Don't Feed The Monster

Often known for his conversational flows and dry sense of humor, Homeboy Sandman does an about-face into dead-serious mode at the beginning of 2020s Dont Feed the Monster. On Trauma, he unpacks his history of childhood physical and sexual abuse, which the nearly 40-year-old rapper had always kept locked up inside, to the detriment of his mental health. While jarring and unsettling, his determination to work through his injurious past in order to achieve inner peace is commendable, and the songs lyrics are brilliantly worded. The remainder of the album isnt quite as emotionally scarred, but its still some of the most introspective, soul-baring work Sandman has ever written. Alone Again directly addresses his anxiety and fear following the breakup of a long-term relationship, as well as his concern for his former partners wellbeing. Stress (...is the number one killer) alludes to relationship troubles, but mostly concentrates on how nervous tension can happen to anyone, and that its important to find a way to release it. Triple Warmer details his attempts at self-improvement, and tracks like Dont Look Down and Gestation are odes to self-determination and persistence. Quelle Chris handles the entirety of the albums production, in addition to providing a guest verse on Hello Dancer and raspy backup vocals elsewhere. His fractured beats and hazy textures help keep the record sounding loose and playful in a variety of ways, from the dark psychedelia of Monument to the wigged-out exotica of Walk by Faith. The quick-paced acid rock rave-up Straight is the albums triumphant conclusion, with Sandman accepting his past and enjoying a renewed burst of confidence, while advising the listener to keep taking chances and never give up. ~ Paul Simpson