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Rejjie Snow Baw Baw Black Sheep BMG

08.07.21

Rejjie Snow’s dedication to sonic experimentation has almost defined his still-burgeoning career. From drawing Odd Future comparisons with 2013 breakthrough EP Rejovich to the contemplative loverboy vibes of his debut album Dear Annie five years later, the Irish rapper has garnered much acclaim for his ability to go deeply personal over a fluid blend of hip-hop and R&B.

However, Baw Baw Black Sheep, his second full-length, sees the normally laconic Snow uncharacteristically upbeat. Inspired by his outsider upbringing in Dublin, BBBS is Rejjie’s light-hearted attempt at creating a cinematic soundtrack that intends to match the kaleidoscopic verve of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Tracks such as the groovy, Tinashe-assisted Disco Pantz and the sun-kissed Mirrors with Snoh Aalegra are colourful odes to the summer, while Shooting Star is joyously frenetic dubstep that serves as a fitting outro to the album. But what really cements the record’s overarching theme of carefree joy is Cookie Chips, where Rejjie breezily indulges in nostalgia while trading verses with his hero, the late, great MF DOOM.

In contrast to the autobiographical vulnerability of its predecessor, Baw Baw Black Sheep is a clear indicator that Rejjie was in a “good place” while recording the album. With BBBS, Snow encourages us to immerse ourselves in blissful escapism with him, and after enduring the past year and a bit, we’d do well to take heed of that advice.