Kool Keith’s latest offering is thick with languid verses amongst old school movie samples and downtempo lounge beats served up by L’Orange, a producer who has been making some very interesting wax moves since 2011.
Keith fans let’s be clear. This is a “space and Mars album”. Kool Keith aficionados know that saying the rapper’s catalog is varied is an understatement. From the sexual revelry of albums like Spankmaster and Sex Style, to the horrorcore manifesto Nogotco Rd., it’s hard to keep consistent traction with Kool Keith’s musical output.
While some may be done with Kool Keith because he hasn’t come out with another Dr. Octogon or Black Elvis, one must only release their preconceptions of those albums being Keith’s best work, and give Time Astonishing a listen. Kool Keith has truly changed up his delivery here and has created lyrical work that marries the production seamlessly. He also features guests on most of the songs. While none of the names jump out as very recognizable (heads look out for Mr. Lif), they all kill their respective tracks.
Known for his notoriously short shows, this album is just a little over 35 minutes. It delivers all it needs to in that time. If Keith Thornton needed any redemption for his recent output, he earns it here. Time? Astonishing! is on Mello Music Group records and is available now.