Upcoming hip-hop artist B Wise has just released his debut EP, Semi Pro. For those reading this who aren't familiar with much hip-hop coming out of Australia, this is the perfect place to start.
The EP is an honest, compelling introduction the rapper, who I first saw live opening for Vince Staples back in January. On Semi Pro we learn about his life, his history, journey, struggles and ambitions, all backed by lush production and engaging beats courtesy of Dopamine.
"Risk It" follows on from first single "No Questions." It opens on an intimate instrumental, soon bulked up by billowing beats and synths. The song sees Wise unwinding after a long week by going out for drinks and a dance. He meets a girl; he's smitten. "Can I take a risk with you?" He swoons. "We should be together, it's just me and you."
As he explained in a recent interview, it's "more of a fun song," wedged between darker, more introspective tracks, like "Drugs & Drama," which address the temptations surrounding a rapper on the come-up and "Smile," which take the listener through some of his darkest moments, and reminding them to smile through the bullshit.
One of my favorite Australian artists of 2016, I cannot recommend B Wise highly enough -- not just to Australians but to heads around the world.
B Wise's Semi Pro is out now via Elephant Traks. Listen to it here.
SIMILAR SONGS
