New York emcee and producer Bishop Nehru self-produced his third record. At first, he released only a few rhythm tapes, then rose to prominence with his debut mixtape Nehruvia, until 2014, when he signed to Mass Appeal Records to form the duo NehruvianDOOM with the late MF DOOM and presented a A neglected self, his popularity only began to grow. A few years later, Bishy left Mass Appeal and went on to create two full-lengths on his own, “Elevator” and “My Neglected Thoughts,” both of which I consider to be some of the best work he’s ever done. He has also released 7 EPs and 5 additional mixtapes, the most recent being Kult Life: From Pain to Paintings. From November onwards, however, Nehru sought solace in the shadows.
“Seeking Comfort” is a heavy sample-driven opener about Bishy Chulo looking for comfort, while “I Don’t Know” lovingly promises that even if he doesn’t know if the vision is being seen, he’ll make it all happen his. “Been So Cold” takes a booming rhythm route and deftly showcases his time in the game killing shit, until “Defying Odds” keeps the kick and snare intact, sitting in the hallways for a few days before landing On stage.
Meanwhile, on “Vanilla Frosting,” we have Nehru sampling the woodwinds and taking a 135-second break on the mic so he can show off his skills before “Breaking the Rules” talks about trying to take it to the next level. Inverting the famous woodwind sampler’s bagpipe and later hardcore “Rap Leonardo da Vinci (So Please)” showcases his artistry. “I Don’t Care” boasts that he’s following an unclear path, but then the droning “Good Thing I Know” promises that if you meet him, you’ll never come back.
“Mr. Pessimistic” kicks off the encore of “Solace in Shadows,” acknowledging that life is crazier than a Tesla in the fast lane, while the orchestral, booming rhythm hybrid of “Look Within” tells you how to make a difference in the world outside. “Care about things” further explains it as the only thing that truly matters, while “it’s all in plan” provides an affectionate reassurance of God’s plan. The end of “The Best of Me” talks about giving everyone the best of themselves.
I did enjoy the first album in the Kult Life series of EPs, and a few months later Bishop outdid themselves with an album that lived up to the previous releases. Produced by himself, this production goes further than the previously mentioned EP we got from him in early 2024, conceptually taking us through his experience of finding solace in the shadows.
Score: 8/10
