APRIL '24 RECOMMENDED RELEASES

Jameka
Apr 7, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Apr 28, 2024

WEEKLY RECOMMENDED RELEASE RADAR FOR HIP HOP / RAP MUSIC. Send an email to crownthement@gmail.com to inquire access to 100s of releases cataloged each week (not featured on this page.)

Connect on other platforms with CROWNTHEM ENT. https://linktr.ee/CrownThem

APRIL 27TH, 2024

Peace peace!

It has been another abundant week for Hip Hop / Rap, and as always – we have you covered in a few different fronts at CROWNTHEM ENT.

This last Friday, INNERVIEW 020 (condensed version) was released on Swiss Army Radio in Atlanta, GA. This episode highlights the music of Phoenix artist Lord RA, giving an exclusive look into his latest project, AKATA. If you tuned in, thank you – more to come!

Also released this last week – Q1 - ‘24 – an unedited playlist featuring over 200 tracks, a large collection that dropped between January and March this year. A vast majority of the songs are from LPs/EPs/mixtapes more so than singles. Available on YT too. Best on shuffle.

And of course, the weekly visual playlist, WV - 031.

RECOMMENDED RELEASES:

YOKOZUNA TRILL by Bun B | Houston, TX

This Message Will Self Destruct by Don Trip | Memphis, TN

Time Is Currency by Termanology x NasteeLuvzou | Lawrence, MA

Don’t Grow Up Too Soon by Nascent | Chicago, IL

Love & Service by Brother Ali x UnJust | Madison, WI

The Disrespect by AFN Peso | Houston, TX

Black Sheep + by Cakes Da Killa | Brooklyn, NY

NxBoDies by i.F. x Chuuwee x iMAGiNARY OTHER | Sacramento, CA

Princess of Pop That by Anycia | Atlanta, GA

Mnt. Snug by Ahmad Anonimis | Stone Mountain, GA

Planned Attacks … by Fifthpower | Louisville, KY / Elkins Park, PA

Sensory Overload by Gritfall | Toronto, ON

THE BOOK OF GIDEON by Daylan Gideon x Argov | Atlanta, GA

Black Blues Brothers by Halal Boys (Lord RA x Gorgeous Jefe) | Phoenix, AZ

Da Naez Show by Erdnaez the Weapon x DeevoDaGenius | Lowell, MA

Requiem For A Dream by Nofacesoprano | Houston, TX

Grey Area by Jxylen | Springfield, MA

Bona Fide New Man. by Mark Lux | Los Angeles, CA

Lyla’s Cafe by Myke Bogan x CRSN | Portland, OR

brUUUuuuhHHHhhhh by SIDEWAALK KAL | New York, NY

The Lion’s Share 3: Pride Of The Lion by SUBSTANCE810 x Observe Since 98 | Detroit, MI

Cali Bearers, Vol. 2 by 1 A.M. x Senor Gigio | Bay Area, CA

The Separation by Big Sad 1900 x MikeMadeThe808s | Los Angeles, CA

Raheem Dead, Somebody Shot Em by Rx Papi | Rochester, NY

MOBBIOSO by Scando The Darklord x Mani Draper | Bay Area, CA

APRIL 20TH, 2024

Peace and welcome back!

WV - 030 - As always, there was no shortage of dope videos from the last few weeks. This week is I'm highlighting some recent freestyles and cyphers! Bravy dropped off a great “Off Top Freestyle” for Top Shelf Premium, the New Jersey-based platform proving once again why they’re a major hub for lyrical talent. Chicago’s NFO Cyphers released “EP. 007,” showcasing a crew of talented artists: Stock Marley, A.M. Early Morning, Mr. Misfit, Heavy Crownz, Dai, Mani Jurden, and Rufus Sims. The West Coast had the bars flowing too, with A Trip To The Corner Store and host Dezzie Gee releasing “EP. 262” featuring rapper BOSSLADY. Charlotte’s Power 98 FM provided a space for Kash Kyla to deliver her “Jackin 4 Beats (Gimme A Beat)” performance. The Bay Area’s legendary Thizzler returned with episode “#11” of their Bar Wars series, hosting artists: Queen Foreigner, Task Kayy, and Brill 4 The Thrill. And down South, rising Louisiana star Poison Ivi (Lil Boosie’s daughter) dropped an amazing freestyle for Atlanta’s High Off Life TV. & of course, many other great visuals included in the playlist.

There were over 130+ projects cataloged from the week! Hailing from Alaska, Duckman (backed by Buffalo’s Black Soprano Family) dropped his project, Black Soprano Eskimo, featuring collaboration from the B$F crew. Continuing my exploration of fresh faces, Wichita's Kansas Kash delivered his new album, Dead Presidents, with co-sign by Oakland label/group FOD Ent. Milwaukee’s KELCH was an interesting find, already coming from a city known for its unique and raw sounds, she adds her own energy to the ever growing scene. Lastly, Tulsa's McLain High School of Science & Technology created a record label called Tulsa McLain Records for the students -- this week they release their collaborative project, TMC World. Of course there are many other notable and interesting artists included on the graphic and linked below. Also, tune into Atlanta-based Swiss Army Radio this Friday, April 26th at 6PM EST for the premiere of the condensed version of INNERVIEW 020 (in discussion with Arizona artist Lord Ra and his recent project, Akata.) Calendar invite here.

