Awol One

While the cover of Selftitled, Awol One’s seventh album in three years, is an obvious play on Biggie’s Ready To Die, it’s difficult not to notice how perfect it would have been for Speakerface. However, Selftitled is more like Rebirth, a collection of songs with different producers and a less unified theme or focus rather than the one-producer collaborations that have turned out his best albums. Still, it’s the same ol’ Awolrus: snatches of depression, hilarious images, surreal punch lines, and his snail-paced raspy rap. Lending vocal support are Circus and 2Mex, both near-ubiquitous Awol guests. However, for the best in guest appearances, look to "Gagbuster,” a sequel of sorts to "Korn Bizkit,” this time with Dr. Lewd, 2Mex, Circus and the Weather (aka Busdriver and Radioinactive). Transducer, likely a huge fan of steel drums, puts in the most work as producer, often giving Awol the opportunity to reach for the greatest extremes. Evidence brings heat with "Make,” a violin-filled anthem, while Kutmaster Kurt sets Awol up for an uplifting sing-along with a whole lot of cello. Previous collaborators also return: Mike Nardone offers up the beat for "Grow,” a song that could have easily been pulled from the same sessions that resulted in Speakerface, and OMID offers "Memowrecks,” a slightly industrial ode to cassette tapes. It’s also worth noting that "Fears,” produced by L.A. JAE, sounds like a direct descendent of "Farmers’ Market of the Beast.” Selftitled probably won’t change anyone’s opinion of Awol One, but it is another worthy addition to his canon.