Written by: The Administrator
When it comes to jazz rap in the modern era, McKinley Dixon quite simply has no equal. His stellar Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? handily made my Favorite Albums of 2023, and I'm pleased to announce that this follow-up is an even clearer distillation of his uniquely vibrant style. Indeed, the Chicago rapper has only grown more competent when it comes to imbuing his projects with seemingly effortless fluidity and lushness. The live instrumentation feels profoundly alive, relishing in a bold and organic eclecticism. On the title track, for example, jazz guitar flirts with sparkling flutes, chaperoned by scintillating sax. It feels like a whole lot is going on, but somehow the underlying boom-bappy vibe keeps it grounded. Elsewhere, clean piano communes with brash brass, riding funky bass and crisp drums. The percussion is particularly exciting, continuing infusing tracks with an exciting energy. Some tracks are dusty and pattering, some are overtly growling and menacing. Some lean into the wailing lamentation of the saxophone. Some are almost overpoweringly bright and colorful, like unto listening to music through a sun-drenched prism.
0 Comments
Written by: The Administrator
Once more, we bear witness to yet another 2025 rap album that, if released any other year, would have easily served as a strong AOTY contender. The competition this year is fierce, almost unbelievably so. The arena is packed to the brim with viable champions, and the brilliant (albeit confusingly entitled) Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only has found a comfortable position among my roster of 2025 favorites. And yet, despite demonstrating a clear artistic vision whilst running the gamut from badass bangers to heartfelt introspection, this project has received far less hype than it deserves. Indeed, Leikeli47 has been unfairly overlooked and underrated for far too long. In this era where rappers are lauded for their lyricism, experimentation, and willingness to put in the effort, where are the laudations for Leikeli47? With every release, she only gets better. While 2022's Shape Up undeniably contained some very high highs, Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only is her most cohesive album to date from a quality standpoint. There's pretty significant variety on display here, with a radiating assurance and an infectious energy permeating the project as a whole.
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish short reviews at a greater frequency, thereby shining our very small spotlight on more cool shit. Without further ado:
Written by: The Administrator
2025 has been an undeniably incredible year for rap, and while this particular collaborative project was one of the first albums of the year to make a splash, I fear it has been largely forgotten in the flood of post-February releases. It's currently sitting within the loose confines of my favorite 25 albums of the year, and after many listens, I'm itching to write about why I enjoy its strangely seamless meeting of minds. So here we are. Given the seemingly distinct lanes Larry June and 2 Chainz have historically operated in, I will concede that on the surface, this seems like an unwieldly collaboration. There is uncommon genius in the oddity, however. An interesting tension exists between Larry June's understated raps and 2 Chainz's often outlandish near-mythical character. The former is an introspective corner lurker, the latter tends to bask in a bombastic larger-than-life persona. I do find that their individual projects have the tendency to lose momentum, but here, when their styles meet in the middle, their togetherness provides a level of intrigue that forces a sense of balance. 2 Chainz has certainly leaned into a more understated delivery; Larry June embraces a little more braggadocio. Both exercise a maturity that feels confident and lived-in. The lyrical substance often focuses on aging in the business, fatherhood, emotional regulation, words of motivation. Grown man raps. And notably, when their verses meet, they do so without a ripple. Nothing is jarring, everything is effortlessly smooth. The album flows. And, lest he be forgot: at this stage in his god-tier career, I'm confident that The Alchemist understands intrinsically how to make any song sound regal, lavish, luxurious, and otherwise heavenly. While the drumless minimalism across the board is generally gorgeous, the integration of the vocal sample in the bold "Bad Choices" in particular is absolutely sublime. The whole project is gloriously nonchalant, occasionally even disengaged...but in a way that feels like "cool and confident escapism" rather than "boring dad rap." If that's not a rousing endorsement, I don't know what to say. Larry June x 2 Chainz x The Alchemist - Life is Beautiful was released February 7th, 2025 via The Freeminded Records / 2 Chainz / ALC / EMPIRE. Find it on Bandcamp here! 
