Four years after releasing the acclaimed Blue Money EP, Big Cousin is back in the driver’s seat for his phenomenal new project, Sport Mode. The London by way of Long Island-based artist brings a more confident sound that explores the various dimensions of hip-hop with the multi-talented producer/DJ Ibn Itaka.
The project starts with “Anywhere” featuring Cocomofo, a sombre and introspective track that measures his journey thus far. Over Ibn Itaka’s solemn production made up of mellow and reflective texture with punchy drums, Big Cousin shows us his plans with lines like “Build my portfolio, baby I’m branching, I’m talking about taxes, I ain’t got time for the antics“. This is followed by “Any Given Sunday” featuring eclectic Ghanaian/American R&B artist NanaBCool who garnishes the solemn track with his airy and distinct melodic vocals. Big Cousin takes us deep into his life and how his past experiences prepared him for the now and he is taking his destiny into his own hands. On the jazz-piano-driven tack titled “Big Dreams”, Big Cousin shares a tale of a young man making his way through the concrete jungle filled with predators and pitfalls. Lines like “Things running on my mind like athletics/all this flexing in the game, that is all aesthetics/When I feel like I’m down that is when I get to stepping/if you said you’re riding you know how to play second” is a reminder of the weights on his shoulders but with resilience, he shows that he is not one to give up or give in.
The project closes out with “Gangsta” and the title track “Sport Mode”, two tracks that bring listeners closer to the mix of the action with their vivid storytelling and cinematic backdrops. “Gangsta” is a laidback and moody track made up of pitched-down vocal samples and dreamy textures that blend with Big Cousin’s bravado and insightful bars. The final cut “Sport Mode” sees the rapper sending shots at the opposition and he delivers a handful of verbal darts while reflecting on the tough times and craziness in the music industry dealing with snakes and thieving executives. On another note, he also details how he pushes himself out from the runt and implores listeners to never give up as he raps “This is for all my dreamers in the basement.”
Overall, Big Cousin – Sport Mode (EP) is a short and concise journey into what makes the rising rapper tick and a solid introduction to his style of rap music.
Stream Sport Mode (EP) on all DSPs here.
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