(Cross Strainz)

Man, covering two projects in a row by Ant! I’m sure he feels on top of the world for this, but hey, when he drops two projects as quality as these, I don’t really have a choice, so let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new collaboration project between MC’s Ant Kelly and AU! Two of the dopest rappers in the game right now, and seeing this pairing for the second time this year makes me more than happy! Accompanying these men on the production is the list of 

-sp1tone

-DJ Krooked

-DJ Mello Rasheed

-Sketchturner

And MC features such as

-Ghowste

-DB Consigliere 

And man, to say this project is unique is an extreme understatement for, if nothing else, the chemistry between AU and Ant, who we saw a glimpse of earlier in the year, but they have evolved their synchronicity and now act as one with two very similar concepts and rhythms across the beat!

Although they aren’t identical, I love the fact they both have a fast-paced, sharp, and slick rapping style that is explosive, colourful, and verbally engaging, that has each verse between them feel like a treat for the ears!

Because both these men possess such incredible flair, passion, and charisma with love for the game that I’ve heard in not many others! It’s in their drive that makes their words so interesting and riveting to hear! I love how they pass the mic to the next and how there’s never any awkward or uncomfortable lack of quality between them; it’s just as I mentioned, two men on the same wavelength who work together to create this amazing project, pop!

I also love how whenever there is a feature, they seem to include them like a fellow brother! It doesn’t feel like an extra feature but instead a fellow trio member to the duo who’s coming to do a verse they have time to do in the studio, and I love that level of brotherly love! Same with the intro track!

Now, as far as the production is concerned (and sorry, Lord, for the blasphemy), but GOD DAMN IS IT LIT! See, I’m always the type to be a tad bit sceptical of multiple producers instead of just one, as I’m an open source fan of one producer, one album, but these four men go OFF!

To me, these beats sound like refreshing, artistic takes on boom-bap culture! So many fresh, colourful, and interesting uses of elements that draw the listeners in! Let me talk about my favourite cuts on the project

Firs one we have is the opening track ‘VAGABONDZ’. I love this intro because of its eerie, dramatic qualities. It’s got these long, sharp synth-sounding chords that also feature what sound like wailing keys and an almost jazz-style drum! 

It all comes together in a beautifully minimal design that takes advantage of the ‘less is more’ approach!

The second track I really loved was ‘True Religion’. I love this track because it has an old-school late 80s Wu-Tang Clan or Griselda vibe to it! It’s raw, in your face, and brutal! With those sharp synth chords, heavy drum patterns, and a subtle vocal loop that gives the track that extra touch of grit! A throwback track to the golden era!

The final track that really got me going was ‘Blame The Drugz’, and this is an obvious winner for me because it features my favourite hip-hop fusion, which is JAZZ! The way it’s incorporated into this track is so subtle yet so angelic that I can’t help but appreciate it! 

It’s beautifully crafted; you’ve got those light jazz horns with those delicate piano keys and heavy-handed drum patterns that give the track an extra layer of depth!

Overall, from the production to the verses, this is an obvious W by the duo of Ant and Au! Just like the battery AA has enough energy to last days without stopping! Shoutout to them and all producers involved! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4OnYkmdXMEoYLTZSGN5e2x?si=zM4-A5J9RUSJGyTfACS-Nw