I have to apologise to the audience. I’m actually super late to this release; this came out on the 11th of August, and I only have the time to get to it now!
This is a man I’ve been in contact with over the months and heard a lot about the hype for this record, and with that badass album title, it was bound to get me excited! So let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new studio album by MC FAWKEM! Which includes 13 tracks with production from the likes of
-ANT KELLY
-CAMOUFLAGE MONK
-DJ KROOKED
-MCBAIN
-TETSUO
-JACK2ON
-ERIC FRM SALEM
and after hearing all the hype, I have to admit. The anticipation was legit because this album goes HARD!
When we talk about the production, it has that gritty and raw factor to it that is quite addictive! There are many elements such as
-Harrowing Pianos
-Thick Bass Lines
-G-Funk inspired Synth Chords
-Jazz Horns
-Devastatingly heavy Drums
-Electric Guitar and more!
This album contains so many groovy and lively elements across the 13 tracks that it sucks you in one track at a time! Some are executed more methodically, some are more muddy skeletal, others have a higher energy count and make you want to get off your ass and move to the beat!
It’s the beauty of these handful of producers all working together to create a generous mix of variety to have something for everyone to love! But even as diverse as the tracks are, they still come together as a whole to create a worthwhile listening experience!
Now, onto the MC work, and as I’ve commented about him in previous reviews before, FAWKEM really is that guy. He possesses a trademark conviction that few others can replicate. He’s always rapping with a purpose, and every word has a rhyme and a reason!
Across this album, he separates his verses from introspective lines to classic braggadocio to social commentary and street poetry. He’s got a vivid imagery for every occasion, and he’s going to make sure you feel it all!
I love his unpredictable and crisp flow. His pen game is tight and sharp, and his performances on the tracks always find a way to impress me, no matter what beat he’s on! Plus, to do so with barely any features (only one) adds a next level of respect for the man.
But unfortunately, this album does come with one major flaw. The vocal mixing. Too many times, I had to turn up or down the volume because it was too loud or too soft from the one before it. I understand if they were trying to go for a super ‘raw’ and unmastered aesthetic (trust me, I dig that shit), but it can’t come at the expense of the vocal consistency.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not FAWK EM that sounds off; it’s the volume alterations. I just wish they would have fixed that, and this album would be perfect.
Other than that glaring issue, this was a pretty dope album! The actual sounds of the production were refreshing and infectious, and the MC work left me wanting more!
https://fawkem.bandcamp.com/album/robin-ill-iams
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