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Hip-Hop as a genre has continued to evolve and diversify its audience and appears as the years have gone on. Long gone are the days where one could simply look at an artist’s name, appearance and especially their roots, and then expect a certain type of sound from them. The social media and instant Information has allowed artists to listen to music from all over the globe and incorporate those elements into their own sound. It has allowed the most influential music genre in the world to grow rapidly in popularity and impact. And for all of the negative talk that “lyrical” rap music is dying out, there is a young artist that may have set 2019 off what a lyrical gem with a unique sound.
Compton, California MC Boogie has made the most of his early opportunities and now sits in a position as one of the most in demand young artists in rap today, inspite of not yet being a household name or having the help of a commercial single. His buzz has come up off his constant progression in projects and his willingness to expand his sound and subject matter outside of the typical bounce feel that many west coast rappers frequently use.
Early mixtapes such as The Reach and Thirst 48 earned Boogie plenty of underground buzz amongst hip-hop circles, so much so that it led to a label deal with Interscope Records. It’s there where he would release easily his best project at that point with the mixtape Thirst 48, PT. II, which release in 2016. The project would garner much deserved acclaim and credit as the hip hop world was introduce to an artist willing to go outside of the norm to produce quality music. Vibey and melodic tracks such as Nigga Needs and Sunroof grew in popularity for both underground and mainstream hip-hop fans alike. It would even land Boogie a deal with the infamous Shady Records. Add this in with standout guest features on projects with the likes of Eminem and Royce Da 5’9, many fans would be clamoring for a new project. And Although it would take few years to get that long awaited album, the finished product was more than worth the wait.
On January 9, 2019, Boogie would release his major label debut album with Everythings For Sale. Highlighted by a very unique and bold artwork, the album can easily give off an atypical gang-tied gangster rap album that’s been at hip-hop’s core for decades. But from the introduction until the album’s very last second or run time, it proves to be anything but just another west coast album.
The introductory track Tired/Reflections is the ideal tone setter for the mood and theme of the album. The song starts with an almost spoken word type of reflection piece and transitions to a mellow and subtle snare and piano beat, coupled by Boogie’s unique voice and blend of rap/sung vocals. The song introduces the listener into the mind of a young man struggling with the plights of life from almost any angle, surrounded by struggle and hopelessness. And why this may be a bit sombering starting an album off this way, it is followed up by an upbeat standout track in Silent Ride. A laid back and relaxed twist on the west coast bounce highlighted in many hip-hop songs today, Boogie uses the beat to harmonize and croon over his upbringing in gang culture as well as his interactions with women, both leading to a need for separation and peace. A unique take on a fun sound, Boogie uses his west coast roots and voice to make easily one of the top songs of the year so far.
As the album progresses, it’s easy to tell that Everythings For Sale is a well balanced mix between the popular “emo-rap” sound that has been popularized in the last decade and a focus on lyricism that satisfies the core of the genre that still demands that ability from their artists. Boogie manages to both effortlessly while making the sound all his own. A perfect example is the emotionally charged No Warning, where Boogie delivers an open letter style message to a significant other, asking them to not let him know when the end is near. Or asking that person to take a leap of faith with him through the unsure on the piano and string laden Skydive, and questioning timing and results on the harmonic Skydive II, assisted by R&B superstar 6lack. These tracks peak behind the curtain and the emotional side of hip-hop, which has always carried melody along with moments of lyricism.
And while those moments are the focus of the album, Boogie provides plenty of focus to the art writing and emphasizing quality lyrics, and once again makes the sound and style all his own. The full length interlude Lolsmh stands out as it’s as complete of a song as any on the album; echoing the sentiments of a man fed up with his current situation, Boogie speaks from the perspective of a supportive friend as well as the friend themselves. The song then transitions into what seems to be a venting session of a man whose invested into a relationship that’s failed. In the ever hyper masculine rap culture where sensitivity is always criticized, it’s a smart and unique theme to write about.
When looking for the “wow!” moments of this well rounded project, look no further than a trio of songs, all with a different approach that still run with the theme of the album. Live 95 is a smooth, relaxed and bouncy track that almost feels like an ode to the laid back feel that many west coast hip-hop projects carry, no matter what the subject matter was. A recognition that life isn’t perfect, Boogie still calls for a celebration of life for people still trying to make it work the best they can. Soho is a fun and exciting glimpse at what could be the future of hip-hop, with boogie teaming up with a fellow emerging rap star in Atlanta’s J.I.D. from the extremely talented Dreamville label. The two talented MC’s take turns rapping over a boom bap infused beat, speaking on what artists do for clout and the fake love and appreciation people often get shown in their position. The song is fast paced and catchy, almost guaranteed to warrant an instant repeat. And last but not least, the boastful and braggadocios Rainy Days, a loud and intimidating track tailor made for a high class rapper to own, and the class gets no higher than the legend Eminem himself. And as strong as Boogie’s opening verse is on its own merit, it is only elevated by the clinic the Detroit product displays in an early contender for rap verse of the year. Slim Shady sounds as confident and focused as ever as he sends a not so subtle reminder of his status in history, which serves as a nod to his respect for Boogie for delivering such a verse; without a doubt, a highlight moment of the album.
There are debut albums that arrive and perhaps their buzz wasn’t strong or it may have not reached quite the right audience to make its release as anticipated as others, and they get slept on in the process. Everythings For Sale is the quintessential hip-hop album in an era heavily influenced by trap and emo-rap sounds. Boogie chooses to take a completely different route, using his voice as an instrument on many songs, and letting his strong lyrical ability shine on others. The time and effort is heard in the concept, delivery, features and most importantly, the music and message. There is content for every type of fan, and to stand out as an artist, you have to be willing to experiment and craft a sound. Boogie has found his and with that sound, has made himself a factor in the new wave of hip-hop stars; a secret no longer, a mainstay in the game moving forward thanks in part to an exceptionally strong debut album.
Top 5 Songs:
1. Live 95
2. Silent Ride
3. No Warning
4.Soho
5. Skydive