Busta Rhymes — Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God

After eight years, Busta Rhymes releases his tenth studio album, a sequel to "E.L.E.", his 1998 record. Massively commercial effort, in production features the rapper himself, Nottz, Avenue Beats, Swizz Beats, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Rockwilder, Dready, Focus, DJ Scratch, DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Terrace Martin, Anderson Paak, Schife, 9th Wonder and Rick Rock. As guests, the Brooklyn MC brings Rakim, Pete Rock, MOP, Bell Biv Devoe, Minister Louis Farrakhan, ODB, Q-Tip, Rick Ross, Anderson Paak, Vybz Kartel, Rapsody, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Nikki Grier, while Chris Rock has the task of accompanying the listener throughout the album with the crazy skits.

UFO Fev & Big Ghost Ltd. — The Ghost of Albizu

Big Ghost LTD is one of the fittest producers of the last five years and brings out his album number fifteen, the fifth of the season, in collaboration with the latest emerging rapper from New York, Anthony "UFO Fev" Ortiz, who in the same year he has already published with Statik Selektah and Termanology.

Snoop Dogg — Dead Man Walkin

At the beginning of 1997, Suge Knight is jailed for nine years for violating his probation: Interscope Records decides to renounce the distribution agreement with Suge's label, and this definitively decrees the end of Death Row. The choice of Interscope is quite serious, it undermines the power of Suge within his own label, the manager will not be able to sell as many records of his artists as he has in the past, and some of them are aware of doing better off Death Row at this point: the label has already seen the departure of The D.O.C. (1994) and Dr. Dre (1996) and, after the death of 2Pac, they left MC Hammer and Tha Dogg Pound. For about two years, the label's top man is Snoop Dogg, but when Suge Knight loosens his deadly grip, a diaspora begins and they all leave: Nate Dogg and Snoop in 1998, Jewell, The Lady of Rage, Michel'e, and Outlawz in 1999.

Atmosphere — The Day Before Halloween

Album number fifteen for Slug and Ant, perhaps the worst in their careers with the Atmosphere duo. The boys have to compete with the publications of the period, so they lower the length of the record below half an hour, insufficient time to let their experimental rhythms breathe. Ant is in charge of production: he chooses to place some synths on electronic beats creating an annoying noise that is useless and engulfs the light-hearted and spoken delivery of Slug. The pieces look alike and these guys deliver in a lazy and sleepy way, on forgettable rhythms. Obsolete, uninspired, bad tape, 4/10.

Common — A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1)

Album number 13 for Lonnie Lynn Jr. aka Common. Oh, what to say, he's clearly not at his best here, I think he misread one of Noname's tweets and felt compelled to release something.

Flee Lord & Eto — RocAmeriKKKa 2

A follow-up to the previous year's "RocAmeriKKKa", the album is the tenth effort released in 2020 by Flee Lord and the fifth by Eto.

Sheek Louch — Gorillaween, Vol. 3 EP

Two weeks after releasing "Beast Mode 4", Sheek Louch pulls out an extended play that's presumably made up of the tracks left on the floor.

Cookin' Soul — Teddy Pendergrass Tribute [mixtape]

Cookin Soul blends soul and hip-hop in this long Teddy Pendergrass tribute tape, almost fifty minutes of music, twenty short songs, five skits. Among the singer's soul / rnb cuts, all quite solid, there are several rappers providing their own bars including Currensy, Joell Ortiz, Jadakiss, Saigon, Tek of Smif-N-Wessun, La the Darkman and a few unknowns like Doo Wop, 40 Cal. (of the Diplomats) and Willie the Kid. Novel is not the rnb singer, but an underground rapper.

The Alchemist — The Food Villain

Umpteenth album in Alan Maman's crowded discography, also considering the EPs and mixtapes, the number rises to well over fifty projects accredited to his name.

Chase Fetti x 38 Spesh — Top of the Red

Collaborative tape between 38 Spesh and Chase Fetti, respectively at their tenth and fourth effort in 2020. The artist of the Trust collective produces the tape entirely.

Raekwon — We Wanna Thank You [mixtape]

Undoubtedly one of the best projects released in Shallah Raekwon's discography and one of his best mixtapes. The Shaolin MC delivers bars with a fluid and calm style over the beat of some beautiful soul, rnb and funk tracks which then he lets breathe for a few minutes. If there's a mixtape to be rediscovered in the Chef's crowded and heavy catalog, it's probably this one, after the ones provided by DJ Mathematics.

