The month of August has produced a wealth of innovative hip-hop releases on Bandcamp. A feature by Phillip Mlynar highlights several notable projects that push the genre into new territories, from concept albums tackling pressing issues such as climate change to eerie soundscapes inspired by dystopian literature.
Featured Releases
Alaska - Reverberations Of A Dead Man's Ego Alaska, alongside steel tipped dove, drops a 15-track project reflecting on modern life through a lens of cynicism. Notable tracks include "Mild For The Night", where he juxtaposes aging with humor, and "Disappearing Acts", critiquing society's smartphone obsession. The album showcases both guest appearances and Alaska's signature style, affirming his place in contemporary underground rap. Listen to the album here.
Black Milk - Pt. 01 Detroit's Black Milk captivates with 22 instrumental tracks that blend melancholic loops with precise drum patterns. The tracks evoke the feeling of twilight, highlighting Black Milk's mastery behind the boards. His production continues to shine as a staple of modern beat-making. Explore the nuances of the album here.
Guante and Big Cats - All Dressed Up, No Funeral This Minneapolis duo confronts climate change head-on, addressing it in tracks like "Whatever You Do, Don't Put the Words 'Climate Crisis' in the Title" and "Never Tell Me the Odds". The album serves as a call for action amidst societal despair. Check it out here.
Underground Highlights
- Bobby Noble and Messiah Muzik - Alone Against Tomorrow: A futuristic soundscape inspired by Harlan Ellison. The duo delivers chilling narratives over gothic synths, pushing boundaries within their genre. Listen.
- KSE - KSE: Norwegian progressive jazz melds with rap as KSE pairs complex grooves with sharp lyrical content. Details can be found here.
- Sulaiman - Confidential Leaks: A compilation of unreleased cuts showcasing the rapper's versatility and storytelling skills, accessible here.
- Various - No Options: Hip-Hop In Appalachia: A compilation celebrating the diverse Appalachian hip-hop scene released by June Appal Recordings, emphasizing the unique voices in this region's music. Discover it here.
These albums, along with others mentioned in the article, paint a vibrant picture of hip-hop's dynamic state as artists continue to innovate and explore pressing issues through their music. For a comprehensive overview of August's best hip-hop, visit Bandcamp's dedicated page here.