The Underachievers - Evermore: The Art Of Duality
The Underachievers - Evermore: The Art Of Duality
The Underachievers - contrary to their name - are so full of ideas and ambition, that they decide to completely change their style half way through this record. I suppose that’s to encapsulate the “duality” of the title, but regardless of theming, it’s just damn impressive.
The first half is all mellow electronics and elegant use of textures from jazz and soul. The flow on this section of the record recalls classic East Coast rap from the ‘90s; AK and Issa Gold are double-timing it the whole way through - which is amazing enough - but they keep changing it up, ensuring their vocals are dynamic and interesting. Lyrically, it’s very focused on big ideas and spirituality.
It’s very intoxicating music, and it’ll draw you deep into the album. But before you can too comfortable, it transforms.
The second half crashes back to Earth, back to reality, back to the present. It’s full of ostentatious and energetic production featuring the clattering beats of the trap-inflected dark funk of the new West Coast sound. Even the vocals emulate those influences, to an extent. These songs are never murky or cloudy, the vocals are never slurred: this is hip hop as imagined by two very technically minded MCs.
I could keep describing this record for another ten paragraphs. But instead I’ll just say that this is the best hip hop record I’ve heard since starting this blog. Find a way to listen to it.
Stream below.
Highlights: The Dualist • Take Your Place • Allusions
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