Review: "Welcome to the Inferno" Mixtape by Jalen McMillan
Los Angeles based rapper Jalen McMillan embraces a defiance on the powerful “Welcome to the Inferno” mixtape. Done with the greatest level of care, his verses are pure fire. Nicely merging elements of old school and new school rap, the whole of the mixtape feels all-consuming.
The production has a flawless feeling as the bass has a physicality to it. Virtually demanding to be blasted, the low-end rumbles have a luxurious quality to them. Stylistically grounded in hip-hop, Jalen incorporates elements of lo-fi, electro, dance, trap, RnB and pop into a singular vision. Layer upon layer intermingle in a way that gives it a living, breathing quality.
An incredibly immersive experience, the mixtape works best when taken in as a singular whole. Never rushed, Jalen takes his time creating a sound that unfurls in a unique pace. References abound throughout the entirety of the mixtape ranging from West Coast derived G-funk like early Snoop Dogg to more recent stuff like the labyrinth of Odd Future. Jalen’s ability to bring it all together in a voice that is uniquely his helps to give the whole collection a strong personality.
Stark beats and lyricism open things up with “Air Max 95”. A glimmering melody takes hold on the rotating work of “Azz Back”. Infinitely catchy “Call My Name” features a playfulness to it, featuring some wonderful flirtation. Dreamy atmospherics waft up in the air on the sensual “Camera”. The aggression of “No Cap”, feat. DJ Plae is a pure blast while the song works itself up into a paranoid frenzy.
Great beats hit with a force of nature on “Cash Talk”. Grooves roll through with “Way Too Hot”. “Swish” features darkened impulses as they ebb and flow.
Saving the best for last “Miami Ten (Bonus Track)” goes for a completely faded take. Synthesizers swell up further adding to the surrealist quality of the track. Neon-hued and full of splendor, the piece refuses to settle down constantly evolving in unexpected gorgeous ways.
The “Welcome to the Inferno” mixtape shows off Jalen McMillan’s uncanny storytelling, with a universe of characters whose lives are explored in full.