Offie Mag

Quiet on set please, the mics are hot!

Rap genius—and I don’t throw that around lightly—MIKE returns with his 10th album, Showbiz! released under his 10k imprint.

24 tracks, but you won’t find anything 'Watered down,' as the New York-based MC steps over these mainly self-produced beats. Yes, expect the sensational chops and alt-trap we’ve come to know and love from DJ Blackpower, but also tantalising guest production from 454, Anysia Kym, and Harrison (SURF GANG), to name a few—pushing the project’s variety to keep those ears warm and heads bopping.

On lead single 'Pieces Of A Dream,' released this past October, MIKE repeatedly reiterates how he “ain’t sober yet,” and with his lackadaisical delivery across Showbiz!, I’m sure that point still stands. He continues to stretch the very definition of the pocket, much like frequent collaborator and friend Earl Sweatshirt, who—though absent here—remains an unmistakable influence.

I won’t dwell on who isn’t on the album, because the lovely, lovely people who are deserve all the plaudits coming their way. Duendita, Venna, and the aforementioned 454 and SURF GANG not only match MIKE’s level but crank up the project at least a couple notches—maybe even three or four! Duendita, appearing late in the tracklist, delivers stunning melodies on 'Miss U,' where MIKE lets her go completely uninterrupted. 'What U Bouta Do/A Star Was Born' features your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper, 454, who proves why he holds that title—raising the entire pitch of the track and flipping its energy on its head. And of course, the woodwind king, Venna, whose contributions on 'Artist of the Century' alone might be reason enough to run the whole project back.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy Showbiz! as much as I have—and if you didn’t know, MIKE kicks off his European tour this month, including seven UK dates. One of them? Brighton on 07/03, with Offie Mag Issue Fourteen featured artist Jadasea on support too.

So that’s a tour not to be missed, with an album that has no misses. MIKE is shooting 100% right now, and that doesn’t look like it's going to change any time soon. Buy Showbiz! here and get tickets for the tour here.

Words by Louis Rowland.