(WORD)

Ladies and Gentlemen, when I tell you that this is one of my most anticipated albums of the year, I fucking mean it. Last year, Maze had an untouched album run, so much so that I had to list him as my ‘Most Consistent Artist Of 2024’, and since then, he’s been featured on a list of single features, but it’s finally time for that album domination, and so, let’s fucking talk about!

So, this is a 13-track project running at 43 minutes. This time around, he’s working with ‘Slang Hugh’ as the producer, and his work on this project is absolutely incredible.

This kind of instrumentation can be reminded of the likes of his last 2024 album, ‘The Grid’, with very cerebral, stripped-back, and raw beats. These kinds of instrumentals help pull the vocalist/rapper to the forefront and make them prove their weight on the mic, and it’s in this format we get to see Maze one again prove to the world why he’s the titan of the underground.

I just love the methodical and dark work by Slang; you can hear his passion for the music, his genius at work with every key, every sample, and every note.

I’ve heard Maze on a whole range of different tones, styles, and vibes, but it’s this kind of cold and calculated production where he shines best, and so naturally, Slang is the perfect man to have in his corner for this record.

Maze, the man who has already accomplished everything there could be in the game, is back to beat the game for the 10th time in a row. As usual, his gritty and ruthless cadence is something to behold. When he spits bars, you’re left hanging on every single word.

He takes his time getting his bars out because he knows the world will listen. His flow, lyricism, and penmanship are soaked in confidence well deserved from conquering the art one album at a time.

This time, he ain’t alone with features from

-Ja’kingthedivine

-Lizeth Arenas

-Asun Eastwood

-Mel Flower

-Lord Juco

-Grace Gayle

-ALX

-Dan Nicholson 

Who helps Maze maintain and sustain the raw energy provided on this album? The cypher-type track ‘Mixed Roots’ is also a sight to behold with Maze rhyming alongside some of the best names in the underground.

The Verdict? This record is yet another masterpiece by Maze; the man hasn’t missed yet, and I don’t think he ever will. His destiny is to retire on top, but until then, the king is back, and he’s taking no names! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/43fFmqcWc7ZOWD8PYMAp9X?si=92I8E8xoQ4S5cEH7Z5B9gQ