Symba’s Second Album: A Raw Dive into Love & Hate
Ah, the infamous second album! It’s like the second date — everything looks promising until the moment you realize you’re stuck listening to their weird obsession with kale smoothies. But take a deep breath, music lovers, because Symba has done the impossible: he’s avoided that awkward moment entirely. His latest offering, “Love & Hate”, is a masterclass in personal expression, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his cool facade.
Now, let’s talk about Symba’s evolution. Remember that guy who was all about the street cred, gallivanting around Kreuzberg with his boys like it was a scene from a hip-hop movie? Well, folks, the Berlin rapper has peeled back those layers like an onion, revealing not just a trapper but a man grappling with fear of loss. Forget the swagger; we’ve got some serious emotions coming through, and it’s like watching a rom-com — but one where you cry, not chuckle.
No Genre Limits and Finally Features
Now, let’s get into the music itself. Symba started his career as part of the “Playboysmafia,” charming us with light trap sounds reminiscent of Atlanta’s finest, but with a Berlin twist — think schnitzel meets Southern barbecue. With “Love & Hate”, he does not just stick to one lane; no, he’s riding wherever the bumpy road takes him! Drum & bass? Check. House beats? Check. Indie rock? Now we’re just getting rebellious, aren’t we? Seriously, who put the chocolate in my peanut butter?
And let’s not ignore the surprise guests on this album! I know, I know, you’re all thinking, “Wait, Symba has features?” It’s like finding out your introverted friend actually hosts wild parties. After flying solo for so long, bringing in some artists like Pashanim and Makko is downright delightful. They harmonize with our boy Symba effortlessly, enhancing the already stellar atmosphere of the tracks. And for those keeping score, Pacoussa leads the production, while the OGs like Stickle and Bazzazian sprinkle their magic dust on the album — talk about a dream team!
In conclusion, “Love & Hate” isn’t just another album; it’s a sign of growth, vulnerability, and artistic freedom that Symba has embraced. So, throw out the top-of-the-charts expectations and grab this album with both hands. It’s what the Berlin rap scene needed — an artist unafraid of showing his true colors, whether they be light or dark. It’s not just hip-hop; it’s Symba pulling the curtain back and inviting us into his world. Now, how’s that for a musical therapy session?
There are the craziest theories about how best to make your second album. Symba has remained true to itself and gives fans another facet: the personal side. “Love & Hate” is the logical development of the Berlin rapper, after he had previously shown himself to be rather daring. Always with a wink and a bit self-deprecating, but still untouchable.
On his second album he tells us more about the Symba behind the facade. There is not only a Symba who is a cool trapper and makes Kreuzberg unsafe with his boys, but also a vulnerable Symba. Someone who struggles with fear of loss in the middle of the urban jungle and mourns deceased homies (OG Pezo and Pablo Grant). On tracks like “Diary” he just wants to survive his reality, which is characterized by light and dark sides.
No genre limits and finally features
Symba impressed early in his career as part of the “Playboysmafia” like his rap colleague Pashanim with a relaxed, light trap sound that is reminiscent of the Atlanta pioneers Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, but with a Berlin attitude. “Love & Hate” has exactly that, but at the same time he doesn’t care about genre boundaries at all. In addition to drum & bass and house beats, there are even indie rock influences. Symba puts his own stamp on the whole thing and does whatever he feels like doing.
Another surprise on the album are the two feature guests. Not that they are pashanim and makko, but that there are any at all. Symba has managed completely without features in its career so far. After his Alex Reed contribution on Paula Hartmann’s record “Kleine Feuer” that probably changed. It’s actually unthinkable that there wasn’t a Pashanim feature before. The guests complement the Berlin rapper well, they harmonize and sound relaxed. In most cases Pacoussa is responsible for the production, but real German rap OG producers like Stickle and Bazzazian also sneaked into the credits.
