More heat out of the Midwest: Indiana’s Drayco McCoy has dropped his eighth full-length, titled Half Dead Pariah. The album is a landmark in the rapper’s evolution, one that displays just how wide his reach expands.
Four years into his career, McCoy has flowered into a singular artist. He has mastered a sort of controlled chaos reminiscent of Playboi Carti‘s earlier work, but he’s not afraid to flaunt his versatility. The the three track run of “I’m Not Sorry,” “God Blocked My Phone,” and “Ridin To The Bank” that kick off the record is emblematic of this trademark, but as the album rolls on, McCoy expands his range to an astonishing effect. The intensity of “Trap Still Open” and “Tryna See Angels Touch” is not to be missed.
An undisputed highlight of this new collection is “Get To Work,” a collaboration with North Carolina’s very own BIGBABYGUCCI. The freewheeling chemistry between the two is palpable; despite each rapper’s apparent talent, they never take things too seriously. GUCCI‘s signature brand of aloofness is always entertaining. Also featuring on “Make It Last” is Indianapolis’ Sirius Blvck, who delivers a hook that makes for a supremely memorable track.
Despite the strength of these features, McCoy maintains his hold of the spotlight through the album’s 40-minute runtime. He saves the project’s absolute best track, “Summer’s Over,” for last. It’s a culmination of everything he’s accomplished so far, a true synthesis of all his stylistic capabilities. He’s earned his spot as one of the most consistent and exciting to come out of the Midwest, and we can’t wait to hear where he goes next. Don’t be late, stream Half Dead Pariah by Drayco McCoy at the Spotify link down below.
