‘Art Attack‘ from 8ch2Owens and Tali Rodriguez is a really dope listen. There is something to be said for mature hip hop music that listeners can resonate with, and the lyrical content from 8ch2Owens on this joint, is really robust and engaging, while also coming across as sincere and raw. In order to deliver this, the production had to not only stand on its own, but also evoke a range of emotions that could parallel the street poetry on offer. Luckily for hip hop heads, Tali Rodriguez masterfully controls the score, and 8ch2Owens brings wholesome emotion and witty wordplay to the table.

This album is something of a ‘concept’ album of sorts. There is a method to the order of the tracks which makes the most of the listening experience. While each track easily stands alone, the overall body of work is far superior than any one track, and the album builds it’s own identity throughout – not just as the production ebbs and flows, but as each track embodies different thoughts and emotions. 8ch2Owens is a wonderful storyteller, and he has a uniqueness to his flow and voice which is really easy to listen to and engage with. There isn’t anything forced, but there is a whole lot of meaning in these bars – it seeps through the speakers.

Tali also presents an audio canvas that is somewhat understated but not to be underestimated. Yes, the staples of boom bap underpin the board work, but this is more than another ‘in the pocket, dusty boom bap 90’s golden era’ sounding project. There are some really fresh beats pumping through the soundtrack, additional elements that really bring that summertime vibe, and plenty of intricacies that make the score really pop. To put it simply, it’s quite a refreshing take on the drums, samples etc. Never boring or formulaic.

Overarchingly, this feels like a cathartic experience, an almost healing power to the music, that acts as a release for 8ch2Owens as he navigates his new life. Luckily for us, he shares that experience with the listener, and provides an introspective angle to his world and the challenges and triumphs. This is art.

Reach out to 8ch2Owens NOW and secure yourself a preview copy of the album with some bonus goodies, or check out Bandcamp on July 5 when the project drops.