Ever since Erik Jerrod landed on our radar with the release of his 2019 album ‘4 Ever Driven’, he’s been working hard to live up to the title. As 2020 unfolded, Erik kept the hits coming, despite all the hardships faced both locally and globally, lashing out with his emotive single ‘Still Holdin On’, and his unforgettable sophomore record, the fearless ‘Let Whoever Thing Whatever’. Today, the DMV native is back in the spotlight thanks to the release of his new six-track EP, ‘Dangerous Heights’, and if you thought he was sounding good before, just wait until you hear this one.
A release that is filled with ample illustrations of Erik’s poetic realism, dynamic beats, and skilled instrumentals, ‘Dangerous Heights’ reflect a far more experimental period in his career, blending his hard-boiled rap style with a unique range of sound bites from history, cinema, and everything in between, along with some choice guest spots and special features that are sure to impress.
Opening with ‘Sky Walkin’, the EP burst into focus with the sounds of a launch ignition sequence that breaks through a soft layer of sonic distortion. It’s a fitting introduction, and when Erik does finally appear on the track, he hits with the same power and intensity of a rocket launch, landing blow after blow while all the while revelling in a sea of rapid 101 beats and deft electronic touches. It’s an impressive balancing act between a heavy, almost hardcore flow and cosmic-tinged, wonderfully melodic vibes, and it shows exactly how far Erik’s come since his debut.
As the EP continues, second cut ‘Straitjacket’ delivers the first of three collaborations, arriving as a powerhouse piece with Duece202 that has some serious ‘Watch the Throne’ vibes. On ‘Black Wall Street’, the sounds of Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas in ‘Wall Street’ amidst a haunting series of strings, before a sharp digital screech pulls you into the real flow. Full of confidence, Erik dishes out a sharp critic of the modern world, making his mark and proving his talents with crystal clarity. Later, in ‘Too Real’ and ‘Fly Higher’, Erik shifts his focus, delivering shades of smooth jazz sounds and a dynamic feature from Theneighborsknow, before transitioning into sultry RnB sounds thanks to his third and final guest, the brilliant Cherell Terri.
As the closing track arrives, Erik delivers his coup de grace, ‘The NeverEnding Story’, an immersive, unstoppable track that opens with an orchestral melody and plenty of fire. With Erik in control, he delivers a fierce stream of fast-paced verse that will inspire and entertain in equal measure. A monumental way to close the EP, it's everything we’ve come to expect from Erik and more.
Available now on all major platforms, including Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, ‘Dangerous Heights’ is another meteoric release from Erik Jerrod, showcasing his passion, abilities and creative vision for all the world to hear. For more, be sure to follow Erik on Spotify below, along with his various social media pages.
Score: 8.5/10
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