In their latest joint effort, 'I Guess U Had to Be There', artists ELUCID and Sebb Bash present a nuanced evolution of their distinctive styles. Known for their experimental approaches within the Backwoodz Studioz collective, this album sees the duo embracing a more structured, yet equally inventive, artistic direction. The collaboration masterfully interweaves ELUCID's introspective and abstract lyrical narratives with Bash's intricate, texture-rich sonic landscapes, offering listeners a compelling exploration of sound and storytelling.
ELUCID, a rapper and producer celebrated for his avant-garde tendencies, consistently pushes the boundaries of conventional rap. His vocal delivery shifts from intense rapping to soulful crooning, often delving into profound social commentary. He has previously experimented with long-form, one-track compositions, such as 'Interference Pattern' from 2024, which deliberately deconstruct traditional song structures, creating immersive collages of sound and narrative without clear beginnings or endings.
Similarly, Sebb Bash, a producer with roots in the Rawkus Records era, has a history of innovating within the genre. While his earlier works leaned towards classic boom-bap, his recent productions, as exemplified by 'Switchboard' for Armand Hammer, showcase a departure from conventional rhythms, favoring ethereal and unsettling sonic textures. His evolution reflects a continuous quest to redefine his sound and expand the scope of hip-hop production.
'I Guess U Had to Be There' sees the artists consciously tempering their more extreme experimental impulses, opting for a refined and deliberate creative process. This strategic pivot, however, does not diminish their artistic intensity. Building on their prior collaboration on 2022's 'I Told Bessie', where Bash contributed two tracks that dissolved into cacophonous noise, the new album features Bash's consistent integration of complex soundscapes. The production is rich with unconventional effects, manipulated vocal snippets, and fragmented loops, crafting an auditory experience that is both disorienting and rhythmically compelling. For instance, the track 'Coonspeak' is built upon a foundation of creaking strings and a piercing whistle, punctuated by an enigmatic vocal sample, collectively creating a richly unsettling atmosphere.
Bash's production emphasizes a sense of immersion and intricate texture over overt tension. His beat transitions, though numerous, are subtly woven into the fabric of the music, avoiding dramatic shifts. On 'The Lorax', for example, the instrumentation gradually recedes after a guest verse, seemingly leading into an interlude, only for ELUCID to re-enter, allowing the track to rebuild with a slow reintroduction of atmospheric drones. This seamless stitching of elements demonstrates Bash's preference for organic flow over flashy spectacle.
ELUCID's lyrical approach on this project mirrors Bash's nuanced production. Moving beyond the vocal experimentation of 'REVELATOR', this album features a more direct, yet still abstract, rap delivery. His verses are associative and non-linear, creating a tapestry of metaphors and vivid imagery without a straightforward plot. In 'First Light', his declaration of being "on farmer time" serves as an anchor amidst a stream of unrelated thoughts, culminating in a subtle homage to domestic life and creativity. This style encourages listeners to actively engage with the lyrics, deciphering meaning through context and personal interpretation, as ELUCID guides without explicitly directing.
A pervasive sense of quiet absurdism runs through the album, punctuated by moments of profound social commentary. ELUCID’s lyrics blend whimsical observations with poignant reflections on the Black experience. He revisits personal history, touching on childhood memories of corporal punishment in 'Parental Advisory' and vividly recounting scenes from the Jamaica Queens Colosseum Mall in 'Fainting Goats'. These recollections often transition into stark depictions of societal challenges, such as the drug epidemics of his youth. While not every track achieves this level of vivid storytelling, the moments when it does make the journey through his intricate narratives exceptionally rewarding. 'I Guess U Had to Be There' may not possess the overt adventurousness of 'REVELATOR' or the raw emotionality of 'I Told Bessie', yet ELUCID’s instinctual artistry shines through, making it a significant work.
This album stands as a testament to the artists' continued evolution, showcasing a collaborative synergy that refines their experimental inclinations into a more focused and impactful artistic statement. It highlights their ability to craft a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience, inviting listeners to delve into layers of intricate sound and lyrical depth.