KXNG Crooked — Flag EP

Third EP of the year for KXNG Crooked, rapper from Long Beach. The singer Giselle and the MC's group Family Bvsiness are the only guests of the edition. The production is handled by Fong Sai U, Big Blizz, Lavish, Smoke, Gim Gittum and Eminem.

Ty Dolla $ign — Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

The third studio album by Tyrone "Ty Dolla Sign" Griffin, Jr. is originally intended to close the "Beach House" series, and instead is a sort of compilation between different pop rap artists where Ty Dolla Sign occasionally says something, as if he were a guest on his own album, and in this awareness he aptly titled the album "Featuring Ty Dolla Sign".

Tech N9ne — Fear Exodus EP

Fourth project of the year for the Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne, this too, like the previous EP, disappoints. The production is equally divided between Seven and the ItsNicklus & Freek van Workum duo, who share three tracks each, while the skits are credited to the rapper.

clipping. — Visions of Bodies Being Burned

The fourth studio album by clipping. is a big step back from the previous one, in an attempt to bring noise back into the trends on the hip-hop side: the genre had its peak of notoriety about four years ago, when the group was in its first days, and is now in decline. The record sounds like a sequel to "There Existed an Addiction to Blood", it maintains horrorcore themes and an industrial, experimental and dark sound, but annoying, unbearably annoying compared to the one offered in last year's project.

DJ Muggs & al.divino — Kilogram

Collaborative album between Massachusetts rapper al.divino and LA producer DJ Muggs. For the rapper this is the fifth effort of the season, while the West Coast producer is the album number 17. Estee Nack and RLX are the only guests on the tape.

Cookin Soul — Whateva Vol. 3 (Beats)

Instrumental album of the third chapter of the "Whateva" series, work realized by the producer Cookin Soul. It opens a simple jazzy boom bap with slow drum and good samples to form an energetic rhythm.

Cookin Soul — Whateva Vol. 3 [mixtape]

Third volume in the Cookin Soul "Whateva" series of mixtape remixes. He makes ten short cuts for a total of just under 25 minutes.

Big Kahuna OG — How to Mob, Vol. 1

I'm not sure how I got to Fly Anakin & Big Kahuna OG, however, similar to an unfortunate Russian roulette wheel, I chose to reproduce one of the weaker efforts made by the performer of Richmond, Virginia, in his 2020.

Black Thought — Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Able

An obvious step backwards for Black Thought which releases his third chapter of the "Streams of Thought" series, which is also his debut studio album at 49 y/o, that is, one of the most "expert" debuts in rap game history. After 9th Wonder ("Streams of Thought, Vol. 1") and Salaam Remi ("Streams of Thought, Vol. 2"), the Roots rapper relies on the production of Sean C of The Hitmen. Guests of his debut album are Pusha T, Killer Mike, Swizz Beatz, Schoolboy Q, CS Armstrong, OSHUN and the two main guests, Portugal the Man and The Last Artful Dodgr.

Statik Selektah — Stick 2 the Script

Second studio album released by Boston-based producer Statik Selektah, who has also started to make a name for himself in the mainstream following the extensive success of his debut. This record, however, has the contours of the sophomore jinx and doesn't replicate the glories of the previous one.

T.I. — The L.I.B.R.A.

The Legend Is Back Running Atlanta, this stands for the title of the eleventh studio album for Clifford Harris Jr. aka T.I. It's his first independent album, released by his Grand Hustle and EMPIRE. Production is handled by almost 40 different producers, including Hitmaka, 9th Wonder, Cardiak, DJ Cubeatz, David Banner and Juicy J. Most beatmakers are amateurs. Among the guests, Tokyo Jetz, Young Thug, Lil Baby, Snoop Dogg, Rapsody, Conway, Rick Ross, Domani, Benny, Jadakiss, Killer Mike, John Legend and 21 Savage stand out.

Sheek Louch — Beast Mode 4

Sheek Louch (The LOX) returns after five years to release a studio album, the seventh in his career. Fourth capitol of the Beast Mode series, which began as mixtapes and continued as EPs.

Open Mike Eagle — Anime, Trauma and Divorce

Fifth solo studio album by Michael Eagle II aka Open Mike Eagle, rapper native from Chicago, Illinois. The tape features some guests, while the production is made by Caleb Stone, Black Milk, Frank Leone, Loden, Gold Panda and Nedarb.

