Billy Woods

Jammed full of gritty, leftfield production (think Def Jux staples Fantastic Damage and Cold Vein) and venomous lyrics, the latest release from spastic DC-based artist Billy Woods (who's been slugging it out in the underground for over a decade as one half of the Super Chron Flight Brothers and breaking bread with the likes of Vordul Mega) is an album that looks to finally get this interesting MC into some eardrums and rap conversations simultaneously. Woods holds his own on the plodding, menacing flute loop of "Body of Work" which features some added ammunition, in the form of assists from none other than Masai Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Roc Marciano. On "Duck Hunt," Woods takes aim at corny rappers over some claustrophobic digital fuzz, which samples the classic videogame, while the MC takes a look down memory lane on the album's melancholy closing cut, "The Wake." Whether or not history will remember Billy remains to be seen, however there's no doubt that this collection of music will be one that guarantees repeat spins.