Rudiment(ary) by thefamilyorchestra

Hitting international airwaves November 16th, thefamilyorchestra is set to release their first full-length group album in four years. Rudiment(ary) is the Decatur-based Hip Hop trio’s newest display, complete with animated back-and-forths, thoughtful lyricism and production that (impressively) feels classic AND fresh. The announcement, which includes both short and long-form visuals showcasing the album’s single, comes as exciting news to those who have followed the group’s journey since its inception.

From the title to the musical content itself, the new album promises to bring the first principles to the forefront. In fact, the group’s supposed first album was going to be called “Rudiment”, but it was shelved and didn’t end up being released. Fast forward to 2025. The addition of the “-ary” was made to represent member nahcenz.’s official addition to the group, highlighting the overarching theme of building upon solid beginnings while continuing to grow and change into something greater.


With its delicate balance of dichotomous ideas and sounds in which thefamilyorchestra thrives, listeners find themselves bopping along to just under 30 minutes of what feels like its own radio station. Rudiment(ary) is fun for the whole family (pun intended), with introspective meditations on love (“Ampersand”) to dance-til-you-sweat, fun-loving anthems (“You Smell Good”). It explores themes and tells stories of friendship and the patterns we experience in life. About halfway through, it almost begins to feel like a story you're telling yourself.


Emcees Allen Thomas, nahncenz. and NiahLyrical are truly a match made. Their past works speak to their expert-level ability to meld delivery, melody and mental stimuli, but this is the project that will graduate that ability to god-tier. The sole rap feature toward the close of the album comes from Atlanta-adored heavy-hitters Gretsky Da Sumo and Day Tripper (The Difference Machine), further asserting their preeminence as a tribe of creatives in the region. It’s a can’t-miss collaboration, especially for those attentive to the Southern Rap scene.

As Thomas put it, “I have faith in us as a trio”. When this album makes landfall, don’t be surprised if it gives you something to believe in, too. Hip Hop is in three sets of great hands.

thefamilyorchestra is NIAH LYRICAL and ALLEN THOMAS. based out of Decatur, GA.

IG: @thefamilyorchestra

thefamilyorchestra.com