Gucci Mane and the New 1017 — So Icy Gang, Vol. 1 [mixtape]

Second showcase in the year for the artists of 1017 Records, the Gucci Mane label. The founder shows up on 11 tracks to pull the disc, occasionally leaving the reins to Pooh Shiesty (8; one soloist), Foogiano (7), Big Scarr (6; two soloists). The other guests are Tay Keith, Mulatto, K Shiday, Enchanting, Roboy, Veeze, Quentin Miller and Key Glock.

Arrested Development — 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of...

Debut album for the southern hip-hop group Arrested Development, composed of the main MC Speech, DJ Headliner, and half a dozen background singers along with some musicians. The record marks the hip-hop scene alternative to gangsta rap, sub-genre that is strongly emerging in this period, with curious socio-conscious themes seen from the perspective of a musical group from Atlanta, Georgia.

9th Wonder — The Dream Merchant

This is one of the first projects by 9th Wonder of Justus League, released with 6 Hole Records, Florida label with which the Justus League signed in 2004. Most of the sixteen tracks are taken from other albums. Production is boom bap jazzy lo-fi entirely provided by 9th Wonder, while the rappers are from the Justus League (Rapper Big Pooh, Cesar Comanche, Chaundon, Joe Scudda, Khrysis who's present in "Strained" credited as Crisis, Median and in particular Phonte, main guest with four tracks), friends or associates. The album is quite honest and maintains its own musical coherence and solidity, the music is accessible thanks to a lean and light drum and the jazzy and soulful samples chosen by the beatmaker: it's a good debut, recommended for fans of 9th Wonder and of minimal boom bap.

Highlights: "A Letter to Sick L". Elegant piano looped in the background for the intro, skinny slow syncopated drum machine, good delivery by K-Hill, the piano returns for the hook (homage to Nas' "One Love"), accompanied by a soulful male sample. "Speed", "Mr. Dream Merchant", "Almost Genuine", "Strained". Keisha Shontelle solo rnb ballad cut, boom bap lo-fi, relaxing vibes. "Soul Dojo", "The Righteous Way to Go Instrumental". Wonderful instrumental, 9th Wonder combines soulful male samples and strings.

Rating: 7/10.

Real Bad Man — On High Alert, Volume 3 EP

Third EP of the "On High Alert" series made by producer Real Bad Man. The rapping is provided by Boldy James (already present in the previous tape), Kool G Rap, Meyhem Lauren, Pink Siifu, Kool Keith (both already present in the first volume), Crimeapple, Mooch, Rigz, and Flee Lord, the only one to have been part of all the Real Bad Man tapes up to this point.

Street Justice x 38 Spesh — Community Service

38 Spesh is helping Rochester to emerge in the underground hip-hop scene: the latest to see the light is Street Justice, which debuts this studio album entirely produced by Spesh.

Planet Asia x A-Plus tha Kid — Cashmere Corners

Collaborative project between the emcees Planet Asia and A-Plus tha Kid, entirely produced by DirtyDiggs. It's a good tape composed by 7 tracks and 20 minutes. One song is co-produced by Jaydrippa, while the guests are Washeyi Choir, Che Noir and 38 Spesh: Spesh provides the beat for the last song, "Opera Show". The music chosen by DirtyDiggs is honest and accessible, there are melodic, soul, jazz, and sad samples, and even good strings for "Blood Red Roses", as well as a trap rhythm in "Rents Due". The two rappers deliver bars in a slow and regular way, the tracks are ok, among others "Opera Show" stands out: 38 Spesh chooses a good drum pattern and a few elegant piano keys loop, inventing a catchy jazz boom bap that becomes a good soundscape for his rap, and wonderful support for Che Noir, which leaves with a flow smoothness, confident, dope. 6.5/10.

Papoose — Endangered Species

Papoose hasn't gotten much attention as a rapper since... he never got much attention as a rapper. This, due to problems with the labels that didn't facilitate his career, despite a brilliant talent.

2Pac — Nu Mixx Klazzics Volume 2: Evolution: Duets & Remixes [remixes]

Death Row Records continues to dance on 2Pac's grave by releasing another album of remixed songs, as if the first chapter wasn't deleterious enough. This time the producers are credited, there are Jake One, Illmind and some other dudes I've never seen. It's a "duets and remixes" album, so, the label places a couple of random rappers on each track, also trying to create rap rock / rap metal songs that make no sense or value. The music is still moot, the rap, eh, it's like these guys are spitting out bars without desire for 50 minutes. It's a great waste of time and is doing very well in the charts. Far be it from me to understand why in Ukraine they wanted to hear this. Do not buy. 0/10.

