We’re big fans of GAMETIME, the new album from Brandon Mitchell.
“Dirty Dishes,” the second track on Brandon Mitchell’s new album Gametime, is a cinematic orchestral rap song full of symphonic instrumentation and modest drums. This combination allows Mitchell the perfect amount of room to spit without being overshadowed. Mitchell’s tame flow is balanced by his lyrically driven bars. The lack of overbearing drums works perfectly when in context with the rest of the instrumentation, and along with his flow, works similarly to songs by artists like Boldy James or even Roc Marciano.
The final track on Gametime, “We Already Won,” features more prominent drums and a soulful sample. In comparison to “Dirty Dishes,” it’s a bit heavier and more spirited. The beat feels celebratory which is unironically fitting for the song’s title. Mitchell is a bit more energetic on this track while still remaining lyrically concentrated. “We Already Won” shows that Mitchell is capable of curating different vibes while still remaining coherent from track to track on Gametime.
Other stand out tracks include his single Sugar.
“Dirty Dishes” and “We Already Won” are on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist now.
Burn Herm’s new track “F***ed it Up” is a gritty Boom Bap track backed by a melodically rich soul sample full of strings and bell strums. The primary drums sound like they stem from a sampled drum break, similar to the style of legendary Hip Hop producer J Dilla. The gritty and dusty texture of the song works to his advantage as it gives it even more of a nostalgic feel.
To me, the coolest part about this track is the fact that even though it’s a reimagination of the song it sampled, it still feels as old school as the original song. It’s as if no matter how you listen to the song, it still feels as if you’re hearing it straight from the vinyl. Burn Herm’s style feels like a strong fusion of Billy Woods and Injury Reserve and is paradoxically refreshingly nostalgic.
Check out “F***ed it Up” on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist.
Louis Davis, Jr. is “SLEEPLESS” on his new track off of his Unconventional Loui 4 album. The track has contrasting sections, one with infectious boom bap drums and the other with exhilarating trap drums. At the times when the trap drums take over, I can’t help but think of acclaimed producer evilgiane, especially because of the triplet hi hat. This pattern, along with the scattered percussive rolls, are very pertinent in the current state of rap.
Louis Davis, Jr. showcases his complex rapping abilities and melodic vocal capabilities on this track, utilizing both strengths at various parts where they fit best. The song is soulful and fast paced all at once, creating a unique vibe that encompasses a plethora of emotions.
You can find “SLEEPLESS” on our Hip Hop 2025 Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 