— With their second release of the year and their follow up to March’s Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 2, Family Tapes release their latest album, Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 3.
Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 3 is the highly anticipated third installment in the Hip Hop Sovereignty series by Family Tapes, stephenxjones, and Sun Cut Flat, featuring Derek Cedar and Mistah Levy. Released via Symphonic Distribution, the twelve-track album continues the group’s mission of reclaiming the sovereignty of hip-hop for positive, impactful purposes.
Following the success of the previous volumes, Vol. 3 brings forward themes of critical self-reflection, detoxification of masculinity, and the celebration of intellectual thought. The album is anchored by the motif of chess — a powerful symbol of strategic thinking and intellect — as both stephenxjones and Derek Cedar have long taught chess to youth in their hometowns of Atlanta and New York City. Their deep-rooted commitment to both education and music provides a unique lens through which they challenge tired hip-hop tropes while uplifting themes of community and personal growth.
The album is 64 minutes, corresponding with the 64 squares on a chessboard. The album is also divided into 4 distinct quarters, mirroring a basketball game, as illustrated on the court shown in the back cover artwork. There are 3 songs in each quarter, which start in the morning, and take the listener through one full day in NYC and Atlanta, respectively.
The project is also a clear stance against the glorification of drugs and violence that has pervaded mainstream rap culture. Throughout Vol. 3, Family Tapes delivers their messages with strength, vulnerability, and a dedication to a higher consciousness, all without resorting to explicit language or derogatory tropes. This makes it a refreshing and crucial addition to the modern hip-hop landscape.
Sobriety is a cornerstone theme in Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 3. Both Stephen and Nick champion the elimination of drugs from their circles and communities, offering a counter-narrative to the drug-fueled glamorization often found in today’s rap scene. In doing so, they emphasize the importance of clarity and health as they explore the broader implications of mental and physical well-being.
While the Backpack Rap movement was explored extensively during the late 90s and early 2000s, it was overshadowed by what many would call a more commercial, low-vibrational wave of rap. Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 3 resurrects that spirit with a fresh approach that seamlessly blends the intellectual and creative aspects of hip-hop with the grit of real-life experiences. Stephenxjones and Derek Cedar’s backgrounds — college-educated artists who met while studying in Boston — give them the ability to apply both their classroom and streetwise knowledge in ways that feel raw, fresh, and entirely relevant.
Taking a look at some of the project’s highlights you’ll find that “Br@ve New W0rld” is a soulful, high-energy opening track, set against a backdrop of dusty samples reminiscent of early 2000’s Kanye West, addressing police repression and personal resilience. “Higher” is a meditational, high-energy reflection on themes of masculinity, confidence, and personal growth, enhanced by jazz vibes and synth strings. “Dearly Beloved” is a deeply emotional tribute to the women who shaped the artists’ lives, weaving together personal loss and reflection with soft jazz and J Dilla-inspired basslines. “Azzi Fudd” is inspired by the 2025 UConn women’s basketball national championship run. This track blends competition with an analysis of police brutality, set to a jazzy mid-tempo beat. “Just Think (Outwardly)” is a reflective, groove-heavy track that invites listeners to “Just Think, Outwardly” while delving into historical and philosophical themes.
The remaining tracks continue the journey, with each providing a unique blend of insightful lyricism, thought-provoking themes, and jazzy boom-bap production. From reflections on loss to meditations on identity, Vol. 3 paints a comprehensive picture of the artists’ worldview.
Family Tapes is an entirely self-owned venture by stephenxjones (Stephen) and Sun Cut Flat (Nick), with the latter operating the self-owned Family Tapes label. The collective has firmly established itself as a driving force in the independent music scene, with a deep commitment to creative control, artistic integrity, and positive social influence.
The “Derek Cedar” pseudonym is used by Nick for his vocal contributions to the Hip Hop Sovereignty series, while the “Nico Beats” name serves as his beat production moniker. Together, Stephen and Nick’s personal and professional synergy is a key element of what makes Family Tapes such a potent force in the music industry.
Listen to Hip Hop Sovereignty, Vol. 3 right here and stay tuned for more from Family Tapes and its members stephenxjones and Sun Cut Flat.