Albums Mutant Academy (Fly Anakin , Big Kahuna Og & Henny L.O) - Keep Holly Alive (Discussion Thread)
- Thread starter IronFist
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choc_cardigan
Squad
Where's Tuamie?
KingsOfKings
♟️ GRANDMASTERS ♟️
KingsOfKings
♟️ GRANDMASTERS ♟️
I think tuamie might be just trying to branch out he had a placement on the common pete Rock album
Damn tuamie dope though
I think its fire but tuamie and koncept added alot to the sound.
KingsOfKings
♟️ GRANDMASTERS ♟️
Mutant Academy Took 10 Years to Make Their First Album. The Wait Was Worth It
For the latest edition of our indie-rap column No Filler, we talk to Richmond, Virginia collective Mutant Academy about their new album 'Keep Holly Alive'
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KingsOfKings
♟️ GRANDMASTERS ♟️
“The pleasantries was vicious, buy the snake and wolf’s clothing We don’t touch the sheep, we got ‘em back home, protect the throne The father’s pager part still connected through the heart But the mind is razor sharp even after the flood I spot the section from deep and sip refreshments with love And they don’t know me from shyt, but got acquainted with cuz”
Mutant Academy, an underground collective based in Richmond, Virginia, has been carving out a niche for themselves over the past decade. After years of anticipation, their debut album, Keep Holly Alive, has finally seen the light of day, thanks to the support from Roc Nation Distribution. This group has undergone transformations, notably with the amicable departure of former members Koncept Jack$on and producer Tuamie, shifting the dynamic to feature more producers than emcees. However, this hasn't diluted their potency; instead, it has spotlighted the impressive abilities of rappers Fly Anakin, Big Kahuna OG, and Henny L.O., who anchor the album with their exceptional performances. Their collective dedication is clear, evidenced by the numerous solo projects each member has released over the last 9-10 years. The ensemble of producers includes underground standouts like Graymatter, Unlucky b*stards (who happens to be Graymatter's brother), Ewonee, Ohbliv, Sycho Sid, and Foisey, each bringing their unique flair to the table.
In preparation for Keep Holly Alive, Mutant Academy released a precursor EP called Talk Soon just a few months prior. This EP acts as a gentle introduction, offering fans a concise four-track glimpse into what the full album would entail, serving as an appetizer for those not ready to commit to the full 18-track journey.
Delving into the individual works of Mutant Academy's members, you'll encounter a familiar network of collaborators both on the mic and behind the boards. One of the most remarkable aspects of Keep Holly Alive is the seamless integration of sounds despite the involvement of six different producers. The album's sequencing is nothing short of masterful, ensuring each track blends into the next with fluidity. Each producer contributes their signature style while adhering to the overarching sonic theme of the project, utilizing an array of loops, samples, and crisp drum patterns. Ewonee kicks off the album with the first three tracks, setting a compelling tone for what's to follow. Fly Anakin and Henny L.O. open the project, immediately showcasing their lyrical prowess, especially on tracks like "Space Time Continuum" where they trade verses before Big Kahuna OG steps in, adding his flavor at the end.
The middle section of the album, spanning from "Paranoid" to "Too Accessible", is arguably where the magic happens. Here, Sycho Sid, Unlucky b*stards, and Foisey deliver some of the most engaging beats on the album. "Paranoid" features a beautifully flipped sample from The Internet, over which the trio of rappers flow effortlessly. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" is another standout, with its captivating beat that grabs listeners from the get-go, allowing Kahuna, Henny, and Anakin to shine with their animated performances. This part of the album feels like the collective's more vibrant and energetic side, contrasting with the later tracks where the production takes on a hazier, more experimental vibe, as heard on "Beam Me Up", "Liberation", and "Stay Forever". The lone feature on the album, Quelle Chris, delivers a notable verse on a victory-laden loop, adding another layer to the album's tapestry.
