P_NEDA : Lotus
P_NEDA
Lotus
UGLY BOYS rapper and producer P_NEDA returns a near fully formed artist on his latest EP Persephone’s Garden. Traces of BROCKHAMPTON and Cherry Bomb era Tyler the Creator’s influence appear throughout and are apparent on the EP’s solid singles, such as Sidekick -boasting impeccable trap beats that incorporate lounging guitar samples, tasty 808s and creative production choices, alongside a catchy hook and assured flows.
Opening track Lotus is a standout on Persephone’s Garden, showcasing P_NEDA’s versatility both as a rapper and producer. Its percussive-focused approach to beatmaking combined with scant thumping 808 bass hits makes the track hard-hitting and driving in contrast to the more sensitive and introspective nature present on most of Persephone’s Garden. The track’s percussive elements are akin to the original mix of Run The Jewel’s Panther Like a Panther, though slightly more laid back in comparison. What sounds like old-school soul vocals are sampled as well but modulated and pitched, recontextualizing them to sound like something tribal, which compliments the rest of the track. P_NEDA switches it up at the end of the track with a heartfelt and melodic outro, with gorgeous piano chords leading the way before reintroducing the percussive elements on the track in a subversive manner.
Lotus also features a killer hook (“Making all the change like a synonym/ They dont even know bout my middle name/ Focus, dont blink/ Lotus, how I'm floating”) and witty lyricism and references (“Gold plaque bronze bust/ They whoopi goldberg while we more like goldust/ Rap game Bernie Sanders - not me, but us,” or “Shit internet, how I'm b-b-b-buffering/ Like the king's speech, chop it up no st-st-st-stuttering, huh”) that keep the track engaging through and through
Despite leaning strongly on his influences, Persephone’s Garden definitely establishes P_NEDA as having his own strong voice and identity within Singaporean rap, and it’s heartening to see yet another hip-hop artist bring his own fresh and distinct sound to the table.
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