NoCap Releases New Mixtape, “The Main Bird”

Even when industry business gets in the way, it’s always great to see an artist deliver to fans despite the hiccups. NoCap did just that and released The Main Bird, a seven-track mixtape. Moreover, it was originally going to contain 16 songs, but ran into sample clearance issues. While those get sorted out, the Alabama rapper’s dropped more introspective melodic cuts and a few bangers to even his style out. Also, the track comes just days after his melodic feature on Monaleo’s “Miss U Already.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Rapper NoCap performs onstage during the ‘Mr. Crawford Tour’ at Club Novo on May 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, Chile. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

While the 24-year-old is known to often get into those tuneful styles, he balances it out with some heat. Moreover, he recruited Rob49 and Rylo Rodriguez for some guest verses on the album. Rob delivers some aggressive energy over the Wheezy-produced “How It’s Going.” Meanwhile, Rylo dials things back on “Tight End” with some auto-tuned croons. However, NoCap remains the star of the show, and he kept up fast momentum after this year’s Mr. Crawford with the single “DNA.”

Although NoCap’s continued to build that success, it’s also resulted in some cut ties. He beefed with NBA YoungBoy recently via Instagram shots after YoungBoy wrote he doesn’t mess with him anymore. Later, NoCap called YB a “hater.”

“Let me know what I owe you,” he wrote in a message to the Louisiana rapper. “I don’t recall you giving s**t. I took the blame for why we don’t do music because I was trying to keep your hater card clean. But nah we really don’t do music because he probably scared I’ll be bigger on some baby s**t.” If The Main Bird and KnowCap are any indication, it looks like he’ll continue to make his own mark.

What did you think of this mixtape? Are you looking forward to KnowCap? Let us know in the comments. If you still haven’t tuned in, you can find The Main Bird by NoCap on your preferred streaming service. Also, check out the tracklist below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest releases in the rap game.

Tracklist

  1. Rich And Dangerous 
  2. How It’s Going (Ft. Rob49)
  3. Back To Basics
  4. Standing On Lies
  5. Ain’t Right
  6. Tight End (Ft. Rylo Rodriguez)
  7. No Other Way

BabyK Osama Drops Off 13 Tracks On “BabyK 3” Project

Plenty of hip-hop legends have returned with new music in the last month of 2022, but this weekend specifically, we’ve been hearing a lot from some of the younger names in the game. Previously today we recommended 20-year-old PGF Nuk’s “Sko” single. Now, we’re finally sharing 19-year-old BabyK Osama’s latest EP for your consideration.

BabyK3 initially landed on Wednesday (December 14). It was preceded by singles like “No Attempts” with Anti Da Menace as well as “All fa da Fame.” Additionally, the Jacksonville native gave fans a music video for the fourth title, “Raq,” along with his release.

The 13-track project boasts two other guest features. One comes from Backstreet TK on “Keep Counting,” and the other from 7milekory on “Kall My Cousin.”

Aside from those, Osama keeps things rolling by himself on titles like “Limbo,” “Last Minute,” and “2AM IN HOUSTON.”

Thus far, “I Miss You” has emerged as a standout track. As he rhymes, BabyK markedly mourns the loss of a fallen friend. Behind him, listeners hear “a brooding, bluesy instrumental carried by a sorrowful bass and whining keyboard.”

In the past, the rising rapper has earned co-signs from names like Yungeen Ace, Jdot Breezy, and GMK. Seeing as his new EP finds him exploring new sonic textures and expanding lyrically, it’s likely that list will only continue to grow.

His own personal influences include Kodak Black and Lil Durk, though he grew up on names like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.

Stream BabyK Osama’s BabyK3 on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which of the songs is your favourite in the comments.

BabyK 3 Tracklist:

  1. Bad Bitch
  2. I Miss You
  3. Kall My Cousin (with 7milekory)
  4. Raq
  5. Limbo
  6. Rental
  7. Gorillas
  8. Dog Walked
  9. Last Minute
  10. 2AM IN HOUSTON
  11. All fa da Fame
  12. Keep Counting (with Backstreet TK)
  13. No Attempts (feat. Anti Da Menace)

The Alchemist Serves Up “Sandwich” Compilation

The Alchemist may well be producer of the year, but if you’ve been following hip-hop for the past few decades, you know that’s not uncommon. He’s just released The Alchemist Sandwich, a compilation of his Lunch Meat and Bread EPs from back in 2018. However, he’s also graced fans with two new tracks. Furthermore, these are “Big Syke” with Boldy James and Meyhem Lauren and “Clip In A Tray” with ScHoolboy Q.

The Alchemist's "Sandwich" compilation has graced fans with two new tracks as well.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 31: The Alchemist performs during NBA Leather Tour at O2 Academy Brixton on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)

Al is known as one of the greatest producers to ever touch a studio, and in the very top tier of producers working today. Still, much of his best work is collaborative, pulling the top tier of MCs together. His last collab project was The Elephant Man’s Bones with Roc Marciano, which dropped back in August. Moreover, this Sandwich compilation features some of the game’s best. Action Bronson, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, Earl Sweatshirt, Black Thought, Styles P, and Roc Marciano appear.

Meanwhile, Al’s production on these old tracks sounds as fresh, creative, and inventive as ever. Still, “Big Syke” has his trademarks: lumbering bass, creative sample loops, filtered production, glistening melodies, and a soulful touch. Conversely, Boldy and Meyhem float effortlessly over the instrumental, and it’s a treat to hear Q match with Uncle Al on “Clip In A Tray.” In fact, his aggressive flow fits like a glove on the California producer’s deep beats. Moreover, it’s been great to see Al working with other rappers apart from his standard cohort, like MIKE and Wiki’s One More EP.

Still, what did you think of The Alchemist Sandwich compilation and its new tracks with Boldy James, Meyhem Lauren, and ScHoolboy Q? Were you still bumping those Lunch Meat and Bread EPs? If so, let us know in the comments, and check out the tracklist below as well. Additionally, you can find The Alchemist Sandwich on your preferred streaming service. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for the best new hip-hop releases each week.

Tracklist

  1. Dean Martin Steaks (Ft. Roc Marciano)
  2. Judas (Ft. Westside Gun & Conway the Machine)
  3. The Hopeless Romantic (Ft. Action Bronson)
  4. Massacre (Ft. Benny the Butcher & Styles P)
  5. Big Syke (Ft. Boldy James & Meyhem Lauren)
  6. Ray Mysterio (Ft. Westside Gunn & Conway the Machine)
  7. Roman Candles (Ft. Black Thought & Roc Marciano)
  8. Mac 10 Wounds (Ft. Conway the Machine)
  9. E. Coli (Ft. Earl Sweatshirt)
  10. Clip In A Tray (Ft. ScHoolboy Q)

$UICIDEBOY$ & Germ Finally Release “DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE”

$UICIDEBOY$ and Germ have returned with their new EP, DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE, a no-frills collection of distorted phonk, trap, and horrorcore. It marks their third collaborative EP and their first in five years, following DIRTYNASTY$UICIDE in 2016 and DIRTIERNA$TIER$UICIDE in 2017. However, they haven’t kept quiet, with $UICIDEBOY$ dropping Sing Me A Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation this year. As expected, it’s a consistent and concise tracklist with a lot of aggression, distortion, but also charisma.

US hip hop duo $uicideboy$ members Ruby da Cherry (L) and Scrim perform during day 3 of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, on June 18, 2022. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Moreover, that charisma comes through in their animated delivery, passionate vocal runs, and relentless flows. Still, the lyrical topics that the New Orleans duo plays with in their music are quite dark. Rejecting religion, suicidal ideation, depression, and rough upbringings are some examples. A lot of that energy manifests into amped-up bangers on this EP, much like Germ’s The Hijinx Tape.

Also, this release follows an incredibly successful year for “boys” Ruby and $crim, the latter of which produced DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE entirely. They are the 27th most streamed artist of 2022 in all genres, according to HITS magazine. In addition, their 2022 album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Rap Album chart.

Meanwhile, the massive success hasn’t strayed them from their Memphis-influences roots. DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE is heavily sunken into that classic horrorcore sound, with bells and distorted bass and everything. It keeps a pretty quick pace, too, with most tracks keeping a very upbeat tempo and swing. Overall, this EP draws its appeal by how they’re able to make such a dark set of elements sound so fun. Furthermore, there’s a rawness to this album that sets it apart from the duo’s more atmospheric or varied work recently. “My Swisher Sweet, But My Sig Sauer” is a great example of that hype.

