion. Juno-nominated master of the MPC Fresh Kils was once again along for the ride as the sole producer along with the addition of live instrumentation. But Mickey also loves a good remix, so he enlisted his many friends to contribute remixes for every song on the album, originally only available in full on the b-side of the Orebody cassette release, while a few were released alongside the originals for their singles. Contributions from Factor Chandelier, Uncle Fester, DJ Moves, The Dirty Sample and The 555 bring a different vibe to these songs with which you should already be familiar, often pushing into unexpected territory. Orebody - The Remix Album provides another opportunity for the uninitiated to discover the honest, introspective music of Mickey O’Brien while offering current fans a refreshing return to the rhymes of the original.
Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien and featured guests
Remixed by Factor Chandelier, Uncle Fester, DJ Moves, The Dirty Sample, The 555, and Fresh Kils
Found Money is the new collaboration between looming luminary LXVNDR and longterm veteran Tachichi, both highlights of the Halifax hip hop scene. The album is an eclectic mix of sounds, including throwback boom bap, slow jams, horrorcore, club bangers, and even a touch of reggae, the production provided by longtime Tachichi collaborator Moves, newest Snowgoons member BoFaat, the legendary Buck 65, plus Kulya, Dirty Dane, DK the Producer, and Trobiz. It’s all held together by the confident delivery and bold braggadocio of the two emcees, touching on topics as diverse as getting high, women’s issues, politics, suckers, and an ode to their peoples. And speaking of peoples, LXVNDR and Tachichi bring along Jay’Mila, Paollo, Cee!!!!!!!!!, and Ghettosocks to share in the dope bars and flow flexing. Found Money is a hot, hit-heavy album that will reward repeat plays.
Blue Collar 2 is the culmination of a decade of friendship between producer Sean One and rapper Fortunato. The two met when Fortunato moved from Toronto to New Brunswick, and the result was the Blue Collar EP which featured the late Sean Price, Merkules, and Steele of Smif N Wessun.
Seven years later the two have combined once again to create the sequel. Unlike the first, Blue Collar 2 has no features and brings a much more positive vibe. “I wanted the album to be as clean as possible,” says Fortunato. “I wanted my rhymes to show my current perspective and my growth as an artist.”
“Breathe” and “It’s You” are examples of the inspirational ethos behind Blue Collar 2. “The whole vibe of the album is meant to inspire, uplift, and empower,” Fortunato explains. “When I heard Sean’s production it was triumphant and almost celebratory. So I wanted my rhymes to complement his beats and adjusted my content to help manifest that energy.” Hopefully it will do the same for you.
Content is the first collaborative project between AzraelRapsGood and The Dirty Sample, but it sure doesn’t sound like it due to the chemistry they exude. These days our fast-paced world revolves around social media and content is the very essence of that. More content from more people is being pumped out than ever before. So much that it's hard to keep track of it all. At the same time, the world is growing increasingly more anxious and depressed. People are unhappy with the modern luxuries they have. The album title serves as a tongue-in-cheek nod to all of that, as this collection of songs amounts to, well, content. Not only that, but as the world descends into digital madness, the cool heads prevail; in other words, AzraelRapsGood and The Dirty Sample are content.
The vibe of Content is classic boom bap with songs about being dope, self-exploration, and the complicated problems in today’s world.
Written and Performed by AzraelRapsGood and featured guests
Chadio had a bad breakup. We’ve all been there. And when it’s a long-term relationship that ends in cheating, it can be especially rough. How does one get over it? For Chadio, he channels the anger and grief into song. The result is Cousin of Lucy, a short album of breakup songs that serves as a spiritual successor to his No Wives Club (2021). Here he breaks down the break up, revealing the circumstances of the situation throughout but most of all on first single “Hear Me Out”, gets metaphorical with second single “Sweater Song” featuring Nolto, and gives voice to vengeful thoughts on opening song “Morning Breath Takers” and “At Peace”. But light shines through as Chadio looks forward to moving on with third single and album closer “Wrong Way”. Aside from the frantic, upbeat sound of that final song, the production from Aalo Guha and Pasquale is dark, sombre and often off-kilter. Chadio’s Cousin of Lucy is profoundly personal and also thoroughly universal.
