The legendary (now performing as Mike D 5D), best known as a founding member of the groundbreaking rap group , re-enters the scene with his first solo studio album. Far from the speaker-blasting sound of his former group, the result is a more introspective and personal record. Potentially a less high-octane experience, but worthwhile nevertheless, Mike D’s hugely recognisable voice skips across boom-bap, jungle, and even trance-influenced beats. For much of this record, the vocals sit right at the back of the mix, with the beat and feel of the song heavily coming from the instrumental. 

While it has its more laid-back moments, the album begins with chaotic energy on the opening track ‘Switch Up’. A rumbling and rolling, snare-heavy beat kicks off the record, bringing it straight to life as Mike’s vocals kick it off with a statement of intent. Next, ‘What We Got’ is a track that wouldn’t be out of place on a Beastie Boys record, with Mike D rapping in his signature half-shouted vocal style over a boom-bap beat which pulls no punches. There are more reflective moments on the record too, like the tongue-in-cheek, Monopoly-influenced ‘Back To Start’ which introduces a slightly melancholy feel to the collection of genre-bending tracks. In the 5D (the band who play on the record) are two of Mike’s sons, which might add to the sense of cohesion in the record despite the wide range of sounds introduced.  

The album is a creative identity which insists upon freedom and fluidity; it is impossible to guess what might come next. It might’ve benefitted from more booming hooks and classic rap verses, but then it would lose so much of its charm. In a bit of a bleak and charmless world, currently, who doesn’t want a Beastie Boys MC to introduce a breath of fresh air to the current scene?

‘Thank You’ is a triumphant return to music for Mike D, a fairly smooth-sailing affair, but one that has plenty going on and packs a punch.

7/10