JPEGMAFIA - LP!
LP! is a brilliant experimental Hip hop album from JPEGMAFIA. The album runs for 49 minutes and 2 seconds, and it was released on October 22nd, 2021. It covers a wide range of topics in a manner that is fun, original, and blunt. The project begins with “TRUST!”, which is a very self-aware, humble celebration track for the place that JPEGMAFIA is currently at in his life, it is comprised of many Electronic elements and it is able to create a unique vibe with them. The second track, “DIRTY!”, is a very dope track that simultaneously has the sound of an old-school track and a futuristic one. Following that is “NEMO!”, which is a thrashy lyrical track with cutting bars and an array of unique sonic elements. The next track, “END CREDITS!”, opens with a very violent sample that sets the energy for it; aggressive and manic, as well as giving off a feeling of post-mortem. This track, along with the next one, “WHAT KIND OF RAPPIN’ IS THIS?”, is very meta—they cover topics concerning the state of Rap and his position within it. The latter track of the two also goes into his life and how he is perceived in a way that is transparent and realistic. The following track, “THOT’S PRAYER!”, is a very interesting one, it interpolates “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, the track reflects on where he is at in his life, as well as the morals and motives of some of the people around him. The track after this, “ARE U HAPPY?” follows similar energy, beginning with an uplifting, deeply thought-provoking sample, and continues to question those around him, as he details how he lives his life as opposed to those around him, putting his haters in their place.
The next one, “REBOUND!”, is a brutally honest, confident track in which he is questioning who seems to be his ex-partner, as well as those who are threatening him, again correcting them. After this is “OG!”, it is a grimy, old-school Hip hop track with a very unique vibe to it. “DAM! DAM! DAM!” follows this, and it features him reflecting on his past and how he has gotten to the point that he is at, as well as how he plans to continue elevating. The next track, “SICK, NERVOUS & BROKE!”, is a whispy, hard cut where he is talking about his enemies and how he is above them mentally, as well as calls them out and defends himself. “KISSY, FACE EMOJI!”, the following track, is a beautiful, melodic, and hyper symphony of emotions that he feels towards his love interest and about his life.
The next track, “NICE!” is a hard-hitting, energetic banger consisting of an aggressive chant and bouncing, rattling sounds. “BMT!” comes after this, bringing headbanging, yet intelligent energy that is triumphant, as he is discussing his victories and rising above the negativity. The next track, “THE GHOST OF RANKING DREAD!” is a beautiful, somber song in which he is talking about how he is tired of dealing with the various problems that his love life is causing for him, it is angsty and matches its name very well. The track after this one is “CUTIE PIE!”, which is a lyrically-focused Boom bap track that he is talking about the industry and his place within it. The next two tracks, “BALD!” and “BALD! REMIX" are the essence of JPEGMAFIA and thus create an excellent outro, as he is delivering lyrics that are highly aware, and he makes many points that are very thought-provoking, the latter also contains the only feature on the project, and it comes from Denzel Curry in a way that is wonderful; he is reflecting deeply on the reality that he has lived and is living through, as well as explaining the reality that those around him are living; it is brilliant and contributes a strong and valuable piece to the project, closing it on a wonderful note. Overall, LP! is delightful to listen to. It is exciting and compelling at every moment, and it goes deep into subjects that are important in a sheer manner.
