Gramatik is not the essence of interest, or difference, or ingenuity, or cliché in rap, but a little of all of those things, and fortunately enough of the former three that they are better than most rap out there right now.
To the songs on the newest release, Epigram, there is a distinctly intense view in these tracks, and moving past “Tempus Illusio (Intro)” to “Satoshi Nakamato (Feat. Adrian lau. And Prob. Cause)” and “War of the Currents”; the second and third tracks exemplify this brand of intense vintage ingenuity and modern sounding rap. “War of the Currents”, however, the third track, is differently smooth.
Next, “Native Son (Feat. Raekwon and Leo Napier)”, “Native Son Prequel (Feat. Leo Napier)”, and “Room 3327” are really both different and modern, which is good, because as just modern, they would be overdone and even perhaps hip hop sounding. As it is they are somewhat soulful and then of course edgy when Raekwon and Leo Napier come in.
New rap sounding but also vintage beats, and clever even bold lyrics, though at times overdone nightlife rap soul; Epigram has growth in some areas of interesting jazzy vocals, keyboard like drums, and great trumpet, but also positive and negative messages in the lyrics and titles. Mostly poignant and insightful into why people get angry enough to live on the fringe, good, despite the seemingly unnecessary, “He got what he deserved / I’d of killed his whole family,” in one such track.
All in all, this release is mostly good, and Epigram is a fitting title, because this is good, but not great rap, and soulful harmonizing despairing lyrics, and definitely most importantly is the perfect atmosphere. Lastly, “Animua Mundi (Feat. Fuss Liquid)” is definitely the best song just in terms of atmosphere. This number is an ideal way to end Epigram, which is perhaps not the only rap that fills the perfect vintage forum out there, but, nevertheless worthwhile and fitting for the political atmosphere in the U.S. right now.
