Atlanta-based rapper Black Astronaut Records (AKA Charles Luck) dropped an absolute monolith of an album last month – a 39-track record entitled 39 Charles Street (The Renovation) – and it’s bringing hip hop back into top form.
Back in our 2016 review of Life On Mars, we highlighted Black Astronaut Records’ bold departure from formulaic rap, praising its fusion of spoken word, classical melodies, 70s rock instrumentation, and modern hip hop production. We described it as ‘arguably the most unique, original and heartfelt hip hop’ we’d encountered, thanks to its thoughtful lyrics, spot-on production and genre-crossing ambition.
And in this new release, Black Astronaut Records once again swerves through the multicoloured sub-genres of hip hop, from grime to pop-oriented rap and beyond, fusing old-school grooves with innovative vibes to craft a kaleidoscopic collection of songs that’s an absolute dream to discover.
From the addictively lazy lyrical delivery of “Everything (ft. Stig),” to the dark, haunting tones of “Gone Off The Rock”, 39 Charles Street (The Renovation) is vividly catchy, its convoluted verses like hearing a spider’s web being spun in real-time.
Track eight, “Purple,” has become a Soundcloud hit, amassing over 12,000 listens at the time of penning this review, along with tracks “About A Dollar” and “Atomic” – each passing the 10k milestone.
But it’s track seventeen, “Ghost,” which steals the limelight. Who knew ‘Halloween hip hop’ was a genre, but Black Astronaut Records has invented it, and the result is fantastic – theremin riffs, creeping pianos, near-industrial beats, all held together by skintight raps and an upbeat chorus you can chant to like a seance.
This record takes sampling seriously – a number of tracks lifting ingenious elements from a staggering selection of pop/rock hits winding right back to the 70s, each actively reinvented with new rap top-lines that twine the retro with trend-setting, next-generational themes.
Taking harmonic shreds from supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Led Zeppelin, and Oasis (amongst others), you don’t have to be a tried and true rap fan to dig 39 Charles Street (The Renovation). It’s far greater than a simple rehashing of old hits: Black Astronaut Records is an artist and an explorer of sound. Splitting apart his sampled creations are pure originals, crafted with the fiery edge of authenticity, forming a Frankensteined, genre-crossing collection that’s ready to shake up the scene.
And, despite a brain-melting total of 39 tracks, each piece feels distinct, organic, and true to itself; each song seamlessly joined to create a work of art more than an album. Just listen to the Spanish guitars of “Kings Cross” compared to the pop punk/emo riffs of “Heelies,” or the surprising country ambience of “Diamond” next to the phat noize of “Miracle” and the synthetic splatters of “Hugo.” It’s almost shocking to believe this all came from one guy’s brain. But that’s the magic Black Astronaut Records stirs with this epic new album.
Our verdict: Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to Black Astronaut Records and check out his music on Soundcloud. Please support Black Astronaut Records by visiting his website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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