Released: September 27, 2023

Genre: Hip-hop

From: US

Label: Self-released

Why you should listen: Jersey producer Roper Williams brings some of the most talented emcees working today in YL, AKAI SOLO and Fatboi Sharif (with additional contributions from Pootie), to create an 8-track project that’s incredible, titled Infinite Victory Loop. The dreamy and sometimes sleepy beats give all emcees the platform to rhyme and float effortlessly over them. Fatboi Sharif, who I only really know for dark and experimental stuff, really impressed me, he fit in perfectly with this soul and gospel-sampled production. The drums throughout are incredible too. Highlights for me include pretty much the first three tracks, “Blow My Mind”, “Sunday Morning Funeral” and “From Lords” with Pootie. The latter track especially has these heavy drums and a gospel vocal sample being looped throughout. The short but sweet interlude “Oprah Cries Too” gives way to “Ricky Lake” with YL only, and another groovy loop that gives him the opportunity to rap effortlessly about his own state of mind now, how he grew up and how that shaped his life choices. “Palace” with everyone including Pootie is another catchy track with a groovy beat, with Fatboi Sharif’s abstract lyrics contrasting the more unbeat beat. “Zeitgeist” with Fatboi Sharif and AKAI SOLO is a darker and more assuming track, with both emcees being slick with their wordplay and rhyming throughout. The boom-bap, heaaavy “Hooptie” features YL, Pootie and Fatboi Sharif, with all three emcees killing it with their varied visually stimulating thoughts and imagery throughout. A hard-hitting way to close out an album. On Infinite Victory Loop, Roper Williams, YL, AKAI SOLO, Fatboi Sharif and Pootie all exceeded expectations, from textured, groovy soul-looped production, to the varied and talented wordsmiths animating the album in a phenomenal way.

The album: