LA-based hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON captivates on their major label debut album, ‘iridescence,’ their fourth album overall.

LA-based, all-encompassing hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON have proven that they certainly have a way with song titles (see the likes of “1997 DIANA”, “1998 TRUMAN”, and “1999 WILDFIRE”).  More importantly, they have proven that they are unafraid to experiment, incorporating a wide variety of ideas and styles into their brand of music.  The fruits of their labor helped them release three albums in 2017 (SATURATION, SATURATION II, and SATURATION III), and led to a major-label deal for their fourth, the exceptional iridescence, which debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200.

“New Orleans”

“New Orleans” commences iridescence with a bang.  Following a brief intro by Matt Champion, Dom McLennon gets to work with agile, pointed rhymes.  The backdrop is awesome, driven by an edgy, malicious sounding synth.  Kevin Abstract follows McLennon dropping a memorable chorus that’s clearly ‘unafraid.’ Following a bridge courtesy of bearface, Champion delivers a second compelling intriguing, with Joba making his first appearance on the third (“Impending death is the only sign of life / I’m throwing Hail Marys ‘til I die”).  After the final chorus, Merlyn Wood closes out with a ‘spiritual, not religious’ tinged verse (“Now I’m losing my religion / God damn, so narcissistic this millennium…”).

The brief “Thug Life” has a tough act to follow – understatement. Even so, BROCKHAMPTON keeps the momentum rolling without a hitch.  Much smoother than “New Orleans,” “Thug Life” embraces more urban contemporary sensibilities, even with another compelling rap verse from Dom McLennon. Bearface also plays a big role. Both return on “Berlin,” which contrasts with a tougher, edgier sound, clearly most focused more on bars. Matt Champion, Kevin Abstract, and Joba all return to the mix following absences on “Thug Life.” The main attraction is the bearface chorus – “Baby boy, why you looking grimy as shit? / I’ll make the wristwatch flood, let diamonds fill my sink.” 

“Something About Him”

Arguably, there hasn’t been enough Kevin Abstract on iridescence up until this point.  That changes on “Something About Him” where Abstract pays ode to his man.  The chorus vocals are chocked-full of vocal effects purposely, though Abstract does bless us with more standard vocals on his verse. Clearly, his boyfriend is incredibly special, even if the record just crosses one-minute-and-a-half.  Keeping things short, “Where the Cash At” just misses the two-minute mark, serving as a Merlyn Wood feature, with Matt Champion appearing only on the second verse. Fittingly, it is a stark contrast to “Something About Him,” embracing shallowness (money) over dedication (relationship). Shallow it may be, the chorus is irresistible – “Where the cash at? Used to ask that.”

Kevin Abstract drops some awesome bars on gem, “Weight.” Initially, “Weight” is a lush, string-laden record – at least during Abstract’s contributions. Notably, Abstract raps about his sexuality, spitting, “And she was mad ‘cause I never wanna show her off / And every time she took her bra off my dick would go soft / I thought I had a problem, kept my head inside a pillow screaming.” The tempo quickens on Joba’s verse (verse two), yet there’s a slower change of pace on Dom’s (verse three).  Keeping “Weight” intriguing, there’s an interlude between Dom and Joba’s second verse (verse four).

“District”

Strings return on “District,” as does Kevin Abstract, with pitch-shifted vocals on chorus.  The sound doesn’t remain warm, as Merlyn Wood doesn’t play around on the first verse, anchored by a synth-led backdrop and a sick beat.  The flex is real for boys of BROCKHAMPTON, with all of them rapping about material things. Joba, bearface, Dom, and Matt Champion keep the ‘illness’ going on this multi-versed joint.  Interestingly, the initial Kevin Abstract chorus never returns. 

Interlude “Loophole” precedes the quick-paced “Tape” where Kevin Abstract goes ‘H.A.M.’ from the onset.  “I can barely rap, I can barely dance / I can barely laugh, I can barely hang / I want a male stripper to do a belly dance / For me and my boyfriend, that’s entertainment.” Okay…  Random out of context, Abstract, along with Joba, Matt Champion, and Dom McLennon reflect on their respective lives and feelings. “White cuffs, wood grain / Money in the suitcase on my way to the bank.” The best way to describe the stellar “J’ouvert”? Banger.  Joba not only kills the aforementioned chorus, but delivers his most aggressive rhymes on the following verse.

“Got issues with these motherfuckers
Looking down from they pedestals
From that petty view, on that petty shit.”

Joba isn’t the only bright spot, as Matt Champion gets things started with a bang, while Merlyn Wood is on-point as well.

“Honey”

“Honey” doesn’t ‘miss a beat’, continuing to spoil the listener with the left-field glory that is BROCKHAMPTON.  There are no dull moments as the collective continues to push the envelope and go against the grain. In addition to distinct rhymes from various members, “Honey” benefits from beat/production switches. “Vivid” is the shortest of the final quartet of songs, missing the two-and-a-half-minute mark. “San Marcos” is a late gem on iridescence, showcasing the eclecticism and range of the band.  The record brilliantly blends pop, alternative R&B, and hip-hop.  Vocally, Kevin Abstract and bearface deliver some gorgeous vocals, not to mention and outro performed by London Community Gospel Choir.  Even from a rapping standpoint, Dom and Joba opt for pop-rap, which fits the more melodic vibe of his cut.

“My ghost still haunt you, my life is I, Tonya / A big-eyed monster, only face to conquer / I hated songs about fame ‘cause that stuff meant nothin’ / Until them headlines came, then first flight I’m stuck in.” Penultimate record “Tonya,” inspired by I, Tonya, seems to hit home with the band, as they reflect on the effects of fame on their respective lives.  The M.O. is similar on the strong closing cut “Fabric,” which also explores ‘the come up’.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, iridescence is a brilliant major-label debut album for BROCKHAMPTON.  The LP incorporates a wide array of ideas, styles, and goes against the grain of the standard hip-hop script. Sure, there are gems that shine brighter than others, but what iridescence is any songs that ‘miss the mark.’ Easily, this is among the best hip-hop albums of the year, as well as one of the best overall albums as well.

Gems: “New Orleans,” “Where the Cash At,” “Weight,” “District,” “Tape,” “J’ouvert” & “San Marcos”

BROCKHAMPTON • iridescence • QUESTION EVERYTHING / RCA • Release: 9.21.18

Photo Credits: QUESTION EVERYTHING / RCA