Veteran rapper/songwriter Nice Krispy has quite an extensive catalog and has been working in the independent scene since he started rapping in 2003. His latest project, Adventures & Rhymes is a 13-track body of work that sees him teaming up with Herten, NRW, and Germany-based producer Mr. J to create a blend of classic hip-hop with contemporary sounds anchored on insightful themes.

The project continues Nice Krispy and Mr. J’s long-time collaborative work since 2003. The pair have never met in person, and this serves as a testament to their creative friendship over the years, and now as 40-year-olds, they have taken it to what we call grown man raps.  The overarching theme follows the lives of 9-to-5ers who have dreams and the changes that occur over time as families grow and expand. The title track, “Adventures & Rhymes,” help set the tone perfectly with its soulful and engaging storytelling that takes listeners deep into the life of a grown man making his way in an unforgiving world. Over the lush guitar licks and warm pads, Nice Krispy kicks bars like “I started kicking flows, 1 or 2 times before/Coming live on the fly, mixing rhythms as I go/Hip-hoppers like your boy, like to make a little noise/then make a little dough and stage-dive up off the globe”” as he reminds us of what makes him tick. This is followed by the bouncy “Vacay” with its cinematic textures and afrobeat-inspired groove. Here, he gives us a glimpse into the good life well spent with the family. This is the perfect feel-good track that reminds us of the best thing in life, which is family. In “Salty as the Sea,” we get a different side of the rapper who embodies the spirit of a man on a mission, using ships and the ocean as metaphors. His flows are slick, lyrics are sharp and precise and vivid, and the songwriting is on point. 

The fun continues on tracks like the melodic “Flow” and “The Second Epic of Phatso Phatflow.” The former is where Nice Krispy displays his expressive songwriting and profound lyricism that pays homage to the culture and essence of rap, while the latter is a lyrical adventure of the eponymous character who traaverses the globe with his raw flows and lyrical abilities. Other notable tracks include the conceptual “Caveman,” which shows the evolution of man and music. Lines like “These sabretooth cougars ain’t as cute as since grew up/Graffiti in the cave show the battle plans they drew up/they suit up in caribou skin and then they pull up/Sticks and stones become microphones in the future” underpin the juxtaposition of the old and new and also showcases Nice Krispy’s extensive verbal performance. “Golden” serves as an ode to resilience and determination to push through the rubble to live up to one’s true potential, while “Back 2 the Office” talks about the raging remote work versus in-office work, and he speaks what is on everyone’s mind. I must admit, there is quite a lot for listeners to unpack, and the varied subject matter Nice Krispy engages with is the icing on the proverbial cake. He can go from braggadocio to insightful and introspection in one breath in “Still With it,” and at times, he is playful and carefree as heard on “Rooster on the Roof,” where he blends Country music with contemporary pop and hip-hop.

The project closes with “In the Music,” a soulful boombap track that brings it home with the perfect message of being one with the music. Over Mr. J’s punchy grooves and solemn pads, Nice Krispy invites us into his comfort zone, within the music.