Album: 4NML HSPTL
Artist: Open Mike Eagle
Released: June 26, 2012
Following the much hyped and loved sophomore album Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes, Open Mike has done it again with his new release 4NML HSPTL. The anticipation leading up to this new project was overwhelming and Open Mike Eagle didn’t disappoint with his follow through on this experimental left minded album.
Open Mike Eagle collaborated with producer Awkward to release his latest project digitally. The very first track is laced with heavy bass, synthesizers, and has a dub/trill fill to it. Awkward’s production is experimental at the least and offers a blank canvas for Open Mike Eagle to create insane laid back intelligent rhymes. This emcee has come from the windy city and quickly got wrapped up with Project Blowed, co-found Swim Team and Thirsty Fish, and has never looked back. The “One Day” track is another example of how L.A. lifestyle engulfs you.
Open’s raspy monotone voice on this track blew me away. The hook with the female vocalist just added to the fun track. You have guest appearances from Megabusive, Finiki McGee, and Lowend Theory house emcee Nocando, which only enhances the album.
Open and Nocando ping pong off each other on “Free-Writing Exercise”, talking about “having dreams of Common and Drake battling who is the most light skinned”, haha. Through out the album the beats keep you up in the clouds and the knack for droll wordplay rhymes Open Mike drops are nothing to sleep on. I would recommend bumping this in the morning to get your day right. It is out now on iTunes.
-Crusty
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