Fly Anakin
(The) Forever Dream
LEX
ABOVE THE CURRENT
You know you’re at the top of your game when Madlib describes you as “one of the illest MC’s.” The legendary producer knows quality, and he’s spot on with his description of Virginia’s Fly Anakin. The prolific (like seemingly all of his peers) artist has become an underground favorite for his releases’ colorful, eclectic production scope, collaborative efforts with the likes of Pink Siifu, and smoke-scorched, high-pitched voice—as instantly recognizable and charismatic as any in East Coast underground hip-hop.
(The) Forever Dream has been described by its creator as his most “experimental and ambitious” release. This descriptor makes these 16 tracks sound more daunting than they are. In reality, this is a stellar collection of bright, diverse, and downright gorgeous hip-hop that’s so light-on-its-feet it can sometimes feel like it’s sweeping you off yours. Executive produced by Quelle Chris (who also features on several tracks, in an intriguing inversion of the classic hip-hop sidekick role á la Ghostface Killah and Raekwon) and featuring work by big-name producers like The Alchemist, (The) Forever Dream utilizes relentlessly sunny and imaginative instrumental flourishes, tilting its tracks from laid-back to cocksure to thoughtful with the elegance of a well-executed magic trick.
A specifically delightful addition to the album’s production palette is the semi-frequent use of guitars, which are worth highlighting for their effervescent qualities. “Lord Forgives, I Hold Grudges,” for example, is built upon a proper earworm of a fuzzy jazz guitar sample, one whose layers of bounce smoothly burrow deep into your subconscious. “Corner Pocket” features glistening ’80s guitar leads that intertwine with synths, while “CheckOnMe”’s midpoint sees the emergence of acoustic guitars that add to the track’s serene yet melancholic vistas.
I’d be remiss to not also highlight the array of killer guest spots on (The) Forever Dream. If you’re new to contemporary underground rap, diving into the discographies of the names featured here would provide ample introduction. Highlights include Quelle’s dexterous voice on multiple tracks, Siifu’s wise opening verse to the poignant closer “Say Thank You,” Anakin’s partner BbyMutha on “Corner Pocket,” and his charismatic fellow Mutant Academy crew member Big Kahuna OG on the album highlight “My N*gga.”
A top-to-bottom success, if you’re even a casual rap head you’ll likely find yourself falling a little bit in love with (The) Forever Dream. It’s Anakin’s most fleshed-out and consistently strong release yet, free of any excess fat in the form of the scattershot bricolage that so many rap records feel the need to include. Most impressive is the fact that it never seems to even try to be as amazing as it is. An early contender for rap album of the year, and an essential album to accompany the equally warm and low-key glorious summer months.
