Sitting at 15 tracks spread over 59 minutes and 12 seconds, The Forever Story by JID gives us so much without overstaying its welcome. It was released on August 26th, 2022. I classify this album as Hip hop, although it veers in so many directions, taking influence from multiple genres and creating a rich pool of sounds. The Atlanta native uses his emcee abilities, along with the aid of other artistic techniques to build an immersive soundscape, all telling one giant story.
If you have not heard of Tony Shhnow yet, now is a great time. He is a versatile LAX native who has been taking the Atlanta Plugg scene and the underground at large by storm for quite some time now. “Don’t Look At Numbers (Lost Kids Edition)” is a remix of the 3rd cut off his latest album, the critically acclaimed Reflexions. The track runs for 3 minutes and 37 seconds and was released on August 19th, 2022. He enlists none other than Brent Faiyaz, who delivers a stellar vocal performance, scaling the notes of the beat beautifully.
“gahdamn” is a futuristic, hype Hip hop song fresh from artist Yung Heir. It runs for approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds and was released 5 days ago (October 11th, 2022). The beat is wonky and spaced out, with a synth that makes you feel like you’re on the Round-Up at the fair with its distortedness.
Days prior to October 11th, 2022, I had heard the phrase “I took the wock to Poland” uttered in an assured, vibrato tone all around me. I was beginning to lose my sanity as I stayed up into the late hours of the night, pondering what such a statement could mean; to me, to my family and friends, to the world at large, the future of humanity. It only took 1 minute and 28 seconds until my life was changed forever.
“COINCIDENCE” is LUCKI’s sublime new single, with a long-awaited music video from none other than Cole Bennett. Running for 2 minutes and 6 seconds, the track was released on August 19th, 2022, and it is a pleasure to listen to; it has potent production from Flansie & Samsson, with a melody that is deeply dreamlike, damn near putting me in a state of trance; I am able to listen multiple times on repeat without even thinking about it. It also has synths and sound effects in the background which amplify this effect, creating a very serene soundscape.
LIFE IN HELL by Lancey Foux is a vibrant voyage through this entrancing 1-hour and 5-minute soundscape; a journey of emotional turmoil, inner conflict, and learned lessons.