Taot Recordings, an established Canadian indie label, announces the release of 'As Of Now' the compilation album, out now on all streaming platforms. The project overflows with multi-talented artists and producers from North America. Guest features include Big Shug, Elzhi, Asun Eastwood, Maestro Fresh Wes, Deuce Deuce of Concrete Mob, Young Black & Gifted as well as Es, Righteous, Usual Suspektz, 8ch2Owens, Lord Juco, Blacktivity, Pro-Logic, Mr. ripley, Mayhem of EMS, Lejend, Van Glorious, Illah, Thirsty McGurk, Ikee Mula, Rashad Roulette, Fraction & Finsta.
Also appearing is the late Faith Walker who offers her signature splash of soul. A mesh of Toronto rap group legends Point Blank &
The Concrete Mob are featured on “Parliament Hill.” On production are Statik
Selektah, DJ Mercilless, J.Pal, Kidd Called Quest, Sibbs Roc, bvtman, Mista
Murray, Architect, and DJ Scam who show off their crafted marvel which heightens the album.
Taot Recordings provides audiences worldwide with yet another dose of infectious, addictive Hip Hop. Stream the album and watch “Energy” by Deuce Deuce
(Concrete Mob) taken from the album featuring the late great Faith Walker.
Roosevelt, NY native and once DJ, producer, to now established and respected lyricist recently released 'The Al Taylor Project.' Although the 12-track project includes a feature with LakeitRashard on "Boulevard" the album ultimately serves as a solo with gripping harsh truths.
JusKolMeAl hits hard from beginning to end with his signature storytelling and sick punchlines. He does so while capturing gritty NY Hip Hop that underlines his raw emotions. Stream 'The Al Taylor Project' and watch "Boulevard" below.
Righteous, Canada-based emcee and CEO of Taot Recordings releases the official video to "What Is" featuring Ruste Juxx and DJ Mercilless. The single is taken from his latest album titled 'and the DEVIL is' out now on all platforms.
DJ Mercilless kicks off the video on the 1's and 2's doing what he does, cuts and scratches. Righteous comes out the crate shop and begins dropping bars defining the role of an MC and DJ. What is an emcee if he can’t rap, what is a DJ if he can’t scratch, echoes throughout the video while the verses of Righteous and Ruste Juxx resonates. The duo not only show off their lyrical mastery, they pay homage to classic, authentic Hip Hop and the culture without sounding dated so all schools of Hip Hop can embrace it. Watch the video and stream the album below.
Stream the album ‘and the DEVIL is’ below which features
AKX of Righteous Revolution, B Fox, Kool G Rap, Rashad Roulett, Thirsty McGurk,
Van Glorious, Ikee Mula, and the late Faith Walker with production by DJ
Mercilless, Ear 2 That Beat, and bytman.
A veteran of the rap scene in Calgary, AB, The Dirty Sample believed he didn’t have another vocal album in him, so he killed off his MC alias Apeface in 2018 on Ape No More. But the ape drags his ass out of the grave as the bigger, badder Ol’ Gorilla Bones. It’s time for a new beginning, and with songs like “Revenge on the Mind”, “The Murderers”, and “The Reaper”, Revenge Vol. 1 is predicated on vengeance. OGB’s vocals are raw and raspy, but with a laidback delivery that makes sense after hearing weed anthem “Death Bubba”. The Dirty Sample maintains the theme of the album with production both dark and ugly. As rapper and producer, the beats are specifically catered to his liking, with Rob Roy and frequent collaborator Touch as the only guests. OGB is back from the dead and no wack, clown shoe rapper is safe.
