It’s been just over 12 months since “The Donald” pulled off the deal of his life and kissed the pentagram at the crossroads…”Satan, great guy, Cambions, good people, it’s gonna be beautiful…“…but despite clearly not being in the presence of a responsible adult while airing his views on social media, the planet is at least still here (at the time of writing).
2017 has been another busy one for us and the wider hip hop world. As 2018 approaches, we’ve listed below albums released this year we’d recommend for the hip hop connoisseur – a mixture of those we have promoted together with some other gems.
ZOtheJERK & FROST GAMBLE – ALBUM – “BLACK BEACH” released on May 26th
The first of several projects spearheaded this year by one of the fastest emerging names in hip hop production Frost Gamble, originally from NY State but now resident in Winnipeg. The concept is similar in approach to artists such as Constant Deviants and Run the Jewels or several collaborative releases in recent years from Apollo Brown, Statik Selektah and DJ Premier.
The album “Black Beach” with Detroit rapper ZotheJerk is rammed full of passionate conscious rhymes, a depiction of the current experience for “Black America” addressing subjects of oppression, injustices, police brutality, aspirations and the importance of positive paternal role models.
The politics are well balanced with a healthy slice of humour by the Michigan MC who appeared as an extra in “8 Mile”, worked closely with the late Proof of D12 and received a “Humanitarian of the Year” award for mentoring work in the community.
Guest featured artists include Boldy James, Sadat X, Guilty Simpson and KXNG Crooked.
Available on digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify
The exclusive deluxe edition can be bought and streamed on Bandcamp
TONE CHOP & FROST GAMBLE – ALBUM – “RESPECT IS EARNED NOT GIVEN” released on September 29th
Chop & Frost are long time sparring partners from their days together during the 90’s in Binghamton, NY, and the new album was the follow up to their debut EP release “Veteran” late in 2016.
Both devotees to the origins of the culture, ex graff artist Chop cut his teeth in the local rap battle scene and is armed with a sharp wit, fierce punchline bars and incisive metaphors. The album’s themes switch seemlessly from trademark demoltion mode to the art of storytelling throughout, aided and abetted by guest featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, rap battler DNA, Tragedy Khadafi and Canadian upcomer White Rhino.
Ex b-boy Frost again laces the release with high quality sample fuelled beats infused with soul, funk, r&b, dub and electronica, producing a rich soundscape drawn from a classic era with contemporary values.
Available on CD and digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify
It can also be bought and streamed from Bandcamp
In October, Frost followed up with another buzz release in the shape of his EP “Rare Fabric”, another collaboration this time with Tragedy Khadafi. Again available from Bandcamp
He has also released the first single from his new solo producer album “I Missed My Bus”. Due out in 2018 and including guest featured artists Rah Digga, KXNG Crooked, Skyzoo, Guilty Simpson, Ruste Juxx, Conway the Machine, Planet Asia, Sadat X and of course his Nostalgia Clic crew of Zo, Chop & White Rhino, “Effin Great” featuring Ras Kass is another available from the label 22 Entertainment’s Bandcamp
DA FLYY HOOLIGAN – ALBUM – “S.C.U.M.” released on October 27th
One of the most gifted and creative artists in the UK hip hop scene for several years, north west London rapper brought his lyrical “A” game to the table on his new album “S.C.U.M.”, the follow up to his EP “F.Y.L.P.M.” released earlier in the year.
A cathartic indulgence to liberate the soul, the suave sophistication of this latest offering addresses all things aspirational. Bullish rhymes throw off the shackles in a journey through the human condition in a series of charismatic portrayals in the pursuit of a life less ordinary.
With lavish production provided by the UK’s Agor, DFH showcases all the suprior verbal prowess in his armoury, joined by guest featured artists Hus Kingpin and new Shady signing Westside Gunn for a combination of antagonistic grimy bars and uncomprimising rhymes.
Available in CD and digital formats from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify
Buy and stream on Bandcamp
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
MELANIN 9 – ALBUM – “OLD PICTURES” Released October 27th
Another extremely gifted and highly respected lyricist from north London we’ve worked with several times in the past, not least on the critically acclaimed “Magna Carta” album of 2013.
We heard from M9 earlier in the year and were delighted to learn of his progression and tie up with a European label for the release of “Old Pictures”. An artist who meticulously takes the time to ensure everything’s ready to come to the table, but it’s always worth the wait when it does.
SHAYJTODAY – ALBUM – “val{you}” – released December
A highly talented rapper from Florida we think could have a big future.
We were introduced to the name a few weeks ago by his management team and were highly impressed by the quality of lyricism and production on this release which is very much contemporary but intelligently mixed with classic reference points.
From beginning to end it’s an extremely well constructed and thought out piece of work which in itself is rare and refreshing to hear. We understand a move to Europe is on the cards with a possible date in London pencilled in for Spring 2018
Available on iTunes and Spotify
Buy & stream on Bandcamp
HORSESHOE GANG – ALBUM – “DOPE LYRICS MATTER” – released December
Not a lot more we can say about these guys, they’re lyrically lethal !
Not that it should be a surprise given they’re the younger brothers of KXNG Crooked, we worked with them last year on their album “Anti Trap Music” and they’ve just dropped an absolute barnstormer in “Dope Lyrics Matter”.
They clearly do, just as with all the releases highlighted here today
Available from Amazon, iTunes and Spotify
Buy and stream on Bandcamp
Enjoy the dope beats & rhymes, and if you like ’em, buy ’em !
Our contact information details are available HERE should media have any enquiries regarding the artists.
UrbanElite PR would like to thank everyone for their support this year, and we wish you all the best for 2018.
UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr
