Cryptyc - LO-FLO’S
Underground rapper Cryptyc delivers his debut album “LO-FLO’S”, which entails an hour of music entirely produced by Nigerian artist Fortis Frey. The intro is reminiscent of XXXTENTACION’s intros, in that its Cryptyc talking, venting while reaching for connection.
Starting strong with “Ink is an Antidote”, a soft piano melody drum beat perfect to be used for Cryptyc’s self evaluation akin to NF. Smoothly transitioning into a second piano beat comes the gloomy confession in “A Crying Insect” where Cryptyc uses poetic bug themed lyrics to describe his self worth.
The third track is “Trip to Heaven”, continuing the venting vibes of the previous songs, however with a more hopeful element in the perspective. As if to mirror the change of focus from on Cryptyc’s inner monologue to his relationships, the instrumental changes in the fourth track. On “Chunibyo & Other Delusions” a light hearted beat plays while Cryptyc laments about a lost love.
Continuing the lyrics of romantic woes, “Sorry I Love You” describes adoration for a past lover. Both “Sorry I Love You” and the following track “Starry Night” have piano keys in the melody. “Starry Night” recycles back into similar themes of the first few tracks. The eighth track “Stalling” has record scratching in the instrumental retaining energy from classic boom-bap meanwhile Cryptyc delivers unrated lyrics of graphic intimacies.
Following the slow rise in energy comes “Farewell”, an upbeat rap song about lover’s remorse after the moments over. The jazzy blues vibes instrumental plays next in the song “False Dreams”. One of the highlights on the 19 song album, “False Dreams” touches on self harm, depression, disconnection from religion, and relationship troubles.
The happy light hearted instrumental in “Dreams of Smile” is paired with Cryptyc’s conversational vocal delivery and cloudy hook melody. The following track “L.I.M.E.” is the second direct self evaluation on the project where Cryptyc raps about the complex internal conflict he feels.
Thirty seconds pass as the pallet cleanser interlude plays resetting the listener. “Is it Talk?” shows Cryptyc directly addressing music while simultaneously flexing. Another highlight on the album is the 15th song “They Call Me”. Reminiscent of ICP, the hook on “They Call Me” is experimental compared to previous songs. The delivery of “They Call Me” fits perfectly for the track against his in your face blunt lyrics approach in the verses.
Another underground rapper who Cryptyc’s occasional vocal delivery brings to mind is Chris Webby, especially in “Cursed Mind”. A moment of acceptance for the rot of growth is felt in the second to last song “Light Tones Dark Themes”. The outro track is akin to the intro where Cryptyc talks for a moment thanking the listener. Finally the dessert of the album is the upbeat bonus track “Violet Flames”.
If you enjoyed, “LO-FLO’S”, check out deadEGO’s official Spotify playlist, EVERY song reviewed gets added to this playlist with the most recent review being the top song. (Only one song picked from album reviews).
