There’s nothing wrong with diversity in music, or in life. Diversity is key, regardless of what some may say. Everyone can (and most should) get a piece of the market. However, when one sound (or mindset) begins to monopolize airwaves and brainwaves, then you’ve got a problem. And how does music (especially hip-hop) usually defend against homogenization attempts? Simply put, artists get back to the basics. We remind people what music can be and provide examples of other energies outside of what you hear on Spotify or the radio. And we do this without just chastising the other side of things.

Cymarshall Law, a rapper’s rapper if I’ve ever seen one, works with Planet Asia on their collaborative effort, “Blowtorch.” What they strive to do appears twofold. First, they want take things back to the underground where BARS matter outside of a select few. Secondly, they seemingly wish to remind us hip-hop isn’t just the mainstream. It doesn’t say that the mainstream’s an inherently bad thing; just that more parity, along with different mindsets and opinions, is something needed in hip-hop.

And it’s a glorious lyrical onslaught to experience. Clocking in at just under three minutes, I had to run this one back a couple times to catch all the rhyme schemes and punchlines. The beat (produced by Slimline Mutha from the UK as well as additional touches from DJ Rhettmatic) is in your face and it’s meant to give you that “screwface.” However, it doesn’t just give us BARS for the sake of BARS. No, there’s a healthy dose of education within them as well. I won’t spoil the details. However, just know that you may not leave in the same intellectual headspace you came in with. You may even want to do better in all honesty.

After all, music is powerful that way.

If you’re willing to expand your mind, listen to legends be legendary and just enjoy rap with a purpose? I suggest you check this one out and support dope music in all its forms. This song will appear on Law’s upcoming The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression album which is due out June 13th.