SRFSCHL US Vinilo y CD

Review: Fraud's third full-length of 2024 is another example to his unparalleled consistency in street rap. Partnering with producer Harry Fraud, the album marries Fraud's dynamic, loop-based production with Boldy's gritty, introspective lyricism. Fresh off the success of the The Alchemist and Nicholas Craven, The Bricktionary solidifies Boldy's legacy as a steady force in hip-hop, crafting vivid, haunting street tales with every verse. Fraud's production is a perfect match for Boldy's style, blending chipmunk soul, trap beats and atmospheric soul samples to create a backdrop that's both complex and accessible. Tracks like 'Shadowboxing' show Boldy's lyrical dexterity over airy, 1980s-inspired loops, while 'Speedy Gonzales' pulses with a bouncy drumbeat, driving the track forward with intensity. Guest features like Tee Grizzley on 'Cecil Fielder' and Benny the Butcher on 'Rabies' add flair to the album, but it's Boldy's nuanced storytelling that shines throughout. On tracks like 'Harvey Grant' and 'Fish Grease', Boldy reflects on his journey, blending the mundane with the profound as he recounts struggles and triumphs with masterful clarity. The Bricktionary proves that Boldy James, alongside Harry Fraud, remains a force in the game, offering yet another standout project in a year already brimming with stellar releases.

Review: Currensy & Harry Fraud quickly follow up their fourth release together - The OutRunners - with a special new director's cut. The longtime cohorts offer up nice lovely cuts that feature big name guest spots from Trippie Red, Larry June, Snoop Dogg and Styles P. The beats offer a fresh take on boom back classics, with a bright, melodic sound on tunes like 'KITT' next to more romantic styles like 'White Ashes.' 'Vintage Haze' (feat Larry June) is a late night roller with hazy pads and a grainy finish and '180 Days' (feat Snoop Dogg) is laced up with electric guitar riffs and lazy beats. Lovely stuff.

Review: Philadelphia rapper Dark Lo is currently out on bail. He faces nine years in prison for witness intimidation but that hasn't stopped him serving up this new full length, the aptly titled Borrowed Time. It's been produced by Harry Fraud and the nine tracks come with decent guest spots from Detroit's Body James and AR-aB. The music is personal and story-telling, a mix of both calmness and aggression and an underlying authenticity. Lo has also teased four other albums he's currently working on, but to beat this one will take some going.