London rapper Flexo Kobain (probably better known as producer/rapper GYPTXVN to readers of this blog) has an extensive and well-catered discography that primarily focuses on the artist experimenting with his voice, making smooth, cloudy bangers in the process. His new five track offering Space Jam Radio is no different, as every moment of its eleven minute runtime is dedicated to making the rapper’s voice sound as luscious and emotive as past works.
This isn’t Flexo’s purest R&B project, but the smooth production courtesy of Seikatsu floats and billows so elegantly that the EP can’t help but sound rich and soulful. Flexo’s heavy use of autotune (which lightly coats his vocals rather than totally enveloping them) gives him the voice he needs to express his lovesick lamentations. ‘Space Jam’ is a notable standout in this sense, seeing Flexo spit lyrics that marry desires for wealth and success along with the loneliness that accompanies it as he glides over the gorgeous, expensive-sounding production. ‘Human Torch’ is another major highlight, ranking amongst Flexo’s finest work thanks to some of his best songwriting yet (the hook is a smouldering beauty). This song packs more tantalising sounds into a two minute runtime than some artists manage in their whole careers.
A more focused, memorable release than anything else Flexo has released this year, Space Jam Radio deserves to sit alongside Money First and Instinct 90’s as one of his finest achievements to date.
– Chris (@108mics)
108MICS 