(HEEL TURN)

Well, to say it’s been a minute since I last covered this man, that would be a huge understatement. I covered him a few times in the past, and they were all dope! Now he’s back with a dope producer working alongside him, and I predict that will make all the difference! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new album between MC FAWKEM and producer Eric from Salem, and together they drop a solid nine tracks with the likes of 

-Ill Java,

-Here$ Johnny,

-AU. 

And this album sounds incredible! All the aspects I wanted from a FAWKEM-related record are all here in spades! What I love about the music is the larger-than-life meets smooth and atmospheric vibes as this album draws out the very best of a multitude of various influences and genres that make this album a gold mine for audiophiles such as myself! 

Firstly, you have tracks such as -SAVAGE, which has this incredible and irresistibly soothing sound that literally took my breath away. I had to keep myself from drifting into a deep, relaxing sleep on that intro. 

I loved the aspects of 80’s soul and R&B on this song, sounding like something Luther Vandross would sing on top of! Those methodically paced keys, as well as those subtle vocal harmonies that further carry this track into deeper, angelic territory!

I’ll tell you one thing, for an album that’s called HEEL TURN, I wasn’t expecting this to be the introduction, but I’m glad it was!

Hell, what about cuts like -PULP NON-FICTION, which has an entirely different mode HEEL-related vibe! This song has a lot more brash energy than the intro, these brash and unforgettable chord progressions that almost sound ‘spaghetti western’ in execution with those plucked strings! This song also contains rock and roll-style drum patterns and light/consistent piano keys that sound sharp and glistening! 

Here$ Johnny absolutely massacres the beat with his trademark intense verse! To the surprise of no one, both Here$ and FAWKEM have incredible energy and chemistry together!

Even on the track -HAVE YOU EVER with that light, classical-toned track with those beautiful vocal harmonies looped, light plucked strings accompanied by that extra subtle drum patterns! This is more of a minimal track compared to the rest but done in the most masterful way possible!

Also AU on the track? Talk about overkill, AU kills it as I know he would and another feature who pairs well with FAWKEM!

As far as the man of the hour goes, FAWKEM I gotta say I’m impressed with how he’s started the new year! He’s a man that has always had a powerful energy, a man who given a strong topic can make you feel like you’re listening to a preacher in the way he commands a room but he’s also been leaning towards more freelance and unpredictable flow over 2025 and now on this one he feels more refined and back to how I first discovered him which is dope!

Don’t get me wrong, when he gets creative I fuck with it all the same it’s just he has an almost spiritual sense to his lyricism when he’s doing the trademark style that it kind of gets lost in translation when he’s out there experimenting with new styles but this is the form I love hearing him in the most!

The straightforward, heavy and expressive tone and bar-heavy MC that I’ve known him to be from the Soundcloud era of his music! I feel he really complements the beats provided and we get to hear the best version of himself!

Of course I already mentioned above but he does well setting up synchronicity with the various features! Names I’m seeing more and more often on everyone’s projects seem to click even here and once again they don’t disappoint! Oh and shoutout to -Off Center for producing track 8!

Another great drop for January (they are stacking up quick!) a very understated duo that come together for an epic collaboration! Check it out below! 

https://wellwishersunion.bandcamp.com/album/heel-turn