NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
They say nothing lasts forever. Well, no one told that to our favorite hip-hop stars of the golden era of the genre, and that is a good thing. With news reports being jammed down our throats about how no one goes to concerts anymore, the message in music doesn’t matter anymore, blah blah blah. All we have seen is artists dropping some amazing projects in 2025 or hopping on features and rapping like the rent was due, and then some. Have you seen some of the videos of live performances from today’s “hip-hop” artists? Tours like the Wu-Tang Clan selling out left and right without major label support, just vibes and love from lifelong fans.
It’s not hate, it’s a fact that most are BAD, no crowd control, lip-syncing lyrics, and songs sound horrible live. Real artists are showing them how things are done and that there is a solid need for them still in today’s music scene. Streaming numbers or having a song that is hot on TikTok is all good and well, but is the music timeless? Being an emcee means having bars and punchlines that stick with listeners. This year is also bringing new, younger fans to shows and introducing them to great emcees who help build the culture, a beautiful thing to see. You can also hear and see the influence of past artists in new acts that are keeping the art and sound alive and well.
A look at some of my hip-hop projects that have been released so far in 2025.
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
From the early 2000s vibes of the rollout to the album itself, they checked all the boxes. They also moved up my list as one of the best hip-hop groups. It is so much more than just “Coke rap.”
The High & Mighty – Sound Of Market
They are one of those groups that people who are locked into the music know about. Which is ok with me. I love the production of DJ Might Mi, it is a throwback to the boom bap era, along with how Mr. Eon flows, they match perfectly still.
Slick Rick- Victory
How do you wait YEARS and drop a project this good? 1-2 tracks into the album, you think it’s 1994 from his trademark flow to the beats, Slick Rick is comfortable in his lane.
Raekwon The Chef- The Emperor’s New Clothes
With the 30-year mark of the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, it was fitting that he dropped a new album. This fits well in the Wu-Tang catalog, and the Nas verse on “The Omerta” is INSANE and will have you hitting the replay button. This dude is 55 years young and still bringing bars!
Lloyd Banks- A.O.N. 3: DESPITE MY MISTAKES
The punchline king dropped another project in his A.O.N. series, and this is a dope one. His storytelling and life lessons are on top notch. One day, people will see he is a top 10 dude in the game in terms of lyrics.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist- Alfredo 2
These two just go so good together!! Grown folks hip-hop that you can vibe to all year round, if you don’t know who Freddie this is is a good intro to how he gets down with bars and lessons.
One thing is clear: fans of hip-hop who don’t just want mumble rap and catchy beats are still a force, and the number is growing. 2025 is also showing that a lot of the artists that kids in the late 90s and 2000s are still cranking out good quality music. I can’t wait for the rest of the year and see what drops. Until next time, play your music LOUD.
