Kool A.D. // The Palm Wine Drinkard

An eclectic solo effort from my favorite Das Racist MC contains the wit you would expect from any DR release, but with much more diversity beat-wise. Said eclecticism almost justifies the claim in track two’s opening lines: “Bitch, I’m James Murphy.” “Fun” even sounds like something you’d find on an LCD b-side and “Antenna Man’s Theme” is an LSD infused tour through Ariel Pink’s discography before being reduced to a wandering, spacey sax solo. “Eight Elvises” is an emotive R&B sampling piece of instrumental hip-hop that gives this collection of songs, which contains a track with a chorus consisting of “PUT YO BOOTIES IN THE AIR,” some much needed heart. The only shortcoming comes with the aforementioned track, which is perhaps a piece of satire that isn’t quite hitting with me. This is undeniably more than just a rap mixtape, rather a promising producer and MC toying with the various influences from the likes of disco, microhouse, R&B, free jazz, and bedroom pop. He wears said influences on his sleeve; at times these become mere replications rather than his own reincarnations. So no, Kool AD, you are not James Murphy, but it was great to hear you try.

Download it for free here.