Spectreview: Black Milk – DiVE EP
Released: August 2, 2019
Hip-Hop/Rap
Instrumental Hip-Hop
Neo-Soul
-DEEP PINK-
Detroit rapper Curtis Cross (aka Black Milk) has been in the game since 2004, his output a testament to perseverance and self-assurance in his music. Starting primarily as an MC with a passable if constricted flow, he’s evolved since to focus on the backend of his music, as the relatively recent explosion of beat-based instrumental neo-soul allowed him to make the switch to producer on a few solely instrumental releases. Since then, his following as grown, as his last full-length, FEVER, deservedly received a great deal of attention not only for its complex, mellifluous beats but for Cross’ resurgence as a looser, more competent rapper. His new project, a suspiciously long EP called DiVE, continues this reintroduction to the Detroit scene veteran, with a renewed focus on relaxed, soulful chillhop. Cross’ rapping is still a little on the stiff side, especially when the tempo picks up a little bit, but overall he’s rarely sounded better, trusting the kick to carry him on opener “Save Yourself” and shooting sporadic, cynical sentiments on the chilling, jarring “Don’t Say.” His invigorated devotion to smooth production keeps the record as extremely listenable as FEVER, as he peppers the records with brief instrumentals like the rapid, jungly “DiVE pt. 2” and the bluesy, stoned “Out Loud.” BJ The Chicago Kid offers words on the slow jam “If U Say,” though the track itself is a little by-the-numbers compared to the more outré decisions on the record. Taking everything into account though, it’s incredibly heartening to see bigger name rappers contributing to an artist who’s even closer to rising out of the underground, and DiVe EP is further proof that Black Milk is worthy of a spotlight.
Recommended for hotboxing.
Lives in Seattle, terrible diet, loves music, has hope for people