Albums Mach-Hommy - #RICHAXXHAITIAN (Discussion Thread)

KingsOfKings

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HAWAII
Very good writer but I have a hard time listening to him for extended periods of time. It's often difficult for me to understand what he's saying but that might be more of a mixing/mastering issue than actual voice/delivery
 

KingsOfKings

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KingsOfKings

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IronFist

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IronFist

πŸ‰β›©οΈ π•Ώπ–π–Š 𝕴𝖒𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖆𝖑 ⛩️ πŸ‰
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Iron Review


Mach-Hommy is undeniably one of the most intricate lyricists of the past decade, with his albums often serving as a canvas for complex narratives and profound thematic explorations. It's well-known that Mach prefers his lyrics not to be posted online, having famously taken action to have his Genius lyrics removed by claiming copyright on his words. Thus, this review will focus on the overarching themes and musical atmosphere of his latest album without quoting the lyrics directly.

The album kicks off with "...", instantly distinguishing Mach-Hommy's style. The opening track's instrumental is more akin to ambient music than traditional hip hop, featuring a blend of reverb-soaked guitars, organs, and flutes creating an ethereal backdrop for Mach to deliver his verses in Haitian Creole. This sets the tone for an album that defies conventional genre boundaries.

While Mach-Hommy has consistently delivered high-quality work, there's been an ongoing critique about his tendency to stick to a specific underground sound, potentially limiting the thematic expansiveness seen in his earlier works. His 2017 album, The G.A.T., is often cited as his most conceptually rich. However, #RICHAXXHAITIAN breaks this mold, offering an album that is both thematically and musically ambitious.

The second track, "ANTONOMASIA", features a lyrical spar with Roc Marciano over a thick, hazy beat, showcasing their rapid-fire delivery. "POLITickle" introduces a more progressive, psychedelic sound, with Mach using this platform for explicit political commentary. Here, he tackles issues like the use of white phosphorus in Gaza by Israel and critiques the International Monetary Fund, highlighting the socio-political burdens faced by many.

"SONJE" shifts gears with a more aggressive, percussive beat, allowing Mach to deliver some of his most intense verses, drawing inspiration from Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. "PADON" follows with its eerie, synthetic tones, serving as another battle ground for lyrical prowess alongside Tha God Fahim. "EMPTY SPACES" stands out with its ritualistic chants transitioning into a beat that feels almost reversed, providing a backdrop for some of Mach's most poignant reflections on societal attitudes and personal integrity. However, the feature by Your Old Droog on this track feels out of place, with lines that don't quite mesh with the album's overall tone.

"SUR LE PONT d'AVIGNON (Reparation #1)" reasserts the album's direction, with Mach fluidly navigating between French, English, and Arabic, discussing historical and current global injustices. "XEROX CLAT" acts as an interlude, where a conversation with Haitian Jack delves into revolutionary ideologies, specifically critiquing hypercapitalism and advocating for cultural reset akin to Pol Pot's Year Zero.

"GORGON ZOE LAN" is a brief but potent track, echoing '70s progressive music, with Mach asserting his lyrical prowess. "THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW" continues with abstract, prog-inspired sounds, highlighting the synergy between Mach's direct rapping and the instrumental's accordion samples.

The collaboration on "COPY COLD" with Black Thought is a highlight, offering a contrast to the album's reverb-laden soundscapes with a clearer, more percussive beat reminiscent of The Roots. Here, Black Thought delivers a verse that's not only one of the year's best but also touches on a wide array of personal and global issues.

The title track "#RICHAXXHAITIAN" introduces a lighter, more accessible vibe with Kaytranada's production and a guest verse from 03 Greedo, serving as a bridge for listeners new to Mach's sound. "LON LON" brings back the psychedelic elements, with Mach expressing his identity and critiquing societal lack of discipline. "SAME 24" offers a soulful interlude with its piano chords, while "GUGGENHEIM JEUNE" sees Mach in critique mode.

The album concludes with "HOLY ____", where over a lush beat by Conductor Williams, Mach reflects on maintaining sanity in a challenging world, ending on a note of hope and resilience, underscored by gospel-like imagery.

Final Thoughts

#RICHAXXHAITIAN is a dense, complex piece of hip hop artistry, demanding multiple listens to fully appreciate its layers. With 17 tracks spanning just under an hour, it's an album that pushes the boundaries of the genre, blending avant-garde with traditional elements, and never shying away from political discourse. This album not only represents Mach-Hommy's most ambitious work since The G.A.T. but also stands as a testament to what hip hop can achieve as an art form. It's multilingual, musically diverse, and deeply conscious of life's political nature. #RICHAXXHAITIAN feels like a culmination of Mach's career, a victory lap that cements his status as one of the underground scene's most innovative and respected figures.
 

