CRIMEAPPLE. The man who I chose as my runner-up artist of 2024, who had an incredible run with modern-day classics such as ‘This, Is Not That’ produced by Apollo Brown. In 2025, he released the dope ‘ESCAMA’ produced by Michael Angelo, and now he’s back with a 12-track project that’s produced by himself! Let’s talk about it!
Yes, this album is performed and produced by CRIMEAPPLE himself. He’s deciding to take the reins and put himself into newfound territory and be a one-man army on his own record, and I gotta say, he’s fucking dope doing it!
If I had to describe the sounds on this one, it would be psychedelic soul boom bap. There are so many moments of trippy synth chords playing like on the song ‘SABADO GIGANTE’, those chords alongside that tough, raw boom bap-flavoured hip hop beat!
But at the same time, there are songs like ‘Still’, which has an incredible 80’s Soul montage-themed flavour with those funky keyboard keys over that smooth and skeletal beat.
The point being, on this one, not only is he trying something new for himself, but he’s also experimenting with different sounds and samples to utilise! Which, considering he is producing himself, I would have expected a more gritty, grimy soundscape to work with, but the fact he’s chosen to go outside his comfort zone and surprise the listeners makes me respect his choices that much more!
Now, this is the part that is familiar to everyone in the underground. Which is his rapping. Something he has improved on and sharpened better than 90% of the cats out there with his incredible discography and many feature verses over the years. On this project, he’s just as hungry as ever, making sure he delivers across his own beats; he can’t be sounding awkward or lacklustre, and believe you me, he doesn’t!
His flow is savage, his wordplay is cunning, witty, and punctures through those beats like a knife through butter. He’s always had penmanship considering his bilingual skills and how easily and effortlessly he can switch between the two languages, and provide dope bars in both will always be a thing to hear!
Across this project, there are no features, just him and him alone. So he’s taken the front and centre for 32 minutes, and he doesn’t disappoint!
The Verdict? Another great showing by Crime. He once again hit the nail on the head, and proving for his 100th time, it feels like why he’s one of the best going and will be till he retires! Solid effort!
https://open.spotify.com/album/3t9mRvZxZ4FKrfWPf1FAJG?si=mDyoXQ3HR5yHe4YSd4tRrA
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 