BUFFALO, NY – looCcaM, the innovative and boundary-pushing art rap act hailing from Buffalo, New York, is set to unveil their highly-anticipated debut album, “Silence Exile Cunning,” on October 19, 2023. This release marks a significant moment in the evolution of hip-hop, as looCcaM explores uncharted territory by merging influences from trip-hop, electro-punk, future bass, hyperpop, and experimental poetry with the hardcore 90s NY rap and avant-garde traditions.
“Silence Exile Cunning” is the result of years of experimentation within the realms of rap and beat culture. The album brings together a diverse range of influences, spanning from experimental electronic to punk rock, science fiction, and Russian futurist poetic theory. The sonic landscape traverses classic 90s boom bap, cyberpunk trap, and gutter pop, creating a unique and immersive experience for listeners.
At the heart of looCcaM‘s groundbreaking approach lies their lyrical experimentation. Drawing inspiration from rap luminaries like MF Doom and Ghostface Killah, as well as avant-garde poetic traditions including futurism, Dada, surrealism, language poetry, sound poetry, and the beatniks, looCcaM crafts a distinctive “wall of rhyme” filled with surreal, cubist imagery. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of words and sounds that push the boundaries of what is imaginable.
Behind the looCcaM project are the talented Collins brothers. Tim Collins, a poet, theorist, and occasional academic, takes charge of the concept, lyrics, mixing, and vocals. His work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Eratio and The Journal of Popular Culture. Pat Collins, known for his work as part of the rap group 25 Metro and under the alias Definition, handles the beat production. He has been a prominent figure in Buffalo’s underground hip-hop scene for years, contributing as both a producer and MC on numerous releases.
Musically, looCcaM is deeply rooted in hardware, with Pat’s mastery of the MPC shining through in their tracks. The album effortlessly balances a classic, lo-fi, sample-based boom bap aesthetic with futuristic elements, such as 808s, alien drum programming, and synth arrangements. Throughout the creative process, looCcaM remains unwavering in their commitment to their unique artistic vision, refusing to make any concessions to commercialism.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided the Collins brothers with a unique opportunity to reevaluate and reshape their project. Tim explains, “Taking a step back made us both realize that the record needed to hark back to gritty NY rap vibes, then incorporate the experimentation in that general style. That’s essentially the form we’re working in both as an aesthetic choice and as our de facto reality, being born and raised in the City of Buffalo. It’s our terroir. We grew up off Main St., riding the train in the middle of post-industrial fall-out. Grimy NY rap is etched in our soul.”
“Silence Exile Cunning” is a testament to looCcaM’s unwavering commitment to artistic integrity and their fearless exploration of uncharted musical territories. As they blend the past and the future of rap, the album pays homage to the legacy of hardcore underground rap while propelling the genre into uncharted territory.
Don’t miss the release of “Silence Exile Cunning” by looCcaM on October 19, 2023, as it promises to be a groundbreaking moment in the world of music. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements from this dynamic Buffalo-based duo.
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