Pioneered by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets and De La Soul, the genre of ‘jazz-rap’ has been around for a good few decades. With the obvious exception of the early 90s, which birthed the style, I’d say the last ten years or so has produced the very best records in the genre. One of those is our Album of the Week, and one which is perhaps a little underrated when compared to its more commercially successful peers (I’m looking at you, Loyle Carner). It is the brilliant self-titled debut EP by 2nd Exit, released in 2016.
It’s a relatively short and sweet EP, so I’ll keep this write up the same.
2nd Exit is the collaborative project between musicians Alfa Mist and Lester Duval, who first connected while working with Barney Artist. Mist and Duval are fantastic jazz/hip-hop musicians in their own right, and this project does wonderfully to play to each of their respective brilliances.
It’s conscientious and conversational lyrics are told over chilled, jazzy hip-hop beats, with a sound which feels natural, raw and reflective of the stories being told. Lyrically, the record is brutally upfront and honest, exploring troubles with mental health, loneliness and navigating the ups, downs, and mediocrities of life.
Intro nicely sums this EP up for me, through the very first words: “I’ll try be way more laid back, like, almost talking”. In a way, this whole EP feels like a conversation between two mates. “Say Hello,” “Hello” is a call-and-response heard just after, and further emphasises this feel.
Vocal features from Kaya Thomas-Dyke add a perfect extra layer to 2nd Exit, such as with Passing Through and Dawn’s Insight. The latter of these also features production from Cosa Nostra Music, which, acting as the EP’s outro, adds a nice variation, and a slightly more dramatic ending; I’m a particular fan of the pedal piano notes heard throughout.
All in all, 2nd Exit is a brilliant debut EP, and for me is jazz-rap at its very best; clever, insightful lyricism whilst recognising the importance of the music underneath.
Waxing Lyrical 