released: june 18th 2025

genre: hip-hop / electronic

from: london, uk

label: young

a few thoughts: isaiah hull is a generational artist. the london-based member of the collective life is beautiful has one of the most animated and unique voices i’ve heard in a while. the way he’s able to paint sonic canvases, whether through his performances with life is beautiful or via his recorded music, is something to really marvel at, and i am such a fan of his. pocomania is his debut solo release, and it’s as intense, twisted and hypnotic as i expected, and more. the 10-track project is co-produced with kwes darko, and features some dark, hypnotic production, capturing an intensity in energy that pierces through with such impact. “talawah” kicks the album off with intense, tribal drumming and a heavy bassline that allows isaiah hull to paint the sonic canvas with an intensity that is just incredible. the hypnotic beat on “fishscaels” has isaiah hull screech in his signature wild high pitched voice, with a sense of desperation that is full of raw emotive power, proclaiming “i don’t pay taxes, i take taxis”. “a is for africa” sees isaiah hull fiercely and angrily spit bars chronologically throughout the alphabet – “e is for english, everybody is evil” is one piercing line, and i draw parallels between the violence of the english language, and the colonial history that has destroyed people’s lives over the years. isaiah hull’s unapologetic lyrics throughout the album speak on the black experience and a vision for black liberation. the menacing beat on “union jack” complements his wailing vocal delivery perfectly, as he sounds like he’s slowly running out of gas but with more intensity as the track progresses. the colourful beat on “revival” complements the isaiah hull’s lyrics on rebirth and revival, while “body” is a soulful cut about loving and being comfortable in your own body. the twisted, maniacal energy of “pocomania” is crazy, with a disorienting beat and an angsty verse from isaiah. “sweet sweet” is an incredible cut, where isaiah spits “sweet sweet sweet, baby boy in the street, please stop war-ring with me, start the glorious beef, if i had devilish metal, put these n***** on their knees, i got rap video dreams, where they kissing me to sleep”. a reminder to keep manifesting on dreams and aspirations. “bloodline” is a subdued track, as isaiah repeats “bloodline in the sink” over this distorted yet melodic beat. “the great black hope” closes the project out with some reflections on self, those he loves, reminding why he’s not the next great black hope. his vulnerabilities and fears about the state of the world around him are painted effectively throughout the album, and with an incredibly dense and hypnotic soundscape as the canvas for his reflections. pocomania is a stellar project capturing the artistry of one of the most exciting voices making music today.

the album: