$uicideboy$ - I Want to Die in New Orleans

The album I Want to Die in New Orleans marks the official entry of American duo $uicideboy$ into the realm of full studio albums, released on September 7, 2018. Released via Caroline Distribution and the imprint G*59 Records, this project—originally slated for late 2017 under a different title—underwent significant evolution before its release. It stands out as a bridge between the group's various phases, presenting more developed versions of tracks from their "saga" period. The sonic aesthetic is defined by primary production from $crim (alias Budd Dwyer), who incorporates influences of Memphis lo-fi rap, distorted punk-pop vocals, and elements of cloud rap.

A soundscape architecture infused with varied influences and a near-total absence of guests across the majority of tracks

The production by $crim$ crafts a self-destructive sound that elevates the dark themes explored by the duo, such as depression, addiction, suicide, and a tribute to the group's roots in New Orleans. The album is characterized by an almost total lack of features on most tracks, creating a narrative coherence centered exclusively on the duo's voices. However, this artistic solitude is punctuated by a few strategic collaborations and notable co-productions that enrich the soundscape of the project.

Targeted featurings and co-productions that mark specific tracks

If the majority of the album remains a solo work, three tracks incorporate additional vocals or guest producers. On King Tulip, Max Beck (2) contributes his backing vocals to complete the vocal arrangement. The track Carrollton features Juicy J on backing vocals, adding a distinct flow element to the song. Finally, the track Fk The Industry welcomes Bones (28) for additional vocals. Additionally, the production is not exclusively by $crim: Phantom Menace was co-produced by Juicy J, while I No Longer Fear the Razor Guarding My Heel (IV) was co-produced by SLMDNKASR. These occasional interventions fit within a production generally defined by $crim's lo-fi and punk-pop aesthetic without diluting the project's sonic identity.

Signature tracks that crystallize the duo's dark proposition

Among the standout tracks, "I Want to Die in New Orleans" carries the album's title and embodies the central theme of the homage to New Orleans. "Coma," "10,000 Degrees," and "122 Days" illustrate the density of themes explored throughout the record, delving into psychological and physical states related to the subjects treated. "Nicotine Patches" and "Bring Out Your Dead" reinforce this thematic exploration with a vocal intensity characteristic of the distorted punk-pop style. These tracks, produced by $crim, form the heart of the album and anchor the project in its unique sonic identity.

Verdict: a debut studio album that validates the duo's international trajectory

Considered the start of an international career, this record validates the duo's path while marking a bridge between their different eras. The absence of guests on the entire project, except for notable exceptions, reinforces this artistic coherence and allows $crim's sound to dominate without external vocal competition.