Novatore Cohesively Tackles “Agoraphobia” (Album Review)

This is the 13th studio LP from Chicago emcee Novatore & his Goon MuSick sophomore effort. Emerging as a member of the Infamous Crew, he’s also built up an impressive solo career over nearly a decade by dropping 4 EPs & an acclaimed collaborative effort with A.M. Early Morning produced by Stu Bangas called Kingdom of Criminality on top of all the previous LPs that he’s dropped along the way. Other highlights include Louie, Louie II, Embrace the Darkness, Portrait of a Madman, Embrace the Darkness II: Explorers of Experience, Master of Morbid Creations & Living in the End Times, Alchemy & Black Magic and following up his Goon MuSick debut The 87 Arsonist by discussing a Brenx-produced Agoraphobia.

After the intro, the first song “No Restraint” featuring Lord Goat is this boom bap opener with both of them showing off their top notch lyricism whereas “Blood Pies” delivers further down a morbid atmosphere talking about murdering those who can’t compete. After the “Voicemail” skit, the title track featuring Termanology works in more kicks & snares pleading to be taken out the house prior “Knives” featuring Jak Tripper bringing it hardcore for 2 & a half minutes.

“Piano Man” hops over a piano-driven boom bap beat hence the title admitting that he barely leaves the house likening himself to that of a black widow while “Blacksmith” featuring King Magnetic & Recognize Ali finds the trio aggressively boasting that their pens are sharper than ever before. The grisly “Water Shadows” laughs off anyone who comes at them without any skill & finally, “Killer Instinct” ends Agoraphobia by angrily talking about his murderous tendencies. 

Loosely basing it’s concept around the fear of leaving one’s home, Novatore’s follow-up to The 87 Arsonist remembers the late Cast Gawd after he was killed in the middle of a shootout with the Arizona police department last spring by giving the underground another reason as to why he fits in so well on the Goon MuSick roster. Brenx’ production here is on par with its predecessor rooted in the traditional boom bap sound, I like that he got lesser guests & even the cohesiveness in general.

Score: 8/10

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