No Passion, All Technique

June 30th — October 22nd

Oct 22, 2025

Back again!

This brief respite has been a classic case of a phenomenon that I like to call NCNM Syndrome. That’s right — it’s New City, New Me alllllll over again. I’ve got a new apartment, a new job, new pastimes, new swag — the whole nine yards. In short, I’m up!

As for those articles that were supposed to drop in July and August, keep waiting, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely. Plus, this old lump of coal has a few tricks up his sleeve. So put the pressure on, and I might just drop a diamond.

Say that!

REQUIRED LISTENING

Apple Music

YouTube

TAPES

RAP

I NEVER GAVE AF by Raq baby

I’ve long sung my praises of Raq baby, but with the release of I NEVER GAVE AF, I simply cannot envision a future in which I stop doing so. The Atlanta vibe cultivator has truly outdone himself this time as he tackles the human condition in its entirety, waxing poetic about everything from starting a family and wondering if this life that he leads is worth living to claiming that he was born to get some strange over instrumentals that are sopping wet with indie samples. I just wish that he put this song on it. Then, I NEVER GAVE AF would be simply perfect, but it’s damn close without it.

Let’s Meet at Junes by Dolo2000

For my money, Dolo2000 is the most consistent rapper-producer currently doing business. The SoCal-based artist behind 2024’s already-outstanding MarketResearch and the same year’s wistful Imagining Project has quite literally outdone himself this time around. The new Dolo is practically running laps around the old (no shade). On Let’s Meet at Junes, Dolo brings his largely self-produced world directly to the listener, welcoming them in to his tastefully eclectic space with open arms. With perfectly chilled solo cuts and wide-ranging, show-stopping features from Squadda B (of Main Attrakionz fame), kuru, 1600J, and numerous others, the album rewards repeat listeners with innumerable mumbly earworms and sardonic one-liners. Don’t sleep on this post-hype masterwork.

For the road by 100 Methods

100 Methods is not for beginners. Hell, it’s not even for seasoned listeners. His flamboyant flow and near-absurdist lyrics, though, are just too tough to overlook! He comes at the shit from the same side of the aisle as guys like Suga Free and Bruiser Wolf but without the pimped-out persona. To put it lightly, the brand of Florida rap that 100 Methods and his guys — namely Bani and Mike Lary — churn out is ornery music, and it takes a special palette to stomach. Hopefully you all have that palette.

Winn Lose or Draw by 4TheWinn

4TheWinn, Northern California’s finest, is the closest thing to a Drakeo the Ruler spiritual successor who isn’t named Ralfy the Plug. With a well-seasoned and worldly vernacular (this fool speaks Mandarin on this shit!) and a finely-tuned pen to match, Winn occupies a singular lane with a absurdist, maximalist flavor that anyone can enjoy.

HARDCORE

DEATH IS NOT OUR ONLY OPTION EP by Clique

For fans of Natural Human Instinct, being politically active, and racking.

Processing Upheaval by Discontent

For fans of Final Resting Place, being dumb as rocks, and going deaf at an early age.

Trauma Stage by TS Warspite

For fans of Big Cheese, being a little overweight, and running back and forth very quickly in an effort to hurt your friends.

Demo 2025 by Chain Pulling Man

For fans of Field of Flames, sticking metal utensils into wall outlets, and breaking glass with your bare hands.

Всё впереди by Adidass Machien

I think that this is a reissue of some lost 2013 release…lit nonetheless!

For fans of Terror, being pushed down the stairs, and laughing at herbs and burgers.

THE REST

XO Salt Llif3 by Ben Bondy

For fans of Proc Fiskal, blue-collar cosplay, and looking at yourself in the mirror of a dark bathroom after a night out.

ATELYE TYPE R by Atelye Marc

For fans of 454, hanging out with the woman you love, and driving around with nowhere to go.

Rooster Slipped by Rooster

For fans of Sad Boys Entertainment and Drain Gang, pensively turning up, and having a quiet moment with yourself.

Shadow House by Halloween

For fans of the intersection between Hotline TNT and The Spirit of the Beehive (but maybe that’s just TAGABOW…), sleezing, and pushing friends to try something new.

Volume 1 EP by So Klarity

This, dear reader, might be the closest thing that the modern era has to a little known but oft enjoyed subgenre of rock that my friends and I call “heroin music.” Not that we’d know anything about that. Volume 1 was released back in 2022, but this shit is new to me! AND it’s mixed like some dub shit, so smash, next question!

For fans of shit like “White Rabbit,” moving slowly, and snapping back to your wits after a deep daze.

Dream Curtain Eternally Gentle by Stone