Review: “Papercha$er The Mixtape” by Lil_E
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Bridgeport, CT based rapper Lil_E holds nothing back on the urgency of “Papercha$er The Mixtape”. Narratives are drawn directly from his life helping to give the collection a unique highly personal vision. His delivery has an intensity to it with details that convey a strong sense of urgency. A sense of yearning and desire for something better propels the tracks forward. Clear eyed focus feels poignant as he captures that a swagger to want more and to try to get it.
On top of this comes the production itself: crisp, clean, with heavy emphasis on an old-school hip-hop quality. Samples go for a nostalgic aura for they convey so much depth. Bass rumbles and the crisp percussion further adds to the sense of a fully-fleshed out sound.
With few comparable contemporary rappers, Lil_E chooses a distinctly old-school set of references. For his most passionate performances, he draws from Wu-Tang at the height of their powers, even exploring the concept of money as a thing of conflict. Going deeper, his low-key swagger and thoughtful word choice reflects upon the East Coast spirit of Biggie Smalls with a tact that conveys a similarly structured sort of playfulness at times, alongside heavier themes woven into the overall tapestry.
“Intro” sets the tone of what follows with an anthemic tact. An early highlight comes from the highly detailed description of “Tryin’ EAT” where a sense of desperation is captured perfectly. Layer upon layer of sound intermingles on the gargantuan “16 BARS”. Going for a clear reflective stance is the thoughtfulness of “DEAD Presidents Freestyle”.
The heaviness of “DREAM$” goes for a sense of purpose for the whole of the track constantly builds up more and more. Wild, freeform verses cascade down with the kaleidoscopic “U Know”. Stripped down to the essentials is the spaciousness of “It’s LIT” where the bass hits with a sheer force of nature quality. “Everything I Had” chooses a jazz-like tact incorporating a great deal of lush sound into the mix. Bringing everything to a gorgeous conclusion is the triumphant “Outro”.
“Papercha$er The Mixtape” shows off Lil_E’s impressive fiery flows, with lyricism and storytelling that lingers long after it has ended.