Stanisland Magazine

New album is saved by Marciano’s wordplay, while Preemo offers ordinary in its best form

Last updated: August 14th 2025

TL;DR

• It’s great, but not groundbreaking
• Production is average
• Marci is on fire once again

READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Dave’s New 2025 Album

DJ Premier (Christopher Edward Martin) has generated significant publicity over the past several months, much of it pushed by his upcoming collaboration with Nas — part of the Legend Has It… project. Today, the producer drops a new extended play with Roc Marciano (Rahkeim Calief Meyer), titled The Coldest Profession.

Despite its modest length, clocking in at 20 minutes and 8-tracks long, the two have labelled this an album, though it technically qualifies as an EP. As such, we will treat it as a long play.

Top Tracks

• Armani Section
• Good To Go
• RocMarkable
• Execution Style

What The Coldest Profession Sounds Like

The project has been quietly tipping the scales, teasing with songs like Prayer Hands and Armani Section, its lead promotional single. There are, however, some pause-for-thought moments, as it becomes clear that the production is lacking in places.

Both relay a signature style indicative of the producer, decorated in premium rhyme schemes thanks to Marci. But the cold art doesn’t stop there.

The rapper embraces his continued assassin stance, and on TCP, we are given prime Roc. Good to Go and RocMarkable accent the wordplay we’re familiar with, and his simile game enters new pathways thanks to a synchronous partnership with Preemo. Though it’s limited.

“You can’t get this feeling from any narcotic inside a Ziploc, shipping dock, or perscription jar
Just know that when it’s lit, I’m a ticking bomb” – Roc Marciano (RocMarkable)

Its vibe is reminiscent of what is now considered a niche stamp within the game. However, this monogram is still lauded and accepted as the bar to ascend to for the best lyricists in the game; it’s the soundscape to compete in to attain respect. But Preemo’s space? Not so much.

There are some issues. Some beats can feel tailored to Meyer based on his history. While the production is fine, it can sound unfinished and too similar to The Alchemist. There’s a lot of work to do. Its skits feel unnecessary — borderline filler — and some tracks, like Prayer Hands, fall flat. Overall, Rocky maintains momentum; Premier is just okay.

The protagonists of The Coldest Profession sound balanced, but it’s missing that certain something. It’s a smorgasbord of lyrical wonder, though Premo needs to rediscover the craftsmanship we all know him for.

The Verdict

Floundering at times, DJ Premier retains his signature mark of quality through sampling. Make no mistake, The Coldest Profession is an exhibition of stylistic qualities from a duo who are dedicated to the craft. It’s a straightforward drop with bells and whistles that impress — despite its restrictions.

Marciano could benefit from a fresh album featuring a mix of producers, rather than a tailored residential project with one single beatmaker. He’d tear it up and showcase his diversity.

Album Art

The rapper continues to work within a movie-esque soundtrack space, a style evident in his collaborations. The artwork, created by Roc himself, offers a window into his mind and his direction for not just this EP, but others too. Its royal red colour palette is in keeping with his lust for opulence — all things bling and dangerous.

Full tracklist

• Arrival
• Armani Section
• Prayer Hands
• Good to Go
• Glory Hole
• RocMarkable
• Travel Fox
• Execution Style

Streaming, Tour, Vinyl, and CDs

Vinyl is currently not yet available, though the album can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, and Deezer.

The producer will be joining The Alchemist and Roc Marciano for a world tour, and will perform in Portugal, the UK, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and more.