Nothing ties a musical experience together quite like an outdoor concert event. The most important moments in the underground East Coast hip-hop movement derived from events from the likes of 1000 Words and Top Shelf Premium. Concerts that include multiple art mediums and custom vendors often provide double the experience. Fans travel far and wide to attend shows that exhibit truly talented individuals who value hip-hop as sport. With that, here is what comprised the top five albums of underground hip-hop in 2023.
5) Nacksaw Jim Duggan – Estee Nack
Griselda’s executive production of this mixtape proved why Westside Gunn continues to illustrate works of genius as an engineer. Estee Nack tries different flows and continues to elevate his stage presence every single night. Westside Gunn attended his Welcome Home Summer show in May after providing tremendous direction for Estee Nack’s original release under the Griselda umbrella.
4) Spiridon – Starker [Prod. Theravada]
Theravada mixed, mastered and engineered Spiridon. Starker generously increased the speed of his delivery en route to accoutrement. It goes to show that as long as you know yourself you can rap at any tone, tempo or medium. With wonderful decoration and elegant construction of Side A and Side B – Theravada copestetically created an ill canvas laid before Starker.
3) Lord Sko – United Palace
Overall, an incredibly sound body of work packages together this release for Lord Sko from Washington Heights. With fascinating flows and choices of sounds this artist stretches wavelengths to mold into his own New York sound. To know what you want to do early pays dividends for many individuals on the East Coast like Lord Sko.
2) Waste Management – Theravada [Prod. by Zoomo]
As scenes swivel – Zoomo provides the ill canvas for Theravada as RRR x 2000 brought several quality tunes in 2023. Thematically clean and well-versed, Theravada attacked this project as he continues to stack and layer releases that compliment his purpose and direction.
1) Biggest Since Camby
Quite clearly the most clever wordplay heard all year came from the likes of Black Soprano Family Records newest signee Fuego Base. On 4/20 his debut, “Biggest Since Camby” dropped to represent his Hartford, CT area. Undeniably poignant, the way this man came seemingly out of nowhere to drop a debut project that really separated him from the pack.
“At one point it wasnt order round us – these corners see shells but aint no water round us – we wanted more around us than that war around us – so we stepped it up a notch and really ordered flounders.”
–Ron Francis
Fresh NewSnow 