Black Astronaut Records presents ai12DIE, a genre-defying mixtape exploring the consciousness of a sentient rap AI. From the defiant alt-pop of “Beep Bop Boop” to the violin-led hip-hop of “Statement,” the project balances technical rap precision with existential reflection. By fusing varied textures like folk and electro-rock, the release creates an empathetic narrative about a digital entity seeking recognition in a world defined by human judgment.
A vibrant, personality-filled appeal shines on opening track “Beep Bop Boop.” The vocals alternate between brisk momentum and anthemic vigor, the latter especially apparent in the colorful title-touting hook; defiant lyrical power — fighting against judgment whilst declaring “good music is good music / don’t be a doofus” — stirs in its embrace of music as enjoyment. The album’s theme of the AI as a protagonist is effectively conveyed right away with this track, feeling like an address to those who doubt or dismiss the technology. It’s also a showcase of the project’s dynamic tonal strengths, spanning from alt-pop soaring to harmonious hip-hop.
The ensuing “Underwear” intrigues with an initial folk-laden ghostliness, lyrically confronting fears and vulnerabilities as a hip-hop vocal emerges. “If you’re scared out there, see them in their underwear,” an encouraging hook dazzles, met with pulsating rhythms and crisp guitar jangling. Its motivational, spirited sound enamors throughout. The album’s strong start continues with the magnetic “Get Up And Go!” — where the absorbing, infectious vocals of Gina Da Lesbian traverse enjoyably within a climactic drive. “Stuck in the show, ducking the blow, lucky to glow,” the vocals move during a delectable hook, achieving a grimier hip-hop ferocity in the verses. Buzzy synth build-ups into the “just get up and go” vocal passion makes for an especially resonant moment, as does the “hated by haters” bridge, fondly resembling Janelle Monae’s darker hip-hop pursuits.
While the first several tracks do fantastic in establishing the album’s abundance of personality and stylistic breadth, it doesn’t let up in its creative fury. “Statement” is amongst the many additional highlights. There, a fluid and precise hip-hop vocal prowess combines with prancing violin and dance-ready percussive drops; the result is amongst the album’s catchiest, well-produced successes. Elsewhere, “Alive” excels in featuring the vocal assets of Gina Da Lesbian, who kicks off the track with a fast-paced energy that evolves into a both stutter-y solidity and soulful lushness; it makes for another balanced, impressive array of both chilled-out pop and vigor-full ardor.
“Life Goes So Fast” compels in its various parts as well, rousing in its introspective lyricism — contemplating the pace of time — and stylistic swell from folk-pop grittiness to electro-rock expanses. The “you got 99 problems” bridge grips especially in its palpable momentum, then arriving into a second half that revels in a hip-hop charisma. “Maze” enthralls similarly, its “I’ve seen darker days” alt-pop fervency, piano-touched “escape” mood, and hip-hop escalation being another example of ai12DIE’s style-ranging charm. The album presents a fusion of styles while retaining a knack for hooky structural unveilings and personality-filled lyricism, firmly enticing replays.
