New York-based rapper Camden Malik has dropped a versatile album called LOVE OF MY LIFE 2. This new offering covers a variety of styles, from Bay Area-influenced trap to smooth soul sampling.
Camden Malik was born in Sacramento, but he later relocated to New York City. Growing up on both coasts influenced his eclectic sound, which is inspired by Northern California's hyphy style and traditional New York hip-hop. His breakout project was 2018's Casually, a breezy EP that featured dexterous rhymes and buttery samples. Since then, he has carved his own lane, releasing a series of quality albums that earned him a dedicated fanbase.
For his newest project, LOVE OF MY LIFE 2, Camden Malik provides a versatile, innovative sound. Album opener "Big Bang Theory" is psychedelic, featuring watery keys and rich 808s swirling together into an icy mixture. Following this, album highlight "Fantastia" provides a regal beat, with soulful keys and crispy drums. Camden Malik delivers smooth, rapid-fire verses over top of the glorious instrumental. In addition, an ethereal vocal sample drifts in and out, creating a layered effect. "Blue Nose Pit" is another album highlight, containing a hard-hitting instrumental with wintery pianos. On this song, Camden Malik's vocal delivery is urgent and powerful, as he rides the beat with ease. He also comes through with some more easygoing tracks, such as "Want It More" with Mavi. This track features jazzy keyboards and smokey bass, while Mavi and Camden Malik trade off smooth verses. The album closes with the epic "Crown", a melodic track with pounding drums and muscular guitars.
Overall, LOVE OF MY LIFE 2 is a strong release, providing a versatile sound that is both entertaining and innovative. The production is raw and powerful, and Camden Malik's rapping is dexterous and smooth. LOVE OF MY LIFE 2 follows a string of superb releases from Camden Malik, and he remains an underrated voice in current East Coast hip-hop.