Big Cousin – Sport Mode [EP]

In the current strata of “New Sound of Old New York” hip-hop, Big Cousin‘s newly dropped album Sport Mode has all the makings of being a sleeper hit. It’s a layered audio journey packaged in the wears of a no-frills, “rhymin’ in project hallways” set. Wielding a razor-sharp and ever evolving approach to spitting hard-body lines, BC (!!!) emerges as a top-shelf emcee that commands attention and demands recognition.

“Anywhere“, the maiden track of the EP, starts the album off on an understated but absolutely impactful note. With a moody and minimalistic beat produced by Ibn Itaka, Big Cousin showcases his assertive, agile flow tied neatly with a narrative of ambition, resilience, and determination. His rhymes brush off negativity, focusing instead on advancing his future as is clear in lines like “Fuck a scam, I can blow off on this rap shit/ Trying to get money, live out on a mansion/ Built my portfolio, baby, I’m bragging/ I’m talking about taxes, I ain’t got time for the antics.” Between Cousin‘s verse lies the soft and delicate singing of Cocomofo‘s lead singer Sarilou Venning who provides a calming and soothing contrast to the hungry emcee’s ambitious verses and bolster the overall somber, otherworldly feel of the song.

As we roll deeper into the album, the joint “Any Given Sunday” snatches the spotlight. Here, BC delves deeper into his life, relationships, and faith, showcasing a “wise beyond my years” energy. The gothic and spiritual vibe of the production, combined with singer NanaBcool‘s soul-stirring choruses, creates a piercing and poignant atmosphere for the audience to sink into. And the emotionally charged lyrics and performances by both artists speaks volumes about their life journeys and how each man has maneuvered through the ups and downs of life.

The momentum and tempo continue to build with “Big Dreams,” a track that bubbles over with confidence and ambition. The tinkling ebb and flow of the jazz piano melody and the quick-ticking, headnod drums create a loose and free-flowing vibe, perfectly complementing Big Cousin‘s crisp and clear flow. The lyrics muse over the London-by way-of-Long-Island artist’s drive towards bigger and better things, while also shining a light on the challenges and betrayals he’s faced along the way. With Itaka‘s hypnotic beat, commanding rhymes, and a dope chorus that goes “Only had big dreams (big dreams)/ Saw all them jawns on big screens/ Foreign cars, cash taller than me/ Focused now, laws of attraction/ I run with the real, stay from the cappin’ (There ain’t no cappin’ nigga!)” “Big Dreams” definitely deserves its spot at the heart of the EP.

By the time we reach “Gangsta,” we the listeners are entirely drawn into Big Cousin‘s world. The slowed-down soul-sample loop, combined with haunting vocal runs, sets a brooding and atmospheric tone that starts the album’s descent towards its conclusion. While brief, it spotlights just how nice BC is with the rhymes, steering in a lane that falls somewhere between O.C.‘s effortlessly precise flow and Ghostface‘s witty and unpredictable, street-griot style.

Closing the EP, the title track “Sport Mode” sews up the album with the same freestyle-like vibe as “Gangsta”, pairing Big Cousin‘s commanding flow with a pitch-shifted soul loop and a boxy drum loop. The track explores his life’s contrast, balancing the everyday dangers he faces with the desire to bask in the luxuries of success. This fitting conclusion underlines the album’s focus on aspiration, progress, and celebrating perseverance against all odds.

As Big Cousin‘s acclaim grows, he establishes himself as an artist shaping the “classic New York hip-hop” resurgence. His rock-solid work spotlights his heart and creativity, both of which are sure to carry him to higher heights in the rap biz. In the meantime, Sport Mode gives hip-hop enthusiasts everywhere a new set of sounds to spin endlessly in their AirPods, headphones, and speakers while waiting to see what Big Cousin will bring to the table next.

Stream & buy Big Cousin’s music on…
( Amazon | Apple_Music | Bandcamp | Deezer | Spotify | Tidal | YouTube_Music )

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( Facebook | Instagram | Official_Site | Soundcloud | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube )