MAD Mike Unleashes “Root of All Evil”: A Brutal, Reflective Masterpiece from the Underground

Variety Press September 13, 2025 0

The underground hip-hop scene just got a serious injection of firepower with the release of Root of All Evil, the latest solo project from MAD Mike of Dual Diagnosis. Released under Lost Soul Productions, the album features a tight roster of underground legends—NEMS, Lex the Hex Master, Mr. Hyde, Termanology, and Roc—and production from none other than C-Lance, with final sonic engineering by Albert Charlemagne at Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair. It’s a raw, unforgiving body of work that carries forward the torch lit by Nature of the Beast, but takes it deeper, darker, and more refined.

A Brotherhood of Bars: Curating Legends for the Underground

Bringing together a lineup that includes names like @nems_fyl and @lexthehexmaster isn’t just about name recognition—it’s about shared energy. According to MAD Mike, the curation process for Root of All Evil was both exciting and personal.

“All of these artists are in a similar realm of underground hip-hop. Each of their unique styles painted a clear picture of what the album is about,” Mike says.

Rather than throwing verses on beats blindly, each collaboration was crafted with intention. MAD Mike handpicked instrumentals that aligned with each artist’s energy, communicating the subject matter and giving them space to elevate the narrative. The result is a cohesive project where every feature adds depth, rather than noise.

The Alchemy of Sound: C-Lance and Albert Charlemagne

This isn’t the first time MAD Mike has collaborated with producer C-Lance—they previously connected on The Intake in 2020—but Root of All Evil solidifies their working chemistry. Known for his haunting, metal-tinged beats, C-Lance was the perfect architect for Mike’s lyrical introspection and firebrand delivery.

“Over the years, he locked in my style by producing custom beats with a hard-hitting metal-like edge,” Mike shares.

The mix and master by Albert Charlemagne at Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair brought it all home. Mike is effusive in his praise:

“Albert’s ability to read my style… added nuance to the overall mood of the record. I trust Albert and his vision. I wish I met him sooner.”

It’s a reminder that behind every great underground record is a producer and engineer who gets it—who can preserve the chaos and precision of the artist’s vision.

Thematic Depth: From “Nature” to “Root”

If Nature of the Beast was about facing inner demons, Root of All Evil is about slaying them—and the trauma they ride in on. According to MAD Mike, the album’s core message is about breaking toxic cycles, particularly those stemming from family dynamics and painful relationships.

“My struggle is personal, but through this album, I make my struggle a communal testament to share strength and show support.”

Thematically, the album takes a philosophical turn as well, exploring the seven deadly sins—Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth—as metaphors for the internal wars we fight. Through vivid lines like “Are you scared of your own shadow?” and “From the veins of the innocent to the path of righteousness, this is the root of all evil…”, the project becomes more than just hardcore hip-hop—it’s a cathartic, lyrical ritual of rebirth.

Hardcore Meets Healing: Horror-Core with Purpose

What separates MAD Mike from many in the horror-core space is his ability to fuse horror aesthetics with mental health awareness. While others might lean into shock value, Mike’s delivery is rooted in authenticity. His screams, raspy growls, and guttural cadence aren’t for show—they’re expressions of pain and survival.

“I rap about what I feel… I don’t talk about the experiences itself—that’s personal. But how I express vulnerability is through my delivery. That is healing for me.”

In many ways, Root of All Evil walks the same path paved by icons like Tech N9ne or Ill Bill—artists who use horror-core not just to scare, but to heal, empower, and provoke thought.

A Glimpse at What’s Next

With Root of All Evil now out in the world, MAD Mike shows no signs of slowing down. His creative formula remains strong: C-Lance behind the boards, Albert on the mix, and a sharpened pen aimed at the heart of his truth.

“The next album will almost be like a cool mixture of Nature of the Beast with Root of All Evil… edgier, more rock elements, more evolution.”

More music from Dual Diagnosis is also in the works, and fans can expect a continued exploration of mental health, identity, and the long shadows of trauma.

Final Word

Root of All Evil is more than an album—it’s a declaration of war against internal darkness, dressed in the armor of gritty lyricism and steel-forged beats. For those who’ve been following Dual Diagnosis or MAD Mike’s journey, this is the next chapter in a book that doesn’t flinch from pain, but transforms it.

Stream the album now and follow the movement:

Tracklist – Root of All Evil (2025)