In the rap discourse, Armand Hammer’s albums are often lost among the highly praised solo works of Billy Woods, even though the duo has long been the most exciting alliance in so-called abstract hip-hop: In this subgenre, deliberately washed-out samples are paired with surreal, often depressing lyrics. Elucid and Billy Woods use this style skillfully; The way they lift each other up is unparalleled.
Editorial recommendations
This is brutality that shocks
But they can be even more convincing if they turn their duo into a trio: MERCY is Armand Hammer’s second album, which was produced entirely by The Alchemist – and when he is there, the beats are a prominent part of the whole thing. They move between: Why hasn’t anyone used these samples before? And: Why would anyone want to rap on it? The different elements complement each other in a paradoxical way, fight with each other and yet find interfaces.
Technically, Elucid is the more talented rapper – he’s methodical, embracing the disorientation of the beats – but Billy Woods’ paralyzing flow ultimately sticks. His verses sound less like nervous breakdowns and more like he’s already had several. “I should have killed you when I had the chance,” he raps. This is brutality that shocks – and comes from a desperation at the very core of the soul.
This review first appeared in Musikexpress 12/2025.