”Bushman Bodega” Further Strengthens Daniel Son & Futurewave’s Chemistry (Album Review)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada emcee Daniel Son has returned for his 7th LP. A member of the Brown Bag Money collective, his profile began to rapidly increase in the underground off projects like the Giallo Point-produced debut mixtape The Gunners or the Futurewave-produced sophomore album Yenaldooshi. He just teamed up with Raz Fresco a few months ago for the spectacular collab album Northside paying homage to the roots of the Toronto hip hop scene & is reuniting with Futurewave for the first time since Son Tzu & the Wav.God on Bushman Bodega.

“Symbiote Suit” couldn’t start off any better from the organ-laced boom bap instrumental to the hardcore lyricism keeping Toronto on lock whereas “Stone Cold” works in some eerie pianos, kicks & snares looking to get them all out. “Line Busy” featuring Estee Nack menacingly advises to call them back later since they already busy on the phone as it is just before “No Man’s Land” dustily talks about everything being ugly.

Moving on from there, “Musashi” keeps the keys as well as the kicks & snares in tact providing a theme for those who need more leading into the jazzy boom bap crossover “30 Odd 6” featuring 36 Cypher telling y’all to get a plate since they in the hunting fields. “Trail Blazers” featuring Rome Streetz finds the 2 wordsmiths over a magically raw beat dropping lyrical pressure for 2 & a half minutes, but then “Seymour Stems” drumlessly advises to watch your mouth.

“Underground Parking” featuring Raz Fresco recaptures everything that made Northside the incredible collab effort it was & Futurewave elevating it while “Cleaning Staff” hops over vibraphones to fish for sharks through a storm. “Booger Sugar” featuring al.divino nears the conclusion of Bushman Bodega getting in their hardcore bag together over a haunting instrumental while “Owe Loot” ruggedly stands on his own. “Good on My Ones” closes shop on a psychedelic boom bap note having to get lost to find his way.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve gotten a solo project from Daniel Son that & his latest album here lands a cut above the same pedestal that Northside set couple months ago. He & Futurewave have always had the type of chemistry where they’ve constantly brought the best out of each other over time, which is further exemplified by a near-perfect list of guests that match Daniel’s skill of lyricism along with killer beats & superb engineering.

Score: 9/10