Richmond, California is the home of emcee Locksmith, and he has joined forces with New York production duo The Heatmakerz to release his seventh studio LP. You may know him from his Ski Beatz-produced debut album Embedded or its follow-up 1,000 Cuts. While I was growing up, his project Lofty Goals was also in the mix. When he later dropped the EP No Question with Apollo Brown under Mello Music Group, it was clear: this dude has skills and constant drive for quality.
Now, looking at the singles leading into his latest work, Wine & Circus, it seemed he would finally recapture that old magic. The iconic chipmunk soul style with which Rrsonist created a furor early in the 2000s shines through in the intro. Here former Frontline member welcomes us to “The Greatest Show on Earth,” while “Death by Temptation” with a boom bap beat and a gospel sample addresses the issues of honest dudes being demonetized now.
“Culture” featuring Styles P is a fat middle finger to the flawed two-party system, a subject many would rather keep quiet about. And right before the optimistic track “Beautiful Day,” which celebrates how great it is to be alive.
Joell Ortiz jumps on the soulful boom bap single “Closed Caption” and sends a pithy message to those who put their names up for grabs: sorry, but it's too late for apologies. Next, the drumless “Cons & Prose” dives into a more deliberate lyric layer. The follow-up to “America” takes it a step further, describing the political storm of the last five years. This is particularly relevant given the tragic shooting that killed Charlie Kirk, a character recently parodied in South Park.
“Under Pressure” delves deeper into the themes of Wine & Circus, taking on people who, because of their position of power, are blind to their own problems. The title track emphasizes that no one can harm you if you know your own worth. Mysonne closes the record with “Culture 2,” a sequel that continues the original vibe of political lyricism without drums.
For nearly 15 years, I've noticed that Locksmith is at his best when working with a single producer, as with No Questions or even Embedded. Wine & Circus is simply next level salty and will long be hailed as one of his best works, perhaps the best. The Heatmakerz' sample-heavy sound is like a breeze of fresh air and the wise words of this Bay Area-lyricist grab all the harder after recent events.
Score: 9/10
Don't know enough yet? Then stay up-to-date by checking our weekly news bulletin full of exclusive content, news and events, especially to your inbox!
By everything you feel the passion for hip-hop, from Detroit I shake your hand. We breathe this culture, because music is our life.
#hhz #houhetzout #hiphop #locksmith #hiphopalbum #rapmusic #newrelease