RECOMMENDED RELEASES: All Infinite by Kooley High x Tuamie | Raleigh, NC

Different Type Time by Cavalier | New Orleans, LA / Brooklyn, NY

Street Fanci 4 by Tafia | Miami, FL CHILDREN OF THE SLUMS by Mozzy | Sacramento, CA

sleep paralysis by bbymutha (BIGMUTHA) | Chattanooga, TN

G Slim’s Revenge by G Perico | South Central, CA

Safe Travels by Monroe Flow | Atlanta, GA

Evolution 5 by BhramaBull | Los Angeles, CA

Standing on Giant Shoulders by Seafood Sam | Long Beach, CA

Black Substance by Poo$ie | Oakland, CA / New Orleans, LA

Lungs Of Mahalia by Double A.B. x Git Beats | NY

The Gemini Chameleon by KELCH | Milwaukee, WI Black Soprano Eskimo by Duckman x Black Soprano Family | Anchorage, AK Act 3 by C Plus | Sacramento, CA Waves by Len Bowen | Winnipeg, CAN

East Coast California by Cypher Clique | Dover, DE

Dead Presidents by Kansas Kash | Wichita, KS

Shadow Runner by Vega7 The Ronin | ???

The Loading EP by Mez | Raleigh, NC

IN A STATE OF NIRVANA by Hus KingPin | Hempstead, NY

APRIL 13TH, 2024

Welcome back! Last week wasn't quite as release-heavy as last, but it's still a strong showing for Hip Hop / Rap. Mainstream headlines are full of debates of beef vs. competitions, and whether Hip Hop was born from competition, community or a confluence of cultural influences. Below, you'll find a visual playlist and 25 recommended projects from the week. I hope you find something that resonates with you, your thoughts, feelings and/or ambitions. WV - 029: Several videos from this playlist either introduced me to new artists or reignited my motivation to listen to recent projects. "BiRdS i ViEw (ft. KrisSoap)" by Wody definitely did this. It led me to check out Wody's EP from earlier this year and gain a deeper appreciation for THE COOKIE STORE Collective. JABBAGOTDAJUICE offered another unique and fun music video, sparking my exploration of a new artist and their newest EP (released last week!) Also, I absolutely love the freestyle series Guapdad 4000 has been putting out these last few months - classic beat selections coupled with vulnerable, insightful and fun raps. While Evander Griim and Lexx aren't strictly "Hip Hop / Rap," they're vocalists who could potentially sound amazing collaborating with Hip Hop and Rap artists. Additionally, these last few months Thizzler's Bar Wars series has been entertaining. D'Barbie still is the illest rapper to touch the mic amongst the contestants, but Ep. 9 was definitely one of the series' highlights. Speaking of bars, Shootergang Kony is back, and we can expect a project dropping soon. Memphis OG Don Trip remains consistent, releasing visuals form his recent project, Before The Devil Knows You're Dead. There's so much more to discover in the playlist! RECOMMENDED RELEASES: Liberation 2 by Talib Kweli x Madlib | Brooklyn, NY Temporary Heaven by Asher Roth x Heather Grey | Morrisville, PA

Still Nothing Still by Summers Sons | London, UK

Chemistry by UFO FEV x Red Inf x Vanderslice | Harlem, NY

Where In The World Is Billie Essco 2: Browne & Blue by Billie Essco | Buffalo, NY

44 by Jay Exodus | Buffalo, NY

Billion Dollar by Brando | NJ

There’s Glory In the Fire, Vol. 2: The Wind Beneath My Wings by FUNERAL Ant Bell | Boston, MA

Burgundy by NappyHIGH | Palmdale, CA

Up to Eleven by Jedi512 x Click-Clack | Austin, TX

Frank Motion 3 by Killa Fonte | Oakland, CA

Custo vs Lary by Mike Lary | FL

There Is a Way Out by akaLUTHER | Richmond, VA

yes, HARD FEELINZ (SIDE B) by Miquo, Beatsby_JT | Houston, TX

Style Pointz V1 by Wiles Martyr | Philadelphia, PA

Mi Casa, Su Casa by Insyt | ON

i see better in the dark by $hyyguyy | NY

Good Titles Aren’t Punk by Astral Trap | WA

Conceptual Thoughts by Y.N.X. 716 x DJ Concept | Buffalo, NY

SORTING OUT UR LIFE by SOO DO KOO | Albany, NY

TRISTEZA by NCL-TM | UK

7pack!!! by SPVCEDD | Houston, TX

Jewelry Store Shootouts by B.A.R.S. Murre x Black Soprano Family | NJ

ELEVATION STATEMENTS by Aaron Westside | Portland, OR

COUNTRY CLUB 2 by jdmasters | Butte, MT

APRIL 6TH, 2024

An extremely abundant week for Hip Hop + Rap! [OVER 140+ CATALOGUED FROM THE WEEK.] While headlines and social discourse primarily focused on Might Delete Later and Ehhthang Ehhthang, the independent and underground scene(s) are budding and blossoming with new voices, hidden gems and artists creatively pushing boundaries. As per every week - below you'll find a visual playlist and 25 recommended projects from the week. Thank you for tuning in and I hope you find a few sounds, artists and visuals that you enjoy.

WV - 028: a curated visual playlist with a selection of videos from an array of artists, offering a diverse variety of subgenres and styles. FT's: Theodissoul, Gary Junior, Marc Andre, Billie Essco, Rahiem Supreme, Spanish Ran x Tree Mason, BoriRock, Shun Gawd, Killa Fonte, Osbe Chill, Rick Hyde, Premo Rice + many more.