Released: January 26, 2024

Genre: Experimental Hip-hop

From: US

Label: Jagjaguwar

Why you should listen: Tampa, Florida-based duo They Hate Change, consisting of rappers André & Vonne, have been creating some of the most exciting and boundary-pushing hip-hop in recent years. Full of energy and with a plethora of different styles, the duo have consistently put out hard-hitting, bass-heavy production with electronic and jungle influences. Their new 5-track Wish You Were Here​.​.​. sees them continue to expand their sound to new heights. For the first time, they’ve turned to outside production, with instrumentals from Wu-Lu, 96Back, and DJ Orange Julius, as well as Odd Future/NRK’s Vritra. “Thank You For Reaching Out (Intro)” starts off with an automated voice message (I thought streaming ads were playing for a sec!) and then an ambient, synth-led composition, full of voice messages from friends and family. “stunt (when I see u)” has the same punchy and heavy energy that I’ve been used to hearing from them, with bass-heavy drumming and a swirling synth loop, and with both emcees providing some intricate, almost braggadocio’s lyrics about stunting while touring and travelling the world. The Wu-Lu produced and featured “Biscuits” has a subtle guitar melody that gives the track a moody, reflective tone, before launching itself into an intense broken-beat instrumental. “So Excited” has an almost hyperpop type beat, in a way their party track. “Wallabies & Weejuns” produced by 96Back is dynamic and hypnotic, with its pulsating energy that contains multiple beat changes and sounds that capture their energy perfectly, as both André and Vonne’s playful and fun lyricism and energy makes it a memorable track, and a great way to close the album out. Wish You Were Here​.​.​. continues They Hate Change’s streak of dynamic and boundary-pushing production as well as intricate lyricism. Them giving so much love to South London and the heritage of music that’s been released over the years is great to see, and long may that influence and these collaborations continue!

The project: