b. cool-aid: syrup
Francisco Espregueira
Syrup, B. Cool-Aid’s new seven-track EP, is one of the finest and smoothest hip hop records of the year so far. Following BRWN, released in 2017, Ahwlee (on the beats) and Pink Siifu (on the lyrics) partnered once again to create a cohesive record, that manages to feel expansive despite its brief runtime. Their trademark sound flows with warmth and a neo-soul feel to it, largely due to Ahwlee’s beats, which are downtempo, loose and open. Siifu’s honeyed rhymes and raspy singing blend in perfection, creating a dim-lighted set of sexy intentions.
Favouring the sound of Dilla’s solo productions on the beats, and flexibility between rapping and singing - so subtly that the distinction between the two is hard to define -, the B. Cool-Aid partnership sits comfortably in an intersection of neo-soul and indie rap. Syrup is available on vinyl and cassette, besides being present on all digital platforms, courtesy of UKNOWY. Sweet vibes on this one…