We are supposed to be invincible on our birthdays. I believe, childishly, that we become Starmen who are impervious to harm for 24 hours. Yet, on the evening of March 15, 2023, high off of a shit ton of shrooms, Jireh is alone. No family or friends compiled in his home, lilting “happy birthday” off-key as his full moon eyes…
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Igwe Aka has always possessed a playful side, his relied-upon parlor trick that shrouds his childhood afflictions with crude banter and goofiness. There’s no need to lay his hands on them, just as much as there is no need for you to carve and prod him for answers as if you are performing an autopsy. Sit back and let him…
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Diz and Cisco Swank understand we all need a little convincing. Humans are naturally stubborn, especially when intrusive thoughts such as “failure” mesh well with our lack of patience. In the first few seconds of ‘Oneday,’ the production feels groggy. The rich, fatty chords, muted drums, and desaturated baseline create an early morning feeling. Cisco sounds weary as he spouts…
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In the second verse of the closing track of Super Eagle, Igwe Aka shows why home is a difficult thing to find. ‘Euphoria (Zoom)’ is Igwe’s most personal confession of his childhood, delivered in sedation. He’s weary, the kind that makes you drop your guard and say things you wouldn’t be when energized. Opening up about his immigration process, he’s…
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Nothing ever starts as intended or lasts as long as it should. Endings are often abrupt and agonizing, and uncomfortable with saying goodbye out of fear of a kind gesture becoming a reality. It’s hopeless trying to control life when it’s demented. It thrills off cosplaying as The Joker, smiling when its surrounded by destruction. Beginnings, on the other end,…
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When listening to ‘120’ by Sonny Miles, my body evolves into a state of being gelatinously unhinged. A pleasant draft of the percussion limbs triggers free form movement in my limbs, unable to cease until the breeze does. Background vocals are grounded until they are thrust to the forefront by the motion of the drums. The expression in Sonny’s voice…
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Dave Coresh relishes the chaos he leaves behind. The LA-based musician’s recent releases have raised the stakes with their intensity, choosing to invest in himself in the most brash way imaginable. ‘Talk2Me’ is blanketed in a grunge aesthetic, drums assailing his opposition as Dave demands everyone to “shut the fuck up” as he raps about all the vices he’ll take…
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From Child Stars to Rising Rappers, grouptherapy. Lets Each Member Shine in ‘Truth Be Told’ [Interview]
All the glitz and glamour that comes with being a childhood star takes a heavy toll on one psyche. You’re an innocent soul to shelter against the machine, only for corporations to value you as a commodity. Hands marred by greed sought to smear any sense of individuality, desiring to make you into the next overproduced, manufactured pop star. Their…
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There are times when words are sensory overload that complicates emotions rather than evokes them. While they can paint a picture of our experiences, words could be daunting to take in. With Gradients, 92elm sought to alleviate that pressure to examine by permitting us to feel. It’s palliative and airy, aiming to use its breezy Lo-Fi aesthetic to lift your…
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The presentation surrounding Melt My Eyez See Your Future flips through images like a Rolodex. Following Denzel Curry throughout his search for a sanctuary. Often the strongest characters have a comprehensive skill set, never limiting themselves to being a master of one combat style. His eccentric personality, raspy delivery, and energy have been his weapon of choice for years. Yet this time,…
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