Best of The Month – January 2025

V-Don, Harlem-based producer from New York, returns with Sent For, an EP marking his debut with Benny The Butcher’s Black Soprano Family Records. The project boasts high-level features from his usual circle of elite emcees, including Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Lloyd Banks, Eto, Willie The Kid, and more. This EP showcases his signature sound: dark, raw, hardcore, and deeply rooted in New York’s tradition. Once again, the quality of the production and the selection of collaborators confirm V-Don as one of the most influential producers in the underground scene.

The world’s major cities are in turmoil. New generations—and not only them—seek refuge in a virtual, artificial reality fueled by social media. Everyone wants to play gangster, yet few understand the codes that once governed that world. Youth violence spreads aimlessly, reminiscent of Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. In this landscape, a voice like Uncle Murda’s is more essential than ever. A true OG, respected both in the streets and in hip-hop, he carries the wisdom and experience of someone who has lived through it all and learned from his mistakes. Now, more than ever, the new generation needs a guidare. This is what he tries to do in his new album.

If you read our 2024 recap and our 2025 predictions, you’ll have to forgive us: grab a red marker and add this name—BLUEHILLBILL.  The rapper from the Boston area, seemingly affiliated with the Feed The Family collective, Al Divino, and others, has delivered one of the rawest and most authentically dope projects of recent years. BYRDS landed in our hands like finding a slab of hash found on the ground.

For those who follow us, it’s no secret that Washington D.C.’s ANKHLEJOHN is one of our favorite emcees of recent years—without a doubt, one of the most original and underrated out there. GIVE GRACE is his welcome gift to 2025, with the aim of pushing the bar even higher. An inspirational project with top-tier production, paired with ANKHKEJOHN’s unmistakable style, sharp lyrics, and unique flow.

One of the hardest things for an artist, we believe, is to stay prolific and inspired without diluting the quality of their craft. For years, East Detroit MC Boldy James has managed to maintain high standards despite his heavy release rhythm. His versatility and ability to adapt to the various producers he works with keep his sound fresh and unpredictable. Permanent Ink is a clear demonstration of this, and perhaps one of his most personal albums in terms of lyrical content.

The name of this San Bernardino-born Californian rapper immediately hints at his musical universe. But don’t be fooled—Doggystyleeee is neither a copy nor a nostalgia act. His reference to Snoop Dogg’s classic is merely a distant homage, while his style is personal, rooted in the present and aligned with today’s West Coast sound. His raw talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, even by Snoop Dogg himself, now at the helm of the new Death Row Records, who has given him his co-sign. Expect to hear more from Doggystyleeee—Blame It On My Crippin’ is just a taste of what he has to offer.

Circa 97 returns with Sicilian Summer, an album that embodies the elegance of crime-rap with refined, cinematic productions. The British producer gathers some of the best MCs from the underground scenes of the U.S., U.K., and Canada, including Pro Dillinger and Snotty of Umbrella Collective, Tha God Fahim, Daniel Son, Da Flyy Hooligan, and Tesla’s Ghost. Circa 97 crafts a producer album that channels the raw underground sound of the ’90s, enriched by Giallo Point’s signature cuts. Sicilian Summer is a cinematic journey that solidifies the British producer’s talent.

New Orleans MC Ferris Blusa, after last year’s excellent album with Vega7TheRonin, has earned our attention as one of the new names to watch in the thriving American underground scene. We couldn’t miss this new project, entirely and excellently produced by Observe Since 98. Ferris Blusa’s deep voice and charismatic delivery are paired with technical prowess and insightful lyrics. AND THAT’S WHEN I SAW GAWD is a highly compelling project that cements Ferris Blusa as an artist to follow closely.

Parisian rapper 404BILLY establishes himself as one of the most original voices in the French rap scene with SAMO., his third album. The title pays homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artist collective, reflecting the raw and provocative approach of the rapper. With classic, gritty beats and lyrics ranging from introspection to social critique, ( not forgetting his feud with Benjamin Epps) 404BILLY blends street elements with personal depth, creating a unique sound. SAMO. is a raw and unapologetic statement, reinforcing his place in the French rap scene.

Jake la Furia a.k.a FAME (for those who don’t know, FAME was Jake’s graffiti tag back when he was causing havoc with spray cans in the 2000s) has had enough of the watered-down Italian music industry and all the circus around it. Finally, we say—maybe he could have realized it a bit sooner. But the fact is, Jake has decided to do what he loves and does best: ripping mics apart, with no compromises and no one to answer to. Maybe, just maybe, some people in the offices are realizing that watered-down cocktails and cut drugs are trash. FAME is a hardboiled album, the way only La Furia can deliver.