At a retrospective glance across Flatbush Zombies’ discography, the group have built an empire that not only impeccably captures 2010’s hip-hop through and through, but feels all the more fresh, relevant and in-demand within the genre today. It is for this same reason that when key member Meechy Darko announces a solo escapade, the task at hand feels like a strenuous one. ‘Gothic Luxury’ doesn’t seem too phased though, inviting listeners into a deeply personal exploration of Darko’s underworld.
The New York wordsmith constructs a tracklist that feels like a product of its own, fractured environment, stark in its confrontation with loss and obstruction. Opening track ‘The Genesis’ is a tense build-up of string sections and keys, cutting to the chase with a menacing forewarning of what is to come, leaving listeners in bolts of thunder. Nevertheless ‘Cursed’ is quick to follow up with the flip-side. ‘I’m going to intro you to this luxury production..’ Correct. Bathed in gorgeous, soulful grooves that already make for a spotlight moment across the project, it’s the smoother cuts that best accentuate the raspy grit in Darko’s voice. With verses from Kirk Knight and Vita, it’s a varied mergence, uplifted by its grandiose backdrop.
There’s no doubt that Darko is gifted in the textures and dynamics of his delivery, and he knows it too. Serving as an instrument in itself, the rapper is unhindered as he flits between spoken-word and the, quite simply put, disorientating and chaotic. It is on poignant single ‘Kill Us All’ where this feels most refined and effective, translating an urgency in its message. Meticulous in his wordplay yet all the meanwhile raw and direct, Darko addresses a survival mentality, engrained by the flawed system that surrounds him. “Black kid get shot, white man get tazed, media spread lies, politicians get paid…” The brutally honest ‘What If’ is equally strengthened by its lyricism, piecing together fragments of inner-thought and experience, from the loss of Darko’s father to a distant conversation with XXXTENTACION.
Other highlight moments find themselves on ‘The MoMA,’ charming in reference to the city that built Flatbush Zombies in the first place. Sample-heavy production, tumbling drums and chiming backing vocals are checked off the list. Yet, what truly shines is the chemistry shared between Darko and Black Thought, whose verse elevates in its clarity and contrast. Amongst a heavy list of features, from Freddie Gibbs to Denzel Curry and Busta Rhymes, opting for a more polished approach is what ultimately trumps those trying to emulate Darko’s natural edge. There is a clear divide between the two.
Drawing to a close with the uplifting and pure BLKMagic, Darko allows for his listener to take a moment of reflection. ‘Gothic Luxury’ is by no means an easy-going listen, and rightfully so. Meechy Darko has made for an incredibly bold, discussion-worthy statement, further solidifying his artistic expression across hip-hop and beyond.
7/10
Words: Ana Lamond
