released: april 19, 2024

genre: hip-hop

from: new orleans, louisiana, usa

label: backwoodz studioz

a few thoughts: independent hip-hop legend cavalier has released his first solo album since 2018’s private stock. different type time is an expansive, 21-track and hour-long project, with soulful and intricate jazz-inspired production from the likes of quelle chris, who produced 8 of the tracks and acted as an associate producer/consigliere to this album, ohbliv, ahwlee, child actor and fushou. cavalier flows and spits effortlessly throughout the entire project, reinforcing his legacy as one of the leading figures within the independent hip-hop scene within the states. a cohesive body of work, the album starts strong with the self-titled opener and “custard spoon”, with its playful soul sample and intricate weed-themed raps from cavalier, who really flows effortlessly throughout the track. “can’t leave it alone” featuring eric jaye is another fantastic track on the album, with a soulful tone and vocals, as cavalier’s intricate wordplay is on full display – “did the butterflies cease or is it trouble i seek? / am i numb to recovery or weak knees? SWV / i love the hustle like ace. but we seen it like runnin’ in place / but double the speed but to cover my base, need to re-up in a couple of weeks”. it’s cav’s reflective thoughts on life and his focus on the present is what makes this such a relatable piece of poetry throughout, as he raps with wisdom and from his own experiences, highlighting his skills as an emcee perfectly. the reflective “déjà vu / tydro ’97” is a smooth, groovy cut, with a soulful beat and reflective, thoughtful lyricism about the mundanity of every day routines, while the latter half of the track has this eerie beat, and cavalier’s intricate and frantic raps creating a sense of urgency. the comedic and playful tone of “doodoo damien” is another memorable moment on the album. the piano-led ethereal melody on “all things considered” is incredible, while the jazzy, melodic groove on “pears” is complemented by cav’s incredible flows and intricate lyricism throughout. the incredible beat on “told you” is one of my favourites on the album. “think about it” featuring billzegypt is another highlight on the album. cavalier’s revealing and vulnerable lyricism about his upbringing, relationships with others, and whether he’s able to change his ways for the better makes for a relatable and personal moment on the album. “manigaults / i miss them” is another incredible moment on the album, with a woozy, synth-led beat and groove that is emphatic with cav’s flows and israelite-referencing lyrics. “axiom / my gawd” is a groovy, soulful track, with a lovely soul sample as well as uplifting lyricism. “flourish” closes the album out with a smooth and angelic instrumental, with subtle drumming and incredible lyricism from cav, whose uplifting lyrics calling folks to flourish and be the best versions of themselves, and with shoutouts to the people that were there for his growth. cavalier’s different type time is an excellent body of work showcasing the versatility in cav’s flows, the intricacies in his wordplay and his intelligence on the mic. all of this combined with some of the lushest and most soulful production i’ve heard this year.

the album: