Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal's 'DOOMED!' is a hip-hop breakup masterpiece, an intimate and introspective album that showcases the perfect synergy between the rapper's personal storytelling and the producer's atmospheric beats. The album's opening interlude, 'It Happens in Every Universe', sets the tone for the entire record, acknowledging the universal struggle of breakups. This theme is further explored through Eagle's personal narratives, tinged with nostalgia and a keen eye for detail, which Segal translates into a soundscape of warbly piano samples, strings, and detuned sax melodies, creating a grounded and introspective atmosphere.
One of the standout tracks, 'Streets of Rage: Public Arguments Edition', showcases the dynamic between Eagle and Segal. Eagle's oblique tale of fighting with a significant other is set against a lowkey funk beat, featuring a loose clap, jazzy piano, and a confident bassline reminiscent of Madlib's work. The track's groovy rhythm and Eagle's raw emotion create a powerful contrast, highlighting the album's ability to capture the complexities of personal relationships.
Segal's production on 'DOOMED!' is some of his most commanding since his collaboration with Billy Woods on 'Maps'. The album's sound is characterized by a sense of foreboding, with bursts of windchimes and high-pitched whines that evoke a sense of panic. This is particularly evident on the Billy Woods-featuring track 'She Swear I'm Colorblind', where the chorus, 'Some reason, shit got twisted, Told me it was all my fault, she said Pay attention when I talk', is backed by a haunting track that adds depth to the song's narrative.
'Unfinished Concrete Initials' is another vulnerable moment on the album, with Eagle's lyrics delving into personal insecurities and memories. The track's raw emotion is further heightened by Segal's production, which includes sparks of humor, such as the awkward proclamation in 'Schrödinger's Green Room (There but Uninvited)', where Eagle's thoughts are portrayed as intrusive, with a DJ in his head playing confusing music.
The album's ability to balance raw emotion with a sense of humor and introspection is a testament to the collaboration between Eagle and Segal. 'DOOMED!' is a deeply personal and atmospheric journey, offering a unique perspective on the universal theme of breakups. The album is available on various streaming platforms, including Bandcamp, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, and Deezer, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in this masterful hip-hop breakup masterpiece.
