Given the fact that we have not sat down and truly scribed one in a minute … here goes
The 10 Best Griselda adjacent projects that we have heard since the turn of the year.
These songs will be ranked upon which got the most airplay – the less commentary – less spins on our stereo. Of course, the usual factors regarding all FRESH characteristics of a NEW track that hits NOW in the modern era will be taken into consideration. Alas, not all artists mentioned here are Griselda signees but rather behemoths to be considered within the GRISELDA UMBRELLA.
10. THEHIDDENCHARACTER & Boneweso – THEHIDDENSPLASH [July 23, 2025]
Our platform shares an affinity with those who choose NOT to reveal their identity. Once, we shouted this masked artist out on socials by tagging a number of other faceless cats and received a smile back. Recently, The Hidden Character stepped further out of the shadows by rapping over another mixtape rather than just producing it. His project ventures into 23 Incredible Industries Land with some of Massachusetts strongest – Al.Divino, Estee Nack, BORIROCK, Shaykh Hanif – these artists are not starving but you could not atone the difference when you hear the music.
9. Dave East x Ransom – The Final Call [Feb 21, 2025]
Many soulful and healing vibes. Throw this one and coast as the chords take you back to an era where Malcolm fought for true independence. Not integration. Self-sufficiency and reciprocation in the face of snarling beasts. As the album centers around Malcolm X’s journey and tragic demise Ransom and East run laps around the center of tracks such as, “Audubon Ballroom” and “The Mosque.”
8. Lord Sko – PiFF [March 28, 2025]
Lord Sko’s massive run symbolizes a leap beyond the bounds of traditional hip-hop. PiFF – seemingly a Sophomore album – is the 3rd project we’ve heard from Sko. Much like Cudi with name stylization, resemblant of Mac with a Wu Tang grind pattern – Sko reps so heavily for Washington Heights, NY where many people visit but not as many claim hometown.
This album has some heat and the music videos bring us back to the MTV/Asher Roth era. Downright legendary way to segue into vintage forays as visual aesthetic is unmatched.
7. Selli Paper – TBH IDC [March 7, 2025]
Selli Paper reinvented himself in such a crucial fashion. Reigning from Troy, NY – this artist defies the odds daily. After beginning his career with upbeat hits like “MLK” and “No Friends [Feat. Jay Critch]” he switched it up after his path led in other directions.
Thanks to Pape, the entire Albany “518” region [previously untapped] has been cracked open with his output of music, hosting, streaming, fashion and events. TBH – this mixtape is exactly what Upstate 518 area needed before summer started. Complete with sexy drill anthems like “Strawberry Iced Tea” and “Give U Ma Heart” go ahead – throw this on around shorty and see what happens.
6. Flames Dot Malik – Sorry I Was Pimpin’ 2 [Feb 23, 2025]
We will stand on every last testament of business when Flames Dot Malik name is thrown around the room. His uncanny ability to crack open a can of lyrical whoop ass is unheralded for a newcomer. Undoubtedly, not new rather TRUE to his Rochester roots we just began to take notice. His raspiness, pinpoint precision of placement and timing all combine to modern day DMX. Rawest and grimiest out of B$F since we caught onto Fuego Base [Also B$F] last 420 [BSCamby]
Rewind These Tracks: Oooo Yeah + We Tried
5. V Don – Sent For [January 31, 2025]
Within the flourishing NYS underground ecosystem – many producers feast too. The amount of technique put into hosting an entire mixtape requires a great deal of mastery. V Don, Zoomo, illTone, RunnitBack all examples of soulful producers who cater layered tracks toward the essence and preference of artists they host. Hence, the reason why V Don hosted such unbelievably grimey tracks like, “Old Kemba.” Weighing in at only seven tracks, this mixtape serves several spins on our stereo.
4. WSG – 12 [Feb 14, 2025]
This release continues to expand the crater being stomped within the hip-hop stratosphere by the likes of Griselda. Another prolific and experimental project, as is often the case with any release within WSG’s discography. Interesting to see him release a project in this installment on a date other than Halloween – perhaps it means major ‘Michelle’ project soon launch?
Brother Tom Sos showed out heavily, “Can’t walk in thеse size fifteens, I just thank God I broke the mold
I pledge allegiance to Griselda, ****** think I sold my soul
I’m heaven-sent, I walk with the Lord, I can’t sell what I don’t own”
3. illTone – The Outcome [March 7, 2025]
Immaculately polished project from the intricate artwork to the carefully crafted combinations. Black Soprano Family never stops releasing music or some sort of content as a unit. Their output is unrivaled and producers like illTone prove that quality recognizes quality. We have a feeling that Elcamino’s keen insight into industry tools, equipment and instrumentation plays a major role in choosing, combining and finalizing sound – who knows?
2. Fuego Base x BSF – Harlem Heat [June 27, 2025]
Speaking of Elcamino – this project culminates all prior releases from Elcamino. If you look at these previous tapes – Built 4 Cuban Linx, The Game is the Game, Millionaire and Harlem Heat – you will find some of his strongest work. Ranking Elcamino remains difficult because just as you try to comment upon one project another one has already dropped. The way he propels other projects with hooks, bridges, verses and much more orchestration-wise speaks volumes.
Fuego Base continues to stomp gravel and put his boots on fresh soil. His run out of Hartford, CT rumbles downhill at exponential rates as his ability to talk fresh and piece words together makes you wonder – where the hell do Benny keep finding these dudes @ ?
1. Boldy James x Nicholas Craven – Late to my Own Funeral [July 11, 2025]
- Boldy James continues to transcend time and space within the Midwest. Listeners can hear the mystique, recognize the undeniable work ethic and see the strength of collaborations/improvement upon each release. We have been blessed to witness this run and see his progress after enduring such a grueling recovery process. As he follows up with another exclusive Craven collab Boldy James and this extremely talented producer make magic as some of the tracks may have beats that standalone stronger than the lyrics. Over and above all else – the cleanest most soulful project heard so far this year.
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