One of Dem

One of Dem by CROWN VEGA AND ARCHANGEL is a Hip Hop EP with a bold assertion, putting CROWN VEGA AND ARCHANGEL at the centre of the Rap hall of fame. Placing themselves in their cover next to the who’s who of rap artists, musicians who have deeply impacted the genre, is a self-assured and confident play that I feel like works in their favour throughout the EP. It truly feels like the artists are fighting in the project to prove their place and that energy helps elevate the project as a whole to the next level. This tone of calling yourself the greatest is a key part of the Hip Hop identity so this energy also feels symbolic of the Hip Hop landscape more broadly.

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It’s clear the artists have a lot of understanding and respect for the rap industry and culture. The first track, F U, conveys the sense of confidence, energy, and power that are the core tenets of this project’s DNA. The track utilises this creeping, enigmatic production style, almost as if the instrumentation has been reversed. It creates this vibe of uncertainty, juxtaposed by the confidence of the vocals. This track feels like a descent into the world of One of Dem, immersing the listener in layers of sound and establishing its tone at the same time. The next track that really stood out to me was We Da Ones. The track is a high point because of the excellent use of strings throughout, contrasting the coarse vocals with its soft and articulate timbre. The use of harmonies in these moments is also fantastic, creating this united front between the musicians and making the listener want to join in. This project has the perfect mix of appreciation for Hip Hop culture and an approachable sound that clicks on the first listen, only getting better with every subsequent experience of the EP. Check it out below!