Memphis, TN spitter, Archangel is back with another project, M.U.S.I.C (Man U Saw It Comin’).

From the rip, M.U.S.I.C is different: all of the songs are just named after the roman numerals they represent, but in reverse order. Confusing, maybe. Creative, definitely. It adds to the idea of the project as a complete, full body of work in the sub-conscience of the listener.

Archangel is nothing like you’d figure an “up-and-coming” Memphis rapper, but everything you the city needs; dynamic. His unique delivery is standout but not off-putting. He’s always whisper-yelling like Owen Wilson.

Speaking of “The Land”, a clear-cut runner for a single run is “VI“. On it, Archangel pays homage to the city he’s from, equipped with the classic “yeah, hoe” ad-lib and insider’s like “from the bay to the mound”. Over syrupy production by Spektacular and Dat Boi Sin, Arch even shows some soulful crooning chops on the song’s last verse.

The album starts off about as Hip-Hop as you can get, with chopped samples and references to Rap greats from KRS-One to Geto Boys to Black Rob. Props to mixing engineer, Terrell Rutherford. Hard to picture this mixed better. Anyway…

Terrence Love delivers a powerful vocal performance on “X“, as Archangel breaks down his real-life; 2 children to live for, wanting a wife and his own friends plotting to take his life. The thunder sound effects add to the atmosphere as he details “I used to feel invincible/Now I just feel invisible“.

The most heartfelt track, “IX“, follows. Tales of survival sandwich the provocative preaching by Phatmak about demonizing drud-dealers, at the track’s middle-point. The organs and progressions provided by Young Quota is the perfect backdrop for this visual track.

“V” is a message-driven track with a gospel-esque soundscape, featuring a story not often told; a man who was lied on in a domestic situation. “III” is an almost instant-classic crew cut. It’s reminiscent of ASAP Rocky‘s “1Train“. Every verse holds its own, including a surprise a mostly spanish 16-bar ending.

For the missteps: the album’s back stretch may be a little too sexy. Terrence Love does once again hold it down on “II” but if the album would’ve ending at 10 tracks, it would have been less colorful but more effective. It’s like Archangel knew he was up by 30 points, and took the fourth quarter off.

Also, M.U.S.I.C, while semi-cohesive sonically, doesn’t come together thematically. It’s not exactly a playlist or mixtape feel, but a loosely envisioned LP. If the goal was to have more hits than misses over 12-tracks, mission accomplished. If the goal was to have himself seen in a particular light, as a takeaway, not quite.

Overall, Archangel shows that stylistically he’s in his own league. There is no one who comprises so many elements from traditional Hip-Hop, Southern influences and R&B and melts them down into a palatable entrée. Archangel, as well as his M.U.S.I.C are in their own lane.

FULL CREDITS & TRACKLIST:

XII – prod ADG ft DJ Jedy
XI – prod. Trizz ft Harley and Uno DaCity
X – prod Trizz ft Terrance Henderson
IX – prod Young Quota ft Phatmak
VIII – prod LC ft NoSoda
VII – prod Billionaire Boyscout
VI – prod Spektacular and Dat Boi Sin
V – prod Bukoh ft D’Vonna Taylor
IV – prod J-Nickel ft. Moss Dabeast Mack
III – prod Raw Heatz ft K-i, Scholar, PromiseTMG, and Xenos
II – prod SteakSawse901 ft Terrance Love
I – prod Claws ft P. M.RnB and Briana Micah

X keys addition Andrew Myle Crutcher
IV organ and guitar additions Dan Spiffy Neuman

Engineers Bryan Hawkins Jeremy Karch Joshua Jacob Yella
Mixing engineer Terrell Rutherford
Graphics Antonio Jones

G-HOLY.COM, 2022.