June 12 brought the release of SILVERBACK, the latest beat tape from TRICK PAPI, and I couldn’t be any more elated. The Ridgewood native is known for bringing his pure, unadulterated essence on all of his tracks, raps or no raps. Here, TP provides further evidence that he is a musical anomaly, this time with his beats alone.
SILVERBACK is nine songs, each less than two minutes long. As listeners, we only have a brief moment to settle into the next groove before TP decides to vibe check us. Each track is unique, but if I had to identify an overall theme of TP’s latest set, it would be “urban.” Though the word has received some criticism in recent years, the clangs and hats which lace the beat makes me feel like I’m in a rush. Tracks such as “Wet Loosie” and “Doggie Bag” emit a sense of urgency, tension, and overall tightness. They remind me of an early morning commute through the carefully woven streets of Manhattan. Though that scene may be the embodiment of capitalism, there’s some beauty in it. It’s the same beauty that makes SILVERBACK another unique addition to TP’s ever-expanding catalog.
TRICK PAPI nailed it again with this project, and, if history means anything, we may be lucky enough to get one more serving before this chaotic year is finished. I know I wouldn’t mind zoning out to SILVERBACK. So take time to do the same: forget about the ugliness in the world and appreciate the insistence to continue making quality music. Listen to SILVERBACK here for your brief moment of bliss.