(Garden Hate)

Man, my initial thoughts going into this are: What kind of a name for an album is ‘Garden Hate?’ Either way, it got me curious as hell, and so already before even pressing play, my interest is piqued, and so let’s talk about it!

This is a collaboration album between rapper ‘twogeebs’ and producer ‘SPGBamm,’ and together they reveal 8 tracks with a total length of 22 minutes.

Right off the bat, I LOVE the production across this project; it has a strong, smooth jazz feel to it, which is my favourite rap subgenre style. My favourite group is ‘A Tribe Called Quest,’ so whenever I hear those soothing jazz keys, it just brings my heart to rest and makes the enjoyment of the album 10fold.

What’s interesting is despite its beautifully orchestrated instrumentals, this album has a raw exterior with its consistent film snippets of violent encounters, which works as almost an oxymoron to the record, but regardless, SP balances the difference spectrums well, and in moments that feature those samples, you are engorged in the moment with its theatrical elements, but when it goes back to the breathtaking production, it just takes over your soul. It’s an interesting experience that I’m sure you won’t experience anywhere else!

Now onto twogeebs, who I’ll admit I never heard of until I was blessed to be reached for this review, and I’m glad I was because he has a one-of-a-kind style of rapping that definitely suits this kind of layered production.

I’d say his verses complement the more ‘gangsta’ side of the album. With his raw and gritty lyrical content combined with his ‘New Jersey’ braggadocio energy, real tough cadence, witty/fluent lyricism, and pen game. He navigates the various instrumentals with the greatest of ease, and he’s able to fluctuate between his ‘tough and delicate’ tones and flow. In one song, he could reveal a more ‘sentimental’ example of himself, and others, he could go back to his ghetto roots within a flick of a switch. I love that about him; he’s not worried about sticking to one style but is comfortable with himself enough to expand and express himself as he seems fit.

Overall, I love how this album shows the mastery of exhibiting two opposing forces wrapped up in one record, and that ain’t easy to do. Shoutout to this duo for making that happen! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/17fXSICbNwIJCKXh9Ycdxi?si=yY4IBujLTuy9tc5iY6y0AQ