After reviewing a couple of singles by this man, you can bet your ass I was beyond excited to finally review a full project by him. Considering he’s one of the most unique and original MC’s I’ve discovered lately and how hard his singles went, I just knew a record by him would go hard! So let’s talk about it!
So, this is the debut album by MC FAWKEM. Including six tracks and one feature with ‘JACK2UN’, and let me say this right off the bat, I fucking loved this album.
Immediately as the album started, I fell in love with that production, and the further the album went, the more my feelings grew stronger! The soundscape and beautiful atmosphere of this record are almost too much to describe. We are talking elements of:
-Jazz
-Ambient
-Soul
-Classical
-Swing
These kinds of sounds I was not expecting when I first played the record. Considering I’ve heard him on some of the most emotionally driven and infectious trap beats I’ve ever heard, I was assuming his debut would follow the same energy, but instead, he’s embracing the opposite. These instrumentals are soft, delicate, intricate, gorgeous, and satisfying to the highest degree.
Each song has its own methodically placed, surreal, breathtaking production that features elegant strings, grand keys, and angelic melodies that just put your mind, heart, and soul at ease as your ears are focused on nothing else but the beauty that is the sounds of this album. The only
album that really comes to mind ‘Production-wise’ is Knxwledge X Anderson Paak ‘NxWorries’, although not sexual in lyricism, but the same style of awe-inspiring instrumentation with that larger-than-life feel to it!
I can honestly say, although only six tracks, what he does with these handful of songs is more than 90% of what the game can do with a big-budget 20-track project. Because it feels organic and naturally produced. It feels down-to-earth and authentic in representation, and that’s why this album hits the way it does!
Another main factor of why the album goes hard is because of FAWKEM himself. A man who always seems to surprise me and surpass any expectations I thought I had for him. The way he lays down bars is unlike anyone I’ve heard in a while.
As I stated in previous reviews, he has the ability to change his form at will. Whether that be by hype and energetic or thoughtful and introspective or smooth and collected! He changes his position depending on the track at hand, and that level of performance is something I can guarantee you isn’t normal!
Across this album, he features unbelievable pen game, smooth flow, and intelligent lyricism. There are parts where he talks his game up, and others where he brings up personal moments in his life, such as ‘going hair for a cheeseburger, then half it to eat.’ He has his feet in all possible lanes of lyricism, that again impresses me more than anyone can know!
A lot of people attempt to naturally switch lanes but fail miserably. But that’s never a problem for FAWKEM. Whether he wants to talk street or introspective or personal or talk social commentary, he can do all and do them well! The feature on this album is also fire! He brings a solid chemistry to the album and stands out enough to be memorable!
Overall, as I would have expected. This project was SOLID. Immaculate production and even more so MC work. I highly recommend everyone listen to this work of art!
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 