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Description:
Black Soap by Mike, released 10 August 2018.
This version of Black Soap comes as a 1xCD. -
"Black Soap" is a compelling CD release by rapper and producer MIKE, showcasing his introspective lyricism and hazy, soulful production. Across the project, he blends lo-fi beats, fragmented jazz and soul samples, and a deeply personal writing style that reflects on identity, grief, resilience, and the experience of growing up in urban environments. The atmosphere is dense and intimate: layered, muffled drums and grainy textures frame MIKE's understated but emotionally heavy delivery, inviting listeners to lean in and discover new details with every play. As a body of work, "Black Soap" feels cohesive and intentional, designed to be heard from start to finish rather than as a collection of disconnected tracks.
Thematically, the album gravitates around inner struggle and self-discovery, while still leaving space for hope and small moments of light. MIKE's flows often move in a stream-of-consciousness way, but his sharp sense of rhythm and phrasing holds everything together. The production emphasizes mood over polish, turning imperfections into part of the aesthetic: tape hiss, chopped vocal snippets, and detuned melodies contribute to a unique sonic signature that stands apart from mainstream hip-hop. "Black Soap" is particularly suited for listeners who appreciate underground rap, experimental hip-hop, and projects that prize emotional honesty over radio-ready sheen.
MIKE has built a strong reputation in the alternative rap landscape through his prolific output and his influence on a new generation of introspective, DIY-oriented artists. Known for albums that have been critically praised in independent and specialist circles, he has become a central figure in contemporary underground hip-hop, especially for his ability to fuse vulnerable writing with adventurous, self-produced beats. His work is frequently highlighted for its emotional depth and for pushing the boundaries of what a rap record can sound like, helping to shape a distinctly modern, left-field hip-hop aesthetic.
"Black Soap" is released by Lex Records (in collaboration with Warp), a label known for championing innovative and genre-defying artists. Lex has long been associated with forward-thinking hip-hop and electronic music, working with acts that blur boundaries and cultivate distinctive, often experimental sounds. Their catalog is recognized for quality over quantity: carefully curated projects that tend to attract dedicated listeners searching for music off the beaten path. The partnership with Warp underlines the label's commitment to cutting-edge production and artistic freedom, making Lex Records (warp) a natural home for a project as idiosyncratic and personal as "Black Soap".