LevelUp

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Iron Review


Mach-Hommy is undeniably one of the most intricate lyricists of the past decade, with his albums often serving as a canvas for complex narratives and profound thematic explorations. It's well-known that Mach prefers his lyrics not to be posted online, having famously taken action to have his Genius lyrics removed by claiming copyright on his words. Thus, this review will focus on the overarching themes and musical atmosphere of his latest album without quoting the lyrics directly.

The album kicks off with "...", instantly distinguishing Mach-Hommy's style. The opening track's instrumental is more akin to ambient music than traditional hip hop, featuring a blend of reverb-soaked guitars, organs, and flutes creating an ethereal backdrop for Mach to deliver his verses in Haitian Creole. This sets the tone for an album that defies conventional genre boundaries.

While Mach-Hommy has consistently delivered high-quality work, there's been an ongoing critique about his tendency to stick to a specific underground sound, potentially limiting the thematic expansiveness seen in his earlier works. His 2017 album, The G.A.T., is often cited as his most conceptually rich. However, #RICHAXXHAITIAN breaks this mold, offering an album that is both thematically and musically ambitious.

The second track, "ANTONOMASIA", features a lyrical spar with Roc Marciano over a thick, hazy beat, showcasing their rapid-fire delivery. "POLITickle" introduces a more progressive, psychedelic sound, with Mach using this platform for explicit political commentary. Here, he tackles issues like the use of white phosphorus in Gaza by Israel and critiques the International Monetary Fund, highlighting the socio-political burdens faced by many.

"SONJE" shifts gears with a more aggressive, percussive beat, allowing Mach to deliver some of his most intense verses, drawing inspiration from Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. "PADON" follows with its eerie, synthetic tones, serving as another battle ground for lyrical prowess alongside Tha God Fahim. "EMPTY SPACES" stands out with its ritualistic chants transitioning into a beat that feels almost reversed, providing a backdrop for some of Mach's most poignant reflections on societal attitudes and personal integrity. However, the feature by Your Old Droog on this track feels out of place, with lines that don't quite mesh with the album's overall tone.

"SUR LE PONT d'AVIGNON (Reparation #1)" reasserts the album's direction, with Mach fluidly navigating between French, English, and Arabic, discussing historical and current global injustices. "XEROX CLAT" acts as an interlude, where a conversation with Haitian Jack delves into revolutionary ideologies, specifically critiquing hypercapitalism and advocating for cultural reset akin to Pol Pot's Year Zero.

"GORGON ZOE LAN" is a brief but potent track, echoing '70s progressive music, with Mach asserting his lyrical prowess. "THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW" continues with abstract, prog-inspired sounds, highlighting the synergy between Mach's direct rapping and the instrumental's accordion samples.

The collaboration on "COPY COLD" with Black Thought is a highlight, offering a contrast to the album's reverb-laden soundscapes with a clearer, more percussive beat reminiscent of The Roots. Here, Black Thought delivers a verse that's not only one of the year's best but also touches on a wide array of personal and global issues.

The title track "#RICHAXXHAITIAN" introduces a lighter, more accessible vibe with Kaytranada's production and a guest verse from 03 Greedo, serving as a bridge for listeners new to Mach's sound. "LON LON" brings back the psychedelic elements, with Mach expressing his identity and critiquing societal lack of discipline. "SAME 24" offers a soulful interlude with its piano chords, while "GUGGENHEIM JEUNE" sees Mach in critique mode.

The album concludes with "HOLY ____", where over a lush beat by Conductor Williams, Mach reflects on maintaining sanity in a challenging world, ending on a note of hope and resilience, underscored by gospel-like imagery.

Final Thoughts

#RICHAXXHAITIAN is a dense, complex piece of hip hop artistry, demanding multiple listens to fully appreciate its layers. With 17 tracks spanning just under an hour, it's an album that pushes the boundaries of the genre, blending avant-garde with traditional elements, and never shying away from political discourse. This album not only represents Mach-Hommy's most ambitious work since The G.A.T. but also stands as a testament to what hip hop can achieve as an art form. It's multilingual, musically diverse, and deeply conscious of life's political nature. #RICHAXXHAITIAN feels like a culmination of Mach's career, a victory lap that cements his status as one of the underground scene's most innovative and respected figures.
Good review
 

KingsOfKings

🍊 𝑳𝒆𝒕'𝒔 π‘»π’‚π’π’Œ π‘΅π’–π’Žπ’ƒπ’†π’“π’” ! 🍊
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