Description

Pink Siifu s latest release, GUMBO!,is another sprawling Afrocentric vision from one of the boldest voices in contemporary rap. Following up on 2020 sNEGRO, the album s songs are as rich and varied as it s titular stew. Siifu s boundless style makes for an unpredictable but rewarding ride across the album s 18 tracks, as he explores the diverse sounds of his influences and breaks new ground with a unique class of co-stars. Siifu, born Livingston Matthews and raised between Alabama and Cincinnati, has already notched a conspicuous list of collaborations in his burgeoning career, from legendary producer the Alchemistto Australian electronic group the Avalanches. Siifu also embodies various inspirations through a range of alter-egos, often producing under the moniker iiye, or as half of the duo B. Cool-Aid with Ahwlee, both of which appear onGUMBO!. The variety of guest features and production onGUMBO!only elevates Siifu s ability to push the boundaries of genre and song structure. Voicemails Uptown (produced by Soulection s Monte Booker) is the second of two back-to-back posse cuts, sporting five plus vocalists each. Lng hair dnt care, the album s first single, was produced by Ted Kamal, who first garnered attention for his outside-the-box edits of contemporary rap staples. And while several of the album s tracks are well within his bag, the jazzy, drumless loop on Fk U Mean Hold Me Dwn could ve been a cut off of his collab album with Virginia rapper Fly Anakin,FlySiifu s. Though rife with standout tracks,GUMBO!is greater than the sum of it s parts. Siifu s ambitious range and impressive pool of features create an otherworldly listening experience. Overall, it reflects an intense desire for self-expression and creative growth, one which he shares with many of his influences. Like Outkast, Sun Ra, Baraka, or Bad Brains, his unique soundscapes re-imagine a genre without restrictions, breaking new ground in search of artistic and personal freedom.

Track List: