Album Review - “The Space Tape.” By Asaka The Renegade
Asaka The Renegade's project, The Space Tape. In short, introduce an artist on the cusp of stardom, yet not at the peak of his powers. Asaka, throughout this project, shows a savant-like knack for composing songs that are near-timeless in their perfection in quality and songwriting-craftsmanship.
The effort to canonize “The Space Tape.” As one of Asaka’s best efforts is well underway. For all the talent and pomp associated with the deserving hype surrounding an Asaka album these days, the most important gift from “The Space Tape.” is the realization that he deserves the superstar status he constantly refutes from himself.
In terms of overall content, Asaka remains one of the best storytellers of relatable situationships and one-off experiences. His ability to detail the games associated with modern romance and its pitfalls is second-to-none, as he effortlessly comes across as relatable. This subject matter has constantly been his bread and butter yet finds a way to transcend what he’s already perfected.
Asaka constantly references nameless flames, that's to be expected: love, loss, or lust, which has always been Asaka's most surefire fuel. And from a creativity standpoint, this album may not push the envelope on the subject matter, but in terms of execution, he’s simply one of the best at the craft. And while the album may run a bit long by modern standards, it’s an enjoyable ride that features an all-star cast of Asaka album mainstays such as Sam Wilson, and Nashad Davis.
Lyrically, this album is clever, cool, and aggrandizing through pure aura, in all the usual ways. And while Asaka finds himself a harmonizer through a large portion of this project, dexterity remains his greatest asset when he decides to put pen to the task. Such as on songs like "Comet Down." where his mind lights on nostalgic metaphors and surprising ideas: It becomes a clear reminder that Asaka is not only one of the best local artists we have now, Asaka is one of the best artists we have now.
