After considerable buzz that left most waiting with great anticipation for his major debut album, 25K has finally released Pheli Makaveli. Curated by the talented Zoocci Coke Dope, the album lives up to expectation as it proves to be a sonically cohesive project that boasts a good enough balance of introspective compositions as well as braggadocio filled street anthems. With impressive sequencing of the tracks, plus good features to boot, it’s 12-song length run of 43 minutes plays out perfectly for today’s music consumer – not too short and not too long either.
Having released singles such as “Pheli Makaveli (Intro)”, “Hustler’s Prayer” featuring A-Reece as well as “Trap Jumpin’”, he had already given a taste of what the entire album would be sounding like. It’s on deeper album cuts such as the exceptional “From Duck Til’ Dawn” that his pedigree truly shines. The Flvme assisted (delivering an insane hook) and produced song stands out for its incredible production, that’s coupled with a nonchalant but incisive flow courtesy of 25K, that finds him at his absolute best. He raps, “They don’t understand everything you speak about, nahana four room house with the speaker out, frustration on a Persian rug, if I don’t make it out Imma sell drugs, if you can’t load a clip – you ain’t one of us, I can teach you how to load but don’t point at us…” and his angst is almost palpable as he shares his rumination about desperately wanting to make it out the hood.
25K is already being touted as the 2nd coming by most and Pheli Makaveli builds a very strong case for him. The Attredgeville born emcee does a very good job of authentically representing where he’s from (Pitori stand up!) without sounding contrived or using that as a crutch. He has all the makings of a superstar but has the rare heart of an artist whose fans can connect deeply with. Holding his own alongside A-Reece, Emtee and Maglera Doe Boy, amongst others, he proves that he can hang with the best of them.
Listen to Pheli Makaveli below:
