This is the third full-length studio record from Milwaukee, Wisconsin emcee/producer BLAX. He rose to prominence in 2012 with his debut mixtape BLAX x Life x Files, followed by his debut EP Archangels and debut album Be Well, and he temporarily extended his presence to second album Dedicated and second EP Found. ‘s nickname was changed to Armstrong Ransome, and then returned to the BLAX nickname. Fast forward to the latter just 5 months later and here BLAXPLOITATION caught my attention and I gave it a try.
“Dark Fronto” is a homemade psychedelic boom opener that tells his baby girl to come quickly with the titular tobacco leaf and take it where she wants it, while “Blessed” takes the trap route, cleverly He expresses his gratitude for where he is in his current life and refuses to rest. “Ballerina” has a bit of a lo-fi vibe, letting all these assholes dance here, while the title track talks lovingly about how his soul is made of gold.
The reverse sample on “Lil Boosie (Set It Off)” is a heady style reference to a highlight from his third album, albeit a major-label debut Badazz that led to “Teenager” “Working on bass drum, snare drum and luxurious piano, talks about how we are all lost in search of a savior because everyone in this land is a sinner with blood on their hands. “Interpretation of Dreams” is the single An excellent choice, it highlights BLAX’s unique talent by combining clever samples with introspective storytelling.
“On My Soul” further pushes the final leg of BLAXPLOITATION in a jazzier direction, heading to the beach and talking about freeing his soul, while “Magician” keeps the sound mellower, generally talking about living big and bold, but It sounds unfinished, especially since he could have written one more verse instead of letting the instrumentation fade away in the second half. “Intelligent Beings” closes the album, oddly asking what the world is all about.
BLAXPLOITATION delivers a rich blend of beats that elevate its timeless appeal with compelling storytelling and captivating charm, delivering on its promise of ongoing replay value and becoming an outstanding addition to hip-hop and its discography. It captures the essence of classic hip-hop while infusing it with modern twists, ensuring it resonates with long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Score: 8/10
