Frankie Goldie, frontman of Las Vegas, Nevada-based group Swamp Society and duo Gloom Unit, has released his debut full-length album with Acetone Boogie. He’s been establishing himself as an artist in the underground evil shit scene for about a year and a half now, whether it’s 7 solo singles or the Devereaux-produced Gloom Unit debut EP Come Heavy, which arrived on New Year’s Day to a record label reception. Highly welcome. But after teasing next week’s episode of Vegas Winter: Jugg Motivation 101, Frankie decided to make Christmas come early.
After the “JM101” intro, the first track “CAKEWALK” begins with Devereaux, who produced the entire LP, playing with strings, bells, and hi-hats, talking about throwing money around a circle, like a séance, while The lead single “RAWKZOFF” is played instrumentally. Gave me a little Memphis rap vibe (i.e. one of my favorite bands Three 6 Mafia) to vent his emotions. In “CODE BLACK,” starring Donnie Menace, the two chat about cold-blooded killers over a morbid trap beat, but then “Rollie” gleefully lets everyone know it’s time.
“CAVIAR DREAMS” starring Darby O’Trill was a jazz/trap fusion, just before “BRIXINDASAFE” refused to do somber vibes by sticking to its own formula, which made him so much money. “KATANA” featuring Kold-Blooded returns to a darker trap sound that looks like slitting a neck with the titular sword, while “Lemon Drizzle” is a fun club song about drinking Drinking dirty Gatorade and not caring what the haters have to say. Another standout “BULLETPROOF COUPE” showcases Faygo and Gray Goose’s mixed aggression and tips the digital scales on them before the 6-minute BIGMANEONDABLOCK fuses trap, jazz-rap and soul so he can count himself ’s numbers.
Vegas Winter: Jugg Motivation 101, like Come Heavy, is living proof that the Swamp Society is a force to be reckoned with in the underground, except JM101 will give you a better understanding of who Frankie is both artistically and personally. Showcasing his influences from Insane Clown Posse & Esham to Triple 6 Mafia, Jeezy, Future and Lil Ugly Mane, he continues to evolve on top of Devereaux as a producer, incorporating influences from jazz, soul and the Memphis scene. His signature trap sound is here.
Rating: 9/10
