Kyle Rapps’ new EP Surf Tape is an East Coast lyrical masterclass riding the West Coast production wave. The six tracks of the project are fully produced by legendary Dan Automator, blending Automator’s signature textured landscape with the relaxed, thriving bap flow of Rapps. The atmosphere was immediately established, creating a hazy, sunny boardwalk atmosphere that was both nostalgic and fresh. Energy is strongly boosted on the second track, “Walking on the Surf,” with underground heavyweight Jerron Benton stepping in and exchanging the bubbling bar with Rapps to show off pure, pure rap, which was the highlight of the early days.
When visiting Los Angeles on the Deltron 3030 Tour, it was clear that the collaborative spirit of the era had been fully guided in this EP. Automator’s production provides the perfect foundation for Rapps’ distinct storytelling and clever word games, a partnership that passes by and is high. The EP ended in an incredibly high profile with “Black Bodhizafah” featuring Contamenal Coast Contra, which brings their trademark collaborative energy and complex rhyme programs to the track. Surfing tape is more than just a song. It was a complete and satisfying listening, demonstrating the powerful chemistry between underground MC and visionary producers.
Score: 8/10
