ian – Valedictorian

Review

"Valedictorian" is ian's first shot at making a name for himself in the chaotic world of hip-hop, and damn, does he make a splash. This Dallas native channels the goofball vibes of Asher Roth and Lil Dicky, all while dropping serious knowledge about the genre. Shoutouts to legends and OGs like DJ Holiday, and adopting the lingo of ATL heavyweights such as Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane show that ian's no poser; he's got a foot in both worlds.

The production on this album is sick. "Bentayga" hits you with swaying synths and throbbing 808s that sound like they belong in a smoke-filled club. Then there's "Chauncey," which wastes no time smacking you with gritty synths and heavy hi-hats. It's clear that ian's got a knack for mixing old-school homage with new-school flair. Plus, his unapologetic self-awareness as a white rapper in a largely black genre adds a witty, introspective layer to the entire project. It's playful, it's thoughtful, and "Valedictorian" isn't just worthy of a listen; it demands it. - Chase