In the Beginning Vol. 1 (2021)
Hip-hop pioneers Madlib & Declaime have frequently collaborated throughout each of their impactful careers. On In the Beginning Vol. 1, the childhood friends compile thirteen previously unreleased recordings from their early years together in Oxnard. The album provides a strong foundation to two irreplaceable legacies that have continuously shifted hip-hop for three decades.
Dope Game Stupid (2021)
On his debut, Detroit rapper, Bruiser Wolf, layers punchline-heavy rap with clever pop culture references and outrageous satire. Dope Game Stupid is a captivating thirteen track listen, intertwining hip-hop’s emphasis on lyricism and breathe control with an unconventional artistic persona that could only exist under the leadership of Danny Brown. The album may be the first formidable creation from the warped mind of Bruiser Wolf, but it establishes his presence in music with an entrance that refuses to be ignored.
Hidden Treasure (2021)
Knowledge the Pirate has been an integral face throughout the progression of Roc Marciano’s game-changing career. In that time, he has also released a collection of solo records that gradually push him closer to an overdue reputation as a compelling solo artist. Pirate’s latest, Hidden Treasure, centers around decades immersed in the depths of New York’s streets, delivering lyrics with more conviction and wisdom than ever before.
Van Gogh’s Left Ear (2021)
Danny Brown protégé, ZelooperZ, has spent the past five years progressively stepping further from the massive shadow of his mentor. His most recent release, Van Gogh’s Left Ear, combines his status as a member of Brown’s Bruiser Brigade with a remarkable sense of skilled lyricism. The Detroit native has finally found his comfort zone, delivering a cohesive 19 track LP packed full of witty punchlines to soundtrack the wildest of house parties.
Return of the Mac (2007)
2007 was an opportune time for Mobb Deep’s Prodigy & The Alchemist to collaborate. While The Alchemist was just beginning to create the base for an exceptional legacy, Mobb Deep had already cemented their stature as a pillar in hip-hop culture. The Alchemist & Prodigy’s first full-length album together, Return of the Mac, remains an overlooked center point that bridges the gap between two decades of groundbreaking rap music.
World Premiere: The Rejected Jet Puff Fader Cover Story
Jet Puff is a part-time rapper from Chicago. His most recent full-length album, "Shotgun is a Beautiful White Bird", runs across nine tracks packed with introspection and brilliantly articulated observations from his everyday life. "World Premiere: The Rejected Jet Puff Fader Cover Story” is an in-depth interview with the elusive rapper, further exploring his approach to music and artistic aspirations.
NO BORDERS IN MUSIC
We are excited to open our newest section, “The Junkyard”, a place in which artists, writers, creatives, nerds, and generally passionate folks will have a platform to publicly unload their own unique experiences with music and related culture via Total Trash. To kick things off, we are grateful to give the floor to Kia Abhari, an Iranian-born rapper/producer and visual artist. No Borders in Music is a first person reflection about Kia’s infatuation with hip-hop, and the greater impact it has made on his life since he was a child.
Ice in the Desert (2021)
Seven years ago, David Ashley launched his career as a multidimensional artist, slowly releasing a collection of unbelievably versatile projects. His skill as a lyricist runs hand-in-hand with a brilliant and natural ability to observe societal shortcomings with great perception. On his captivating new project, Ice in the Desert, the seasoned rapper/producer delivers a strong debut as Convertible Ashley, beginning an exciting new chapter in an already promising career.
Knowledge & Power (2021)
Rising Chicago MC Philmore Greene is from a generation of hip-hop powered by competition and big ego. Although Greene has the skill and intelligence to potentially wear the crown, his initiative to lead by example sets him apart from other rappers with a similar style. On his new record, Knowledge & Power, Greene continues to pull influence from the traditional hip-hop blueprint, but uses his own personal experience to craft a compelling and inspirational body of work.