What did you think of this latest EP? How does it hold up to the rest of the series? If you haven’t checked it out, you can find DIRTIESTNASTIEST$UICIDE by $UICIDEBOY$ and Germ on your preferred streaming service. Also, you can find the tracklist below and check back in with HNHH for the best new music each week.

Tracklist

  1. Sorry for the Delay
  2. BUCKHEAD
  3. I Dream of Chrome
  4. Champagne Face
  5. The Serpent and the Rainbow
  6. My Swisher Sweet, But My Sig Sauer
  7. Center Core Never More

Def Jam Wants You To “Def The Halls” With Their Christmas Album Feat. Jhené Aiko, Coco Jones, And More

If you’re not in the holiday spirit by now, a handful of Def Jam artists are here specifically to change that. In wake of the Christmas season, we’ve previously featured festive tracks from Chris Brown, Ari Lennox, and Sevyn Streeter. Now, we have 16 titles for you on Def The Halls, many of which put a modern twist on the songs of the season.

The 16-track project actually landed back in October, just in time for Halloween. However, seeing as it’s celebrating the rapidly approaching holiday, we figured now was a better time than ever to let it have a moment in the spotlight.

Mikhala Jené firstly opens things up on “Please Come Home For Christmas.” Later, we hear from her again on “This Christmas.” Another double appearance comes from Kendra Jae who assists on both “Under The Mistletoe” with AUGUST 08 and “BBC” with DaniLeigh.

Alessia Cara holds things down with “Make It To Christmas,” and Jhené Aiko is obviously a standout with her work on “Wrap Me Up.”

Afterward, we hear from Coco Jones on “Silver Bells,” Kidd Kenn and Pap Chanel on “Naughty,” and finally, AUGUST 08 closes things out with “Silent Night.”

Stream Def Jam’s Def The Halls compilation album on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which title is your favourite in the comments.

Def The Halls Tracklist:

  1. Please Come Home For Christmas (Mikhala Jené)
  2. Make It To Christmas (Alessia Cara)
  3. Christmas With You (Trinidad Cardona)
  4. Under the Mistletoe (AUGUST 08 with Kendra Jae)
  5. Trinket (Debbie)
  6. Last Christmas (Calabasas)
  7. BBC (DaniLeigh with Kendra Jae)
  8. Wrap Me Up (Jhené Aiko)
  9. Silver Bells (Coco Jones)
  10. Cold With You (OHNO)
  11. Everyday (Kennedy Stephens)
  12. This Christmas (Mikhala Jené)
  13. Naughty (Kidd Kenn with Pap Chanel)
  14. A Hoe’s Christmas (Jai’Len Josey)
  15. Snowed In (Bry Bee)
  16. Silent Night (AUGUST 08)

[Via]

Boldy James & Cuns Unleash Collaborative Album, “Be That As It May”

Griselda’s Detroit representative has established himself as one of the greatest lyricists working today with four excellent albums this year. Boldy James has just dropped his fourth collab of the year, Be That As It May with Cuns. Moreover, the Italian producer takes a lush and boom-bap-heavy approach to matching Boldy’s lyricism. In fact, the previous single “Foot Prints,” with its grand samples and hard-hitting percussion, was a great sonic indicator of the greatness to come.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Boldy James of The Alchemist x Boldy James performs during the NBA Leather tour at The Warfield on February 01, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Still, this album does have its surprises. Cuns’ production is a bit more crisp, orchestral, and rooted in ’90s era hip-hop when it comes to sample choices and sequencing. While albums like Mr. Ten08 took things in an electronic or contemporary direction on occasion, the production here is rooted in soulful styles. If anything, it goes to show the 40-year-old MC’s consistent versatility, appeal, and quality.

Moreover, Bo’s been on a hot streak. Over the past twelve months, he released Super Tecmo Bo with The Alchemist, Killing Nothing with Real Bad Man, Fair Exchange No Robbery with Nicholas Craven, and Mr. Ten08 with Futurewave. In fact, he dropped Be That As It May almost exactly a year after his 2021 Alchemist collab. What’s more is that they’re all excellent.

