TRACKMARKS: Ski Beatz’ “Taxi” ft. Mos Def and Whosane

It seems like in order for a hip hop album of any pomp and anticipation to come out these days it needs to be delayed for months at a time first. Ski Beatz’ upcoming 24 Hour Karate School is no exception as what was initially supposed to be a free mixtape has turned into a proper retail release. With that slight change in economics came some legal logistics involving samples that resulted in the album being pushed back from its original April (!) release date.  The album is now expected to drop September 7 in conjunction with Creative Control.

You can find the single “Taxi” featuring Mos Def and Whosane streaming above. It’s the song that first garnered attention for the Karate School mixtape so if you haven’t heard it yet, enjoy what’s easily the best hip hop track of the year.  Mos Def and Whosane rap and reflect about an ended relationship with a sentimentality and maturity that’s rare for hip hop. Mos is particularly tender and poetic, painting big emotions with tiny details: “Trippin’ out, ended up where you start / carousel at the merry-go-park / pretty horse, let me off / shed a tear, but I’m too tired to mourn / I’ll do it tomorrow / when you’re gone and you can’t see me at all / boulevard, love and hate, we at the cross / buckle up, rough course / taxi!”

Meanwhile, Ski compliments the senitmentality with some impressive synergy between producer and MC. Soulful vocals are alternately stretched and clipped, creating a strange sense alienation out of what was once clearly a warm song. Occasionally those samples are allowed to play out and the warm moments are repeated and almost obsessed over much like a former lover that needs to let the past go but can’t quite let themselves forget the good in what used to be.

“Taxi” and the rest of 24 Hour Karate School should finally be available September 7 and, by the looks of the guest list, every track has the potential to be a treat. Check out the tracklist below: