Starranko - Odd Ass City

Starranko

Odd Ass City
self-released; 2015

3.9 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

In 2013 Starranko released The Manhattan Project, which served as introduction to an innovative hip-hop artist who started to carve out his own style and niche. Just recently he released Odd Ass City, which solidifies his place as one of the innovative hip-hop artists to recently emerge. Odd Ass City touts exceptional production, inventive lyrics and solid cohesive flow in terms of vocals and song. Starranko mixes it up effectively throughout the nineteen songs. Sometimes you can tinges of an artist like Kanye West and other times Starranko will treat you to a deep cut that seems destined for the club. 

The album starts up with “Intro” which is engaging two-minute opener. You can hear some of that Kanye West vibe in his vocals at times but it’s also distinctly his own. The production of the music is top notch and I thoroughly enjoyed the unique mix of vocal harmonies. pads, piano and percussion. 

After “Intro” you get treated to “Yesterdays” which is contains a funky mix of what sounds could be a sample from The Jackson 5. Starranko's vocal delivery fits perfectly into music, which is no easy take. His lyrics tap on cultural ubiquitous topics such as the TV show House of Cards to Star Wars.

“Odd Ass City” revolves around dark noir style music. Some of the most engaging aspects are the details such as the timing of the hi-hat and the synth. I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard “Rap ft Medulla” blasting through dance floors in the not too distant future. Starranko and Medulla are on point here with their flow and delivery. I won't go into the details but his lyrics are damn near poetic at times. It’s very thought out and even intellectual when it could have gotten by with simple thoughts. In other words they weren't being lazy when writing. 

As the album unfolds Starranko continues to display a diversity of textures and tones within each song. “Non-Stop Monsters” is a party anthem where you can picture people waving their hands while “Vegas” has synth style ‘80s music. 

I’m not going to give it all away in this review but there is a lot more that I’ll let you discover for yourself. Starranko has definitely arrived with this release. 

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