Colder temperatures be damned, Portland, OR rapper T.$poon proves that summer really is a state of mind on his incredibly smooth new EP, Big Spoon, produced entirely by the L.A. beatsmiths, District Yori and K. Fisha.
$poon teased the chilled-out sounds of his latest project through 2017 when he released non-EP singles such as “IJWF” and “Pull Up,” both of which helped the emcee gain serious momentum throughout the year. And they culminated perfectly with the release of Big Spoon, which boasts six tracks tailor-made for afternoon rides during the warmer months.
That image becomes clear as soon as you hear the opening cut, “All Night,” featuring frequent collaborator and crooner Rex Life Raj. The track is bolstered by wonderfully shiny production that sets the stage for one laid-back joint after the next, which together form musical comfort food. This is that stick-to-your-rib type of Hip-Hop, a perfect blend of Bay Area good vibes with some raw Northwestern bravado.
There are hints at that tough talk throughout the EP, but it really comes to a head on the closing track, “Last of My Kind,” featuring David Bars and Benny The Butcher. $poon may talk his fair share of shit, but he also provides a peek into his real life with lines like, “If y’all ain’t talkin’ bout no money, we ain’t translatin’/ He ain’t real, you ain’t real, you and yo’ man’s fakin’/ Keep the grass cut for the snakes, call it landscapin’.”
“This EP represents where I came from, and the person I’ve become—from lil bad ass Tone, to boss Big Spoon,” the rapper explains. “I creatively wanted to bring people into my world, and be as honest and natural as possible. This is EP is to showcase that westside player shit I feel Portland should be known for.”
The sounds of Big Spoon may shimmer, but there’s a darker reality beneath it all that makes the project truly resonate. As $poon raps on the excellent “Ridin’”: “We the n***as all the bad hoes askin’ ‘bout/ Real n***a, really livin’ what we rap about.”
Big Spoon is now available through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via F.A.Y.L. (Forever Above Your Level). Head over to the DSP of your choice to support! Follow @eldorado2452 on Twitter and Instagram for all your music and entertainment news.
© 2018, Eldorado2452. All rights reserved.
