Atlanta-based artist RodThaGreat has shared his new EP, Dark Nights of the Soul. Rod is a member of the TR4G3DY collective and is currently unsigned. According to Rod, the EP’s six tracks are about “a phase in spiritual/internal development and a yearn for the true meaning of life. In addition, it’s about realizing that the things we tend to focus on aren’t nearly as important as we think.”
Rod spits some triplets, Migos-style, but it’s the quieter moments of the EP that reveal something special. He combines introspective lyrics with melancholy piano runs and pulsating drum machines and high-hats. “Conflicted” features a trappy beat, with keyboards providing the main line of melody. “Twin Flame” features FlowDa4, and seems like a track from a lost PM Dawn album, with harder edged drums. On “Ego,” the piano floats in and out, adding a meditative tone to the song. “Windows,” the last cut on the EP, includes the most lush music on the album, with keyboard washes and strumming, reverbed guitars.
Favorite Tracks: “Broken Mirrors.” “Ego.” “Windows.”
Cop or Not Cop: Most definitely cop. Somebody sign this dude!
RIYL: Lucki, Akai Solo, Obijuan, Kahlil Blu. MESSIAH!. Dark Nights of the Soul fits comfortably within the current abstract rap movement. It combines a pinch of Dirty South seasoning, with woozy, lo-fi accents. RodThaGreat spits with confidence, and his flow suits the beats.
