Brockhampton

BROCKHAMPTON – Ginger

The internet’s favorite boyband is back with the release of their highly anticipated fifth album, GINGER. The rap collective returns to the spotlight after a year-long hiatus, an unusual gap for the notoriously productive group, that was used to recover from the various pitfalls that came along with their rapid rise to fame. The recent struggles endured by Brockhampton’s members are openly expressed throughout the project, with Joba summing up the artists’ mutual feelings best on NO HALO with the lines, “been goin’ through it again…lost a part of me, but I’m still here”. Fittingly, the album has a gloomy, dejected feel, and much of the track-list seems to have a dark cloud hanging over it. Songs like DEARLY DEPARTED and LOVE ME FOR LIFE clearly establish overarching themes of depression, nihilistic self-reflection, and abandonment, among others. Despite their inherently disheartening subject matter, certain tracks like BOY BYE and IF YOU PRAY RIGHT retain some of the group’s signature style and energy, featuring the catchy choruses and bouncy instrumentals they’re known for. All things considered, this record is by no means Brockhampton’s best, but it fits their current situation, and for that reason I respect it for what it is.

Kevin Abstract – Arizona Baby

Brockhampton mastermind Kevin Abstract returns to the spotlight after a nearly three-year hiatus. The album starts out strong with two standout tracks. Big Wheels features elements of modern trap with pounding 808’s and ticking hi-hats, but also includes a jazzy interlude straight out a 90’s hip-hop instrumental. In Joyride, Abstract flows well over a drum-and-bass breakbeat, and utilizes autotune, likely in the hands of producer Romil Hemnani.

The album features a number of more introspective tracks like Georgia, Corpus Christi, and Peach where Abstract takes time to discuss his childhood, touring, and ex-Brockhampton member Ameer who was ousted after controversy last year. Abstract cements his legacy as a masterful hook writer with catchy choruses and refrains on Joyride, Georgia, Baby Boy, and Boyer, the hard-hitting outro to the album. He also uses the project as a chance to introduce Dominic Fike to the world, featuring him on Peach and Crumble over mellow guitar riffs. The Florida artist was co-signed by Abstract recently after started bidding wars over his music following a handful of releases.

This project is a fantastic return for the ever-elusive Abstract, and paints a promising picture for the futures of both his solo work and Brockhampton.