Written and performed by The Dirty Sample and featured guests
City The Great is a NY Stapleton, Hip Hop artist, CEO, and protege of Special Ed. This comes after diligent hard work 24/7 to perfect a craft that was introduced at the age of nine when he wrote his first rap "F*ck School." As they say, the rest was history. He knew once that ink touched paper his destiny was sealed. As City matured so did his music and his catalog began to grow with a series of mixtapes, studio albums, and even collaborations with Hip Hop legends and pioneers. In fact, once his music hit Special Ed's ears he immediately signed him as the first artist under his label semedia. " I was taken back, City The Great is refreshing to the ears, his realness is authentic and he strives to keep the culture and elements of Hip Hop alive." -Special Ed
It doesn't just stop at rap/music for City The Great. His mission goes beyond that. As the CEO of Certified Nation Entertainment he scouts and signs like-minded talent who also shares his vision to bridge the generation gap in Hip Hop. To further, he's also linked with Kool Rock Ski of The Fat Boys to co-orchestrate the Annual Classic Hip Hop and R&B Cookout in NY, which brings together old and new schools of Hip Hop for music, food, and good vibes. "He has great talent and is making incredible moves in the industry, he keeps me young and motivated, this is just the beginning." - Kool Rock Ski
Both Special Ed, Kool Rock Ski, among other founding fathers
of Hip Hop are impressed with Great’s ability to reach the masses, globally via
his perfect blend of traditional and new-age lyricism and wordplay, with respect to the culture and elements. Be sure to connect with City The Great below and grab a copy of his latest projects ‘The Wordsmith’ album and ‘Respectfully Yours’ the mixtape.
With the immense amount of success, both nationally and
internationally from Omen44’s ‘Hentai’ album, it only makes sense to keep fans
at bay with a free downloadable ‘Hentai’ DJ Minoyama Mix. The mix available on
Soundcloud, Mixcloud, and Audiomack includes an exclusive track by DJ Shark with
Omen44 on drums and bass.
The video for the 35-minute album mix embodies the vision
Omen44 created for each track and is impeccably highlighted with authentic Hip
Hop cadences mixed with polished cuts and scratches, and gritty, yet soulful
tones. ‘Hentai’ DJ Minoyama Mix is sure to have Hip Hop enthusiasts
repetitively pressing play.
Watch the video and download ‘Hentai’ DJ Minoyama Mix below
on preferred platforms and connect with Omen44 below.
Based in Yokohama, DJ Minoyama can be heard throughout Tokyo
playing music ranging from Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, Disco, and Reggae. While in the
states, you can catch him at prestigious spots like Knitting Factory in BK. He’s
opened up for Camp Lo and other legendary artists.
Acclaimed for winning numerous DJ competitions in Japan, DJ
Shark is never without his own Technics mixer SH-DJ 1200. He’s worked alongside
such legends as Grand Master Mell Mel, Grand Wizard Theodore, DJ Spinna, Large
Professor, Jeru the Damaja, and that’s only naming a few.
Canadian MC DarkNess releases his second installment of BSW2(BloodShed & War 2). His incentive to create this album was to bring back a darker sound reminiscent of The Infamous Mobb Deep in the early 90's, whilst incorporating his own unique style. DarkNess is fairly new to the music scene and has released a multitude of projects in the last 2 years and has worked alongside Griselda sharpshooter Benny The Butcher.
He describes his sound as being lyrically dark. Lyrical in the sense of rap but also in the sense of poetry( His style reminds me of a rap version of Edgar Allen Poe). He believes himself to be reinstilling a Darker vibe to the Hip-Hop scene, though not Dark in an "evil" or "Malicious" sense.
The second rapper on the new project is Piff, a native of Baltimore. DarkNess and Piff initially made a song together called ' Era Of Kingz' which is a track featured on their first collaborative work " BloodShed & War".
Initially the song was supposed to be a single but turned into a full project. Both emcees have unique styles that sync with one another bringing together a blend of dark street rhymes.
'Blood Shed & War 1' was composed of many different producers as opposed to 'Blood Shed & War 2'. For BSW2 DarkNess connected with Queens, New York producer Adwerdz who wanted to do a solo project with DarkNess. DarkNess had a better idea in mind and pitched him the idea of 'BloodShed & War 2'.
There are only 2 features on this album: 1) Azim The Beast from Hartford / Connecticut and 2) Juice Gawwd from New Orleans/ Louisiana. For the most part this is a great album with hardcore rhymes and eery vibes connecting the Canadian Underground Hip-Hop scene to the American and should definitely be in your playlists.
To support and listen to the album you can find it on DarkNess' BandCamp:
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