Few hip-hop albums start as uniquely as ‘Probiotics’. The sophomore album from NickyP is a broad based collection of hip-hop blending with r&b that is equal parts punchy and smooth. NickyP’s been a student of the game for years, sitting in studios and picking up the craft and honing his own creative processes through a learning based on imbibing the world around him. Entirely self taught, his second album showcases the full gambit of NickyP’s talent — a myriad of flows, singing styles, and beats. Far from monotone, NickyP cares more about being his own melting pot that sticking to a singular delivery. Diversity is king, and he’s the prince of it all.
From the more upbeat and summery vibes of ‘Keep It Live’, he takes the album to a darker and more mellowed state on ‘On One’. While the former seems like a bop to dance to in summer, the latter is a more prototypical trap song that’s meant for a late night ride or club. Highlights on the album for me come in tracks like ‘Beep, Beep’, an immensely addictive and infectious piece of melodic rap that has you bumping that chorus in your head over and over again till its firmly imprinted into your everyday. There’s also more mellow and humbling pieces like ‘Coming Home’ on this record. The guitar driven beat lends for a much more tranquil and sombre piece. His intonation on this closing track serves as a fittingly cathartic closure. If you’re an NBA fan, maybe ‘Hooping in the Bubble’ is going to pique your interest with a flow and chorus that’s irresistibly smooth.
The up and coming hip-hop artist has clearly risen to the occasion on this sophomore project. With far more sonic inspirations and diverse song structures, ‘ProBioTics is a bop from back to front. Check it out now and let your mood guide you to the tracks that fit.