Back in May super creative rapper/producer Issue dropped an EP called Skies all produced by Schwarz that had the secondary title “Prelude To Waves Of Italy.” That had the world wondering “What is Waves Of Italy?” Waves Of Italy is Issue’s best album yet. I’ve been listening to his stuff for a minute now, and he has been improving every song, every album he’s put out. And he started out awesome!

From the get-go, Waves Of Italy comes out swinging. The opening track “Snakes,” produced by Feadz, is one of the weirdest bangers ever, but a banger nonetheless. When Issue raps “Y’all are snakes heard y’all really suck!” it’s such a great chant. Issue kicks in the door and disses all the shiesty people of the earth on a massive beat complete with gunshots and loud synths. From there on, the whole album is solid as hell. Issue makes beats, but all the production on Waves is from outside (and pretty big) producers. Avispado, Herve, Schwarz, Giorgio Momurda, SupremeAC, Soufein3000 and our friends Supreme Cuts.

There are also some really great guest appearances on Waves Of Italy. Our Friends Das Racist appear on “Teaholics,” Our other friend Haleek Maul appears on “Smoke Tires” (which is also on Issue’s bro Haleek’s Chrome Lips tape), The legendary Murs appears on “Ferari (Italian Love),” and O’Grime, Juiceboxxx and Akira The Don all are on the album-ending posse cut (which has an amazing name) “Pasta.” Oh, and I am on the song “Stunt (Dummies).” It’s a huge honor Issue asked me to be on this album. I feel like I’m a part of something very special. And I am. But, I would love this album even if I weren’t on it. Definitely check out Waves Of Italy it is one of the weirdest and also dopest hip hop releases of the year so far. You can download the album here

- Nick Vogt