This marks the SECOND time I’ve reviewed this man. I still remember the day as well! I had just finished work, the bus was ages away, so I figured ‘fucked it, why not, let’s get a review done’ and that’s how I discovered this man!
A unique artist to say the least and one that is known to leave a lasting impression on the listener, and that is an understatement this time around! Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand-new album by MC th3prism and contributions on the production from
-ADVANTZ’D
-COASTLINE
-BENJI SOCRATE$
-FOULE MONK
-TH3PRISM
And across these 11 tracks, we have a showcase of experimental grandeur and smooth soundscapes that come together to create an experience you’re not soon to forget!
First of all, I love the ambient nature of each song. Regardless of whether they are experimental, jazz, or boom-bap in influence, they all feel spacey, overwhelming, and powerful. Similar to how an ASMR track would make you feel, how it takes over all of your senses and engulfs the listener into this fantasy atmosphere that is so hypnotic and mesmerising that you don’t ever want to leave!
It’s the same feel here! Whether you’re talking about the tracks with that gorgeous jazz inspiration with those grand horn progressions or whether we are talking about those more distorted, noise cuts with the deranged samples that are pulled and pushed every which way in that classic experimental style!
I love the obvious chemistry between each producer. You don’t know how many albums I’ve heard where they hire a handful of beat makers but didn’t bother to make sure the chemistry was on point. Just a mess of sounds that don’t complement each other.
Thankfully, we don’t have that problem here, just a synchronic effort by all involved. Each track flows like a sonic river, from the first to the last, and everything in the middle is all cohesive, strongly shaped, and most importantly, makes sense.
Although each producer brings their own flavour and style to the table, it’s all under the same vision of what the album wants to be. There’s never a moment I listen to this and it breaks me out of my hypnotic music trance. No song that makes me think ‘why is this in here?’ It’s all properly executed and produced, and I mean I gotta shoutout everyone involved for making that happen! Definitely not easy!
As we discuss the MC performance, we have the enigma himself, th3prism. A man who brings his own personal style, lyricism, and flow to the show, and boy is it an experience!
What makes him stand out is a few key things. Firstly, his pen game is interesting to me because he finds ways to talk about anything and everything that’s on his mind, from brash, brag lyrics to introspective thinker bars and even self-doubt bars. For example, on the track -OWN2, how he goes
‘Sick of feeling like I’m less than’ that small bar alone is more vulnerability than most rappers share in the underground period. But see from that bar, he’ll say bars such as
-That’s why I move around with stealth, avoiding every bad decision
He’s a lyricist in the purest definition of the word, and he also has a charisma that’s a combination of calm tones, a unbothered approach to his energy that gives off a strong ‘cerebral’ vibe to his performances.
Similar to an Earl Sweatshirt, KA, or Billy Woods. Someone who’s matriculated with his verses and yet a master of that cold delivery that adds layers to his aura and overall cadence!
He’s verbally sharp, calculated in his approach, and ever so versatile in his topics. He truly is a hip-hop enigma! (One that can always produce his own beats)
Also gotta give a shoutout to -King Gus who helps provide the feature on the track! He shows great chemistry with th3prism, and they both help tear the house down with their top-quality verses, making for a refreshing listen!
I recommend everyone give this record a chance!
He’s improved so much since last time, and he’s helped set himself apart from the rest! Go check it out now below!
https://open.spotify.com/album/2MDakEiBVkEcJq20PnDK26?si=eNoV633jTYSRoxLymRymCw
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