Pioneer of rhythms drumless – beats constructed from samples to which no percussion is added – Roc Marciano is a veteran who made his debut alongside Busta Rhymes in the late 1990s. The New Yorker started his solo career in 2010 with the ‘album Marcberg. Since then, he has refined the recipe which continues to inspire artists underground than those at the top of the charts.
Marciano produces the majority of his albums in addition to sometimes composing the music for those of other artists, such as Jay Worthy and Flee Lord. They are also among the few guests on Marciology. Larry June, Crimeapple, TF, Knowledge the Pirate and Grea8Gawd are the others. Despite some solid verses from them, Marciano is definitely the master on board.
The MC is a master in the art of arrogance. He still finds on this 12e solo offering new ways to remember the superiority of one’s skills and lifestyle.
The seriousness with which Roc delivers his rhymes adds to the comic side of some of his gems. Examples ? On True Love : “Y’all all washed, it’s a laundry list of you sorry n****s”. Then, on Flair : “The black Blake Carrington with the eighty-carat ring / Baby was like “Ain’t that what rabbits eat?” “.
Roc Marciano’s albums offer dark or, at least, muted atmospheres. The title track, which opens the disc, and Goyard God, the next, perfectly illustrate the palette of atmospheres. While the first blows a slightly sinister dreamlike wind, the second evokes a luxurious smoky room with its powerful bass and its captivating tempo. Gold Crossbowjust after, mixes the two worlds thanks to a disturbing piano and drums warm superimposed male and female voices.
The cohesion of Marciology is remarkable. A few pieces still stand out. Two of them are Alchemist creations. Bad JuJu is already on our list of songs of the year. Larry June and Marciano – who uses a flow more aggressive – float to music that would perfectly accompany a solar eclipse! The other one from Alchemist is Higher Self which reminds us of the Wu-Tang of the good years. Tapewormproduced by Animoss, On the Run And Floxx are also great successes. The psychedelia of the latter is very pleasant.
Extract of Bad JuJuby Roc Marciano (with Larry June)
Rap
Marciology
Roc Marciano
Pimpire Records/Marci Enterprises