Heard about the industry-plant theory concerning the mysterious label behind both Trippie Redd & 6ix9ine? It's weird, look into it, but don't let that deter you from paying attention to the Ohio/internet sing-rap phenomenon. After racking up crazy streaming numbers/views/IG following with the help of songs like "Love Scars" and "Poles1469," Trippie drops his studio debut, LIFE'S A TRIP. The album is a mixbag of influences, as the red-dreaded artist screams, spits, and croons through 14 tracks, and despite the chaotic musical make-up, there is a central energy/vibe that gives coherence to the 14-tracker. Call it angst, pain, love, woe, or maybe an explosive mix of all those emotions—what Trippie does stands out from his contemporaries. Check out the super melodic Travis Scott collab "Dark Knight Dummo," or the stripped down, guitar-aided ballads "Underwater FlyZone" and "Together." "Shake It Up," and "BANG!" are the obvious picks for the club (on that not-so-high-energy-but-people-still-request tip), and Trippie the rapper really comes through on "Missing My Idols."

• yellow & red split vinyl
• music label: TenThousand Projects 2018

reviwed by pocari papi 12/18