There are plenty of pop culture references on Open Mike Eagle’s »A Special Episode Of«, including the »Grand Budapest Hotel«, »Cinnamon Girl« and R. Kelly, as well as Power Rangers. And not just in the lyrics. As Open Mike Eagle raps, the beat on »Split Pants In Detroit (Or Hyrule)« sounds »like Zelda towns«. If you’ve played the video game series, you’ll know what inspired producer Illingsworth to create the beat. Yet the Los Angeles rapper isn’t afraid to face the harsh reality of movies, games and music. Despite all the nerdiness there are some bitter truths to consider: »They mark up as a miracle/A thousand-dollar price tag, six-dollar materials« it says on »Trickeration«. On »Dark Comedy Late Show«, he raps relentlessly about his career: »I got a deadline, before I never had a deal/Stormed out of business meetings, slipped on mass banana peels«. It’s like listening to a clown with a tear running down his cheek. Mike Ealge’s laid-back flow, which seamlessly blends into the vocals on »Stay Still Awake (Up Before Anybody)« and »Ziggy Starfish (Anti-Anxiety Raps)«, perfectly captures this sense of seriousness and humour. Stylistically selected instrumental tracks—with chopped vocals and subtle guitar samples—work perfectly with Mike’s voice. It is all about the lyrics, which is a good thing. »A Special Episode« crosses the finish line without a misstep in just under 20 minutes; and that’s decidedly too early. The six tracks feel like an afterthought to the 2014 album »Dark Comedy«.
Brother Ali
Satisfied Soul
Mello Music Group