Armand Hammer is a duo consisting of New York rappers Billy Woods and Elucid. I recently saw their video for the song “The Rent Is Too Damn High” and really liked what I heard. Unfortunately their Race Music album is not on Bandcamp but I was able to find it streaming on albumstreams.com. I’ve sat in front of my computer and listened to it a couple of times now, this album is dense, I am still taking it. I wanted to give it a few more listens but I could not wait to share it.

It has that gritty inner city feel with poetic lyrics that draw comparisons to classic New York the debuts of Cannibal Ox and Wu Tang Clan. Some hefty comparisons right there but from the few listens I can imagine myself listening to this album many more times. The lyrics are dark and raw. The production has a consistent feel that compliments the lyrics. Both rappers have great voices and clear pronunciation but the lyrics are scattered and encoded in a way that demands replay listens.

Check out the track that hooked me, “The Rent Is Too Damn High”. Produced by Melbourne producer DOS4GW with that sweet flute loop.