Súle & 88thKey Bring Back Genuine Rap: Astral Project

Almost two years ago, when underground Hip Hop rappers 88thKey and Súle released “Retrogrades”, their on-track chemistry was showcased throughout the entire song.

They have produced a ten-song CD that captures their journey after a period of painstakingly constructing concepts, technical difficulties, transformation, and introspection. The emcees’ almost two-year-old joint album, “Astral Project,” stays away from materialistic themes in favor of taking us on a smoke-filled spiritual journey.

So let’s roll up with ’em.

Smooth tracks and that sorta old school sound, depart the two from any of that autotuned bullshit “rap” that we’ve been getting more and more of since 2010. They bring back that genuine, hard feel that recent music has been lacking. With 12 tracks the listeners are pulled through a story and authentic thoughts as 88 and Súle trade bars. It might just be the most honest thing to come out of 2020.

The sad thing about rap is that most of what we listen to is just whatever’s mainstream, whatever shit is shoved down our throats by these green flexers and “privillaged rappers.” Or in other words any suburban kid that can pay enough to get their tracks to blow up on TikTok. That’s not the case for this diamond in the rough. I’ve found that music wise, you really have to dig deep to weed out all the green shit.

“We thought a lot about existential things, like the purpose of life and love and what those concepts mean to the both of us when we were cutting this album,” explained Súle. “The beautiful part about this process was exploring self-love. Nothing is possible without understanding that kind of love first, and that’s what sparked the project for me.”

That love is most literally displayed in “Cleopatra,” Through fluid and rhythmic flows, Sle muses on a deep reconnection with a romantic companion. The track amkes me think of something J.cole might’ve released in the early days.

In the album’s first track, “Genesis,” instrumental hip-raw hop’s materials are manipulated—mangled samples, conflicting drum beats, and off-kilter ASMR clicks—to create a mind-bogglingly intricate musical structure. Although the beats appeared to break down in real time, 88thKey and Sle’s slick, deadpan rhyming kept the margins intact. The tune swells and contracts around him as the two control the music through calm and turbulent sections.

The two is as elusive as ever and it shows in every track. Crackly, arrhythmic drums make the song seem like it’s coming apart at the seams, while a soulful bars from provides unexpected warmth. Their flow is relaxed as he reflects on his come-up and how it’s shaping the relationships in his life: “your voice it resonates in my soul it brings the sun to sky waking up to you is like a dream dont be preoccupied.”

“Creating this album was life painting life,” 88thKey explained. As a whole, Astral Project is a fantastic partnership between two gifted musicians who use music to transport us to a celestial realm.

“Each song was a different stroke of a 2-year journey”. This journey was well worth it, as evidenced by a quick listen. At this point, I’m just anxious to see what else they have coming.

Find the two here!