His Spotify bio states: “just trying to inspire someone”. Isn’t that what music is also about? Empowering listeners, sharing a message that can help someone out there being their best self. Belgium producer and rapper Polar Lenny seems to be taking his mission pretty seriously, given the quality of his artistic output. Championing an eclectic brand of modern hip-hop, the young artist blends it with pop and electronic sensibilities, creating rap music for a potentially wider audience.
Lenny’s latest effort takes the cue from an EP released earlier this year. ‘crushed ice’ gets a power-up and now becomes ‘crushed ice (deluxe)’, featuring two extra tracks and new artwork.
It’s hard not to connect to what Polar Lenny has to say – and to how he says it. Focusing on a painful toxic relationship, he describes his journey through grief, reckoning and acceptance, giving a practical example of how things get always better. Just give it time. Musically, the record features ‘healing’ and ‘crossed the line’ as newcomers. The latter benefits from a collaboration with American fellow rapper Yung Trench, really elevating the project to an international level. The production is brilliant, channelling an electro-pop sound into a hip-hop structure. ‘healing’ gets treated in more conventional, trap-infused beats, navigating more pensive horizons.
Overall, a charming record from a clearly talented artist. Recommended!
Discover ‘crushed ice (deluxe)’ on Spotify: