ICYMI: Top 5 Underrated Albums From Last Week (Episode 2): Dave East, Comethazine, Busta Rhymes & More

These are five albums from last week that we didn’t get to review, but we highly recommend that you give a spin.

TOP 5

Honorable Mention. Fousheé – softCORE

Fousheé had one of the biggest singles of 2021 in “Deep End.” On Spotify alone, the song has generated over 240 million views. Well, she is back with a whole new album called softCORE. While “Deep End” sounds like some s**t a hip-hop fan can listen to, softCORE sounds like some s**t that a bi-polar teen who throws tantrums when you make them eat their vegetables would listen to. I probably wouldn’t recommend the whole album, but I do think “supernova,” “spend the money,” and “I’m fine” are all dope.

5. Busta Rhymes – The Fuse Is Lit

Busta Rhymes is still ticking, folks! This past weekend, he released a five-track EP in which he channels his vintage self. Not only do you get everything from cartoonish to old-school to seductive instrumentals in the project, but he also hits us with his signature ass-kicking flows and unique street-inspired lyrics. BTW, The Fuse is Lit features guest appearances from Swizz Beatz, Big Daddy Kane, Conway The Machine, Skillbeng, and Capella Grey.

4. Comethazine – Bawskee 5

Bawskee 5 is the first Comethazine album that I’ve ever listened to. The main thing that stands out to me about the project is how he causes pure mayhem throughout it. Like, you never know what crazy s**t he’s going to say from verse to verse, or what kind of style he is going to rap with. Frfr, Comethazine gives me strong A$AP Ferg and Ski Mask The Slump God vibes. All in all, I f**k with the energy displayed in Bawskee 5.

3. Dave East & DJ Drama – Book Of David

Dave East has been flying under the radar these past couple of years. Matter of fact, I’m sure a bunch of y’all didn’t even know he dropped a brand-new mixtape this past weekend. Well, he did, and it is pretty solid. Throughout the 17-track project, Dave relies on his signature gritty rap deliveries and consistent flows to tell raw, detailed, and unvarnished street tales. I think fans of the Harlem rapper will find this project to be very solid.

2. 38 Spesh & Harry Fraud – Beyond Belief

38 Spesh and Harry Fraud are both the epitome of underground hip-hop musicians. While the former usually hits us with street-inspired raps, the latter usually hooks street rappers up with riveting hip-hop beats. In Beyond Belief, the two musicians combine for ten tracks; all of them are cold as hell, slightly violent, and efficiently put together. If you don’t get a chance to listen to this whole project, at least listen to “Speshal,” “Back To Shore,” “Band Of Brothers,” and “Sharlene.”

1. Kaash Paige – S2ML

It’s really hard to believe that Kaash Paige is only 21 years old. She has an old soul, to me. Matter of fact, Kaash reminds me of an edgier H.E.R. (Who is also in her early 20s). With that being said, I think S2ML is one of Kaash’s most impressive efforts to date. Not only does she flex her vocal skills fearlessly in the project, but her content just feels extra mature and her performances sound complete. I now officially believe that Kaash has next.