Signing to Eminem’s Shady Records venture hasn’t always been a sureshot recipe for creative success — but Compton MC Boogie’s first release for the label presents him as a confident and likable rap voice. On opening track “Tired/Reflections,” Boogie cops, “I’m tired of working at myself — I wanna be perfect already.” This idea of casting himself as an artist with a humble streak who’s open to getting vulnerable on a track becomes key to sinking into Everything’s For Sale.
On the production tip, the majority of the beats are handled by Keyel, who favors melodic, trap-styled outings: “Rainy Days,” which also features Boogie’s label boss Eminem, strikes a moody, melancholic note; “Skydive” adds lilting acoustic guitar to the blend; while trumpet player Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah blesses the pensive “Whose Fault” with bluesy horn lines, as the MC relays his thoughts on a child custody situation. As the R&B styles of “Time” bring the album to a close, the listening session settles as a soulful and refreshingly candid experience.
Boogie, Everything’s For Sale (Shady Records)
