Refreshingly original hip hop emerges with style and intention, as swizz tLc creatively introduces the three-track EP Traumatized.
Making sure to embrace the importance of musicality as much so as vocal-play, the project starts off with the atmospheric and purposeful Love Talk, familiar yet fresh by design and aptly in tune with the current sound of much of the hip hop realm.
swizz tLc walks that line well, blending melody and rap alongside equal parts personal anecdote and relatable reflections on love. Despite the production effects, there’s character in the voice, and this too proves recognizable from one song to the next.
For Ghetto Love, things instantly feel a little more romantic – with the classic pop synths and vocal ad-libs. Still those trap rhythms return, but now multi-layered vocals create a welcomed dynamic that again elevates an otherwise familiar style. Always the lyrics hold close to an emotive realness and fearless devotion to another.
Wrapping up the project is a noteworthy shift in topic, the piano-led Letter To My Sister offering a heartfelt ode to family, to protection and loyalty. As ever, the content is decidedly personal, but vague enough to made the listener’s own anthem of appreciation and promise to a sibling.
Swizz tLc impresses with this EP, managing to achieve a level of relevance in line with that of originality and truth.
EP out March 31st. Find swizz tlc on Instagram & Apple Music.
