Cakes Da Killa- The Eulogy

Artist: Cakes Da Killa

Album: The Eulogy

Record Label: N/A

Even if it's not that great musically, "The Eulogy" is a massively important album for Hip Hop in 2013

Any follower of Hip Hop, or indeed perhaps any close follower of the blogosphere will be aware of the somewhat revolutionary level of acceptance for homosexuality and gender crossing the genre has obtained over the course of the last year or so. For decades prejudice in the form of the useage of the term "faggot" and other anti- gay quips has been prevelant, even uttered from the mouths of some of Hip Hop's most prolific names. In 2012 however, the emergence of songs like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Same Love" and equally as accepting statements from the likes of A$ap Rocky seem to have brought the Hip Hop community to light on the fact that, you know, homosexuality might be OK.

Inevitably, such a revelation has made an album like Cakes Da Killa's "The Eulogy" a possibility. A 21 year old MC from New York, Cakes is an absolute embodiment of Gay pride throughout these 12 tracks. On every tune his delivery is full to the brim with character, exuberance and a lofty middle finger raised to anybody who might have a problem with his sexuality. He flaunts his lifestyle, sometimes in the most explicitly confident ways. He teases you with it without being necessarily imposing, although "The Eulogy" is certainly an in- your- face battle cry.

"He said he love me then he fuck me like he don't care" he spits over the minimal but jittery opener "Get Right (Get Wet)", after asserting that "I rap that other shit make a homophobe turn to a hypocrite." On the wonderful "Goodie Goodies" he raps with exceptional pace over a bratty, jump up beat and combines graphic imagery with the hilariously clever hook "He only want me for my goodie goodies... That's the power of my goodie goodies", showcasing both confidence and a sense of humour.

Even when he's not revelling in his own idiosyncracies however he still bursts with life, like his ridiculously skilled flow on the low- rumbling "Break Em Off" or bars like "I drop bombs with the lead in my pencil" and "Bitch what I spit is like Napalm" on "Da Good  Book."

The problem with "The Eulogy" is hardly ever Cakes himself, but the production. Most of it isn't that interesting or is just obnoxious, like the moombahton styling of "High Tides." Sometimes Cakes' exuberance can lead him a bit too far with the hooks as well, like the atrocious vocal affects on "Fuck ya Boifriend" which make it almost unlistenable.

Despite how unenjoyable "The Eulogy" can be at times, it contains two monumental strangths for Hip Hop. Firstly, this is a feat that two years ago would never have been accepted on a wide basis. A space has been created where "The Eulogy" can comfortably sit and Cakes Da Killa is revelling in it. It's almost empowering, and it's certainly vital. Also, Cakes Da Killa has such brimstone character that he is surely worth the watchful eye.

Key Tracks: Goodie Goodies, Break 'Em off, The Eulogy

For fans of: Haleek Maul, Cam'Ron

6/10