*New Artist Alert*
In the last month alone, I’ve discovered more new artists than I can remember. It goes to show no matter how deep I go into the underground (pause) there will always be new cats to discover and this pair are two of them! Let’s talk about it!
This is the 27th of Jan 2025 album by MC Ill Java and Producer Aarr Kellz with the one feature being my main man D-Don! And I gotta admit navigating this 9-batch of tracks was hella fun and here’s why!
First of all the production on this album is fucking entertaining and animated that it makes me feel like I’m listening to a TV Show soundtrack, remember Spy Kids One? That main villain? That evil Willy Wonka guy? This music reminds me of his scenes! It’s super bouncy and colourful that it essentially goes against all the grains of what underground hip hop is supposed to sound like and I’m fucking happy they did that!
There are a few boom bap adjacent songs like -The Wind Blows or -Lead The Pack but even then they still contain their own out there, adventurous and magical sounding atmosphere that differs them from the rest of the stuff in the industry right now! Do you know how many times I listen to a new album and actually have fun? Not many! Sure I fuck with ALOT of albums and value many artists but to actually have fun and feel a sense of adventure to the record is something I don’t see every day and this man brought that feeling back for me!
These are probably 9 of the most stand out tracks for the pure sake of joy. Of course it’s greatly done, excellent technique and form but I can’t stress enough how you can hear a sense of passion and charm to this one that you just don’t hear much. Hell there’s barely any artists in the MAINSTREAM who rock sounds like these! It’s truly a one of one in concept and I hope to hear more of these type beats in the future from him!
When we discuss the MC Ill Java, boy does he GO OFF! I can’t imagine it would be easy to rock these types of particular instrumentals as an MC, but he locks into the same carefree energy as the beats and drops a collection of bars and verses that help put emphasis on the beats provided!
It’s like he has a spiritual connection with the production, the way he’s smoothly composed, flowing through each song with effortless precision, uncanny rhythm, joyful charisma, and a soulful presence that just warms you up like a fire on Christmas Eve!
I love this fucking combination, man. This chemistry is top-notch. They both complement each other to a tee! The production helps layer the verses, and the performances help elevate the tracks! It’s a match made in underground heaven, and on top of that, it’s a non-traditional soundscape that makes it so much better! He ain’t trying to be a tough guy or a gangster; he’s just rapping. He’s being himself and using clever bars and intricate wordplay to do so!
I feel like the only one I could compare this MC to in the current landscape of the underground is Sabio Dub. He has a similar version of execution with his verse that is equally impressive and effortless! But besides him, he’s definitely in his own category!
Even though this album is a year old now, if you haven’t heard it, please give it a try! I can’t believe it took me this long to hear it, but I’m glad I did because it is fucking sick! Link below.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1SXibznenpoeDTvX2ycAON?si=1BY62tj8RkCWEC_KttlEXQ
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 