Elzhi February

Elzhi may have misled more than 700 people who gave him over $37K to produce a new album by promising an April 2014 release date, but it seems like slow motion has meant for a deep reach within for the Detroit spitter.

Lead Poison is finally just around the corner. El’s first album of original material since 2008’s The Preface may be anticipated for less than ideal reasons but the previews his team has shared so far show a vulnerable MC who is as sharp as ever.

“February,” a joint produced by 14KT, is a favorite. Earnest and honest, Elzhi lays his heartbreak and shortcomings bare over snowflake production. It’s a few details short of a confessional but the experience is cathartic.

While the annoyance of money given with no follow up would surely irritate anyone, the conversation it’s forced our author to have with his audience is priceless. The effects of lingering trauma, depression and repression are deep wells for stories, healing and ultimately great art.