X Chromozome - A Kindly Killer - 1995

 

Back in 1995, a dope cassette tape surfaced in the streets of Chicago, Illinois. Pressed in extremely limited quantities, "A Kindly Killer" by female emcee X Chromozome has since become one of those obscure underground releases that deserves to be dug up and talked about.

The tape features just 3 tracks : "My Debut","In My Own World" & "Undertaka" on the A-side, with all the instrumentals on the B-side. X Chromozome comes through with hardcore lyrics, touching on themes such as Black identity, fake MCs, street life, spirituality and Religion. Her writing carries the rawness and directness you would expect from mid-90s underground rap, while still revealing a strong sense of identity and purpose behind the mic.

On the production side, the cassette is equally interesting. The production is credited to the legendary Chicago production crew, the Molemen, but it was actually handled solely by Rick. This was still an early period for the Molemen, Panik was just getting started and wasn't programming beats yet, while Mixx Massacre was already doing some production, but very little. He was more focused on the mixtape side of things. At that time, Rick handled all of the production of Mack-A-Damien-Thorne's, Vakil's, Rebel X D's. Here, Rick's production provides the perfect backdrop for X Chromozome's rugged delivery.

That's all I know about that tape. It was X Chromozome's first and only release. She later became a Muslim at the age of 18 and disappeared from the Chicago hip-hop scene.

Jerré & Hands - Workin' Hands - 2026

 

LP - 2026

DJ Wicked's latest mix on Wefunk reminded me that I’d completely forgotten to write about this good album, "Workin’ Hands", released back in June by the NY-based emcee Jerré, and Hands, a producer based in Stockholm, Sweden. It's sold out on Bandcamp but a few copies are still available via HHV. 

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Video : Jeff Johnson II & El Da Sensei - Neo-Nineties - 2026

 

Here is the visual for "Neo-Nineties", the single released earlier this year by Jeff Johnson and El Da Sensei. Produced by Mr Nobody with cuts by Yamin Semali.

Fresh Daily & Mon$rock - As You Were - 2026

 

Oakland-based MC Fresh Daily and Mon$rock deliver their collabo album "As You Were", available now digitally. 

Awon x Confidence x J Ferra - The Process - 2026

 

LP - 2026 - Vinyl Digital 

Awon, Confidence and J Ferra present "The Process". 

"The Process is a deeply reflective collaboration between Awon, Confidence, and J. Ferra — an album rooted in soulful production, thoughtful lyricism, and timeless Hip Hop sensibilities.Built over the course of several years, the project captures the spirit of patience and lived experience. Confidence’s warm, groove-driven production lays the foundation while J. Ferra’s musical arrangements add depth and texture. Over it all, Awon delivers reflective verses that explore growth, struggle, and clarity gained through life’s journey.The album speaks directly to listeners who appreciate the craft of Hip Hop — from crate-digging sample culture to introspective storytelling. The Process isn’t just about where you end up.It’s about the roads taken to get there."

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Jointjay & DJ Shon - The Other Side Of Sequence - 2026

 

LP - 2026 - Elastic Stage 

Ukrainian's beatmakers Jointjay & DJ Shon drop "The Other Side Of Sequence", a 17-Track instrumental album that is available now on vinyl via Kickit Records. 

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APOLLO BROWN & SKYZOO - LUXURY TAX - 2026

 

LP - 2026 - Escapism Recordings 

Apollo Brown and Skyzoo return with another collaborative album entitled "Luxury Tax". It's a 14-track project that, from the very first listen, already feels like a true classic. This is one you absolutely need to grab on vinyl. These are going to sell out fast... believe me… don't sleep!

"Ambition can change your life, but it always sends a bill. For Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Brooklyn emcee Skyzoo, “Luxury Tax” examines the cost of chasing success, the price of ambition, the sacrifices behind achievement, and the consequences that come with everything you once wanted. Apollo’s soulful, cinematic production provides the backdrop, while Skyzoo brings Brooklyn perspective and razor-sharp storytelling, turning each track into a ledger of wins, losses, ambition, and consequence. Luxury isn’t always what you can afford. Sometimes, luxury is what you had to sacrifice to get there. Luxury Tax is the price of wanting more." - courtesy of Escapism Recordings

Available on vinyl (Concrete Rose w/ OBI Strip, Dirty Gold, Audemars Green, & Classic Black).

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Remix Session : The Cenobites - Slaves (flxrbs remix)

 

Here is a very good remix of the Cenobites 's single "Slaves", produced by the Slovenian Beatmaker flxrbs, taken from his "Split Personalities" album.