Review: "I announced this off Impulse. Enjoy." EP by $KINNY BRAGG
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Pearl, Mississippi based rapper $KINNY BRAGG delivers an unrelentingly dark world on his newly released EP, “I announced this off Impulse. Enjoy.”. Everything about it opts for a prickly disposition. Arrangements go for an edgy, confrontational tact one that perfectly complements the lyricism. His flows have an urgency to them with each word cascading off the last. For much of the album a paranoid quality reigns supreme, one that feels incredibly claustrophobic. Volume deserves to be blasted for these are tracks that positively teem with life as they consume the listener whole.
A great deal of influences seems to filter into the mix. $KINNY BRAGG’s delivery has an undeniable nod to southern rap, with greats like Big Boi and André 3000. For the sheer content, he brings the bleak anxiety of Tyler, The Creator. Narratives here prove to be incredibly focused on the self, as each piece seems to be on the point of outright collapse. So much pressure is applied to great effect, as the tracks have disorienting sounds, wormy bass lines, and an industrial/electro aesthetic. Indeed, the frantic nature of the EP draws from Death Grips’ weird, kaleidoscopic arrangements. Virtually exploding at the seams, the entire collection works best when taken in as a singular whole.
“60 Seconds” sets the tone for what follows, as the multiple layers intermingle to create a virtual tapestry. Percussion elements have a wild, feral energy to them. An incredible swagger strolls through “Switched Up” as everything about the work messes with expectations, as the pings of the piano nicely merge with the growl of the synthesizer.
Ambient, noir-ish vibes rule over “Lemme Find Out”. By far the highlight of the collection comes from the hyper-kinetic playfulness of “Hennessy”, which goes for a neon-hued cryptic quality. “Tsk Tsk” goes for a giddy energy. Chaos defines the unhinged quality of “Boo’d Up with that Nina” as he goes for something truly infectious perfectly bringing it all to a close.
“I announced this off Impulse. Enjoy.” proves to be one of those rap projects which defies easy categorization, with a mixture of new school and old school influences that reveals $KINNY BRAGG to be a master of his craft.