Michael Christmas - What a Weird Day

Michael Christmas
What a Weird Day
2015

In today's day and age it is quite easy to forget what hip-hop is all about and the fun it can create. Trap music takes itself so serious, takes it's played out subject matter so serious and in an attempt to act hard pushes those same old tropes: Cash, bitches, things. That however is not Michael Christmas. First and foremost he is a stellar lyricist. He can turn a phrase like no other and his songs instead of featuring some beat feature him rapping almost non-stop track after track. Despite his footing in underground hip-hop he doesn't have disdain for the mainstream, he just blends it in and makes it a part of his narrative. Even when Christmas brings in a feature (Mac Miller, Logic, D.R.A.M.) they follow his lead and focus on a lyrical approach to the music. That is really the best sign of a good collaborator, someone who elevates the people the bring in to their record rather than overshadowing them. The classic beats on this record also inspire. It is paying homage without pandering to some kind of nostalgia.

"Don't Talk About It" is a straight up Outkast track using ATLiens or Aquemini as inspiration, but it still manages to have a life of it's own. Michael Christmas manages to straddle that line of quirky and catchy expertly never going to far to one side or the other. Even his interludes have a meaning and some substance unlike those on the most recent Action Bronson record. His voice is also so clear, there is almost no affectation making his rhymes all that more impressive. "Shadow" in particular is such a smooth song, and shows you can have swag without talking about it constantly. You won't hear this album on the radio nor in the clubs and that is a real travesty because Michael Christmas is putting down greatness. Do not wait, go and listen to this record now.

9 out of 10