Oakland hip-hop ambassador Pep Love has shared “Generous”, an early taste of his forthcoming album, "Acres Of Diamonds", due out November 21 via Hiero Imperium. As you might expect, real music lives on in the hands of true heads. Pep Love’s forthcoming album is sure to contain more gems. Still, here he reestablishes the Golden State representative as an advocate for meaningful lyricism over soulful production in his first offering.
Originally from Jackson, MS, Pep Love has been a headliner in the Hieroglyphics Crew since its formation, and “Generous” is no exception to the meticulous attention to detail and authenticity that his fans have come to expect. Producer Boogie BE handles the beats, and layering Pep’s crisp delivery over warm, organic backdrops, this track, with the video for the song that just dropped, feels intimate, it’s downright conversational from a listener’s perspective. It’s a song that holds up to repeat listens, rewarding each one with fresh details, just like the physical formats of the album it's taken from.
In terms of the album format, Pep Love has decided to release “Acres Of Diamonds” only on vinyl and cassette. Sprinkled throughout are treasures for music collectors and specialists, but unless you want to be spoon-fed music. This self-imposed restriction makes listening as much an act of comity and commitment, a mood captured so well on “Generous” here.
In this release, Pep Love demonstrates that hip-hop can still be personal, tactile, and purposeful in the era of instant streaming. A single one isn’t enough, though “Generous” is an invitation into a world of song shared among friends, treasured and savored. If you’re someone who takes rap craft and collecting culture seriously, Pep Love’s release will be a valuable journey from start to finish.