A fully fledged collaborative effort, Ego.0ff’s fourth full length release sees him work in tandem with Maryland base rapper MVO Rell. There’s a marked return to the roots on this project, a combination of different styles that basks in the fundamentals of hip-hop with a strong emphasis on boom-bap and more. But there’s also an appreciation and an incorporation of modern trap elements that make for an interesting interplay between the old and new. The opening piece, and titular track, sees a hard-hitting verse mix with a mellifluously melodic chorus.
Immediately the vibe changes to a much more menacing and pulsating energy on ‘Nothing to Prove’. There’s a confidence, an imposing verse that contrasts the more subtle and melodic beat. ‘Top of the Mountain’ sees a unique sample being used (‘Dancing’ by Aaron Smith if I’m not wrong) with the rap being a defiant and intense declaration of being on top of the game. The interplay between each verse and Ego.0ff alongside Mvo Rell is the real highlight throughout this record. On no other track does their trading of bars work as well and as addictively as on Top of the Mountain.
One of my favourite hip-hop records of this year, ‘the Apprentice’ sees two rappers at the top of their game trading bars like it’s childs play.