Gangrene has always been One Big Fuck You, in the best sense. Their catalog is studio art from two top-tier producers trying to one-up each other on the beats, but the most ruthlessly violent competition they’re engaged in is against nearly every other rapper alive. Both of these cats can get a sixteen off that’s on par with 99% of the names they’ve worked with, and easily, too. There is a certain frustration inherent in that kind of talent.
There’s also a huge amount of freedom there. Since Gutter Water dropped back in 2010, Gangrene has continuously & gleefully escalated the stakes, and Heads I Win, Tails You Lose is another dose of uncompromising filth. It’s also the first project they’ve dropped in almost a decade, a highly overdue follow-up to 2015’s You Disgust Me. That’s a long-ass time, and it’s clear the duo have built up a tsunami of slander to get off their chests. (Neither of them has exactly slowed down lately, either.)
“Magic Dust” is a fourth-wall breaking meditation on pen game, obsession & dominance. It’s only fitting that Evidence would join them on this joint. Another Los Angeles County double threat legend, he’s the right ingredient for such a stripped-down, deep pocket of a beat. One single element out of place and the spell would be broken immediately. Fortunately, we’re dealing with world class professionals.
All that said, if we’re still talking “ruthlessly violent competition,” Uncle Al washed everyone here. He does that a lot these days, but it’s worth noting that overall, Oh No steals the show more often on this latest LP. He’s always been blessed with a natural voice and a knack for surprisingly original rhymes & schemes, but he’s evolved into a powerhouse unit. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m looking forward to whatever he drops next.
New High Filmz is an NYC-based outfit that’s done some solid work lately for Da Cloth and Trizz, and this video continues their winning streak. This was a very simple shoot, but thanks to brilliant framing shots and tastefully sparse edits, it elevates a bunch of stoners having a parking lot cypher into high art. What else is new, right? Indie artists should be taking notes on pretty much every move these three are making these days. This is the true & living gospel.
“Magic Dust” is immaculate goods, a spooky convincing levitation act on the wrong side of town. Shit is gold and it’s not even the best track on the album. Five Dickies.
