Recommended tracks: “Alpenflage” “Toronto Zoo” (ft. James Baley)
Artists you might like: MF DOOM, Freddie Gibbs, The Alchemist
Canadian rapper, author, and producer Cadence Weapon teams up with producer Junia-T for Forager, released last Friday. It’s a record tailored to both old and new sounds in an age of technological advancements while staying all-natural for an authentic sound true to his artistry.
The album opens up with “Honus,” a conscious hip-hop track layered in lo-fi and jazz rap production. The lyrics delve into how fashion and the music industry intertwine metaphorically and change over time.
“Alpenflage” opens with a snazzy bassline backed by Cadence’s freestyle, going on a tear while making a reference to former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. “Yves Klein Blue,” on the other hand, features a gritty, old-school hip-hop beat detailing his rap game while alluding to current events through his verbose lyrics.
“Toronto Zoo” featuring James Baley is a standout track on the album. It is a nod to the Toronto Zoo, a popular Toronto attraction located in Scarborough, a borough in the city’s East End. It is part narrative and part spoken-word, featuring braggadocio lyrics addressing hype, fame, and swag with a hint of Toronto slang. A background chorus and jazz rap instrumentation fill out the song.
“Niagara Region” refers to a geographic region in Ontario. The track delves into the experience of shopping at a vintage clothing store, detailing the texture of the fabric. Cadence name-checks iconic film director Stanley Kubrick and fictional characterWalter White over a gritty beat.
Overall, Cadence Weapon’s Forager is a commentary on the thrift shopping habits of the millennial and Gen Z generation. He confronts how fast fashion is taking a toll on the environment over an old-school hip-hop flow that’ll stream right into your consciousness. We highly recommend giving it a listen.
You can listen to Forager here.
Keep up with Cadence Weapon: Facebook // Instagram // X // YouTube // Website // Bandcamp
