TOP 85 DEAD or ALIVE
By Kathy Brutus
Hackensack, New Jersey’s own Crimeapple continues to see ex cement his legacy as one of modern underground hip-hop's most consistent torchbearers with his latest six-track release, Top 85 Dead or Alive. Known for his gritty, cinematic street narratives and razor-sharp penmanship, the Latino wordsmith has carved out a distinct lane reminiscent of East Coast royalty like Roc Marciano, favoring atmospheric production and dense, hookless verses. Adopting a distinct basketball theme that nods to hardwood legends and features artwork of the MC rocking a throwback New Jersey Nets jersey, this EP hits the ground running without wasting a single second. It is a lean, focused project that captures an artist entirely in his element, balancing athletic competitive bravado with luxurious grit.
The project serves up a masterclass in underground soundscapes, relying on a collaborative roster of underground architects, including Wanker, Loman, Chairman Chow, Buck Dudley, Common Uno, and Don Leisure, to handle production duties. The sonic journey shifts seamlessly from vintage cartoon and broadcast audio snippets to lush, guitar-driven loops, dusty boom-bap drums, and slowed jazz backdrops. Rather than chasing mainstream radio trends, Crimeapple leans heavily into an organic, loop-driven aesthetic that gives his vivid storytelling room to breathe. The thematic core revolves around success, street wisdom, and artistic endurance, reflecting an MC who is fully comfortable with his formula and confident in his standing among the genre's elite.
Among the standout cuts, the opening track Marv Albert (produced by Wanker) immediately sets a high-stakes tone, pairing nostalgic television samples with a cinematic guitar and keyboard arrangement that demands absolute attention. Later in the tracklist, the Chairman Chow-produced single All Star Wknd brings classic boom-bap energy to the forefront, driven by knocking percussion and clever wordplay where the lyricist reminds listeners of his unyielding discipline. Another high point is Wristbands, featuring a slowed, sophisticated jazz backdrop courtesy of Common Uno that allows Crimeapple to drop playful, seemingly off-the-top ad-libs with effortless charisma. Each of these tracks reinforces the project's cohesive identity, showcasing a master of ceremonies who treats every bar like a game-winning shot.
Top 85 Dead or Alive is a triumphant addition to an already extensive and impressive catalog, proving that artistic growth can look like a master refining his signature craft rather than reinventing the wheel. Over the course of its brief runtime, the EP delivers high-caliber lyricism and impeccable sample curation that will satisfy longtime devotees while easily capturing the attention of new listeners. It is a swift, punchy victory lap for an underground heavyweight who remains at the top of his game. Hip-hop purists and fans of authentic lyricism owe it to themselves to run this project back multiple times.
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