Album Review: Asad Ill & Solace: "The Contract"
Lyrical firestarter Asad Ill returns with another feast for the ears. “The Contract” finds Asad over production provided by Solace, a talented LA beatmaker whose jazzy beats compliment Asad’s flow superbly. Although they’ve known each other for a while, this is their first collaboration together—Solace stating that the project came to be after he sent Asad a beat pack. The chemistry is apparent and welcome. The project is mostly downtempo, lowkey jazzy beats with Asad and others upping the ante in terms of raps.
At its core, the project revolves around navigating unruly spaces and keeping your head on your shoulders. Ugly reminders of what the streets can offer you vs the struggles of a working artist as he betters himself and his community. Asad also takes time to show off his pen skills on tracks like “Back Door” and “Stay Well.”
As a whole, the project is a perfect spring album, combining sunny soundscapes and floaty lyrics akin to cumulus clouds, the outcome sounds almost effortless for both parties. This being their first project just makes me want to look forward to what they’ll be releasing next. Lastly, the album is intercut with clips from the film, “The Man Who Would Become King”, a very apt title for the story of the young rapper.
“The Contract” is exclusively available for purchase/streaming on bandcamp.com and will be available on worldwide streaming sites on Feb 23rd.