Various Artists: Gangster Music Vol. 3 (CD)

Imagine curating a dream lineup of MCs and producers from every corner of the rap world—sounds impossible, right? Not for artist and illustrator Gangster Doodles, who has been bringing this vision to life for the past decade. Now, with Gangster Music Vol. 3, the trilogy reaches its grand finale, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever before.

Since launching Volume 1 in 2019 and following up with the second volume in 2022, Gangster Doodles has been shaping the Gangster Music series into a one-of-a-kind sonic universe—an unfiltered mix of underground titans, unsung legends, and rising stars. Volume 3 is the biggest installment yet, boasting a staggering 30 tracks that traverse the entire spectrum of rap and beat culture.

This time around, the lineup is as eclectic as ever. From legendary pioneers like Lee Perry and Tommy Wright III, to veteran producers such as Mr. Scruff and Peanut Butter Wolf, the album pays homage to hip-hop’s roots while pushing forward into fresh territory. The roster also includes established up-and-comers like Devin Morrison, Low Leaf, DJ Harrison, Quelle Chris, Homeboy Sandman, and Suzi Analogue, ensuring a mix of classic flavors and new-school innovation. The bubbling underground is well represented too, with artists like Raz Fresco, Atlanta’s 645AR, and Pro Era’s Chuck Strangers bringing their own distinct heat.

From pioneering SoundCloud rappers like Pouya to genre-bending composer John Carroll Kirby, from Birmingham’s Romderful to Chile’s RVYO, the album encapsulates a truly global soundscape, proving once again that Gangster Doodles’ ear for cutting-edge talent is second to none.

As always, the cover art is a vital piece of the puzzle. This time, Bootleg Garfield & Friends take center stage, bringing the same playful irreverence that has defined Gangster Doodles’ artwork for years. Fans are encouraged to engage, remix, and make the cover their own, staying true to the spirit of interactive creativity that has always fueled the series.

After years of meticulous curation, countless DMs, emails, and behind-the-scenes wrangling, Gangster Music Vol. 3 is here to complete the trilogy in legendary fashion. Expect boundary-pushing beats, next-level lyricism, and a lineup that celebrates hip-hop in all its many forms.

1. Raz Fresco – Who Mapped the Earth
   
2. ROMderful – Maybe With You
   
3. Dowker – Call Me
   
4. Speak – Sakuraba
   
5. Ovrkast ft Cookin Soul – Flying
   
6. Demahjiae ft Monster Rally – Clooney
   
7. Mr Scruff – Flute Boom
   
8. 645AR – Shooting Star
   
9. Peanut Butter Wolf ft. Myka 9 & WarAgainstGod? – Organic AI
   
10. Chuck Strangers ft. Graymatter – Marigold
    
11. L.A. Jay ft Pigeon John – Thank You
    
12. DJ Harrison – AppleChopChutney
    
13. Homeboy Sandman ft Monster Rally – I Love You
    
14. Low Leaf – Faerie Function
    
15. Pouya ft Boobie Lootaveli – Bitch, Park Backwards
    
16. Eddie Chacon ft. John Carroll Kirby – Comes and Goes (Live at ISC)
    
17. Devin Morrison – Givin’ Up
    
18. Suzi Analogue – King
    
19. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry – Morning Star
    
20. Dayytona Fox – WoOoAaah
    
21. RVYO ft Bombay – KFLEX
    
22. Crimeapple ft. Don Leisure – Vic Damone
    
23. EyeBriss – Don’t Clap When I Win
    
24. NCY Milky Band ft Quelle Chris – High Speed Clouds
    
25. Mr.Mumblz ft. Daniel Son – Snake Eyes
    
26. Girl Talk ft. Freeway & WakaFlakaflame – Tolerated (Remixed by Mikey the Magician)
    
27. Swum ft. Big Lordy – Shinto
    
28. Xavier Wulf – 2 Can Wulf
    
29. Tommy Wright III – Chrome Thang
    
30. YVAIN – Metta