After producing for others over the past several years, Brooklyn-based producer maticulous puts the spotlight on his gifts as an artist with his new compilation, no caps. His production, pacing, and sequencing all truly shine on here, as well as his ability to pick just the right guest emcees to appear on his instrumentals.
Whether it’s Guilty Simpson expertly crafting a narrative on “Home Goin’” or yU and Uptown XO talking their sh*t on “Bein’ This Nice,” no caps is brimming with standout features. It makes sense, then, that maticulous calls this his “favorite project to create” to date. “It was born out of being completely locked down for months,” he says. “I would wake up everyday, listen to records, and become inspired with the only expectation of wanting to create music.”
That time resulted in the creation of six of the eight instrumentals you hear on no caps, with the upbeat and soulful “Everything” being one of the two exceptions. He actually made that beat in 2012, and it stayed one of his favorites for years. But as he was putting together this project, he just felt it was time for the world to hear it—and he’s not wrong. Skyzoo and Justo The MC do their thing on the track, making it one of the best on here.
More than anything else, however, maticulous just wants this release to be a breath of fresh air for listeners. “It’s very easy, for hip-hop especially, to get stuck in a formula,” he says. “One person has success and a hundred people try to make the same sounding stuff. No one needs to reinvent the wheel to make dope, timeless music.”
He’s not only right in his explanation, but he’s also putting his money where his mouth is with no caps. And in case you forget—it’s no caps when you spell the man’s name (and compilation title).
no caps is available now via DSPs through maticulous’s own Myers Street Music label. The record is could also be purchased on 180 gram red vinyl through maticulous’s Bandcamp page.
Eternia & Rel McCoy’s debut collaborative album, FREE is a liberating ‘beauty from ashes’ sonic journey from two of Canada’s hip-hop greats. The album represents a grand comeback for Eternia, who in 2010 released the Juno Award-nominated At Last with producer MoSS on Fat Beats Records. Transformative events changed her life since that release, including personal triumphs (starting a family) coinciding with personal struggles (mental/physical health) and artistic struggles (this project was rebooted), all while navigating a global pandemic and the isolation that ensues. FREE is born of these experiences as she partners with Rel McCoy, a Juno Award-winning producer she compliments heavily for providing the incredible soundscapes on the record, as well as contributing a few vocal appearances.
It’s easy to hear just what she means on standout singles like the warm and nostalgic “Most PPL” and moody and haunting “Home,” the latter of which features fellow Canadian talents Shad and SHEAL. These are lyrically rich, profound tracks that are both easy to follow but brimming with layers, effortlessly walking us through complex themes with straight-shooting simplicity as only veterans can do. From Eternia’s attention-grabbing vocals to Rel’s nostalgic and melodic blend of boom bap production, FREE is just as engaging as it is organic.
Rel big-ups his collaborator for why the record sounds like it does. “She has an excellent ear and knows what she’s looking for when she has a song concept in mind,” he says. “Her selection of beats is what kept it diverse and interesting.”
Speaking of concepts, there are almost too many dope ones on FREE to name. But perhaps the most gripping is “The Story of Us,” one of two collaborations with her husband, Mr. Lif (the other track being “Secret”). The track outlines how the two met, fell in love, and became a family, and it boasts heavenly vocals from Eliki on the hook.
Beyond the singles, Eternia just wants her listeners to emotionally connect with FREE. “I hope people take the whole record in,” she says. “But even if they just take in a song here and there, I hope it leaves them feeling—ANY feeling.” For the hip-hop world at-large, there’s certainly a feeling of appreciation, and the hope we don’t have to wait another decade for more fire from Eternia.
FREE can be supported now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms along with a limited run of butterscotch-colored vinyl available now for pre-order through Fat Beats. Eternia & Rel McCoy would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
Big Daddy Rap Beast returns from a short hiatus to drop his second album “Yarns from the Juicer” which is the follow up to 2018’s underground classic 'Peep My Jawns'
Beast presents a tight knit project packed full of his trademark wit and sarcasm brimming with innuendos, hilarious punchlines and some good old fashioned storytelling raps.
The exquisitely crafted production is exclusively handled by Pimpernel Jones and guest features include UK battle rap champion Tenchoo, Benny Diction (Punning Clan and Corners) MNSR Frites (Granville Sessions and Moose Funk Squad) and Long Island wordsmith Goretex (formerly of Non Phixion) aka Lord Goat.
