Paris based rapper and poet Don HardRisk writes a style of conscious, rhythm and flow driven hip-hop reminiscent of the genre’s golden age in the 90s but interspersed with the vocal tunings and effects of modern hip-hop artists. Combining the lyrical dexterity of conscious and punchy bars alongside the bouncy and gritty old-school production, you start to feel that HardRisk is walking down one lane before the chorus on ‘Calculated Risk’ starts to swerve towards another style altogether. He isn’t afraid to utilise auto-tune effects, making the resulting mixture a blend of the old and new in an exceptionally interesting and exciting way.
The 13th Apostle EP is constantly innovating, hustling, and highlighting life experiences of the artist behind it. It’s a gritty record, loaded with beats that emphasize lyricism and narrative above else. There’s almost a sinister, street rap energy that HardRisk delves into on the tracks. But simultaneously, his decision to frequently adopt production styles that are more modern and ethereal makes the end product something wholly unique. He’s got a story to tell, and across this lengthy extended play of an album, almost any hip-hop fan is bound to find a few tracks to repeat for a while after.
It’s strange to find a hip-hop album as diverse and eclectic as 13th Apostle, but still clinging to some roots. It’s absolutely honest throughout, intimately relaying lyricism that speaks to HardRisk’s own expression and upbringings. A statement record that’s more of a jukebox than a lengthy record.