Life Cycles is a powerful journey through the ebb and flow of existence, as told through the skilled verses of Nord1kone, the expert production of Mike Flips, and the masterful boom bap beats of Seize. This collaborative effort weaves a captivating narrative that celebrates life’s various facets, from its inception to its inevitable renewal.
“The Business of Life” – The album kicks off with a head-nodding rhythm and fun samples (Robin Leach?) that set the stage for what’s to come. The sharp wordplay grabs your attention, and Mike Flips’ production provides a solid foundation for what’s about to come.
“Lows and Highs” – Here, the trio delves into the rollercoaster of life, where struggles and triumphs coexist. The track’s dynamic beat mirrors the unpredictable nature of life itself. We see what Nord1kone is capable of, and the bar is set high. Incredibly catchy chorus of “Knuckles up in between the lows and highs” will stick with you all day.
“Better Days feat. El Da Sensei” – Nord1kone’s optimism shines through in this track, reminding us that amidst adversity, hope for brighter times persists. Seize’s tasty production complements the message perfectly and the addition of El Da Sensai makes this an obvious choice for a single. Definitely a highlight of the album and as strong as it it positive.
“Life Cycles” – The titular track is a standout, as it encapsulates the album’s overarching theme. Nord1kone’s introspective verses, combined with Mike Flips’ poignant samples, create a deeply contemplative atmosphere. They manage to slow things down a bit while never losing the intensity. Impressive. Four songs in and I’m sold.
“Underdog Vibe” – This track is an anthem for resilience and determination. Seize’s production is both soulful and motivating, making it an instant favorite with an old-school vibe.
“Display a New Sound – Interlude” – A brief respite, this interlude showcases the trio’s artistic range and paves the way for the album’s second half. Jazzy and smooth, it makes me want to get a peek at their vinyl collection.
“Knock Knock” – A darker track that emphasizes the struggle to succeed, with Nord1kone’s gritty delivery and Mike Flips’ edgy production. Tasty production (reminiscent of The Avalanches) and just the right amount of explicit words…used for emphasis instead of shock.
“Max With The Illest” – A collaboration that brings out the best in all three artists. The flow is seamless, and the production is a testament to Mike Flips’ expertise. Top notch.
“Throw Em Further” – This track explores the impact of our actions and decisions on our life’s trajectory and the value of keeping your eye on the prize. Seize’s beats maintain a steady pace that mirrors life’s consistent march forward.
“Path of the Poet” – Nord1kone’s storytelling abilities shine on this track, painting vivid pictures with his words. Mike Flips’ production adds depth to the narrative. The longest track on the album, it ends with an instrumental section but not a moment of it is wasted or self-indulgent. Solid beat, strong verses and catchy hooks. What more could you ask for?
“Flow State (feat. The I.M.F.)” – An introspective journey into the artist’s background, with Mike Flips’ tasty MPC-driven beats providing a hypnotic backdrop, a perfect platform for The I.M.F. to add his signature style.
“All Over Again” – Starting off with some perfectly curated samples, the album’s closing track beautifully encapsulates the cyclical nature of life. Mike Flips and Seize’s soothing production leaves a lasting impression as we reach to press play again and repeat the cycle.
Life Cycles isn’t just an album; it’s a profound reflection on existence itself. The collaboration between Nord1kone, Mike Flips, and Seize has resulted in a cohesive, thought-provoking project that explores life’s complexities. With each track, the listener is taken deeper into the journey, ultimately realizing that life’s cycles are a mirror of our own experiences. This album is a testament to the enduring power of boom bap hip hop and the creativity of these talented artists. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking music with substance and soul. Very highly recommended, and look for this album to appear on a number of “best of” lists for 2023. Refreshingly intelligent and extremely clever. These guys have a strong message, and it’s worth listening to, again and again.
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