Beware of the Monkey

MIKE’s mumbled delivery and hazy, soul-sampling beats might not seem uplifting at first. But get on his level and you’ll find a world of small wonders and daily affirmations believable, in part, because of how ordinary he seems, whether he’s flubbing a verse (“Nuthin I Can Do Is Wrng”) or pointing out how he loves music—but, hey, other people might prefer basketball (“Eczema”). For listeners who’ve followed him before, you’ll note that he sounds happier and more alert. And while he still lives in his head, the depression that served as his muse on albums like *tears of joy* and *War in My Pen* has evolved into something more sustainable: gratitude.

Beware of the Monkey produced by dj blackpower artwork by Bianca Fields

MIKE continues a long run of great records with his self-produced 10th album, a self-assured current of shifting emotional states.