Lyrics Born has continuously reinvented his sound in a career spanning over two decades while staying true to his unique blend of funk, hip-hop and soulful grooves. The underground rap album, Goodbye, Sticky Rice is no exception, marking yet another bold chapter in his artistic evolution. The Bay Area legend dives deeper into personal and cultural reflections with this album, offering listeners a thoughtful and highly textured musical experience.

Goodbye, Sticky Rice delivers 10 tracks that are both sonically diverse and lyrically rich. Born touches on themes such as perseverance and personal growth while infusing his unmistakable charisma into every bar. From start to finish, the album balances upbeat, danceable rhythms with more introspective moments.

The funky grooves of “What Dreams Are Made Of (feat. Joyo Verlarde)” starts the album with upbeat, danceable rhythms. Within the song are uplifting lyrics encouraging listeners to apologetically do what they want and chase their dreams, “I want lots of love / I want not to judge / And if my brother fall down / I’mma prop him up / And if something from our past keep poppin’ up / Remember who are you.” The chorus also enhances this theme with the repetitive lyrics sung by Joyo Velarde, “We are shooting stars / That’s what dreams are made of.”

Adding on to Born’s signature blend of funk and hip hop is “Shades of Jade,” diving into an 80’s ambiance. His delivery of the lyrics is slow but steady throughout the whole song. He tells a narrative of his struggles while also explaining how he got to where he is today due to being able to overcome the challenges he faced. This encourages listeners to keep moving forward and never abandon their dreams.

The production of Goodbye, Sticky Rice is a diverse fusion of funk, jazz, and electronic beats, crafted by the composer and producer, Teak Underdue. The eclectic soundscape amplifies Born’s distinct flow, blending old-school hip-hop influences with modern sonic elements. Each track brings something fresh, with standout moments like “Beautiful DJ,” which enhances the album with a tropical ambiance, adding depth to the overall sound. The wave sounds at the beginning transport listeners from the groovy vibe of the ’80s to the tranquility of an island getaway.

One of Born’s greatest strengths is his ability to weave complex narratives while keeping the energy high. On Goodbye, Sticky Rice explores themes of life’s challenges and the importance of never giving up and love. Tracks like “Can Wr Still Be Friends (feat. Joyo Velarde)” delve into a narrative of falling in and out of love, demonstrating his prowess as both a storyteller and a lyricist.

Goodbye, Sticky Rice stands as a testament to Born’s longevity and versatility in the hip-hop scene. His ability to seamlessly blend styles and provide socially relevant commentary while keeping things fun and engaging is what makes this album a must-listen. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Goodbye, Sticky Rice is an album that showcases the best of what Lyrics Born has to offer including authenticity, rhythm, and lyrical brilliance.