Across this album in particular, Boldy is both a fantastic narrator for life experiences and a consistently confident spitter. His descriptions are intricate, his wordplay is creative yet grounded, and his delivery is so engaging that you won’t notice a flow switch-up. In other words, it’s smooth as butter, and the grueling themes in “Earned Not Given” and “God Speed” come through vividly. It’s all made for some of the best albums of the year.

What did you think of this album and the Detroit MC’s run this year? Do you have a favorite? Are you looking forward to that J Dilla-produced project? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments. If you have to catch up, peep the tracklist below and find Be That As It May by Boldy James and Cuns on your preferred streaming service. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for more great albums from the game’s best MCs.

Tracklist

  1. OT Commute
  2. Earned Not Given
  3. Safe Keeps (Ft. Lord Apex)
  4. Foot Prints
  5. Daydates & Daytonas
  6. God Speed
  7. 2.2 Lbs
  8. Quinine (Ft. Bo Skeet & Taj Mahal)
  9. Travel Lodge
  10. Pepper Jack
  11. Closure

PinkPantheress Drops Off “Take me home” EP Complete With Three Songs

She obviously isn’t able to wrap an individual present for each of her fans and deliver it to them firsthand. However, PinkPantheress is doing her best to ensure her listeners are satisfied this holiday season – no matter what they find under their tree on the 25th.

She’s been sharing several singles over the past few weeks. Now, the 21-year-old is back with an EP to close out the year consisting of three songs. The first, “Do You Miss Me?” made its debut in mid-November. Now, she’s giving us a music video for that, along with more musical goodness.

After that release, PP shared “Boy’s a liar” in early December. In a press release, she noted that it was the track she’s been “most excited to put out.”

“Me and Mura Masa wanted to create a fun track together about a common theme this time of year, boys being LIARS,” the UK songstress went on.

The third and final title on her new EP is “Take me home.” On her first verse, she sings, “I’m making the most of my life / Till the day that I hit twenty-five / I know that they’ll make an adult of me / I know that I’m not quite ready to be.”

On the chorus, she continues, “And I know I’ve got some growing, I realized the other day / When I said some things that I knew that I shouldn’t say.”

In a statement shared by The Fader, PinkPantheress spoke about her latest project. “I wanted to give a Christmas gift for anyone in need of some upbeat music,” she said of the previously teased songs that have now been shared with the world.

Finally, stream PinkPantheress’ Take me home EP on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know which of the three titles is your favourite in the comments.

Take me home Tracklist:

  1. Boy’s a liar
  2. Do you miss me?
  3. Take me home

[Via]

“Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean” Is Here With Features From Jay Critch, B-Real, French Montana, & More

During his recent appearance on Power 106 Los Angeles’ LA Leakers, California-born rapper R-Mean made it known that he and Justin Credible have a joint album on the way. Thankfully, fans didn’t have to wait long between his undeniably impressive freestyle and the release date, as the 11-track effort landed on Friday (December 16).

Previously released titles from the project include “God Flows” with B-Real and a solo title from the rapper called “The Gemini Effect.” Additionally, his “Yalla Habibi” collab with French Montana and “Enemies” with BlocBoy JB and S4G4 made it on his new arrival.

New songs from R-Mean include “Mind of a Maniac” as well as “Play This At My Funeral” with Jay Critch. Later on the tracklist, we hear him shine on “Angel with One Wing” and “Rooting For Me.”

As we mentioned earlier, the “Kings” hitmaker didn’t hold back during his LA Leakers freestyle. Marking his first appearance on the beloved series since 2017, this time around he rapped over two Scott Storch instrumentals.

Firstly, he annihilated The Game’s “Westside Story,” and later, he went on to take down Fat Joe and Remy Ma’s “Lean Back” beat.

“Teaching’ ‘em lessons, came here to give the Leakers the business, and he ‘finna witness / Word to Nipsey, preach independence / A beacon of hope to my people, this sh*t deeper than lyrics,” are among the bars he crafted on the spot.

Finally, stream Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, let us know what titles are your favourite in the comments.

