420: BACKWOODS EDITION, 2024
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
© GARAGE DOOR RECORDS/ GDR
Reviewed: 30 December '24
Much like smoke weaving its way unpredictably through the air, 420: Backwoods Edition by South Africa’s underground collective, The Unknwns, takes listeners on a winding journey through an eclectic blend of ideas, emotions, and sonic landscapes. Dropped on April 20th, 2024, the mixtape confidently cements its place in the alternative hip-hop realm with its daringly unconventional style and hallucinatory soundscapes. Yet, despite its ability to mesmerize and elevate the senses, it feels somewhat detached from the core identity of a traditional 4/20 project.
At its heart, the mixtape stands as a bold declaration of independence—a defiant rejection of conformity that celebrates individuality and mental fortitude. The Unknwns’ talent for crafting ethereal, otherworldly soundscapes takes center stage, with surreal skits and samples—from Jerry Springer’s reflections on everyday life to scenes from the cannabis cult classic How High—infusing the project with a cinematic flair. These elements create an immersive listening experience, drawing audiences into an alternate reality that perfectly complements an elevated state of mind. However, the album's thematic looseness—a swirling mix of self-worth, countercultural ideals, and introspective musings—feels more like a cosmic collage than a unified narrative.
With a refined lineup of five vocalists—Soul Rich, Kenn Kyoto, Laezy.I, Scxtt Supremacy, and the standout Daddy Indica—and five producers (TELO5, Crystate, Raven Santana, Bob Wires, and KNOW), the mixtape achieves a newfound clarity. Daddy Indica’s soulful harmonies and ethereal melodies provide a layer of sophistication, her contributions serving as a cornerstone of emotional depth throughout the project. Conversely, Soul Rich shifts towards a more rap-focused delivery, stepping away from his trademark minimalist singing—a choice that, while showcasing his versatility, might leave fans longing more of that soothing, melodic touch that has defined much of his previous work.
Standout tracks like "SUPER MARIO" and "THAILAND" showcase Laezy.I's consistent ability to command attention, repeatedly stealing the spotlight with his sharp delivery. Meanwhile, "MOESHA'S DIARY ENTRY," a masterfully reimagined remix, weaves complex tales of love, insecurity, and empowerment, highlighting the group’s remarkable storytelling prowess. On "CELLULAR GLITCH," the chemistry between Soul and Kenn Kyoto is undeniable, creating a synergy that begs to be explored further in future projects. Adding to the mix, Scxtt Supremacy’s bold delivery and unapologetic flair leave a lasting impression, cementing his place as a standout voice in the collective.
Clocking in at just 32 minutes across 13 tracks, 420: Backwoods Edition keeps its runtime tight, leaving listeners immersed in a fog of introspection and euphoria. While it may stray from the essence of a classic 4/20-themed project, its bold creativity and ambition firmly cement The Unknwns’ standing in the underground alternative scene. This mixtape marches to the beat of its own drum—an unpredictable yet captivating journey that’s well worth experiencing.
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TAGS:
The Unknwns - 420: Backwoods Edition | The Unknwns 420 | South African Hip-Hop | Underground Hip-Hop | Kwaito Influence | '90s Boom Bap | Avant-Garde Hip-Hop | SBXFS | Afric an Music Review | MuddFoot Media ZA | Hip-Hop Mixtape | Bob Wires Production | Boom Bap Revival | Kwaito Meets Hip-Hop | Album Review | Hip-Hop Storytelling | Cultural Identity in Music | South African Music Scene | Lyricism | Experimental Hip-Hop | Urban Life Themes | Hip-Hop Collectives | The Unknwns Mixtape Review | African Underground Music | Afrocentric Music | Hip-Hop and Kwaito Fusion | Local Sounds, Global Impact | Raw and Unfiltered Music | Innovative Soundscapes | 420 Backwoods Edition