MUSIC
Self-made rap maestro Bugzee Lix asserts his lyrical domain with his latest project, “This Cat Has Nine Lives: The Urban Myth of Bugzee Lix (Original Movie Soundtrack).”
Bugzee Lix’s journey reads like a blockbuster film; he is self-made from beginning to end, embodying the ascent from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success. It says so much about his personality that he’s always striving for excellence; he’s still going, showcasing his never-say-die attitude and unwavering dedication to his craft. He is renowned for his clear evasion of stylistic pigeonholing and lack of label affiliation—not even a major-bankrolled vanity imprint—evolving into one of the most significant independent artists to infiltrate the mainstream.
All this and much more is captured in his hair-raising, captivating, and insightful documentary, “This Cat Has Nine Lives: Urban Myth of Bugzee Lix” which is now available for streaming and purchase. This project is accompanied by a 19-track soundtrack featuring ear-catching collaborations and impressive tracks that prove Lix is still on top of his game. I am going to scratch your musical itch with some of the bona fide standouts from the album.
“Battlefield” encapsulates the essence of this album and documentary with such lyrical finesse and spotlight-stealing bars. The smooth piano sets the tone before the hauntingly nostalgic, East Coast-inspired production lays a captivating backdrop, delightfully complementing Lix’s insightful flows.
And boy, does he rap! His flows are exquisite and relevant, creatively pertaining to the various places, cities, and suburbs that have been part of his life. His impeccable flow unfolds like chapters of a well-crafted novel, and the chorus encapsulates the track’s essence perfectly. He effortlessly unleashes intellectual rhymes, eating this beat up and leaving no crumbs behind.
Featuring the legendary Snoop Dogg, Lix delivers a musical stunner with “Mota (Don’t Shoot)”, a collaborative tour de force also featuring hip-hop icon D. Lynch. This track feels and smells like the summer of 96. Anyone who grew up along the east side, where parties were happening almost every day, will feel this punch right through the heart. The track is catchy and infectious, with creatively referential and mind-boggling bars. Lix and Snoop’s flows complement each other with intriguing precision.
Another epic banger is of course “Busy” featuring the one and only soca maestro Kevin Lyttle, Dutch EDM virtuoso Wolffman, and Rootsy. This is a party disguised as a song. The Latin dance and futuristic EDM and pop all convene here, with the end result being an invitation to groove and move!
“Open” has some quintessential trap influences with the signature hi-hats, resounding 808s, pounding bassline, and intricate percussion meticulously produced. This is one of those jams that gets you amped up as Lix drops some scene-stealing bars as the captivating hook serves as the focal point for this unforgettable masterpiece.
“Coffee Drip (Unlimited re-fills)” which was produced by the phenomenal Herb Middleton, proves that Lix can ride on any beat and succeed. Here, he flexes his rap muscles with some speedy flows, like he’s some sped-up emcee, showcasing such dexterous lyrical trill and still sounding relevant.
It would be remiss not to mention “Pull Up (Gym Girl)” in this discussion. This fan favorite has been an anthem for so many listeners for months now. This masterpiece brings the swaggering, contemporary, and slinky world of Bryson Tiller to Lix’s grimy east coast hip-hop style, and the end result is something this sexy, memorable, and grandiose.
There is so much gist in this exemplary collection as Lix cuts through the soundtracks with clarity and lyrical self-assuredness, producing enough sterling moments to show that he’s still a star worthy of fanfare.
Check out this album, which is now streaming on all popular platforms, and don’t forget to watch the equally mind-blowing and entertaining documentary that is now available on Vimeo. Check out the link in Lix’s Instagram bio and spread the word.