released: february 27th, 2026

genre: hip-hop

from: los angeles, california, usa

label: 10k

a few thoughts: firstly, free tigray. hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and living in terrible conditions in camps in the northeastern part of ethiopia, as tensions between the government and the eritrean state are escalating. being from tigray, the conflict hits very close to home for sideshow, who explores themes of exploitation, colonialism, and excessive, unethical consumption on his most ambitious album to date, tigray funk. it’s 32 tracks long, spread over 4 discs, totaling just over an hour in length. it’s quite long for hip-hop standards, but the versatility he displays throughout the project, with the varying, hard-hitting and eclectic production makes it a captivating, seamless listen. tracks like “martyr most high” and “heart 2 a feather” display real introspection, as he ruminates – “it make me wanna cry / for us to progress, so many have to die / for the stories to be told, so many gotta go” on the former track. on the latter, he ponders “i’m just a victim of my time / i weighed it all against the feather / i’m like, “what’s the bottom line / have i given more than taken in my life?””. moments like this are plentiful throughout the album, and showcases his talents as an emcee and storyteller, and he’s definitely improved in that regard. also, the production is incredible, meandering between thumping, hard-hitting 808 drums and atmospheric, cinematic moments throughout. “blame burnays” and “almost famous” are highlights off disc 2, with social commentary on war (“we playin’ war games, it’s a competition / we goin’ back to back ’til nobody livin’” on “almost famous”) over jumpy, dynamic production. the beat and groove on “ccp like oto” is crazy, while he comments on addiction on “yardbird”. “alena (ኣለና) paradise lost” has this incredible ethio-jazz sample, a soothing and beautiful cut, while the rest of disc 3 is more reflective and soulful in tone and energy. the punchy energy of “happy machine” featuring niontay is a highlight on disc 4, while the smooth, atmospheric keys and guitar melodies on “international soda club” are just beautiful. the funky energy of “chaos constant” closes the album with a punchy, dynamic cut that feels triumphant. there’s so much to admire about tigray funk. the vast, eclectic soundscapes, seeped in funky, hard-hitting and sonically meandering production, combined with sideshow’s introspection on the state of the world as well as his own vices, make this an incredibly detailed and memorable listen.

the album: