Skyzoo "Keep Me Company" (Album Stream)

Skyzoo’s "Keep Me Company" is a study of resilience and memory, capturing life shaped by enduring legacies. Each verse unfolds like a chapter in an epic, rooted in strength and identity. Through vivid imagery, Skyzoo invites listeners into his world, where cultural inheritance and self-growth coexist. His lyrics honor the past while reaching forward, blending introspection with grit. The production, textured and reverent, amplifies his vision without overshadowing it. Keep Me Company is both anthem and testament, a fierce reminder of survival’s beauty, the dignity of struggle, and the poetry found in perseverance. The project features Chuck D and production by JR Swiftz, Sir Williams, DJ Manipulator, Marc Nfinit, ANKN, Leo Confident and more. Listen to Keep Me Company...

Chino XL "Darkness and Other Colors" (Album Stream)

Chino XL, the legendary lyricist and actor, has unveiled his long-awaited magnum opus, Darkness & Other Colors, a brilliantly produced masterpiece by the exceptional BodyBagBen. This marks Chino’s sixth full-length studio LP, albeit his posthumous debut, showcasing the unparalleled talent of the East Orange, New Jersey emcee. The release of Darkness & Other Colors was not without controversy. There was some drama between Chino’s estate and Holy Toledo Productions founder and A&R extraordinaire M80. However, anyone who admires Chino’s artistry can understand why M80 was determined to bring this album to light. It offers a vivid explanation of Chino’s dedication to perfection, which he worked tirelessly to achieve back in 2020 during the COVID lockdowns when he was still with us. This one is tough to hear, especially the opening track. May Chino rest in peace.

Kendrick Lamar "GNX" (Album Stream)

GNX is Kendrick Lamar’s surprise-release sixth studio album. It's his first to be released outside of the Top Dawg Entertainment umbrella, and comes months after his highly-publicized feud with Drake. For months, many rumors circulated amongst fans about the album’s release, though none seemed to materialize. The first signal of new music releasing beyond Kendrick’s rap feud emerged in the “Not Like Us” music video—briefly previewing a track that would be later known as "squabble up." So much has and will be said about this project, that I don't think we need to drag this out any further. The Super Bowl performance is sure to break records/numbers but in all honesty, I think the beef has run its course. The rest of it can play out behind the scenes. That said, Kendrick makes great music, and on its own merit, this project is very solid. When Drake releases new music, his fans will run those numbers up too. Beef isn't the same anymore. Hear Kendrick's GNX below...

Ant "Collection of Sounds Vol. 2" (Instrumental Album)

Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2 is the second in a series of four albums of unreleased material from the vault of distinguished hip-hop producer Anthony “Ant” Davis (one half of Atmosphere, productions for MF DOOM, Brother Ali, Murs, Rav, Sage Francis, and more), offering a new window into his decades-long career and pushing his artistry to the center. Ant’s production is known for its rich, textured soundscapes that blend vintage and soulful elements with deep emotional resonance. The second installment of his instrumental series, Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2, features smooth beats, intricate sampling, and lush, jazzy layers that create an immersive atmosphere. He masterfully incorporates sly riffs and funk-laden grooves, stirring sentimentality and highlighting his ability to craft emotive, engaging music. The result is a sonically complex album where Ant blends funk, soul, classic R&B, and hip-hop influences, evoking a nostalgic sense of bygone eras. Ant’s introspective approach is complemented by a dynamic, vibrant energy in Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2. His production on “Damn Koop 2012” and “Claps, Cuica and Synth Part 2” includes playful, funky samples and energetic rhythms that infuse the music with a lively, upbeat quality. He balances this with laid-back, reflective songs like “Changes,” and “Velvet Ish,” featuring a mellow, retro ambiance. The beats are marked by crisp drum patterns and varied melodies, showcasing a broad range of influences. This versatility demonstrates Ant’s skill in navigating both introspective and spirited musical landscapes.

Rest In Peace, Saafir! (1970-2024)

We lost another rap icon with the passing of Saafir. The artist was most famed for his time as part of the Golden State Warriors (or Golden State Project) – a hip-hop collective that gained a devoted following in the Bay Area throughout the late ‘90s. He was a part of the band alongside Xzibit and Ras Kass. News of his death was confirmed by Xzibit, who shared an update on social media paying tribute. He also said that the rapper – whose real name was Reggie Gibson – passed away on Tuesday morning (November 19). “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment. Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away,” he wrote, sharing a photo of his former groupmate.  “We have so much history I can’t even explain what I’m feeling right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.” He continued: “My soul is crushed. We love you Bro.” At time of writing, few details are known about the circumstances of Saafir’s cause of death. A source speaking to TMZ said that the rapper had been living with a number of health issues over recent years, and died in his hometown of Oakland. According to reports, the artist had a cancerous tumour removed from his spine and later went on to begin using a wheelchair. So far, the cause of his death has not been publicly shared. Rest In Peace, Saafir. In the archives is his Next feature in Vibe; Unsigned Hype in The Source; his original demo tape and his infamous battle with Casual + more. Thanks to NME for the info shared above... they said it better than I could have. R.I.P., Saafir.

The Notorious B.I.G. "Ready To Die" (30th Anniv. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Shout-out to the homie, DJ Filthy Rich out of Toronto, who continues to bless us with these fine tribute mixes. The latest installment pays tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. and his classic debut album, Ready To Die, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Some albums just mark the time and I can remember so vividly sitting with this album in McClancy High School out in Queens, NY. Updated from his 25th anniversary mix, this is Volume 1 of the 30th with original samples and classic cuts from 1994. Rest In Peace, Notorious B.I.G. and DJ Mister Cee.  Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions a small piece of the mix has been muted, but rock with it anyway y'all. Dig in...

MF Doom "MM..FOOD" (20th Anniversary Edition)

In celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary, MM..FOOD has been repackaged with all new artwork by Sam Rodriguez! Originally released in 2004, MF DOOM's MM..FOOD is hailed as a classic hip-hop album full of inventive production, remarkable wordplay, and unique themes. Celebrated for its seamless blend of humor, wit, and social commentary, the album ushers listeners into a bizarre world of food-related metaphors, painting a bitterly comedic portrait of a life tainted by vice, violence, and jealousy. It was a brilliant and novel concept that gave DOOM plenty of room to explore the album’s subjects. Throughout MM..FOOD, DOOM embeds complex ideas within seemingly simple narratives. Album opener “Beef Rapp” is a multi-pronged metaphor reminding listeners of the dangers involved in the glorification of conflict, especially within the rap game. “Hoe Cakes” borrows its name from the sweet, hot water cornmeal patties, which he uses as a symbol to rhyme about indulgence and excess. Continuing the motif, DOOM uses the Madlib-produced “One Beer” to fold layers of depth about escapism and ego, while the popular “Rapp Snitch Knishes” critiques the self-incrimination and contradictory behaviors of some rappers. Overall, MM..FOOD is both a social commentary and a piece of social satire, showcasing MF DOOM’s ability to blend serious themes with his unique, playful lyrical style. The digital version of the 20th Anniversary Edition features 11 bonus tracks including 3 remixes, 1 alternate edit, and 7 rare and insightful clips of MF DOOM being interviewed by Kevin Beacham, just days before the original album release in 2004. R.I.P., MF DOOM.

Blu "Soul Amazing" (Part 13, Mix)

The official Soul Amazing mixtape series from Blu continues with its 13th installment. Mixed by Pryvet Peepsho, the mix features guest verses from Blu on tracks with Ray West, James Aris, Corta, Tomcat, Conny Franko, 60 East, Cashus King, Nappyhigh, Charles Hamilton, Real Bad Man, Sekwence, Strange Dust, Big Tone, Kapsoul, Elzhi & Oh No, and so many more, totaling 45 tracks. One of the most prolific lyricists, Blu continues to turn out EPs, LPs and countless feature verses. It's no surprise he's one of my favorite lyricists since his '07 release of Below The Heavens with Exile. Dig into the archives for the back catalog and check out Soul Amazing Pt 13 streaming below...

G-Unit "God's Plan" (Mixed by DJ Whoo Kid, 2002)

God's Plan is the third mixape released by G-Unit. It was initially distributed as an independent release on November 1, 2002, but was later re-released in 2006 by BCD Music Group. God's Plan emerged during a prolific era for G-Unit, preceding 50 Cent's official debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in 2003. The mixtape features a collection of tracks where the group showcased their lyricism over instrumentals from other artists. This approach of reinterpreting existing beats allowed G-Unit to infuse familiar sounds with their distinct style, creating a unique listening experience that resonated with fans. The cultural importance of God's Plan extends beyond its tracks. By rapping over instrumentals from other artists and releasing it for free, 50 Cent and G-Unit helped create a model that other artists would later follow. In recognition of its impact, God's Plan was named the 9th best mixtape ever by XXL magazine. God's Plan not only showcased G-Unit's raw talent and adaptability but also underscored their strategic approach to music distribution, challenging traditional industry norms and paving the way for a new era in hip-hop. By the time God’s Plan dropped, 50 Cent was already building a strong buzz from Guess Who’s Back? and 50 Cent Is the Future. But God’s Plan was another level—it made it clear that he wasn’t just an underground sensation; he was about to take over mainstream rap. The energy, the aggressive delivery, and the raw storytelling on God’s Plan were all previews of what he’d refine on Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which went on to be a classic (certified 9x Platinum as of 2020). Listen to God's Plan...

Where does God's Plan place in your favorite mixtapes?