These six albums offer a diverse exploration of contemporary hip-hop and rap, showcasing the artists' ability to blend genres, experiment with sound, and address important social and political issues. From the genre-bending fusion of punk and hip-hop in 3SVS8S to the stimulating lyricism and production of Foundational Stones, these projects delve into themes of identity, experience, and cultural references. Pyrex Housecat explores gender identity and societal expectations, while Nigo With The Skully pays homage to the iconic fashion designer Nigo. Demos & Memos offers a collaborative effort from various Atlanta-based artists, showcasing the collective's unique sound and community-focused approach. COWBOY KALEEO'S BOPS blends hip-hop with a retro aesthetic, inspired by the anime series Cowboy Bebop. Each album demonstrates the versatility and innovation within the genre, offering a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling.
3SVS8S by TARREESA x SIOUXXXAN x HXXS
“Givin’ life back shots.”
3SVS8S by TERRESSA, SIOUXXXAN, and HXXS, a trio out of Wichita, KS artists affiliated with the label/collective, “THE COOKIE STORE,” delivers a refreshing blend of Punk and Hip Hop / Rap. Produced by HXXS, the EP defies current trends while maintaining a rhythmic pulse. The artists utilize bass and a variety of textures to revitalize and create a moment of authentic energy. Their unique approach, fusing Punk influences into a Hip Hop / Rap art form, results in an exciting and innovative sound. As a listener new to these artists, 3SVS8S offers a captivating experience with fresh perspective and a distinctive style.
Foundation Stones by Shane, the Shaman x Skip The Kid
“The formula they distribute to us ain’t the 1.”
Foundational Stones, a collaborative project between New York artist Shane, the Shaman and Pennsylvania producer Skip The Kid, is a deeply soulful exploration of lyricism and production. Skip The Kid's masterful beats provide a rich foundation for Shane's insightful and energetic verses.
In the track "Say What's Real" featuring Party G The Humble, Shane pays homage to Memphis artist GloRilla's hit "Tomorrow," incorporating a line from the song into his own lyrics. This unexpected reference highlights Shane's ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary hip-hop. His music, with its boom-bap influence, energetic delivery, and insightful content, embodies the essence of the genre as described by KRS-One: "For some of us Hip Hop is simply our interaction with God."
Pyrex Housecat by CENSORED dialogue
“I’m a chick with a dick, I ain’t ashamed of that shit / but if society make it a problem then I’ll go tote me a stick!”
Pyrex Housecat, the sophomore album from Oklahoma/Texas artist CENSORED dialogue, is an alluring exploration of gender theory, sexuality, and contemporary and historical politics, wrapped in a chaotic yet smooth and soothing Hip Hop/Rap form.
The album's cover design, featuring a foot on a face in the grass with a few lavender braids, immediately draws the listener in. The production, delivery, and lyrics showcase a clear punk influence, while CENSORED dialogue's freeing expression reveals their experiences as a trans woman.
Pyrex Housecat, delves deep into the expectations placed on trans women to be hyper-feminine and the importance of the artist's sobriety and dedication to their craft. This incisive project inspired me to revisit José Muñoz's, Disidentifications.
Nigo With The Skully by Curbside Jones
“Ape shall never kill ape.”
Nigo With The Skully pays homage to the iconic fashion designer Nigo and his brand, BAPE. The EP features a memorable production landscape, with contributions from Flat Stanley, DooF, and Phill Blanks. The diverse sound is further enhanced by collaborations with Estee Nack, HPBLK, Squad Words, and DAN.
The cover art, designed by Najee Whitehead and Curbside Jones, showcases Nigo in his signature streetwear attire, including a brown skully with a yellow BAPE symbol, a pink cloud camo background, a green cloud camo hoodie, and green Bape shoes.
The EP's lyrical content touches on themes of community and building, referencing the "ape shall never kill ape" mantra from the Planet of the Apes series. While the lyrics may not explicitly address these themes, the underlying message of unity and cooperation is a notable aspect of the EP.
Demos & Memos by Nu'Bn
“...this collection is not merely a set of loosies, but a curated journey through the collective’s rich tapestry of sound.”
The Atlanta-based label and collective, Swiss Army Records, returns with their compilation LP, Demos & Memos. Curated by Promise, the 13-track collection features contributions from Akete, ariesfoolmoon, freespottie, Chebba, and ill Kalil, who provide the verses, hooks, hymns, production, mixing, writing, and more.
This is truly an auditory treat. The production and energy that emanates from Demos & Memos bring peace and reassurance that this quality art is very much worthy of intake and celebration. Personally, I enjoyed not having to be overly conscious of the lyrics because it's obvious they're not on a destructive path but more so on a community-creating and illuminating journey. The compilation's ability to transport you from your mind to your body is a testament to its power and beauty.
COWBOY KALEEO’S BOPS by Kaleo Jacobs
“I get everything I dream, I’m in touch with the callin’.”
COWBOY KALEEO'S BOPS is an intriguing EP, marking the artist's second release of 2024. Inspired by the iconic anime series, Cowboy Bebop, the EP's title, artwork, and overall aesthetic pay homage to the beloved show.
The EP's production is introspective and thought-provoking, offering a listening experience akin to viewing fine art in a museum. It blends elements of strength and delicacy, creating a retro yet contemporary feel that is likely a result of its creation in the present day. Track titles like "Jupiter Jazz" and "Waltz for Venus" further emphasize the EP's cosmic theme.
Undeniably, Massachusetts boasts a distinctive and expansive Hip Hop scene, and Kaleo Jacobs' latest release is a testament to its rich contemporary creations.
ADDITIONAL RECS: Amygdala by Passport Rav, Rob Viktum Veena LP by Heems
Woke Up Pretty Trill by Sammy Saintclair No Time to Wait, I Gotta Ball by Wave Parker x Dr. Johnny Fever It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere by Mickey Diamond The Recipe by Chef G Cole x RJMrLA Icarus by Khary x Abhi The Nomad Don’t Panic by Chap D Zootieee Wrld by El Snappo Super Villain Origin Story by King Hendrick$ Veryest by Quadie Diesel Cut Your Teeth by Free Party RELAY by Jack Vinoy Rillest in the Room 2 by Bless Picasso MR. ALKALINE by Heavy Crownz
Imports by Khalisol x Dvme
Part Time Rapper Full Time Gangsta by Big Txp
Trust The Chain II by Planet Asia
PLEA$E DON'T THINK I'M ACTIN FUNNY by BUB ROCK
The Reaper by EBK Jaaybo For access to the document with 120+ LP / EP / mixtapes and demos inquire via email: crownthement@gmail.com
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