Conway the Machine

“This list is cute.”

Diplomats co-founder Jim Jones aggressively shares his opinion on Brian “B.Dot” Miller’s “Top Rappers of 2021 so far” list. Jones is confident that the top spot is his and not the #10 ranking he received.

The list is based on skill, performance, and presence throughout the year, hence Lil Baby at the top. Next is J. Cole, fittingly, with Lil Wayne at third. Conway the Machine and Benny the Butcher take the next two spots, followed by Drake. Freddie Gibbs is #7 after being #1 on B.Dot’s 2020 list, trailed by Veterans Nas and Jay-Z. And then there’s Jim Jones.

With many younger heads not knowing Jones, his inclusion on the list is honorable. Understandably, he’s frustrated because he released an album this year while half the list has not. The album, titled ‘The Fraud Department,’ is well received and is a big indication of growth for Jones, not to mention having great production from Harry Fraud.

“Let’s do it live, see who’s left standing.”

On Instagram, Jones claims he could best any of these MCs. Lacking a current major presence, he’s confident that he’s at the top for his skill and lyricism, both of which are arguably more important. The conviction of being the best rapper brings out the best in artists, so it looks like Jim Jones will be putting out more work in the ensuing years.

Beyond Jimmy, the list received widespread backlash, as every list does. The universally agreed upon grievance was a lack of female MC’s. Additionally, Conway and Benny stood up for the backlash, with Benny laughing about how he didn’t even write the list while Conway says he’s ready to prove to anybody why he deserves his spot.

Though tension-inducing, these lists cause rappers to hit the booth harder than before. Whoever missed their spot on the list is determined to make it on B.Dot’s next one. Do you agree with this list? How do you feel about Jim Jones being on it? Give ‘The Fraud Department‘ a listen and decide for yourself!

Written by Jason Heilbronner

A True to Form Return Story

Lloyd Banks is officially back at midnight! Having been somewhat absent from the rap scene for a full decade, Banks is releasing ‘Course of the Inevitable‘ on June 4th, 2021.

Given how long he’s been gone, he’s giving us a full course meal of 18 tracks. As good of a rapper Banks is, he definitely needs some features to bring in new fans and the list does not disappoint. There are some lesser known artists featured such as Sy Ari Da Kid, Vado, and Ransom but Banks pulls no punches with the big names. Perfectly fitting his vibe, Roc Marciano, Styles P from The Lox, and Benny the Butcher are all on the first half of the record. Most excitingly, Banks made the last minute call to add Freddie Gibbs to the third track, ‘Empathy.’ With exciting new names as well as established giants, we’re in for some truly dirty bars.

Well Deserved Fanfare

Though he has credit with many great producers, Banks prides himself on his inclusion of new young producers on the boards for ‘COTI.’ Some of these names include, Phil Jvckson, The Olympicks, and Alpha Betic, among others. In fact, there’s a complete lack on name brand producers on this project entirely. While this might make some apprehensive, we say its indicative of a fresh sound that will distinguish this among other gritty New York projects.

The promotion for the album also makes it clear that this is something special. In the promo video, Rashan Brown delivers a beautiful spoken word over a black and white montage of NYC. There are beautiful shots of neighborhoods, projects, the subway, and the mural of Big L, ending with Banks pulling his hood up. The whole thing is gorgeous yet mysterious, emphasizing this LP as immersive and likely cinematic.

Though this is his first studio album since 2010’s ‘H.F.M. 2,’ Lloyd hasn’t been a complete ghost for the past 11 years. He still grinded out plenty of mixtapes, most recently ‘Halloween Havoc 3: Four Days of Fury’ in 2016. Banks also consistently brings it on features, plenty of which are from the recent decade. His recent verse on Conway the Machine’s ‘Juvenile Hell,’ is notable for matching the likes of one of rap’s current heavyweights.

With little to no decrease of talent over the decade, a life of fatherhood, and a solid team assisting him, the hopes for Lloyd Banks’ return are high. Watch the promo for the anticipated LP right here!

Written by Jason Heilbronner