Written by: The Administrator
When you hear that emphatic "Conductor! We have a problem!" tag followed immediately by Boldy James' calmly nonchalant tone, you know you're inevitably in for a good time. This full project team-up with Kansas City's own Conductor Williams felt almost destined--like the universe demanded a partnership. They are both masters of their respective craft, and arguably operate in a similarly pensive aesthetic lane. The fruits of their collaboration was inevitably going to be worthwhile. My first interaction with Across the Tracks was the lowkey "Off-White Lumberjack," which then prompted me to check out lead single, the emphatic "Terms and Conditions." After that point, waiting for the midnight release was a bit of a chore, but fear not. I made it, folks...and then waited like 4 months to write a review. That's how it's done 'round these parts. Long-term slow-burn musical digestion, or laziness? You decide.  Written by: The Administrator I've been very excited to witness the next iteration of Chicago rapper D2X. 2021's The Color Blue was a remarkably polished project for a newcomer, and I really enjoyed the increased confidence and storytelling he exhibited on 2023's heartfelt Hotel 1105. Since that particular project, it has felt like D2X is on the precipice of leveling up, both in terms of artistry and recognition. Enter "FIRE," the first track unveiled from his forthcoming EP, accurately and alluringly entitled The Hunger Era. This single feels like the next rung of the ladder. An evolution into a more forthright and aggressive chapter in D2X's career. Make no mistake: "FIRE" is a clear statement of intent. True to the title, D2X is fired the fuck up, rapping with a burning passion and purpose and intensity. It's a stylistic change that was admittedly unexpected at first blush, but perfectly fits his ambitious go-getter persona. On "FIRE," the delivery is gasping and urgent, and with the heavy breathing in the anticipatory intro, it truly sounds like he sprinted into the booth. He sounds poised and self-assured. One does not rap "in a room full of mirrors I'm surrounded by winners" with this kind of self-assured gravitas unless they really truly feel it. Lest it be forgot, the stellar production is handled by one Ro Moore. This beat absolutely knocks, integrating a rocking groove and edge that feels classic without feeling outdated, cool and assertive without overpowering the bars. The drums are snappy, the cymbals are crisp. I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to hear more beats like this on the EP. D2X is hungry as hell, and that has never been more evident than on this track. In his own words he wants it all, and while the desire for success is almost a near-universal, his drive is uniquely tangible and palpable. The Hunger Era is real. I'm excited to hear what he cooks up next, and sincerely hope his forthcoming project garners this talented man the attention and success he deserves. 
Written by: The Administrator
The promo email for NODINE's Amateur Land was unexpected but far from unwelcome. The artist behind black metal outfit Ainor switched gears and now makes rap/trap/experimental hip hop under a new moniker, released via Syrup Moose Records? In the world of artistic development, that's an exciting switchup. My interest? Considerably piqued. While the genre tags may imply a shiny polish, this isn't clean stuff from a production standpoint--it feels like the rap equivalent of a classically homegrown bedroom black metal project. That, my friends, is by no means a bad thing. Amateur Land feels homegrown in the best sense, providing an eclectic spread that feels tangible and human and raw. There's some trap, some borderline rage-fueled horrorcore, some minimalistic boom bap, and requisite let-me-get-a-braggadocious-one-in-real-quick freestyles. Every track brings something new to the formula, giving the whole affair a very exploratory feel, almost like NODINE is attempting to map complex terrain via the light of glowstick. In a world where artists are all-too-oft trapped in a trademark aesthetic, I find significant value in a deliberately eclectic collection of sights and sounds. It can make for a jarring listening experience, but consider: being jarred is good. In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish short reviews at a greater frequency, thereby shining our very small spotlight on more cool shit. Here's a mini-review of the latest single from an artist that made my 2023 EP list.  