The year 2025 delivered one of the most high-quality years of hip-hop in recent memory, and in episode 59 of Messy Truths, Azar, Mar and Nesha break down how the culture may have experienced a hip-hop algorithm reset — led by the veterans.

We discuss projects from seasoned artists who continue to set the bar, including Raekwon’s The Emperor’s New Clothes, Ghostface Killah’s long-awaited Supreme Clientele 2, and Clipse’s powerful return with Let God Sort Em Out. We also discuss The Alchemist’s prolific 2025 run, highlighted by Alfredo 2 with Freddie Gibbs, and Life Is Beautiful alongside 2 Chainz and Larry June. Of course, no conversation about this year is complete without touching on new music from the ever-consistent Nas and Lupe Fiasco.

From production choices to lyrical maturity, we explore why these "old heads" didn’t just keep up — they reclaimed the spotlight and reminded everyone of how to deliver timeless hip-hop sounds.

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00:00 - Intro and hip-hop's resilience in 2025

13:52 - Azar gives her heartfelt impressions of De La Soul's new album

18:42 - Mar shares her impressions of Life is Beautiful and Let God Sort Em Out

25:12 - Nesha admits bias in her hip-hop tastes + love for Raekwon and Ghostface

00:32:27 - Opinions about skits on albums

35:28 - Mobb Deep's comeback

43:08 - Mar's take on Alfredo 2 + Lupe Fiasco's latest release

50:30 - Nesha's undying love for Raekwon

01:00:20 - A nod to Chance the Rapper's Star Line album

01:01:20 - Signing off

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