Slump is proof that, even with nearly a decade of experience in hip hop, Sapient can still find new ways to push the genre’s envelope. The album showcases dynamic instrumentation, shifting textures and relentless hooks through bright production that are held together by Sapient’s seamless lyrical flow. Each track has something different to offer. Whether it’s the heavy guitar leads in “Pieces of Paper”, the comedic groove of “Shotgun in my Spaceship” or the ethereal backing vocals on “Monsters Eat Bricks” the album is constantly exploring different ways to express an innovative spirit. Still, the accessible nature of the music is never lost to over-experimentation. The rhythms are contagious and the choruses so catchy that they demand the listener to sing along, even if they don’t realize they’re doing it. Slump is a refreshing break from musical imitation and shows that, above all, Sapient will never let himself be confined within the box of a single genre. - Benjamin Toledo