Creative production and heavy beats draw focus to the unique flow and authentic bars of Bishopdaplugg. The brand new album Rose That Grew From a Box pays tribute to a lifelong connection in both family and music.
Dedicated to the artist’s late brother Nuyorc, Rose That Grew From a Box is a boldly passionate modern rap project that was thirty years in the making. Bishopdaplugg learnt the ways of music from a young age, and was always supported by his brother. He was playing Chopin on the piano by age ten, but sadly fell into the trouble of the streets later on, and subsequently spent a notable amount of time in prison.
Fast forward to 2025, the new album marks the start of a powerful new chapter in the Bishopdaplugg story, and offers thirteen original tracks, each inspired by a wealth of influence from hip hop to punk rap and trap.
Featuring a looping piano part and instantly distinct vocals, Trip kicks off the new album in a confident and characterful way, holding true to the heavy beats of old-school hip hop, whilst promising a memorable hook and personal bars that help introduce things.
Then we get the unmistakable soundscape of Da Box, all the more gritty and personal in its performance and storyline – a step up performatively for a project that fearlessly highlights the emotional depth and character of Bishopdaplugg.
Elsewhere we get the power of contrast working its magic – evocative hooks softening the blow of a fast-paced and rhythmically intense Bleed (Feat. Phaze the Rapper), Da Promise diving into contemporary melodic punk-rap and emo both stylistically and performatively. Then we return to the looping, haunting piano presence and trap weight from earlier, for the PG and S.Youngin-featuring This ain’t that.
Melody returns for the heartfelt story and song of Ask, a well-placed and rather fearless shift from confident intensity to vulnerability and warmth. Then we get a natural stand-out in the form of the faultless flow and enchanting to euphoric backdrop of Winner – an anthemic highlight that’s compelling to follow along.
Other highlights include the emotion and modern flow storytelling of Fire, the uplifting optimism and melodic hook of Modie, and the deeply moving, unexpectedly ballad-like Enough. In reality though, the eclecticism and honesty of Rose That Grew From a Box is impressive, and much-needed in the modern hip hop realm.
Bishopdaplugg showcases a clear passion for both rap and family bonds with the highs and lows of this project, and hip hop fans past and present will likely find something to connect with therein.
Download or stream Rose That Grew From a Box. Find Bishopdaplugg on Facebook & Instagram.
