From Tes1’s X2 in 2003 to Kanye West’s Yeesus last year, electro-clash post-hip-hop is known for alternative deliveries and cacophonous sonics. Recent Memphis transplant Cities Aviv, has brought to NYC a brash and formidable album with ‘Come to Life.’ It’s something about his innovative cutting of lo-fi samples and the hard street style raps drenched in reverb; it’s 50 cent with Morrissey, Dilla with Kool Keith, Boards of Canada with Biggie, and yet something completely different. That in itself is an accomplishment in a genre where biting style is as endemic as claiming to have engendered it. Cities Aviv is letting the music speak for itself, and if you can sort through the jittering percussion and psychedelic vocal-processing, you might find yourself chanting along.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Hip Hop songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!