Review: Strawberry Ice Kream by Lalo

Hip-hop is such a vast genre that despite the creativity it naturally facilitates it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find an idea that no-one has done before; and often in the process of searching for something totally new the focus can become solely on the concept rather that the quality of the music itself. Hip-hop is also, for the most part, a uniquely personal genre. When rappers drop their lines they are often giving a singular insight into their personality and character, which is why the most intriguing and long-term successful rappers tend to be the ones who have the most personality exuded in their music. Lil Xan might have had some hits from his initial exposure because he was doing something different that was at the extreme end of 'mumble-rap'; but no-one is arguing that his music depicts an exciting personality, quite the opposite in fact, and I don't think many people are expecting him to have much long-term success. Meanwhile, a rapper like Playboi Carti may be barely understandable at times, but there is an intangible quality to his rapping that goes beyond the words, and he exudes character in everything he does.

My point is that the key to making great hip-hop isn't just about finding your unique tone, but it's also about being able to bring your personality to the fore. On his new EP, Denver rapper Lalo has really started to get that balance right and he has continued to step up the quality of music again. On first spin, it would appear that the general concept of Strawberry Ice Kream is carrying over some moments on his 2019 album Hunting Wendigos, where he combined samples and melodies from 'old-timey' music. The production actually goes beyond this simple idea though, and on repeat listens what starts to appear is a smart use of these sounds that shows a lot of intelligence. This production might be quite varied throughout Strawberry Ice Kream, but Lalo's skilful flow and well-defined tone is the constant that keeps this EP together.

The title track samples Fred Waring's Ice Cream song from all the way back in 1925, but when the main beat comes in there is a real 21st century darkness to it, and the sample combines well with the melody without ever feeling like a gimmick. Lalo's flows remind me of mid-period Mac Miller – the really good phase around Faces and Good:AM, after his party-boy early years, but before he started trying to be a jazz crooner. Whilst lyrically it's a bit conspicuous in it's explicitly sexual and braggadociuos themes, there are some pretty decent lines and there is a nice balance between variety and consistency in the flows.

Good Lookin' Out samples the Hank William's country classic in it's verses, while the chorus has a harmonic flow very reminiscent of City High's What Would You Do?; it's an interesting sound and once again it's done in a clever way that avoids being cheesy, unlike many of the country-rap crossovers that have been appearing recently. Not that this track should be considered to be in that genre, because it's far more nuanced and intricate in it's use of the sample. A lot of the lines seem to be quite self-referential to the point where an outsider might not get the references, but there's something very engaging about Lalo's flows, particularly the way he connects lines together in the first verse.

The sample in Break Me is familiar but I'm struggling to place it, and in a way that's not a bad thing, it shows that it's been built into the track well. The beat itself contrasts some circus music sounds against an especially thick bass line and a hi-hat heavy rhythm that moves nicely through the tune. The rapping here is generally more melodic than on the previous tracks, but Lalo isn't afraid to show off some technique too around the mid-point of the track with some flows reminiscent of Offset at his quickest. There's a clever Gucci Mane reference towards the end too, and on repeat listens I'm finding more and more maturity in Lalo's rapping.

Free Throws begins with a boogie-woogie sample that continues throughout the track, with the catchy chorus and a guest verse provided by Cel. Lalo goes full on trap in his flows here, breathlessly smashing out lines that cover a multitude of themes. It's a slightly exhausting track but in a good way, and although the guest verse offers a short moment of let-up the rest of the track is full throttle. As such, the track flies by pretty quickly but does enough to make you want to hit the reverse button and play it back.

Pass You is the stand-out tune, a slow burning and soulful track to end the record. It has a simple melancholic hook and a beat high up in the mix so that when it drops out and comes back in it's really effective. Once again it sounds like it could've been one of Mac Miller's better creations (I think there's even a subtle Circles reference in there but it might not be deliberate). It's undoubtedly the most personal song on the EP, and Lalo intentionally lets his guard down. He does it really well too, the lines have an honesty and integrity to them that show a person beyond the rapper. During the second verse his anger builds up in a very authentic way, and when he sings “I'm so uncomfortable with the own me” it feels totally genuine. It's a great way to end the EP, and it's definitely the most memorable track here.

I'm very impressed by this EP; Lalo is clearly a rapper with some great ideas and genuine skills too, things that aren't always easy to combine. It's clear also that this is not the sound of someone just finding their feet and experimenting with their sound, but of someone who is experienced and confident in their own ability and unafraid to show that off. Still, there is a feeling, particularly when listening back to his vast array of music on Soundcloud, that Lalo is striving to always move forward with his music. I don't think Lalo has created his magnum opus yet, but in Strawberry Ice Kream there is an equilibrium between his creativity and his personality which tells me that this guy is far from done in continuing to move his music up a level with each release.

Listen to Strawberry Ice Kream on Lalo's Soundcloud page here, and on Spotify here