Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal's DOOMED! is a hip-hop breakup masterpiece, blending personal narratives with nostalgic production. The album's central theme, as introduced in the interlude 'It Happens in Every Universe', is a well-trodden subject but one that Eagle mines for artistic gold. This intimate record showcases Eagle's personal and introspective nature, with Segal's production adding a layer of nostalgia and introspection. The collaboration between the rapper and producer is a perfect pairing, with Eagle's melodrama and attention to detail complementing Segal's dreamy and foreboding beats. The album's production is a standout, featuring warbly piano samples, strings, detuned sax melodies, and psychedelic synths, all grounded and meandering less than in previous works. The opener, 'Out to Lunch', introduces fully on-the-grid hi-hats, while 'Streets of Rage: Public Arguments Edition' grooves with a loose clap, jazzy piano, and confident bassline, reminiscent of Madlib's work. The album's narrative is an oblique tale of fighting with a significant other, with Eagle's lyrics spinning a web of emotions and experiences. The Billy Woods-featuring track, 'She Swear I'm Colorblind', showcases the album's ability to capture the onset of a panic attack with its high-pitched whine and windchime bursts. The album's vulnerability is further emphasized in 'Unfinished Concrete Initials', where Eagle's lyrics reveal his most intimate thoughts and memories. Despite the album's introspective nature, there are still sparks of Eagle's humor, as seen in 'Schrödinger's Green Room (There but Uninvited)', where he awkwardly proclaims his thoughts are intrusive and compares them to a DJ in his head. The album's pop culture references, including anime, Kitty Pride, Beanie Babies, Flipmode Squad, and The Proclaimers, add a layer of familiarity and fun. Overall, DOOMED! is a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and personal storytelling, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, introspection, and emotional depth. In my opinion, this album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to create something truly special when two artists come together.
