Showbiz! continues MIKE’s almost legendary album run, solidifying himself as one of the most consistent and one-of-a-kind alternative rap acts today.
Release Date: 31st January 2025
Label: 10K
Formats: CD / Digital
AN AMAZING DECADE
MIKE has had an amazing decade so far with him releasing multiple critically acclaimed albums that saw him further pushing his unique and warm abstract hip hop blend. He’s collaborated with some of the finest names in alternative rap such as Earl Sweatshirt, Larry June and The Alchemist.
Last year’s Pinball displayed MIKE dipping his toes into a more trap orientated sound, however Showbiz! is a return to the sample heavy, hazy hip hop that MIKE is known and loved for. That is not to say that this release is just another MIKE album, Showbiz! displays some of the most tight flows, infectious and creative production as well as thought provoking lyricism seen yet on one of his releases. Even with its extensive 24 song track list, not a moment on the album feels like filler, everything has purpose.
The album is an amazing deep dive into the mind of MIKE and where he is currently in his life. Originally getting attention at just 18 years of age with May God Bless Your Hustle, MIKE is now 27. It’s a change that feels reflected in the music whilst also harkening back to his past. The lead single Pieces Of A Dream has the repeated, contemplative refrain of “Nah I ain’t sober yet, all this smoke finna break my lungs.” It’s a powerful lyric that displays this reflection of his past perfectly.
UNIQUE
The album, much like a lot of MIKE’s work, goes from back to back, song to songs, each of which having unique yet captivating instrumentals. The production choices throughout the album are some of my favourites in MIKE’s discography. In particular the banging drums on Lucky and the almost overbearing yet beautiful vocal sample on You’re The Only One Watching, stand out as features that you just wouldn’t hear on any other rappers album. The latter track also has some of my favourite lyrics on the record with: “When I pray, I pray for Gaza and for Tigray. When I pray, I pray to Mama, know she miss MIKE. She my angel, know I got her on the flip-side.” These simple lines showcase MIKE’s brilliant ability to blend socially conscious lyricism with heartfelt, personal descriptions.
Again, much like lots of MIKE’s previous releases, many of the tracks on Showbiz! don’t have a clear song structure or sometimes even an introduction, which to me just shows it’s clear that MIKE knows what is worth prioritizing, it’s himself. His presence is so engaging and warm that each song throws you into a different world to groove in until it’s time to jump into the next.
CREATIVE POWER
The features on the album are very slim with only two guests, New York soul outfit Duendita and 454, the latter of whom has one of the standout moments on the album with his verse on What U Boutta Do? / A Star Was Born. Purely from a sonic perspective, 454’s higher register works nicely as a contrast to MIKE’s deeper tone. From a lyrical standpoint, 454 matches MIKE’s energy perfectly with a personal reflection of past friendships and upbringing. “The hood don’t love you back till you’re gone, and that’s a fact but it’s wrong. Wash my hands with all the times I put my enemies on, get emotional when the history’s strong” is a highlight, but his entire verse is fantastic.
Showbiz! is another top quality full length release from MIKE that only further shows his creativity and power as an artist. If you haven’t checked out a MIKE album, I would say this is a great place to start, however do not just stop here. His discography is such a joy to delve into, with a consistency that is hard to match.
Here’s Pieces of a Dream:
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