10K Vinyl & CDs

Review: The ninth studio album by contemporary hip-hop favourite MIKE, Burning Desire, drops in multiple formats, here on CD with a characteristically GTA-referencing front cover. The CD edition makes for a huge new project spanning over 20 new cuts as well as a swath of B-sides dedicated to his production moniker DJ Blackpower, making for a comprehensive distillation of MIKE's smog-packed sound and universe. The concept behind Burning Desire is titular; a vengeful fantasy delivered in a miasma of sonic hash smoke, alluded to cryptically most notably on the tracks 'Set The Mood' and 'Plz Don't Cut My Wings', featuring Earl Sweatshirt; the overarching mood is one of whimsical largesse, as if MIKE's goal is to pull the wool over the listener's ears, ironically assuring us of a cool kosher breeze, while his flip side nonetheless gets down to the dirtiest of business.

Review: This record marks Sideshow's fifth full-length album in just four years and it comes at a time when his career is gaining significant momentum. Following notable collaborations with MIKE, The Alchemist and Boldy James as well as the release of two albums in 2023-2MM: Don't Just Stand There and Jam-Sideshow continues to build his reputation here with production from Popstar Benny, Alexander Spit, Sideshow himself and others. There are plenty of contemporary edges to this, as well as a subtle undercurrent of respect for the old school, and it is sure to take Sideshow to a whole other level once more.