Awol One & Factor

Awol One still hasn’t topped Souldoubt but this collaboration with Prairies producer Factor may be his most accessible work yet. Whether up-tempo or down, Factor keeps things pretty smooth, with the exception of the funky, minimal, old school-influenced beat for "Smokin Coffee.” It’s the type of song I like to hear Awol on, and not the type of production Factor is wont to make, which is why I was a little anxious about this collaborative effort. However, Awol’s pack-a-day voice and singsong flow are a perfect match, so much so that guest appearances from Mascaria, Gel Roc, Ominous, Big Bear, 40Ounce, Royal-T and Matre are completely unnecessary (but not unwanted). Fellow Shapeshifter Matre even rips up "One More Time,” lisp and all. And the two posse cuts ("Digital Angel” and "Woke Up”) are fun, nonetheless. Awol also shows restraint with less rambling and more song structure. Only Death should appeal to a wider audience and songs like album closer "Only Death” might bring Awol a horde of emo indie rock fans.