Slayr: Half Blood (BloodLuxe)

"His November album Half Blood, recently re-released as the expanded BloodLuxe, checks all the boxes of the genre-roller-rink synths by way of F1LTHY, barreling flows by way of Uzi-then tears up the checklist every few minutes to try something new: a wub-wub EDM drop, a bath bomb of synth streaks."

"Beyond all the stomach-turning breakdowns, Slayr prioritizes the basics: tight song structure, soaring hooks, and expertly rapped verses. There are songs like 'Racks' that are perfectly constructed genre fare but still exhibit a sense of play."

"Slayr's dexterous, highly processed vocal runs on 'Brand New' skip and skate and flutter around kangarooing 808s, taking cues from Harlem rapper Lunchbox. But you can feel the pain and strain in Lunchbox's voice every time. Slayr sounds great, but it can sometimes seem like pure craft without the art."

Rage rap has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry despite remaining outside mainstream pop culture. Slayr's album BloodLuxe demonstrates the genre's potential for broader appeal through polished production, tight song structures, and soaring hooks. The album features roller-rink synths, barreling flows, and experimental elements including EDM drops and varied vocal techniques. Slayr raps, sings, and screams throughout, producing most tracks himself with producer wa. While the album showcases technical proficiency and dexterous vocal runs, it occasionally prioritizes craft over emotional depth. BloodLuxe reflects the underground's current trajectory toward louder, noisier, and more chaotic soundscapes while maintaining accessibility.

Read at Pitchfork