2Pac — Nu-Mixx Klazzics [remixes]

Death Row is one of the worst things to happen to hip-hop and this three-quarter-hour garbage is yet another confirmation. The label remixes ten random songs from 2Pac and puts on it some impossible-to-listen rhythms that overwhelm the rapper's voice all the time and ruin everything possible: the production is done directly by Suge Knight and his friends, including a guy named Cash. The record is a further blemish on the legendary MC's discography and legacy, however, the poor and intolerable quality of the product doesn't stop its rise in the charts, finishing in the top 15 on the Billboard 200, fifth among rap albums and second among independent outputs.

Koch guarantees worldwide distribution of the tape and the record is heavily marketed in markets where hip-hop culture is relatively new and the name of 2Pac is known, but not adequately explored yet: Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Australia. Universal is often behind it. It also comes out in Western Europe, France, with a messy tracklist. It's such a bad product that you have to put in a lot of effort to read the title on the cover, and it's one of the few albums where printing has cost more money than create the music itself. Never recommended, 0/10.

The Beatnuts — Intoxicated Demons The EP

Lester "Psycho Les" Fernandez, Jerry "Juju" Tineo and Bertony "Kool Fashion" Smalls make up The Beatnuts. Like most producers and DJs today, they too started a career in the music industry by remixing the works of other artists, before moving on to the production of original material.

Manzu Beatz & DJ Flipcyide — The Lost Gems

Collaborative tape between Manzu Beatz and DJ Flipcyde. Man, I don't know who does what, but these two guys take five Killa Beez cuts, add two interludes, and make a 19-minute EP. The cover, which pays homage to the film "The Mummy", is well represented by the intro, where a rhythm with dark horrorcore vibes welcomes the listener.

The Alchemist — A Doctor, Painter & an Alchemist Walk Into a Bar

Ten short joints for a total of 17 minutes, it's not even an album in its typical sense, full of these one-minute rhythms and almost entirely instrumental.

Westside Gunn — Who Made the Sunshine

The fourth studio album for Westside Gunn coincides with the long-awaited first album with Shady Records, released over three and a half years after signing the contract with Eminem's label. The album boasts the production of Daringer & Beat Butcha, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams and Just Blaze, as well as several guests including rappers Griselda Benny, Conway, Boldy James and Armani Caesar, Black Thought, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Slick Rick, Stove God Cooks, Flee Lord, Estee Nack, ElCamino and Smoke DZA.

The Alchemist — 1st Infantry

Daniel Alan Maman was born in Beverly Hills, California, and musically grew up alongside Evidence and Scott Caan: with the latter form The Whooliganz, they're both noticed by B-Real (Cypress Hill) and included in the DJ Muggs group, the Soul Assassins, but the album that the duo is expected to release in 1993 is shelved by Tommy Boy. Caan deviates to an acting career, while rapper Maman recycles himself as a producer, aided by veteran DJ Muggs. In the late nineties, Maman, under the moniker The Alchemist, begins producing beats for several rappers, particularly some of the biggest exponents of gangsta rap / hardcore rap, who are dazzled by his almost perfect production for their dirty lyrics.

Larry June & Harry Fraud — Keep Going

This 26-minute and 10-cut collaborative tape between San Francisco rapper Larry June and New York producer Harry Fraud, is the fourth project of 2020 for both.

Hus Kingpin & Roc 'C' — The Hidden Painting EP

Tenth extended play for Hus Kingpin, seventh effort in 2020, first work of the year for Roc 'C'. The rappers call Fashawn and Kurupt as guests of the tape, while production is provided by Local Astronauts, Stu Bangas, Dae One, The Alchemist and Madlib.

Public Enemy — It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Sophomore by Public Enemy. It's important to start from this point. One of the key points of hip hop is a sophomore who has paved the way for everyone, perfect, flawless. It's a raw and honest album, hard and pure, hardcore, relentless, unstoppable, it's a tank that comes against you with authority to bomb you in the face!

Saigon & Statik Selektah — All in a Day's Work

Five years after signing with Atlantic Records, Saigon has not yet managed to release his highly anticipated debut album: the label would like to water him down with an endless series of commercial pop rap singles and ridiculous guests, as if he were a random Yung Joc. Saigon, unlike many, doesn't give up and, at the time of the release of this record with Statik, he got out of his agreement with Atlantic a little less than a year ago and was taken under the protective wing of Just Blaze.