Written by: The Administrator It is time, dear readers, for something completely different. che's excellent Crueger made the cut for my list of favorite 2023 EP's, largely due to a sense of overblown excess that smothered the minimalism of his breakout "euphoria." Indeed, to quote my review, Crueger proudly displayed the "maximalism of horrorcore and rage with the arguably more maximalist maximalism of Chicago drill." Given this apparent dedication to generally weird and ominous vibes, I've quite enjoyed che's sound, especially his most recent output. The two singles released this year thusfar are a little more bright, a little less obfuscated and claustrophobic, yet still notably weird. He dropped the one-off "bae" back in February, which I enjoyed, but "Miley Cyrus," released March 27th, is truly excellent in my humble opinion. The production on "Miley Cyrus," courtesy of Prettifun, is comparatively crisp and clean with moments of thickly grounded bass, giving the whole affair a certain oomph. The production is sure-assured, layered enough to feel full yet never overwhelming che's presence. It's also a small thing, but I really enjoy the track's conclusion as the components fall apart in a fun sonic de-evolution. As for che, his flow is trippy and hypnotic; he glides over the beat in a way that feels more effortlessly than past efforts. This is the epitome of smooth delivery. What the fuck is he saying? Individual words and phrases are apparent, but when you string it all together, I have no clue what meaning the lyrics impart. Does that matter? Not at all. The uncertainty of what it all means is only exemplified by the video, which features a series of seemingly random bits of footage--some mundane, some unsettling. The whole thing appears to have been edited by someone swiftly fluctuating between paranoid insomnia and hallucinatory threshold consciousness. It's groggy and delirious and oddly intoxicating. Much like the song itself, I can't see many Sleeping Village regulars vibing with the experience per se, but I wholeheartedly encourage checking out weird underground shit on mere principle. This isn't a bad place to dive in. Overexplaining seems antithetical to the music itself, so I'll shut up and let you check it out below. che - Miley Cyrus was released March 27th, 2024 In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish little one-off reviews that would have previously (and arbitrarily) been deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a fun lil' summertime single.  Written by: The Administrator
There's something special about a song released on January 1st--a cold and snowy day at the Sleeping Village, as I recall--that wholeheartedly embodies a feel-good beach bop aesthetic. SoCal rapper Mr. Lil One's new single, featuring Ari Duarte, hits the nail on the head when it comes to summertime vibes. "To The Sky" evokes sunshine, the sound of surf on sandy beaches, the smell of sunscreen and drinks with little umbrellas. Flip flops, frolicking, warm skin. The beat is smooth and bright, providing a little surfy sun-soaked bounce. Everything here is crisp and warm and clean. Borderline lovey-dovey. Complimenting the light mood, Mr. Lil One's lyrics are playfully unabashed, overtly sexual, and occasionally sweet. His flow is refreshingly straightforward and casual. Ari Duarte's chorus feels classic in a way that is more timeless than old-school per se, and her delivery on the last verse is leisurely and comfortable, like a lazy afternoon after a morning in the sun. Clocking in under three minutes, the song is short and sweet--nothing more than it needs to be. I dunno about your particular locale, but it is cold and dark 'round these particular parts, and tracks like "To The Sky" are a welcome addition to the playlist. Check it out below! Mr. Lil Uno (feat Ari Duarte) - To The Sky was released Jan. 1st, 2024
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of one of Hus Kingpin's many, many 2023 releases.
Written by: The Administrator
The tree has, alas, been discarded. The strands of light coiled in storage. The stockings haphazardly--carelessly, even--crammed in a drawer. Despite a distinct lack of holiday decor 'round these parts, I'm not ready to let go of that alleged magical Christmas spirit quite yet. Hence today's spotlight on Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas. This seasonally appropriate soundtrack, courtesy of the ridiculously prolific Hus Kingpin, provides a short and sweet lingering taste of the most wonderful--scratch that--worst time of year. Featuring no features and seven tracks across a delightfully brisk eight minutes, this project shows Hus Kingpin's characteristically confident raps over some tastefully dusty, chilly, and occasionally eerie instrumentals. Hus eschews hooks and classic song structure in favor of quick coke rap snapshots, giving the whole affair a laissez-faire and airy feel that contrasts wonderfully with the subject matter. It's a fun juxtaposition, and he plays into the implicit humor of the contrast--the entertainment factor is high. Had I heard this prior to publishing my EPs of the year list, it would most certainly have made the cut. I've had this on repeat for the past few days, and it has yet to grow stale. If forced to pick, my favorite tracks herein are the debonair yet somber "Fireplace" and the calmly menacing narrative of "Snow White." With that said, every song here, including the intro and outro, are absolutely worth your while if you enjoy--casually or otherwise--the allure of underground hip hop. Despite already dropping two (!) additional projects since this EP was released, Hus has another new LP coming in just a few weeks. Before the next in a looooong line of quality releases arrives, I recommend checking out this one out. Listen below and find it here! Hus Kingpin - Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas was released Dec. 15th, 2023. |
WELCOME!We provide thoughtful reviews of the music that wakes us from slumber. Archives
October 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed