Combining their love for delivering hard-hitting bars and energetic production, JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown teamed up to create a project that delivers just that with their new album, “Scaring the Hoes.”
Both artists always strayed away from the status quo. JPEGMAFIA, also known as Peggy, always expressed himself as a nonconformist in both his music and his view of the world. Peggy’s music always shed a light on his internal dialogue, especially seen in his 2018 EP, “Veteran,” which focused on the daily conversation of politics seen everywhere around him.
Danny Brown, a rapper with a charismatic personality, also creates music not necessarily captured by a single genre. He often implements different styles to create his own unique sound.
“Scaring the Hoes” explores a style that is anti-pop yet still catches its listeners’ attention through its diverse sound and lyricism.
“Lean Beef Patty,” the first track of the album, opens with a sped-up sample of rapper P. Diddy’s “I Need a Girl” that slowly transitions into aggressive beats and charged lyrics. It’s action-packed, and both artists match each other in volatility. Danny Brown and Peggy maintain superior control of their voices and clarity that matches with the progression of the sound.
The title track, “SCARING THE HOES,” demonstrates strong verses to match a powerful and dynamic beat. It’s chaotic in a way that feels natural and cathartic for both the artists and the listeners.
But the diverse sounds can feel overwhelming at times. “Fentanyl Taster” tests its most patient listeners with periods of hushed rhythm juxtaposed against Danny’s rapping and instrumentation influenced by the drum-and-bass style.
Like “Fentanyl Taster,” many songs from “Scaring the Hoes” instill a slight feeling of chaos within the listener. Though, with the right ear, it will feel blissful and calming — yes, I’m serious.
In my favorite track, “God Loves You,” a different type of sound is created by implementing an almost gospel-like choir fitted with a fast beat. The transition to a slowed-down, hip-hop beat is absolutely seamless and fits perfectly with the artist’s style.
The album concludes with an explosion of emotion in the final track, “Where Ya Get Ya Coke From?” Peggy demonstrates his excellent talent for rap verse, as he talks about themes including his own talent for rap with lyrics like, “should be in the psych ward for what I do with vocal chords.”
The genius of the lyrics throughout the EP is a blessing, and “Where Ya Get Ya Coke From?” is no exception. It’s a testament to Peggy’s talent, and this project pushes Peggy and Danny’s name to the top.
Although each song is unique, the overall artistic style created by Peggy and Danny Brown allow for the EP to remain a consistent project that strays away from a single sound, guaranteeing the listener does not get bored.
I’ve been a fan of Peggy’s music for quite some time now, and have occasionally listened to Danny Brown in the past. Knowing their individual styles as solo artists, I can safely say that this is one of the best-suited collaborations of the year. Both artists deliver something that is incredibly unique yet matches up perfectly with both of their motives. It’s aggressive, fluid and unlike anything created by either artist in the past.
I am strongly looking forward to the “Scaring the Hoes” tour, as I know they will deliver a performance that will leave a lasting impression on its listeners. Though they aren’t stopping in Madison, you can see Peggy in Chicago at Pitchfork this July. Or, you can come to New York with me to see them both.
Rating: 8/10
