Rating: NNNN
Atlanta rapper Killer Mike’s new record (the acronym R.A.P. denotes “Rebellious African People”) is difficult to discuss without mentioning El-P, the weirdo NYC rap titan who produced it. Especially since this is El-P’s first full-length production project since 2001’s underground-famous album The Cold Vein, by Cannibal Ox.
The producer does his legacy proud, updating his trademark atonality and distorted synths with intricate percussive tricks (Untitled) and funkier bass lines (Southern Fried) while maintaining the feel of big, belligerent boom bap. Mike, the embodiment of imposing menace, bodychecks the beats without buckling. A targeted anger bubbles below much of R.A.P. and boils over on Reagan, where the Outkast protege delivers a sermon on oppression over astral synth lines.
Killer Mike is the Jäger shot of rap: efficient, acrid and totally devastating. Also, T.I. shows up alongside Bun B on opener Big Beast. Again: that’s T.I. rapping over an El-P beat, guys.
Top track: Go!
