Australian producer and turntablist Kut One showcases not only his own talents but those of two living New York rap legends on The Icons Series, Volume 1 & 2. On the first EP, he’s joined by Queens tough-talker Neek The Exotic, who brought along a few like-minded guests for the ride like Kool G Rap, Royal Flush and Large Professor. And for the second EP, you’ll hear Kut’s intricate productions complemented by the gravelly and gully rhymes of the BX’s Nine. And for the second half, Nine kicks things off with a bang on “Basquiat,” which boasts a hilarious shot at notorious loudmouth Stephen A. Smith over Kut One’s menacing production. That vibe continues on the criminal-minded lead single, “When Ah Pull Up,” the paranoia-heavy “Might Get Show,” and on the raw closing track, “Welcome to N.Y.C.” Taken as a whole, the first two installments of The Icons Series are a thrilling celebration of the grimier side of underground rap. They’re also a reminder that this style of rap has not—and will never—go out of style. It’s a timeless example of the culture’s underbelly, where sample-flipping Boom bap production sets the stage for emcees to talk their shit. Give The Icons a listen below...