Open Mike Eagle puts himself out there in a very real and raw way. You can feel his catharsis as he works out the trauma of a difficult year. As the pain is exorcised, there are also moments of levity and wit that OME fans are accustom to. We are also treated to the youthful joie de vivre of Mike’s son Little A$e in the middle and end of the album. This suggests that after navigating through the pain, the only way out is forward. Leaning into the hopes of the future and letting the past wash over us and take us into something hopeful and new. Ultimately, this album is a master class in working through hard times and I’d imagine we could all use that from time to time. Especially in 2020.

Buy it, but then also stream it, then also support him patreon, then pay for all the merch. This man is a genius and all of everything he creates is genius including this album.