Hip Hop Discovery – JayWood, J. Psalm, 0uroboros x Sully, Max Moon x Fresh Kils

JayWood’s “Assumptions” is a melodic trap anthem that blurs the lines between a Dreamville record and a Young Thug song. The smooth blend of styles, with its vibey guitars and heavy Trap drums, is something we don’t see often, and when we do it’s usually not executed this well. Chants line the background behind JayWood’s harmonic vocal licks and catchy verses. 

The track’s second half, which is introduced about two thirds of the way through the song, sounds like it could’ve been on either of Tyler, The Creator’s last two albums. With its vibrant synths and subtle key change, it feels like the song took an unexpected creative turn that worked out for the best. The song’s music video is full of vibrant colors and features a combination of both live action shots and salient animations. The colorful landscape of the video is fitting for the track’s energy, especially the second half.

You can hear “Assumptions” on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist.

J. Psalm’s “CSR” is out now. The song portrays Psalm as a Domino’s worker and the frustrating people he encounters. His energy comes off both confident and aggressive, with belligerent lines about how he’s going to retaliate against difficult customers and other enemies. J. Psalm’s energy and lyrics, along with the funky Boom Bap beat, is very reminiscent of early Eminem tracks.

I think something to be taken away from the song is the concept of not knowing what people are going through. Although the song is detailing Psalm’s frustration as a Domino’s worker, it feels like there’s another problem underlying the anger and violence in his lyrics. Psalm’s unique approach to this subject is something I’ve never heard before in rap, and “CSR” is a song that relates to a unique demographic. 

Hear “CSR” on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist.

It’s 2025, and “slowed + reverb” tracks sound just as good as they did when they first emerged on YouTube almost ten years ago. And there’s no exception with 0uroboros and Sully’s “my bad (slowed + reverb).” The track is a dreamier and more euphoric rendition of the original “my bad.” Despite being slowed down, there is still no lack of energy and things remain fairly vibrant.

The song is a fusion of Hip Hop and Rock, with gritty guitar riffs and a combination of both Trap drums and Rock drums. The delivery feels inebriating, with melodies drifting atop the instrumental making everything feel drugged out. It’s revitalizing to see “slowed + reverb” tracks still getting their attention all these years later, and it was sensible of 0uroboros and Sully to take advantage of the style.

You can find “my bad (slowed + reverb)” on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist.

Little do they know, everything is intentional with Max Moon and Fresh Kils’ new track “Little Do They Know.” Yes, the sporadic saxophone playing and off beat rapping is fully intentional – and not only that, but it sounds great. What many people don’t know is this style of rapping is common amongst artists like billy woods and E L U C I D, and while people may hear it as a haphazard approach to Boom Bap, it’s really a deliberate composition of puzzle pieces that fit together to form a coherent style of music.

Once you’re able to wrap your head around the idiosyncratic nature of this style, you can fully appreciate Max Moon’s lyrics and flow. His pattern of rhyming is so particular and thought-out that most artists couldn’t even do it if they tried. His monotone delivery provides an inconspicuous energy that’s necessary in fulfilling the song’s intentions and is more suitable than an energetic and melodic approach would be. I’m waiting for the day Max Moon and Fresh Kils are working with billy woods and Kenny Segal.

“Little Do They Know” is on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist now.