If you've been listening to Toronto's hip-hop scene, Raz Fresco is a name you can't miss. This emcee/producer from Ontario has thrown a lot of salt in the pot over the past few years with an impressive discography. It looks like he is already dropping his 17th studio album. From his college days to now, his vibes in the game are unmissable. Whether it's his "Magneto Was Right" mixtape series, the "Gorgeous Polo Sportsmen" album with Futurewave, or the raw beats on "The Eternal Now" with DJ Muggs, Raz continues to drop consistently tasty tracks.
This time Futurewave returns to shake things up with 'Stadium Lo Champions' along with Raz. The album opens with 'Mind Light,' a chill boom bap track that perfectly describes how Raz shines day and night. He then goes all in on 'Ok Let's Go' to let it be known that he is ready to conquer the stage. With "Tesla Tower Power," Raz drops the drums and paints the picture of a cold-hearted Canadian.
A real standout is "Steve Austin" where Daniel Son stops by to pay tribute to the WWE legend. The track takes you back to the days of the hall-of-famer, all at a batting pace. On 'Lauren Story,' Raz paints you a vivid picture of an encounter with a lady named Lauren; the vibe is mellow and the vibraphones add just the right touch.
Moving on, we have "Earth Spin" featuring Gritfall and Sonnyjim. This track is pure fire, and the three MCs turn the spotlight on people who think the world only revolves around them. 'Olympic Flame' has Raz reflecting on the bigger choices in life: are you working for the devil or for good?
"What's the Word?" also stands out with its jazzy boom bap feel as Raz checks in on how his people are doing. 'Alpaca,' a collaboration with al.divino and Estee Nack, is all about claiming your due, and that over an instrumental so salty, you immediately want to play along.
Toward the end, "In My Lifetime" reaches a personal high point. This lo-fi boom bap joint showcases all that Raz has been through, taking you on his journey. 'Lo Champion' closes out the album, but not without a final message on 'Sam Never Was My Uncle,' where Raz comments on the American situation, without beating about the bush.
Raz Fresco and Futurewave have once again managed to capture the zeitgeist, with production ranging from boom bap to lo-fi and jazz rap. They set an evolution from their previous collaboration "Gorgeous Polo Sportsmen" to "Stadium Lo Champions. This record is pure salt! We give it a big 9/10.
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