Egyptian rapper Tac makes his return to music with his most ambitious project yet. The rapper drops his long-awaited EP, SLE…EP via Parking Lot Geniuses. Known for his wordplay and unique blend of poetic activism themes, Tac refuses to conform to the new standard of hip hop. For someone who has been in the rap game for a while, Tac manages to keep things first on his first EP.
SLE…EP is a project for fans of authentic hip-hop and lyrics that aren’t spoken in mumbled tones. Despite the hard-hitting bars, Tac does offer his soulful side a chance to shine. The balance is walked perfectly, and the tradeoff is more than many could bargain for.
The opening track, “The Sandman’s Poem,” opens with a tone that attempts to smooth the listener into a colorful array of symphonies. The track picks up the pace a little with Tac offering guidance to those about to enter his world. It's inviting and makes no mistake in letting its presence be known. “NCHINTRSS” and “WHY I DON’T GO OUT” are two tracks that trade similar styles with slight differences. “NCHINTRSS” Tac goes for a lo-fi hip hop style over a slower groove. It's chill and out of the way, while “WHY I DON’T GO OUT” leans into a more gritty style with Tac showcasing his flow.
Tac isn’t just a rapper; he’s a master at fusing various genres that are layered upon his poetry. Diving deeper into his childhood on “My Best Friend, My Keeper” is a placeholder halfway through the album. Tac takes the chance to unpack unresolved issues while still holding out hope for the future. Past relationships have molded Tac into the artist he is today.
Drawing inspiration from early 2000s NY rap, Tac keeps it simple and doesn’t try to overcrowd his art. Just a man and the mic, Tac manages to float across the 808s and sonically perfect the image of a man shaped by hardships and time. Over the 10-track project, Tac lets listeners into his mind, and nothing is more on point than the last track on the album, “SLE..EP.”
The sum of what has transpired on the previous tracks, “SLE…EP” gives a summary of what lies within Tac. Recalling that blend of soul and R&B, Tac talks about sleepless nights, growing up in poverty, honing his craft, and the importance of trust. The rapper touches on growing up with a contrast in wealth. In the journey to find himself, Tac has taken the time to get things right.
Connect with Tac: Instagram
