One half of Run The Jewels, Mike's solo career has been on hiatus for eleven years since his almighty R.A.P. Music. That fruitful four album collaboration with E-LP left no questions as to "what could have been", their natural chemistry yielding best of both.
Continuing that stride of form, Mike returns as a solo artist with urgent expression, a beating heart of pains, aching through lifes reflections as the passing of his mother shakes up foundations. Through his often firm and feisty articulation, these matured narratives cut deep into personal emotions and perspectives. The moody gospel groovings of the albums most striking cut, Motherless, amplifies a universal sombre grief of aging and the inescapable sufferings life bestows, besides all its beauty.
A common theme of Michael is a southern one. The distinctive vibes of the scene emerging through nostalgic lyrical reminiscing and choice select samples. Given the heaviness of Motherless, it struck me as a youthful yearning of years gone by. Equally, it could simply be a result of those in proximity. Bringing out many guests and legends like Andre 3000, Mike offers a lot of variety and flavor across its lengthy fifty minutes.
Despite my many spins, its most apt moments dissipate into luke-warm tone as instrumentals and guests are never the records best aspects. When Mike is locked into an expression, its an utter joy, a force forged from decades on the mic. The spaces between lack his sparkle, that glistening passion from where hes at. As voices jump on and off the record with a different focus, the distance from that greatness shows. I really wanted to love this one however It just didn't resolve right in my ears.
Rating: 6/10