The world of underground rap is a fascinating one, and RealYungPhil is a name that has been making waves in recent years. With a unique style that blends the casual pensiveness of a porch conversation with the punchline rap of a seasoned veteran, Phil has become a standout artist in the scene. His latest record, 'until something changes', showcases a more collaborative and intentional approach, pushing the boundaries of what underground rap can be.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'activated', produced by the trio of Woesum, Stacey, and Eurohead. The song opens with a celebratory church bell sound, which is then supercharged by crashing 808s, a nod to the drill offshoot popular in the Northeast. This blend of pop and rap creates a unique pocket for Phil to deliver his resolute words of motivation. The line, 'It ain't shit that I gain from you losing/And it's nothing I lose from you winning', is a powerful message that could easily be a Nike slogan, and it showcases Phil's ability to deliver a message with a certain steely bravado.
Another track that stands out is 'Remote', which is a humorous take on Adam Sandler's 'Click' song. The song initially feels overly glacial, but then Gud's sporadic bursts of ticking hi-hats hit like a downpour in the middle of a heatwave. This slight bounce underlines Phil's optimistic breakthrough, and the song takes on a more energetic feel. 'Sold Out Shows' is another highlight, with a serene mood that is brought to life by the gentle rumble of the drums, creating a toy train set-like feel. Phil shines on this track, delivering short, recognizable messages that don't require him to go any deeper.
What makes 'until something changes' particularly fascinating is the real-life chemistry that is evident throughout the album. The collaboration between Phil and the Swedish beatmakers, Yung Sherman, Woesum, and Gud, has created a unique and intentional sound. The album wasn't just laid down in Connecticut and Los Angeles, but also in Stockholm, which adds to the sense of a cross-Atlantic link-up. This chemistry is a key factor in the album's success, and it showcases the power of collaboration in the world of underground rap.
In my opinion, 'until something changes' is a must-listen for fans of underground rap. It showcases Phil's unique style and his ability to collaborate with other artists to create something truly special. The album is a testament to the power of underground rap and the potential for it to push boundaries and create something truly innovative.
