Emerging rap artist Muizi enters the fray with his new project INTEGRAL ASSAULT. The 14-track body of work explores the human experience, ranging from emotional betrayal, self-belief, to delusion, social-political deep dives that involve mass corruption, and brutal self-examination.

The project starts with an enthralling intro, “FLY LITTLE BIRD,” a piece that feels like the opening to an action thriller. The vocalist’s enthralling melodies run for close to 2 minutes before Miuzi shows up with the bars. The production comprises cinematic strings, classical key arrangements and sparse grooves serving as the foundation for Muizi’s off-beat cadence. The track draws upon his will to rise above self-doubt and the resilience that comes with fulfilling his true potential. Lines like“I paid my dues, I came out bruised/My will was loose but this time there will be no truce/I share my views but now I’m finished spill some truths and break down your whole operation, I ain’t come to lose” underpin this perfectly. The next track, “UFM” aka “You failed Me” deals with betrayal and fleeting friendship and sees Muizi pouring his heart on a gritty boom-bap soundscape. He shows disappointment and, to some degree, relief to be free of a fairweather friend. This is followed by “TOP DOG,” a smooth guitar-driven track with a summer vibe, but it focuses on chasing goals and having a work ethic that helps accomplish tasks. The track has a playful vibe which adds a bit of brightness to the project thus far.

 

The next set of tracks takes a slightly different route, with Muizi opting for experimental and musical backdrops. Lyrically, Muizi has a way of fusing insight with wit and cheekiness all at once.For example, “FISH STICKS” is a reflective piece comprising jazzy production, insightful story telling and raw, unfiltered bravado. “POW POW” has a Salsa/Latin sample flip with a prevalent guitar arrangement. Once again, Muizi delivers a no-holds-barred performance ripe with vivid lyricism. “BABY OIL” uses a smooth R&B-styled texture with crunchy four-to-the-floor drum and is a testament to Muizi’s stance as a man in an unforgiving world. The track has an interesting hook comprising airy atmospheric melodies that are somewhat catchy.

 

The project continues on a high note with tracks like the hard-hitting “GOLD” which details blossoming love with that special someone different from the rest. The lofi vibes of “2555” change the mood of the album once more and explore the rapper’s heartbreak and emotional trauma. “GROUND” is a graphic storytelling set in an urban landscape, while “LOVESICK” is a no-holds-barred display of style. “SEX SELLS (INTERLUDE)” is anchored by a female rapper who shares her daily runs as an OnlyFans creator who sells sex for a living, and “223” is a no-holds-barred piece ripe with edgy lyrics. The last two tracks, “NPD” and “U87s AND AKs” bring the project to a close. The former has a plucky synth-driven production and sees Muizi in his lyrical element as he goes for the jugular. The latter, “U87s AND AKs” is a metaphorical piece that uses words and weapons as a theme and is a raw street-savvy tune with hard-hitting drums and unfiltered raps.

 

Overall, INTEGRAL ASSAULT is a snapshot of what makes Muizi tick. Sometimes he is solemn and reflective, and other times he is boisterous and expressive. He doesn’t shy away from showing vulnerability, but he is always quick to remind us that he is not the one to play with.