Emerging rapper/songwriter Oneson Clang debuts with the 4-track project Aquatic Flames, which was released via Mass Made Media. The project is a short body of work that showcases expressive rapping laced with relatable themes that give audiences a glimpse into his life as an artist.
The project is produced entirely by $plashious and features from CXP (label mate) Mourning Run, Sensei Sol, Kold Kwan and Sixpence. The first track “Long Gone” has a solemn and nostalgic vibe from $plashious. Here Oneson connects with Mourning Run, and Sensei Sol for a masterclass in rapping. Lines like “So hot that the mammoth could thaw/ Standing tall like an Anunnaki alien god/Cause am long gone, where I belong/Living large with my dogs in the land of the lost” set the tone for the other emcees who equally deliver the goods with engaging rhyme schemes. Next is the soulful “Let Me Sleep,” comprising dreamy sample chops and a smooth drum groove that is underpinned by Oneson’s reflective lyrics. Here, he runs through his journey and the experiences that shaped him into a better man. He is joined by Kold Kwan, who closes it out with an emotionally powerful verse.
“Amalgamated From The Carbon” is a lyric-dense posse cut that features CXP and Sixpence, who all bring their A-game to the forefront. Lines like “The truth isn’t something they could grip or see/That is why they trying to get a glimpse of me/ Last night I try to find something good in the dark/ So I lay down in the grass just to look at the stars/During a long distance run through peculiar parts/ feeling the sharp pain because I was pushing too hard” shows the resilience and determination of an artist who is striving for the best. Each emcee gives their perspective on life and the things important to them. The final track, “Nothin’ To Explain” is a proclamation from Oneson. Over the soulful boombap backdrop he delves into the things that make him tick. From his childhood memories, the ups and downs of adult life, the wants and needs of a young man and the search for true purpose. The track is one long verse that ends in a quick summary from Oneson, who reminds us that goals require baby steps and one has to just follow through with intention and focus.
overall Aquatic Flames lives up to its title. The flows are fire, and the lyrics carry weight in many ways. While he doesn’t break new grounds, his mission to get our attention and introduce himself to the world in his unique way is undeniable and well-crafted from start to finish.
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