Grand Analog

On Metropolis is Burning, Grand Analog bring together a diverse array of influences, ranging from psychedelic rock to reggae, but still manage to produce an album that is straight-up head nodding hip-hop. On opening cut "I Play My Kazoo," MC Odario Williams recounts a conversation with his father over a Hendrix-like guitar riff. "Take it Slow" is an unhurried, sultry, spacious reggae jam that has Williams both rapping and singing the hook. "Stir Crazy" is classic boom-bap hip-hop, full of tight snares and slinky synth riffs. If there's one standout track on Metropolis it's "Light So Bright," an electro-influenced collaboration with Cadence Weapon. Williams's laidback flow contrasts perfectly with Cadence's hyped-up, polysyllabic rhymes. In an era where genre-blending hip-hop is most commonly associated with rappers who dream of being wanky rock stars and awkward collaborations it's a welcome relief to hear an act that can draw from diverse sources while still staying true.