In the area of grimy, muddy, and hardcore hip hop, it is good to sometimes take a step back and listen to a project that highlights the beautiful and tranquil elements of hip hop, those kinds of records you play when you’re not in the mood for aggressively charged adrenaline or mean mugging. An album to just sit back, relax, and ride the vibe to the end.
This is the 2024 collaboration album between MC ‘Skipp Whitman’ and producer ‘Tane’, and together they make ‘SKIPPANE’, and they feature eight tracks with a 22-minute run length, featuring such artists as:
-Jarred Benton
-Laylo Holmes
-Jeremy Jones
-La Bell
And I have to start with the production because this thing is absolutely unbelievable! The level of smoothness, breathtaking instrumentals, and calming sounds and samples make the whole body just lose tension and stress the moment the album starts.
If I had to describe the sounds of this album, it would have to be three x albums rolled into one:
– Tyler, The Creator ‘IGOR’
-Blu X Exile ‘MILES’
-A Tribe Called Quest ‘The Low End Theory’
I can hear influences of all three in this album. The creative/modern-day R&B/Synth Pop vibes of ‘IGOR’, the purity and good vibes of ‘MILES’, and the jazz, fantastical, and groundbreaking instrumentals of ‘The Low End Theory’, and this album utilises the best of the trio!
It’s like each song is a capsule or retreat of relaxation and happiness. Actually, it’s hard to focus on anything when listening to it as it takes over your mind and body, forces you into a state of temporary calmness where all you’re doing is focusing on the sounds and artists at hand.
I can guarantee you one thing, while listening to this album, no matter what you’re going through! It will be impossible to worry or feel feelings of concern. Take my advice and see for yourself! The sonic and legal form of marijuana.
Now onto the MC work, just as excellent as the production is, so is the rapping. We have a man who glides through these beats like a knife through butter and spreads seemingly effortless flow, a naturally zen demeanour, and a soothing cadence that amplifies his every word.
While he has these qualities, he also possesses high levels of confidence, positive energy, enthusiasm, and infectious passion for every bar he spits that it’s impossible not to appreciate him when he’s laying the verses down! His pen game is so divine that he makes any word delivered a thing of wonder due to his sharpened skills and abilities!
Even working with some of the hottest artists in the game right now as features, he maintains his stature and doesn’t become overwhelmed or underestimated. He knows he’s a dope MC, and he helps the audience realise that too!
I can’t say enough good things about this album! Incredible from start to finish, and I know you’ll love it too!
https://open.spotify.com/album/1CrGVAuTHhJPfmhRrN8z1X?si=va9kUOmrSeOqktSGx8zyWQ
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 