Mass media company and record label 88rising shows that it is indeed “rising” on its star-studded, well-rounded compilation album, ‘Head in the Clouds.’  

88rising is indeed on the rise.  The mass media company/record label has served as a catalyst for Asian artists such as Indonesian standouts Rich Brian and NIKI, as well as the Japanese-Australian artist formerly known as Pink Guy, Joji. 88rising isn’t exclusively home to only Asian artists; one of its ascending stars is AUGUST 08, who is African American.  On the label’s first compilation, Head in the Clouds, there is no shortage of talent.  In addition to the aforementioned artists, there are songs courtesy of Higher Brothers and Keith Ape, with star-studded guests including BlocBoy JB, Goldlink, and Playboi Carti.

“La Cienega”

“La Cienega” kicks off Head in the Clouds stunningly.  This sleek R&B slow-jam features awesome vocal chemistry between Joji and NIKI.  Furthermore, both musicians kill it on their solo portions.  The vocal layering is ‘to die for.’  “Red Rubies” is a total contrast – a druggy, sexed-up rap banger with a long list of participants: Rich Brian, Yung Bans, Yung Pinch, Higher Brothers, and Don Krez.  Higher Brothers, with the addition of 03 Greedo, appear on another banger, “Swimming Pool,” rapped in both Chinese and English.

“Peach Jam”

One of the best of Heads in the Clouds arrives with the infectious, sunny-sounding “Peach Jam,” performed by Joji and BlocBoy JB.  This is the perfect summer song, thriving off its chill, sexy, and soulful vibes.  Another advance single, the star-studded “Midsummer Madness”, keeps Head in the Clouds on fire.  “Midsummer Madness” retains the services of Joji, who impresses with his higher, breezy vocals, while adding Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, and AUGUST 08.  Though a lengthy record, it is one that reflects the talents and unique skillset of the artists on the 88rising roster.

NIKI returns, alongside rising Louisville, Kentucky rapper Vory on the short, but sweet “Plans.” NIKI’s tone is rich and incredibly appealing.  Vory is ‘rougher around the edges’ than his partner, but the contrast is welcome, and he shows why he’s on the up-and-up. Rich Brian follows up impressively on “History,” with his distinct, bassy pipes.  Unsurprisingly, his topics of choice are love and sex.  Joining Higher Brothers on “Lover Boy 88” is distinct, Bangkok singer/songwriter, Phum Viphurit. His smooth, mellow sounding vocals provide a stark contrast to the more rhythmic, rhymes by Higher Brothers. The groove on “Lover Boy 88” is infectious.  

“Poolside Manor”

AUGUST 08 and NIKI join forces for the lovely “Poolside Manor,” characterized by its bright, electro- R&B touches (synths).  The singing is exactly what you expect from two gifted vocalists – awe-inspiring and hypnotic.  Rich Brian taps Playboi Carti for the banger “Beam” which lacks any substance whatsoever.  Carti is true to himself, which means different things for fans and more casual listeners/non-fans.  As for Brian, he only has one verse (the second), and he raps about sex and being high.  That’s about the size of it.

“Let It Go”

The more notable banger comes with “Let It Go,” pairing Higher Brothers and BlocBoy JB for one of the best songs of Head in the Clouds.  The rhymes stand out, but it’s the production – specifically the beat – that makes this next-level.  Post “ARIZONA” (Amen), Rich Brian and AUGUST 08 are back at it on the energetic, minor-key “Disrespectin,” which also features colorful verses from Higher Brothers.  AUGUST is arguably the star, killing it on the hook.  NIKI has her best moment on her sole solo track, “Warpaint.” The best moment is the determined chorus, where she proclaims, “Every day, I put my war paint on / I’m a warrior, I find another one.” Love won’t get this girl down!

She stays onboard for “I Want In,” paired once more with AUGUST 08.  Good, soulful vibes.  Famous Dex, Keith Ape, and Verbal follow up with “Japan 88”, the 88rising remix of Dex’s “Japan,” which appears on Dex Meets Dexter. Grammy-nominated rapper Goldlink makes his sole appearance with Higher Brothers on the penultimate record, a remix of “Nothing Wrong” (originally appeared on their Type-3 EP). Joji closes out with the smooth, ‘high’-flying, love-centric record, “Head in the Clouds.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, there is plenty of scrumptious ear candy to be had on Head in the Clouds.  The compilation runs a bit long as it approaches an hour, but nothing included is bad or deal-breaking in the least. If the purpose of this compilation is to highlight the tremendous talent of 88rising, then it’s incredibly successful.

Gems: “La Cienega,” “Red Rubies,” “Peach Jam,” “Midsummer Madness,” “History,” “Let it Go” & “Warpaint”

88rising • Head in the Clouds • 88rising / 12 Tone Music • Release: 7.20.18 

Photo Credits: 88rising / 12 Tone Music