New Jersey rapper and producer Papo2oo4 has teamed up once again with Subjxct 5 to deliver Papaholic, Vol. 1, a throwback East Coast hip-hop tape that refreshingly avoids the pitfalls of regional clichés. The album, self-released, has been well-received, earning a solid rating of 7.6 from Pitchfork.
Papo2oo4’s music evokes the spirit of an old DJ Whoo Kid tape, reminiscent of the golden era of East Coast mixtape rap, which many younger listeners may only encounter through nostalgic visuals on platforms like Instagram. The album fits seamlessly into the current marketing trend of “newstalgia,” a term that describes the revival of nostalgic styles with a modern twist. This convergence is captured in a recent Instagram post featuring Papaholic, Vol. 1 track “Counter Strike,” which plays as a backdrop to a Supreme tee drop celebrating Harlem rapper Max B.
Papaholic, Vol. 1 is arranged like a DJ-hosted mixtape from the early 2000s, paying homage to the era while infusing it with contemporary energy. This project exemplifies a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, akin to the work of East Coast experimentalists like Ratking. The album breaks traditional rules, making old sounds feel fresh and relevant.
The aesthetic of the project is enhanced by its Y2K-inspired presentation, complete with Trap-A-Holics and Evil Empire tags, creating an engaging throwback experience. The opening track, “Beast Mode,” features Papo rapping about modern politics with a cheeky, nihilistic edge, showcasing his ability to weave current themes with humor reminiscent of early 2000s pop culture.
Papo2oo4 shines when he reflects on his musical influences, particularly 2000s Lil Wayne mixtapes, over Subjxct 5’s production. Tracks like “Chopper City” and “Sosua Beach” channel the sound of iconic hitmakers such as Timbaland and Just Blaze, while exploring beats that resonate with the essence of contemporary hip-hop.
The duo’s prolific output since 2017 has created a significant body of work, and Papaholic, Vol. 1 stands out as one of their most distinctive projects. Papo experiments with various styles, from 808 drill beats on “Rap 4 Sale” to flows reminiscent of Pop Smoke on “Kyrie at St. Pats.” The album also features moments of creative exploration, like on “Triple Black” and “Plug World x Double O,” where Papo showcases a sound that aligns with the contemporary Michigan rap scene.
While the 48-minute tape is packed with creativity, some tracks, such as “Rlly Love” and “Shorty Goin,” may feel less impactful, suffering from weaker hooks and less ambitious production. However, Papo’s energy remains high throughout, reminiscent of his earlier work. Despite some inconsistencies, Papaholic, Vol. 1 is a notable addition to the landscape of hip-hop newstalgia, echoing the creative revivalism seen in A$AP Rocky’s Live.Love.A$AP.
Overall, Papo2oo4 and Subjxct 5 manage to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation, creating a project that feels both familiar and fresh. As hip-hop continues to evolve, Papaholic, Vol. 1 exemplifies how artists can honor the past while forging new paths forward.
For hip-hop enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into this album, it offers a rich listening experience that pays homage to the genre’s roots while embracing the future. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the ever-evolving world of hip-hop at hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
