CRUIZEREVIEW: ABSTRACT

The Abstract Kid has been one of the top names in the hip hop underground scene of Kampala since his debut in the early 2020s.

Known for his versatility and slick flow, punchy delivery too. He has been shaping himself up to be a leader of his generation.

Earlier this month, he dropped his long awaited sophomore album and since we have had enough time to sit on it, here’s our review.

2006, for an intro this quite the bouncy introspective track. One of the many things that this project shines in is the production. And the beat of this intro is really good mirroring the message, The Abstract Kid, is airing about growing up.

BREAKING WALLS, is nothing short of good following the strong energy set up by the intro.

Greatt writing and impeccable flow however it does get dull towards the end.

THE HOOLIGANS, with the first feature of the album, The Abstract Kid, recruits longtime friend, producer and rapper, Kid Haavi, to nail it down. With stellar production from the likes of Marshalmase, these two deliver a masterclass of rhyme and flows with the chemistry similar to tracks like THE HILLBILLIES and family ties.

You can tell they been working together for a minute.

HOLD MY NILO, on the fourth track of the album we get another feature this time our favorite Mytii Kobain and seasoned vet Itzdanny join this journey. With Abstract delivering in a sharp aggressive tone with the clear intention of proving a point. Mytiii’s verse did justice to the beat and Danny bringing his much needed experience, that’s why he’s the King.

BREAKTHROUGH, our third favorite record on the album. Ushers us in with an old school freestyle beat reminiscent of OGs like A Tribe Called Quest. Abstract teams up with staples, TN Foxy and JMoney, (those who know, know) bring their much needed chemistry. We see Danny come and body this beat with a slick delivery. We’ve missed craftsmanship like this in the Ugandan game for a minute!

GLORY, track six lights up the room with a stellar sample and the productionnn hats off to that team they deserve a whole garden of flowers. Abstract addresses his journey on this L.A inspired beat. One the likes of Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist are reknown for.

TNF INTERLUDE, the first breather on this record is an ode to Rwandan Hip Hop and culture a very smart move by Abstract. He recruits Rwandan-Ugandan star TN Foxy for this one. They rap in a mix of English and Rwandan dialect we love songs rooted in East African culture, it’s what Rap is about.

EXCUSE ME, the best song on this album to us here at Cruizemag. This is the one a club banger on a majorly Hip Hop album is always a gift for the masses especially in a country like Uganda where night life is treasured. Abstract and Shizzy deliver a house record reminiscent of Black Coffee and boy it slaps. I’d love to hear this at a festival like NYEGE NYEGE. This is one of those onesss!

WHINE IT UP, this is a dancehall breather on the tape. It’s a nice rewind as we go into the final lap of the album though it’s one I may not go back to soon.

SORRY INTERLUDE, one of the warmer tracks on the album my personal second favorite song on the project. It’s so warm and welcoming we all love when a rapper stops talking about fast cars and gives us a classic love story. We just wish it was longer. Perfect placement on the album too.

TRUST, see we told you with Abstract expect it alll and this second half of the album is so perfectly curated with these warm records giving it the perfect classic album balance. This is a top five Abstract Kid song. It never grows old when he’s crooning about love.

FIND MY WAY, this is a Kanye reminiscent interlude. Can’t emphasize the importance of beat selection and delivery!

OPEN MIND, the second last number is such a relaxing song, it’s like the hold on we almost there song. He calls up Andrinah for this one and she’s the star of this record her verse and hook are soo relatable and catchy. You can see the Drake, TAKE CARE, influence cause tell me why Andrinah sounds like Jhene Aiko!!

LOVE YOURS, is that track so emotionally powerful as it’s Abstract reminding us what the album is truly about addressing his life up to this point. All the highs and lows, all the dark and bright times. Such a powerful closer that leaves you deep in thought it real pushed me to the edge.

Overall this is a 9/10 album. The best album we’ve heard from East Africa this year so far and there has been some strong competition. We love and thank The Abstract Kid for being true to the craft and I’m pretty certain. This album will cement him as a name to be reckoned with in the HipHop game, it’s about damn time.

ABSTRACT!

Can’t wait to see what’s next.

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ABSTRACT