"Four friends with a shared passion is really all this album needed to come together. There was never really a plan or design brief; it was a series of studio sessions that was facilitating face to face contact throughout the strangest of years more than anything.
As the album began to materialise the idea that there really is no manual or guide book to this life became more and more apparent and as a civilisation it seemed everyday was a new challenge under these new laws. Although this period of life drained us of our usual comforts and entertainment and buried our routines built up over years under a blanket of uncertainty and fear there still managed to be room for creative output and this project is truly a testament to that willingness to grind through the darker times.
Sculpted from a track list nearly double the size this project had been carefully curated to reflect the times we are in but also the idea that being an artist is generally about bringing happiness not only to ourselves but the people around us. This one is for the people who have stood by Northern Structure throughout the years. Thank you for rocking with us!"
South Florida Hip Hop artist Mr. Beleaf aka Beleaf 38 is the founding member of the Wvtch Wxlvez movement and is focused predominantly in the art of storytelling and lyricism. Born in New Jersey, he relocated to Miami at a young age and established his skill set attending battles and recording records throughout the state. Since then he has collaborated with legendary emcees and notable producers in the rap game.
His latest self titled album Mr. Beleaf is a mixture of renowned local talent and bucket list collabs featuring Onyx, Rockness Monsta (Health Skeltah), Wrekonize (¡Mayday!), and John Jigg$ along with production from DJ Pain 1, Art Morera, Leo DaVincci, L.O.B, and more. "The features on this album were blessings. It was truly an honor. I also wanted to showcase all the talent South Florida Hip Hop has to provide in our city" says Mr. Beleaf. Check it out now on your preferred digital streaming provider.
Bard Picasso Records are proud to present the latest release from Cardiff collective Blue City & Mr Substance - 'Mind Map'
The duo build on the momentum gained throughout the last year and return to steal the show alongside some stellar guest features from label mates, affiliates and all round Hip Hop icon - Akil the MC (Jurassic 5) over the masterfully crafted production of Mr Substance.
Tracklist:
1-X Marks The Spot (Feat. Risk1)
2-Ghost Town (Feat. The Honest Poet)
3-Mind Map
4-Fifth Synaptic (Feat DW Smith, Akil the MC, Wolfgang Von Vanderghast & Risk1)
5-Pretentious & Profound (Feat. All Erin Does)
6-Mental Capacity (Feat. DJ Jaffa)
7-Bright Futures (Feat. Risk1)
Hip Hop connoisseurs as well as casual listeners will be delighted throughout as the project is stacked with infectiously smooth tracks that see's the duo voraciously attack the laid-back beats with ease, displaying amazing chemistry, composure and skill.
Production-wise Mr Substance has dug deep into his crates to provide a beautiful combination of Jazzy, soulful loops and thumping Boom Bap drum-loops that guarantees to get heads nodding and feet tapping.
It's been long-overdue but with releases such as this, the Welsh Hip Hop scene is finally getting the recognition and attention it deserves...
Pete Sayke & Māja 7th bring you the new project "CRWN"
"This album was written with the idea that we are all already enough. We just have to recognize it. We damn near kill ourselves seeking the validation of others. Meanwhile, we’ve been kings and queens all along.
New Beat Tape from Cardiff based producer DW Smith entitled "Voyager 3"
DW Smith has been a mainstay in Cardiff Hip Hop for as long as anyone can remember. It’s almost as though he has been here quietly innovating for centuries. So it came as no surprise when he released the Norse inspired EP "Edda". A project so perfectly mired in Viking mythology intertwined with hip hop you would think Odin himself had crafted an MPC from goat bones and lighting bolts. Following from the exploration of the nine realms of Norse mythology though YW entered a new phase, particularly the nine planets, and the solar system they inhabit.
Which brings us to Voyager 3 influenced by cosmos and the wonders of the solar system, as well as the album Host The Planets.
Voyager 3 is an exploration of our solar system through moody, melodic, banging Hip Hop instrumentals. A beautifully put together collection of tracks for you to bang your head to as we hurtle through space together on this giant rock.
Nity Gritz is an Underground Rapper / Producer from Paisley, Scotland.
Presenting his new album which is a showcase for his bold and
unapologetic style and delivery. A veteran of Hip Hop in Scotland, Nity
has battled up and down the country, and gigged all over the place.
All beats are produced by Nity too, This is a relatively new addition to his arsonal but he's fallen in love with the artform.
Hell Awaits was produced, written and recorded in 16 days, After his son
Zak passed away he found himself questioning his own faith a lot and
this album was the outcome.
