Rapswell, SQ - MAX POETICS
MAX POETICS is a collaboration between two long-time musical partners in crime Rapswell & SQ, known for their work with the celebrated group PENPALS. After a decade of putting out albums under that moniker, this is Rapswell’s first official solo effort, and an opportunity to showcase what makes his particular brand of artistry so unique. Over the course of 12 tracks, Swell takes the listener through a journey into the depths of his mind as he tackles subjects such as mental health, spiritual growth, and the finer points of making a pot of split pea soup. He also brings in the talents of his extended fam, with verses from Armand Hammer’s ELUCID, Moses Rockwell, NAHreally, and andrew, among others. Their shared sensibilities demonstrate a sense of community around the current independent hip-hop scene that is felt strongly throughout the duration of the album.
The range of this record is exemplified by its three singles. The Beauty of Simplicity represents the path Rapswell is forging in his life, by trying to appreciate the simple things in life while acknowledging his flaws. SQ’s instrumental is bombastic and joyous, with a wailing horn line that elevates the energy of the track to new heights in both artists’ discography. There is an unwavering commitment to positive change that is present in the lyrics when Swell says he’s “Such a sucker for unlimited catharsis/I’m winning it, no losses/And pivot through the darkness”. It’s the beginning of a new stage in life, into a place where dreams thrive and difficult emotions are felt thoroughly in order to be transformed into something beautiful.
This leads us to Fear No Evil - a song about looking directly at that part of us that we are afraid to believe exists, but is necessary in order to evolve as a person and become free. Influenced by several years of therapy and meditation, Rapswell approaches this topic through methods that are part of this personal process and emerges with a template for how to craft a composition that is both brutally honest and refreshing in its vulnerability. Plus the beat bangs.
Floating Over The City is an observational account of what you see when drifting above New York, with all of its people and buildings looking small from above at first and then zooming into focus in intricate detail. Using a satellite as mic, Swell tells a story of self sabotage, battles with chatbots, and finally answers the question of why you never see a baby pigeon. DJ Marcus Pinn comes in with a display of dexterity on the cuts and utilizes Aceyalone’s Mic Check vocals in a way that would make the Invisibl Skratch Piklz blush.
Whether you’ve been a supporter of the Filthy Animals Music (pen-pals.bandcamp.com) crew for years or this is your first foray into his music, this is a great introduction to the latest version of Maxwell Tetrault aka Rapswell. The album that allows him to fully express himself over SQ’s tapestry of sounds and reveals songwriting at the zenith of his prowess, MAX POETICS is a rare gem.
Lyrics by Rapswell
Beats by SQ