In terms of favourites for hip-hop albums of this year, Death Grips’ brash and aggressive Money Store has been the biggest contender thus far. An album that has been a pillar of punk and primal energy, and SpaceGhostPurrp’s Mysterious Phonk seems like the natural comedown – a menacing and hazy soundtrack for late nights.
With a minimal focus on bass, the album’s production strength lies in its awesome drumbeats and chorused, reverb-drenched synths that recall 90s hip-hop. “Mystikal Maze” opens up the album with 808 drums, punctuating synths and a two-note whistled melody line. SpaceGhostPurrp’s rapping is slow and serviceable – but the album’s ability for all its elements to work together to contribute to the overall sinister feeling is more important than lyrical innovation.
Elsewhere on standout is “The Black God”, SpaceGhostPurrp chanting “I’ve got to have the world in my palms/I’m a god, I’m no longer a black man” throughout its chorus, with lonely horn and piano lines, to amazing effect. Other highlights “Paranoid” and “Don’t Give A Damn” contain stunning dissonant choruses that sound like they could have been Liquid Swords off-cuts.
This album is so consistent and cohesive that it’s perhaps easy to underrate it. Despite its misogynistic moments – or perhaps even because of it – this is a pretty eerie and disturbing experience at times, yet so thrilling and listenable. While it won’t be for everyone – one of the songs is called “Suck A Dick 2012” – for those who are open to it, Mysterious Phonk is a compelling debut from a new and singular figure in underground hip-hop. It’s haunting, menacing and lonely – but ultimately heartening in its focus and ability to own its vibe.
– Wyatt Lawton-Masi
