Fatboi Sharif & Driveby, “Freedom Please”

ALBUM OF THE DAY

Fatboi Sharif & Driveby, “Let Me Out”

By

Dash Lewis

·
April 28, 2025

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In 2023, during a particularly intense heatwave enveloping the Northeast, New Jersey rapper Fatboi Sharif released **Decay**, a profound collaboration with Brooklyn producer Steel Tipped Dove. This remarkable expression transcends simple genre boundaries, showcasing Sharif as a visionary storyteller eager to share evocative images of our time. Guided by Dove’s intricate production, Sharif intertwines film references, cherished memories, and vivid imagery, gently blurring the lines between what we know and what we imagine. This artistic descent invites listeners to embrace their emotions, highlighting Sharif as hip-hop’s surrealist poet.

Since the release of **Decay**, Sharif’s creativity has flourished, exploring deeper themes alongside artists like Duncecap and Bigg Jus, while embracing collaborative endeavors with Fat Tony and Steel Tipped Dove. Each project reflects his unwavering passion, bending sounds toward a beautifully dark artistry that feels both refreshing and thought-provoking.

**Let Me Out**, his latest record and first with Philly label Deathbomb Arc, amplifies this sense of exploration. Here, he collaborates with Jersey City producer DRIVEBY, whose soundscape supports Sharif’s unique vision. Unlike previous productions that convey a sense of heaviness, DRIVEBY’s beats radiate energy and unexpected delight, mixing elements of noise, drone, and boom-bap in a vibrant tapestry that invites curiosity.

It’s Sharif’s unique perspective that draws us in. His deliberate, thoughtful verses feel like whispers from another realm, as if he’s relaying messages from beyond. Each lyric, from Martians gathering humans to vivid scenes of urban landscapes, paints an imaginative picture, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. In songs like “Art Show Cult Visit,” he engages listeners with lines that spark contemplation, and in “Elvira’s Wedding Ring,” he invites us to reflect on deeper truths amidst serene chaos.

Despite its unsettling themes, **Let Me Out** offers a soothing and inviting listening experience. The intricate sonic layers—DRIVEBY’s refreshing sample manipulations and Sharif’s textured vocal delivery—combine to create a beautifully immersive journey into the mind’s depths. It encourages us to confront our thoughts, challenging us while also providing a sense of solace.

Embrace the experience of listening. Let the enchanting soundscape wash over you and explore the delicate balance between discomfort and beauty.