When you think of killer duos in the underground, nah, fuck that in the whole game, who do you think of? I guarantee on most people’s mouths it would be Al Divino and Estee Nack.
These two have revolutionised the game in a way no one else has. The moves they are making in today’s climate are untouchable, and I feel it’s only appropriate that I take a trip down memory lane to provide context (for those who need it) on why these two are the ones right now.
So, this is a release from 2022 featuring both Al and Estee on the mic. But on production, we have a whole list of names such as:
-EWONEE
-Al Divino
-FutureWave
-DJ Mastamind
-LOMAN
-NO FACE
-PLAZABO
-GRAYMATTER
And if I had to describe what I love most about this duo and what keeps them memorable is their level of chaos. Each release with them included features what sounds like a sonic tornado storm of crazy instrumentals and wild samples and sporadic vocal lines and explosions of verses; it’s just an unpredictable time with every listening experience, and that is unique to just them.
It never feels forced or ‘put on’ by these two; they aren’t trying to be recognised as ‘noise or experimental’ artists; they just are that creatively talented that they do what they want, when they want, and it’s that level of rebellious behaviour within the industry that makes them such a force to be reckoned with.
Of course, you can’t ask for a better back-and-forth than between Estee and Al. They know each other so well, and at this point, I feel they share the same mind, so it’s always perfect flow and energy that they could probably go for hours on end and never stop.
Whether you’re talking about Estee’s ‘talking’ style rapping where it’s hard to believe he even writes down anything or you’re talking about Al’s gritty and deep/raw voice spreading his lyrical poison on the tracks, they are each other’s Ying and Yang, and there’s no duo out there that can match their level of chemistry and intensity.
As far as the production goes, it’s as wild and batshit as you’ve ever heard them. No better example of this than on the song ‘Credit Union Computer Glitch’ with that droning loop beat that just hypnotises the audience and features not only a fantastic back and forth by the pair but the most insane performance of Ad-libs and vocal performance I’ve heard ever by either of them.
No matter how many times I listen to this track, it blows me away. This is the energy I was talking about above! You can’t make this up; this is pure organic.
The whole record is just as original and ridiculous in all the best ways possible; you can guarantee never a boring experience with these two, and the selection of producers performed the assessment well, not to disappoint!
If you’re new to Estee and Al (like I was just a few years ago), then definitely check this one out to understand why they are the most impressive and important duo in the game right now!
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Yr4OD3VOGJ0ryNYEsuOje?si=niOI-F3pR4qgbv7KB7g4ng
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