Von Alexander records laid-back hip-hop that fuses a carefree attitude with a conscious outlook, radiating positive vibrations that recall ‘00s Kanye and Lupe Fiasco. His latest mixtape ‘I Can’t Die’ is a bombshell, a mission statement and a flagrant declaration of immortality: Von Alexander is here to stay.
His latest mixtape ‘I Can’t Die’ will be out worldwide in September 2019.
Opening up ‘I Can’t Die’ with jazzy chords and ‘90s vocal samples over a rock-solid boom-bap bedrock, Von Alexander sets the stage for a mixtape that brings together the best of hip-hop’s history with a contemporary perspective. ‘Anoche’ recalls the sun-soaked chill-hop of Lupe Fiasco, pitching Alexander’s effortless flows against a beat that could easily roll for ten minutes straight, repeating a hook that deftly embodies the rappers creative aims: “I promised you that I would always keep it real, tell the truth and give you something that you could feel.”
“The concept behind this album is finding the light while in the dark. In other words, taking the worst circumstances that you may be facing and using them to create positivity, confidence and motivation.”
‘Feel Better’ switches up the vibe, laying down minor-key piano samples over brutalist screw-face production as Alexander showcases a darker side to his lyricism. The tracks grittier tendencies set the stage for title track and lead single ‘I Can’t Die’, a pitch-perfect take on contemporary trap that’s deceptively simple, making a masterwork out of a few finely tuned elements: rising melodies, a bass-heavy beat and Alexander’s auto-tuned vocal hook. Closing out the EP with a return to the laid-back vibes that opened it, ‘Wildfire’ finishes the record off in a blaze.
“The writing for this album comes from a place of outlook and therapy. Understanding where you are, realizing it is temporary, and writing the words that are going to help you move forward in all aspects.”
Rishma Dhaliwal
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