Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal's 'DOOMED!' is a hip-hop breakup masterpiece, blending personal narratives with nostalgic production. The album's intimate nature is largely attributed to Segal's commanding beats, which evoke a sense of foreboding and introspection. The collaboration between Eagle and Segal is a perfect pairing, with the rapper's melodrama and attention to detail complementing the producer's atmospheric and grounded soundscapes. The album's opener, 'Out to Lunch', sets the tone with its robotic hi-hats and jazz-infused grooves, while 'Streets of Rage: Public Arguments Edition' showcases Eagle's storytelling prowess with its oblique tale of relationship strife. The Billy Woods-featuring track, 'She Swear I'm Colorblind', further exemplifies the duo's ability to create a sense of urgency and vulnerability, punctuated by bursts of wind chimes and a high-pitched whine. 'Unfinished Concrete Initials' delves into Eagle's most vulnerable moments, exploring themes of memory and pain. Despite the album's somber tone, Eagle's sense of humor shines through in 'Schrödinger's Green Room (There but Uninvited)', with its pop culture references and awkward delivery. The album's production style, reminiscent of Madlib's work, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, creating a cohesive and captivating listening experience. 'DOOMED!' is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in hip-hop, offering a nuanced exploration of breakups and the emotional aftermath. In my opinion, this album is a must-listen for fans of introspective and atmospheric hip-hop, as it showcases the unique synergy between Eagle's lyrical prowess and Segal's production mastery.