Justin Credible Presents: R-Mean Tracklist:

  1. Mind of a Maniac
  2. Play This At My Funeral (feat. Jay Critch)
  3. God Flows (feat. B-Real)
  4. The Gemini Effect
  5. Love is Pain (wanted) [feat. araabMUZIK]
  6. Angel with One Wing
  7. Breathe Fire
  8. 10 Rap Commandments
  9. Rooting For Me
  10. Yalla Habibi (feat. French Montana)
  11. Enemies (feat. BlocBoy JB & S4G4)

Zack Fox Returns With Soulful “Wood Tip” EP

If you know anything about Zack Fox, you know that he is one of the funniest people on the planet. He has hosted numerous shows throughout his career, and his Twitter account will always have you laughing. Additionally, Fox has proven himself to be a solid musician. The man has a few hits to his name, including the incredibly catchy “fafo.”

With Christmas just a week away, it would appear as though Fox has a gift for his fans. This early present comes in the form of a four-track EP called “Wood Tip.” Although Fox is mostly a comedian, fans will be very surprised by the direction of this new EP. Instead of delivering his signature hilarious raps, Fox has come through with a soulful project that has an 80s twist to it.

Since this project is only four tracks long, it won’t take you long to get through it. The longest song here is “can’t fight the devil” which comes complete with a feature from Diamond Cafe. Additionally, Diamond Cafe is also on the song “holdin’ on.” For the most part, however, Fox handles the singing by himself. Overall, you may find yourself surprised by just how solid his voice is here.

Fans are already praising the project, and it is easy to see why. The production throughout the project is stunning, and it matches the winter vibe quite nicely. There is a nice bit of replay value here, and if you love this kind of music, then Fox’s latest effort is right up your alley. Moving forward, we hope he continues to explore this sound.

As always, you can stream the new project, down below. Additionally, you can head to the comments section to give your thoughts on this surprising new EP. Furthermore, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

Tracklist:

  1. triflin’
  2. holdin’ on ft. Diamond Cafe
  3. only thing on my mind
  4. can’t fight the devil ft. Diamond Cafe

[Via]

Chief Keef Celebrates 10 Years Of “Finally Rich” With Complete Edition

Chief Keef stands as a legend in his own right following a decade-plus of relentless releases. Despite not necessarily reaching mainstream peaks as some of his contemporaries, he undeniably impacted hip-hop through the release of Finally Rich, his major label debut.

Sunday marks 10 years since the album was released. Days before reaching the milestone, Chief Keef unloaded the official complete edition of Finally Rich, equipped with seven unreleased songs including “Rider” featuring Wiz Khalifa. On the production side, Chief Keef’s Finally Rich (Complete Edition) includes contributions from Leeke Leek, Young Chop, and YG On Da Beat.

The groundbreaking debut from Chief Keef undoubtedly made a mark on the soundscape of hip-hop. The album soared to the top 5 on Billboard’s Top Hip-Hop & R&B album chart and the Top Rap Albums chart and later, earning platinum status. Largely crafted by Young Chop’s innovative production style, Chief Keef debut album further cemented his status as a juggernaut in hip-hop, paving the way for a new generation of rappers. Evidently, the past few years have showcased just how impactful Chief Keef’s debut album has been as cities across the world began launching their own variations of drill music.

In celebration of the landmark release, Chief Keef and Spotify teamed up to provide an exclusive performance in Brooklyn, NY, following the re-release of Finally Rich.

While fans could revisit the influential album, Chief Keef will also release Almighty So 2 in 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for that and check out the tracklist for Finally Rich (Complete Edition) below.

  1. Love Sosa
  2. Hallelujah
  3. I Don’t Like [feat. Lil Reese]
  4. No Tomorrow
  5. Hate Bein’ Sober [feat. 50 Cent & Wiz Khalifa]
  6. Kay Kay
  7. Laughin’ To The Bank
  8. Diamonds [feat. French Montana]
  9. Ballin’
  10. Understand Me [feat. JEEZY]
  11. 3Hunna (Remix) [feat. Rick Ross]
  12. Finally Rich
  13. Citgo
  14. Kobe
  15. Got Them Bands
  16. Bang Bang (Intro)*
  17. OB4L*
  18. Rider [feat. Wiz Khalifa]*
  19. Spread Da Word*
  20. Kush With Them Beans*
  21. It Ain’t My Fault*
  22. Squad*