Review: "Crimson" Mixtape by Omari Vel
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Philly based artist and producer Omari Vel infuses a psychedelic whirlwind on the heavy trap beats of his mixtape, “Crimson”. A creative take on the classic hip-hop sound, the electronic flourishes ensures that there is a great degree of surprise throughout the entirety of the experience. Beyond the clear rap which reigns supreme, elements of hyper-pop, vaporwave, hard rock, and industrial among others helps to inform the nimble sound. Lyrics here rest right front and center, for every verse is thrown like a bomb. The multifaceted layers help to wind, unfurling the whole experience in a way that feels outright masterful. Every word is chosen with care making sure that they cut to the very bone.
The experience itself has a rather sun-drenched attitude to it. With a wide hybrid of influences, one of the ones that does seem to permeate much of the work is the unequally unpredictive nature of Frank Ocean at his most frenzied. So much energy and activity take place, with the sounds folding into themselves, that at times the atmosphere tends to draw a bit from classic 80s rappers such as Rammellzee, whose mixture of classical with hip-hop gets clearly referenced throughout. Nearly symphonic at times, Omari proves to have a deft ear for melody and groove.
An orchestra tuning up sets the tone on the crisp, hard-hitting beats of “Running Man” for the tempo is brought to the breaking point. Bass rumbles on through “Cali Ay”, feat. Rizu & Johnny Freshman, in a way that absolutely grinds everything into dust. On “Iron Will” Omari dives headfirst into this odd, trippy aural universe.
By far the highlight of the album “Iron Will” evolves in a way that is a pure joy. Wonderfully stately keyboards underpin the entirety of the regal “UltraViolet”. More informal “Patti B” has a twisted quality for the song is constantly stretched apart and reconfigured in wonderful ways, with the guitar work in particular containing such soul. Guitar gains a summery spirit with the spaced-out vibes of “Long Way”. With the intensity of “WOVI” feat. regothereshego, Omari ties all that came before together in a masterful fashion.
“Crimson” shows off an unusually tactile take, showing off Omari Vel’s pure fire flows.