The Rap-Up: New Tracks from RXKNephew, Quando Rondo, and More

This week, we dive into a collection of new tracks that capture the shifting moods of the current rap landscape. From raw, unfiltered grievances to the haunting, atmospheric sounds of the underground, these artists are pushing boundaries and defining their own narratives.

RXKNephew X RXKZeroTheGod, “Dear Gucci”

Have you ever experienced genuine betrayal? Everyone has moments when they feel as if they were slighted or wronged—but real, genuine betrayal? Very few of us have felt that Caesarian fury. This is precisely what Neph is going through on this track, as he comes to terms with the fact that his one-time hero, Gucci Mane, is in fact, a “bitch.” His words, not mine.

The list of grievances is long. The betrayal stings even worse because ‘All White Bricks’ used to be Neph’s favorite. Now, he sees Gucci apologizing for his legendary Twitter rants and feels the shift in the culture. Neph has a whole list of people who would have never snitched in his situation, and he isn’t afraid to voice his frustrations.

Parkbaby, “By Da Plenty”

Parkbaby hails from Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood. Against a situational backdrop as old as modernity, his melodies hang in the air like a thick smog. The beat and Parkbaby’s flows are vaguely reminiscent of Future’s “March Madness.” They spin and re-center, finding balance in the numbness. It’s a muted triumphalism, and to Parkbaby, success feels provisional, like it could be retracted if he looks at it too directly.

T9ine, “Been Graduated”

We’ve covered Tampa Bay’s semi-reclusive T9ine fairly extensively in past rap ups, but every release is still trance-inducing. With his sparse catalog of singles, he picks these spacey beats and floats through them in a way that seems to transcend all physical limitation. He makes chilling on his friend’s porch, or hotboxing his old car sound like something slightly unreal, as if you’re staring at it through a hazy memory.

Quando Rondo, “Nobody Loyal”

Quando Rondo’s latest work is a testament to the weight of his experiences. Since the tragic events of 2022, Rondo has released a bevy of songs addressing his pain. His latest full-length release, “Until I Return,” is pain rap in its purest form—without unnecessary theatrics or inspiration arcs. “Nobody Loyal” is a standout because he doesn’t try to turn his trauma into wisdom; he simply sounds disappointed in the world and the idea that money was supposed to change anything at all.

Merck, “Go”

The gruff of Bossman Dlow meets the agility of Lil Baby with a Memphis drawl like Young Dolph. Merck has it all. And he can’t wait for you to get that chain so he can take it.