Hardcore Lyrics, Gritty Flows, Intense Production
Rappers Eli Edwards and Xayvien Young joined forces years ago after becoming friends in fifth grade. The Washington-born duo recently signed with Carpark Records and announced their first studio album, a self-titled project. Blending elements of metal, punk and rap, the duo have propelled themselves into the spotlight with an incredibly well-crafted collection of songs. The vocals are intense and explosive, while the production, filled with booming electric guitars and gritty percussion, is loud and unapologetic. The political rage both Edwards and Young channel is apparent throughout the record. Through their lyrics, delivery and production, Casi’s self-titled debut is an essential listen in the realm of experimental hip-hop.
The production remains energetic across all 10 songs, with each track offering heavy guitar riffs and drum breaks that rival some of the best metal bands. Even when the album slows down in its second half, the instrumentals never lose their punch. A great example is the opening track, “TRIGGER.” The song begins with a strange arpeggiated synth that creates an eerie atmosphere. As dry guitar tones and lyrics enter, the buildup reaches a powerful climax. It is almost as if the duo plugs in their amps at the drop, turns the gain up to 11 and unleashes one of the album’s strongest moments. Nor is it the only one, as tracks like “JUMPER” and the hilariously titled “I’M HUNGOVER AND WENT TO CHURCH” are masterclasses in mosh-worthy music.
Lyrically, the duo is fierce, delivering pointed political commentary throughout the album. Their criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) serves as one of the record’s central themes. Likewise, anti-police sentiment appears throughout much of the project, reflecting Casi’s frustration with the current political climate in the United States. That intensity is balanced with moments of introspection, particularly on “SUBSTANCE,” where the duo reflects on personal struggles through lines such as, “Chainsmoking every day, I’m trying to cure anxieties.”
What ultimately ties the record together is the duo’s delivery. While the lyrics are powerful on their own, they would not carry the same impact without the conviction behind them. Casi is unafraid to scream, whether out of anger or to create an amped-up atmosphere for listeners. The duo consistently performs with a furious intensity that recalls punk vocalists like Henry Rollins of Black Flag. Going into a hip-hop record, listeners may not expect such strong rock influences, but they are present throughout the project.
Edwards and Young prove they deserve to rise within the rap scene. Their explosive vocal delivery, paired with sharp lyricism and outstanding production, suggests the duo has the potential for a long and successful career if future releases can match the quality of this impressive debut.
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