Keep Holly Alive is an album for those who appreciate no-fuss hip-hop with top-tier production and rappers who can adapt their flow to any beat. As I've noted in Daily Discussion Threads (DDT's) on various platforms, these artists are masters of their craft. Big Kahuna OG excels in crafting infectious hooks, Henny L.O. has a voice that's both understated and filled with niche references (like a shout-out to Todd McFarlane in "Rock, Paper, Scissors"), while Fly Anakin embodies the essence of a 'rapper's rapper', with a delivery that's both versatile and profound.
I genuinely enjoyed this project, and I believe it serves as an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring Mutant Academy's universe. There's something special about championing those hidden gems, hoping they get the recognition they deserve. Every time I bring up one of the members in the DDT's, it's heartening to see the community respond with enthusiasm, each sharing their own favorite moments or projects from the group. If you ask the regulars about their top Fly Anakin album, you're likely to get a diverse array of answers.
I would strongly recommend diving into other works by the collective, such as Chapel Drive, Panama Plus, and Strainman Chronicles, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of Mutant Academy's creative output.
In preparation for Keep Holly Alive, Mutant Academy released a precursor EP called Talk Soon just a few months prior. This EP acts as a gentle introduction, offering fans a concise four-track glimpse into what the full album would entail, serving as an appetizer for those not ready to commit to the full 18-track journey.
Delving into the individual works of Mutant Academy's members, you'll encounter a familiar network of collaborators both on the mic and behind the boards. One of the most remarkable aspects of Keep Holly Alive is the seamless integration of sounds despite the involvement of six different producers. The album's sequencing is nothing short of masterful, ensuring each track blends into the next with fluidity. Each producer contributes their signature style while adhering to the overarching sonic theme of the project, utilizing an array of loops, samples, and crisp drum patterns. Ewonee kicks off the album with the first three tracks, setting a compelling tone for what's to follow. Fly Anakin and Henny L.O. open the project, immediately showcasing their lyrical prowess, especially on tracks like "Space Time Continuum" where they trade verses before Big Kahuna OG steps in, adding his flavor at the end.
The middle section of the album, spanning from "Paranoid" to "Too Accessible", is arguably where the magic happens. Here, Sycho Sid, Unlucky b*stards, and Foisey deliver some of the most engaging beats on the album. "Paranoid" features a beautifully flipped sample from The Internet, over which the trio of rappers flow effortlessly. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" is another standout, with its captivating beat that grabs listeners from the get-go, allowing Kahuna, Henny, and Anakin to shine with their animated performances. This part of the album feels like the collective's more vibrant and energetic side, contrasting with the later tracks where the production takes on a hazier, more experimental vibe, as heard on "Beam Me Up", "Liberation", and "Stay Forever". The lone feature on the album, Quelle Chris, delivers a notable verse on a victory-laden loop, adding another layer to the album's tapestry.
Keep Holly Alive is an album for those who appreciate no-fuss hip-hop with top-tier production and rappers who can adapt their flow to any beat. As I've noted in Daily Discussion Threads (DDT's) on various platforms, these artists are masters of their craft. Big Kahuna OG excels in crafting infectious hooks, Henny L.O. has a voice that's both understated and filled with niche references (like a shout-out to Todd McFarlane in "Rock, Paper, Scissors"), while Fly Anakin embodies the essence of a 'rapper's rapper', with a delivery that's both versatile and profound.
I genuinely enjoyed this project, and I believe it serves as an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring Mutant Academy's universe. There's something special about championing those hidden gems, hoping they get the recognition they deserve. Every time I bring up one of the members in the DDT's, it's heartening to see the community respond with enthusiasm, each sharing their own favorite moments or projects from the group. If you ask the regulars about their top Fly Anakin album, you're likely to get a diverse array of answers.
I would strongly recommend diving into other works by the collective, such as Chapel Drive, Panama Plus, and Strainman Chronicles, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of Mutant Academy's creative output.
“Computer Blue”
“Rock, Paper, Scissors”
“Too Accessible”
Fly Anakin Frank
Fly Anakin - Backyard Boogie
Fly Anakin x Pink Siifu - Smokebreak
Big Kahuna OG - 360 Santana
Henny Lo - Sage
All the albums with Tuamie are dope.
Check that Mutant academy thread i dont think you can go wrong with none of their stuff