Released: December 6, 2023

Genre: Hip-hop

From: Cyprus / Serbia / Italy

Label: Self-released

Why you should listen: Serbian / Cypriot (and recently) London-based rapper Andre Masters has released a stellar new album titled ACETONE, produced by Italian producers Comma Uno and Emme the 3rd. I was introduced to Andre Masters via the Come Thru London-based collective, and have been a fan of his monotonous yet smooth vocals, intricate flows and punchy lyricism. ACETONE further pushes him into the spotlight as one of the most exciting independent artists making music today, with revealing, intimate and confident raps about his state of mind, his flaws, his observations on life around him and the structures put in place to suppress people and their creativity and spirituality. He channels all this in soulful, crisp production, perfectly capturing his aura on the mic and again, highlighting just how much of a dope emcee he is. Kicking things off with “READ RECEIPTS”, has these incredible horn and synth instrumentation that sounds spiritual, with Andre having an appetite for winning and being the best version of himself he can be. “BLEACH THE REPORT” is another great track, with a smooth, melodic beat as Andre continues to rap effortlessly with a braggadocios tone, very Roc Marci-esque. The album continues in the same vein, with tracks like “MOUFLONIANISM”, “DIFFUSION” and “HULK SLOGAN” all having lush and jazzy production, with Andre occasionally bringing out his multilingual qualities, rapping in Serbian (some of which I understand!). It’s beautiful seeing him thrive, and the latter half of the album really displays his charm on the mic. “SUM OF SALT (SOS)” is incredible, while the jazzy, groovy beat on “FLOOD GATES” is incredible, while “WHIPEBOARD” and “NEVER THIS NOR THAT (TO BE FRANCK)” are two highlights, with the former having a smooth verse in Serbian before he spits effortlessly about his journey and trying to channel his creativity through tunnel vision that will allow him to grow and block away distractions, while the defined beat and groove of the latter makes it a great vibe track, while Andre’s smooth flow and lyricism throughout is flawless. The smooth interlude on “C3H60” gives way for the uplifting and gorgeous closer “VEOMA VREO” is a lush and reflective way to close the album. Andre Masters, along with Comma Uno and Emme the 3rd have created a lush, beautiful new album. ACETONE is an early contender for hip-hop album of the year, and sets the tone nicely for what’s about to come within the independent hip-hop scene.

The album: