Throughout the four-song EP Abstract Art, rapper Daugaard travels through space, time, a few acid trips and his creative process. In doing so, we not only get to see who Daugaard is as an artist. Even though he’s a great artist in that aspect, this one goes deeper than rap . We also get to see how his mind works and his spirit. Specifically, we see how he’s come into his own, all while keeping himself grounded in reality. As someone who’s a creative, it can get a bit hard to do this all the time. So I appreciate the approach here. Sonically, the production ranges from straightforward boombap to acid rap. If you must have a comparison, think Cole meets early Chance beat-wise and you’ve got a very broad summary of the EP.

The only track of the four that doesn’t go down this route is its outro, “Evergreen.” On “Evergreen,” Daugaard rides over a mainstream-esque beat to become one with his universe while also illustrating how focused he’s become over such a short period of time. However, it’s a mainstream beat that still fits in with the rest of the project. It’s like he’s determined to get you to see his point of view, and I respect that. It’s that determination and focus that make this project worth your listen, even if you’re not the biggest boombapper out there. The lyrics aren’t overly heavy, though the concepts they’re used in have some weight to them. For me, the project was essentially Daugaard coming to terms with his place–both in the universe and within hip-hop. The amount of introspection on this one honestly reminds me of when I partake in the tree and get hyperfocused. It’s trippy, but it’s really lasered in on the important things, like sense of self.

If I’ve intrigued you, which I hope I did, check it out below and support dope music in all its forms.

Ed. Note: I don’t use anything stronger than the six-pointed leaf. That’s my personal limit and usually my limit as a writer. As such, I usually pass on songs that delve into things stronger than the tree/oil/vape/etc. However, this spoke to me. So here we are. Not a condemnation nor an approval. It’s just me writing about dope music. Don’t think too much about it either way ^_^.