There’s really no stopping Showtime Ramon and ProjectPorter at the moment. Hot on the heels of their EP release, Pressure, they’re back with another collaborative effort, Gemspit Exquisite.

By Graeme Smith

Singer, songwriter and MC Showtime Ramon has been appearing on our pages since January 2024, and Gemspit Exquisite is the third time we’re sharing a collab between him and ProjectPorter, following 2024’s Speed and the aforementioned Pressure.

Gemspit Exquisite sees them getting all the more experimental having recorded the album at home to up its lo-fi credentials. We, of course, still get the braggadocios boom bap that we’ve come to expect from the pair, but they’re still finding ways to surprise us.

The album gets off to a raucous and atmospheric start through the quickfire Splatterbrain. The lyrics are, as always, instantly striking. They’re rich with pop culture references and a certain je ne sais quoi. It flows nicely into the bold beats of Tiger Wood before Finish Line completes a strong start with its gritty groove.

Benji Wilson is beautifully moody, inspired by the ’80s high school basketball star who was shot and killed like Ramon’s best friend. In it, he pays tribute to young men who never had the chance to fulfil their potential.

Game Changer gets us pumped while Blue Magic McGrady gives us a touch of the classic. Swanton Bomb takes no prisoners with its lyrics before Angle Lock closes the collection in bombastic style.

It feels like Showtime Ramon and ProjectPorter are running the rap game right now. It’s only a matter of time until what they’re doing breaks through.

Gemspit Exquisite is out now and you can give it a listen below.

Tiger Woods, Splatterbrain, Benji Wilson, Finish Line & Blue Magic Mcgrady