KTC Music Report: Tierra Whack drops must-listen mixtape, Vince Staples releases powerful statement
- Kick The Concrete
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
The bangers continue to pour in midway through 2026.
A handful of artists celebrated Juneteenth with some powerful projects. Tierra Whack's stood out to us as she reminded fans of her lyrical prowess.
Elsewhere, Darren Waller released yet another solid single and friend of Kick The Concrete Crystal Tamar dropped an anthem for the girls who don't have time to deal with nonsense.
One of our very favorite artists, Vince Staples, released his highly-anticipated "Cry Baby" album and we have a new artist to keep an eye on, Thomas Austin, whose thoughtful reflections on his new project caught our attention.
Here is the Kick The Concrete Music Report:
Tierra Whack - "Whack's Museum" Mixtape
Tierra Whack is one-of-one. If you aren't in the know, give her "Whack's Museum" mixtape a listen. And of course if you're a longtime fan, you're going to love it.
Her wordplay is incredible. The title itself is wordplay on "Wax Museum" and the Philadelphia rapper's name. It would take a whole other post to list every single bar, but two that stand out are "Rappers are my sons/Phoenix, Arizona," a twist on the NBA Suns on "Whack Job," and then, "Cruella de Vil, 'cause I'm coming for my spot, dawg," on "Wiggity Whack." It's not all braggadocious bars, but the project has thoughtful reflections on what it means to be a woman, life in the spotlight and continued aspirations.
All of this happens over the smoothest of Conductor Williams beats?! Incredible.
Darren Waller and JRod - "Bases Loaded" Single
Darren Waller is back with another vibey single featuring JRod. This one is about being confident in one's self and keeping the circle small with those who are on the same mission.
JRod has one of the hardest bars we've heard all year when he raps, "Only fearing Him, this shit essential." It's a reference to Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God and Essentials brands, but is also just a fact of life.
These two haven't missed so far and we can't wait for the "Cadillac Problems" EP!
Crystal Tamar - "Whachoo Doin?!" Single
Crystal Tamar released a bop! "Whachoo Doin?!" is a groovy single about realizing a man isn't who she thought he was. The production is infectious and the honest lyrics, combined with Tamar's beautifully pure voice, create something that's just enough biting. But you can definitely still play this one in the summer with the top down.
Vince Staples - "Cry Baby" album
Vince Staples keeps fans on their toes with his ever-evolving sound. "Cry Baby" is a rock-infused statement that demands to be heard. Real ones know that Vince has always had punk influences and it's powerful to see him really lean into the genre as an independent artist.
The looming single "Blackberry Marmalade" jumpstarts the whole thing with a sharp critique of corrupt government. "White Flag" and "7 in the Morning" continue the message as does "The Big Bad Wolf," which samples the line, "the cop shot the kid" from Slick Rick's "Children's Story." "TV Guide" is a reflection of Staples' time in the television industry. He utilizes a clever metaphor of being wooed by a woman and it has a message reminiscent of No Doubt's classic "Trapped In a Box."
Staples continues his bold lyricism with his effortless delivery that makes him a standout artist in this generation.
Thomas Austin - "Once Was Lost" Album
Thomas Austin, RMG Amplify's new signee, released a thoughtful project in the form of "Once Was Lost." The project, whose title references the hymn "Amazing Grace," is about the journey after someone comes to faith and the continual healing and redemption in all aspects of life.
The production on "Coming In Repentance" and "Summers Feel Like Winter" masterfully weaves in soulful piano with booming 808s while "2nd Opinion" has a tinge of boom-bap. There is a stellar list of features from Derek Minor, Aha Gazelle, Ashlee White and Pippotchi. But Austin, who hails from Starkville, Mississippi, holds his own with fierce delivery and gentle vulnerability.
One standout track is the cleverly-titled "+1(One)-Call-Away" where Austin raps the honest and relatable, "At times I wonder, is life more fun when you blind to the truth? Sometimes I wonder, is my purpose in life just relentless pursuit?"
MC Abdul - "Wait For Me" Single
Sometimes the most beautiful art comes from the most painful of places. That's what 17-year-old Palestinian rapper hopes to bring with his powerful single "Wait For Me." He flips a handful of signature lines and phrases from J. Cole and Nas and explains how his dad put him onto Tupac and Biggie as he details the trauma he and his loved ones experience in the war-torn country.
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