“When I think back on first discovering Bone Thugs-N-Harmony as a child, it immediately stood out to me as unique. I started paying attention and really learning how to rap from listening to them and trying to recite it. It felt honest and completely true to themselves — authentic in a way that doesn’t come around very often and in a way that will be impossible to recreate. Their mix of melody and rhythms that I had never heard is what connected with me in a way that other music just didn’t. It inspired me to be more creative. It’s an ode to nostalgia, and growing up, and I think ‘hopeful’ and ‘soulful’ are accurate descriptions of the song. I considered a poverty song as a concept for this one. ‘All I’m doing [is] thinking how to get some money, and then we’ll be good.’ This is a false statement, but one that I believed at a point, and many others believe right now. This song also takes place in that nostalgic kind of setting. I’m describing many things that are normal on the westside of Chicago, so that it plays like just any other day — pretty stagnant but …

London artist Bawo returns to Lyrical Lemonade with a fresh banger titled “Leave Britney Alone.” Featuring BXKS and produced by Bawo himself, the 808-heavy track contains plenty of bass to match the up-tempo rap verses. Both artists’ flow is rapid and/or breathless to create an undeniable UK-drill anthem. The lyrics are simple enough for listeners to memorize after a few spins, but it can’t be overlooked how impressive the pacing is executed on this song. “Leave Brittney Alone” has plenty of replay value, and I’d love to hear more Bawo and BXKS collabs in the near-future. Have a listen below!

Massachusetts duo Brevin Kim returns to Lyrical Lemonade with their first single of the year titled “DYE.” With a new album “centered around pain” on the way, the pair recently opened up a safe space discord server for anyone to freely express their feelings and circumstances. This particular track sonically mirrors their previous release “LAY IT ALL ON ME,” given the dark, electro-bass production and eerie lyricism. The hook in particular emphasizes how dark the messaging is as Brevin Kim alludes to suicidal thoughts. Ironically, the genre-bending record couldn’t be more uplifting; its fast pacing creates a breathtaking listening experience that’s incredibly difficult to replicate. Have a listen to “DYE” below!

Houston based artist Aaron May returns to Lyrical Lemonade with an excellent two-song pack titled “WOLEUPTHINKINBOUT / HIDDEN VOICES.” With a new project on the way, these two expressive tracks couldn’t be more perfect to build excitement. Sonically both songs showcase May’s versatile rap and R&B skillset; his vocals are equally immense to his bars. “WOKEUPTHINKINBOUT” in particular has plenty of reply value as a result of the addictive hook, which is layered with a modernly melodic instrumental. “Hidden Voices” maintains a similar relaxed vibe with a drum-dominant beat, but it’s a bit more lyrical content wise. Witht the new year in full swing, Aaron May has certainly captured my attention by releasing a preview of his best work to date. Have a listen below!

Atlanta and Project FILO artist Reno Shakur returns with one of his best singles yet titled “.Thuggin.” Co-produced by Reno himself and the reliable Marcusonthebeat, the duo have yet to miss on a collab so far. The track is off Reno’s forthcoming album By Any Means Necessary, which you can expect to contain plenty of fiery street lyricism. The surgical flow of Shakur couldn’t be more fitting for the contagiously head nodding, melodic beat provided by Marcus. It’s an instrumental so cold that it’d fit on extraordinary albums such as Freddie Gibb’s and Madlib’s Bandana, but unsurprisingly Reno deliverers to rightfully claim the beat as his. Listen to “.Thuggin” below!

“Me and Hit-Boy they say we like the new Gang Starr…” – Nas Hip-hop veteran Nas returns to Lyrical Lemonade with his second 2021 album release titled Magic. The Queens, New York legend has been on an absolute tear, once more receiving a thoroughly deserved Grammy nomination for the second installment of his Kings Disease series with the third on the way. Of course, Nas’ greatness is no surprise; it’s his renewed competitive spirit to thrive in today’s rap game (despite having nothing left to prove) that’s beautiful to witness. With that being said, it’d be a disservice to not credit RapCaviar’s producer of the year; Hit-Boy, who has remarkably produced a majority of Nas’ last three bodies of work. Released on the eve of Christmas, Magic contains nine fantastic tracks that showcase the otherworldly skills of the primary emcee as well as the producers. The first song is fittingly titled “Speechless,” which couldn’t be closer to the truth considering it’s arguably the best album opener I’ve heard all year. For starters, the beat provided by Hit-Boy is so absurd that Nas’ reaction mirrors every single listener’s upon hearing the track for the first time. Similarly, the flawless instrumental for …

2021 has very much been an up and down year for most, but it’s undeniably been a phenomenal year for music. In fact, I enjoyed listening to so many releases that I’d forgotten some even released this year. Not only has there been plenty of stylistic/genre variety, but also artists of all types (small, emerging, mainstream) actively releasing their art. To showcase my appreciation, I decided to put together a list of my favorite projects; (in no particular order) all of which remain in my rotation heading into the new year. I hope you discover an album, EP or mixtape that you might have missed! Last but not least, this list is also a token of gratitude to each and every person that has read a Lyrical Lemonade piece of mine. I wish you a happy and fulfilling New Year. – – – – – Issa Gold: Tempus (album) Genres: Introspective hip-hop, Conscious rap Favorite track: Cold Summer   Amaria – Bittersweet (EP) Genres: R&B Favorite track: Lose Control   Richie Quake – Voyager (EP) Genres: R&B, Indie Favorite Track: Sensitive   Jean Deaux – Most Wanted (EP) Genres: Hip-Hop, Modern R&B, Electro-Trap Favorite track: Stay Down Marlon Craft – How We Intended (album) Genres: Hip-Hop, Jazz …

Shing02 is an absolute legend. Famously known for his collaborations with the late legendary producer Nujabes, Shing02’s body of work and consistency is especially acknowledged in the underground hip-hop scene. Fittingly, the Japanese born emcee recently released a series of Bam Mikal remixes for his song “GOAT.” My favorite is undeniably the DJ Motorola remix, as it contains head nodding, old-school boom bap production complementary of Shing02’s bar-filled lyricism. Moreover, the DJ Icewater cuts of Ice Cube’s voice top off the joint to produce a classic hip-hop record. Have a listen below!