OFFLINE

Album review

In typical JPEGMafia style, this new release is pure brilliance. Offline!, is a five-track EP where glitchy tones gracefully intermingle with choppy, superimposed samples. Just like J Dilla used to do, the New York rapper and producer has fun tearing up the Black music catalogue to create a whole new universe, one that’s completely his own. He’s not afraid to experiment and always seems to hit the mark. Among the oddities in this EP, he revisits the famous sample of Stan Getz’s Saudade Vem Correndo in DIKEMBE!, and utilises precise, heavy rhythms on HAZARD DUTY PAIN!. All of this comes without warning, as if he wants to remind us that his roots are still firmly planted in hip-hop. The track UNTITLED adds a touch of darkness to an otherwise bright EP. Meanwhile, GOD DON’T LIKE UGLY! proves that JPEGMafia is one hell of a lyricist, capable of hardcore rap. He’s not afraid to try anything, and that’s what everyone loves about him. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz