One day before the late, great Nipsey Hussle would have turned 41, his estate and one of his protégés, Bino Rideaux, unveiled PROLIFIC, the first posthumous album to augment the rapper’s sprawling discography. The project was recorded nearly a decade ago, and while there’s no way Nipsey could have known the tragic fate that awaited him, there’s an almost haunting effect that occurs in hearing original raps from one of LA’s most celebrated sons more than seven years after his murder. The album is an enthralling throwback to Los Angeles rap circa 2017, though there’s nothing anachronistic about the style these two bring to the table. Their chemistry is palpable, the ability of both to blend introspective, thoughtful lyrics with memorable hooks impressive. “Reckless” is built around an emotive guitar sample and bouncy drums, while “All Summer” is the sort of song that should have been blasting from LA car radios way back when it was tracked. It’s a gift that we have it at all. Our Favourite Track: The no-bullshit swagger of “Super Real.”