Another hidden gem in the Sixtyworld catalogue, MFX 96.3’s Re:Fragmented finds equal footing between the murky cyber-rap expected of the collective’s sound and some even more experimental approaches to songwriting.
‘Coconut Mall’ is exemplary of the former sound, there’s definite influence from artists such as Black Kray in the production (done by MFX himself, as with much of this project) and a really satisfying flow that makes every word sound essential to the song’s vibe. I immediately fell in love with this song when I heard it, it has my nostalgia receptors firing at full blast and that’s always a good sign when tuning in to an album like this. The more hype songs that follow (‘Stone Cold Summer’, ‘Spaz Out’) create an interesting contrast that gives the tracklist a mixtape-like feel. More than anything, Re:Fragmented feels like a bunch of awesome songs that deserved a proper release.
‘Field Day’ arrives about halfway through the project, presenting one of the tracklist’s most memorable cuts. The features add a lot to the song, Ya M3an in particular puts in one of a total of three dope performances, his zaniness a perfect foil to MFX’s dryer, throatier delivery. That’s not to say that the album’s creator is any less of an entertainer, his energy on songs like ‘Whippin’ and ‘Double Time Swag’ are unmatched across the project. As we reach the climax Re:Fragmented, the influence of Sixtyworld’s titular producer begins to creep in and ‘Craxy’ ends up being one of the most insane tracks on the project. MFX’s own beats remain a factor however, and he contributes one of his best on the synth-heavy ‘No Luv’. An epic track in every regard, its futuristic sounds could easily be the soundtrack to a neo-noir bike chase scene.
The ambition only continues from there, with ‘So Surreal’ being the rapper’s dreamiest creation. His singing is fittingly ethereal, the same of which can be said for guest artist XellFromHell, whose siren-esque wailing makes up most of the track’s back half. MFX then throws in the distinctly Drain Gang-sounding ‘Grandiose’, a four minute monster that builds slowly and soaks itself in atmosphere. The crushing synth waves are monstrous, the ghostly chanting is entrancing, and the song in general is just fantastic. However, no song on this project can even compare to ‘Letter To Mikey’. The final and most important song on the album, it’s 50% poem, 50% short story, and 100% an essential insight into the artist’s life and philosophy. A fitting end to a really great project, which may just be one of the most interesting to be released within the collective yet.
Listen to the project below.
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– Chris (@malenchanted)
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