KEY! is the debut album from newcomer Marquis. Billed as "lyrical hip-hop", the 11-track project lives up to that description through Marquis' nimble flow and intelligent rhyme schemes.
Across lush, sample-driven production from various producers, Marquis puts his storytelling abilities on full display. Songs like "Quarter Life Crisis" and "Sidetracked" find him reflecting on life experiences with wit, wisdom and wordplay beyond his years.
Technically, Marquis rarely misses. His impeccable breath control allows imaginative multisyllabic schemes to glide smoothly over beats ("Keys to the County"). He's equally adept flexing his melodic abilities, like on the jazzy R&B-influenced "Glow Up" featuring JustTwan.
Lyrically, KEY! doesn't shy away from addressing hard topics. "Trauma" touches on mental health while "Crown" reflects on Black struggle and pride. But Marquis' reassuring tone and optimistic Messages of growth keep the mood uplifting.
It's obvious Marquis put thought into KEY! as a cohesive listening experience. The album feels cathartic yet warmly engaging from front to back.
While still establishing his individual style, KEY! is an hugely promising debut showing Marquis' all-around skill and potential to become a leader in new-school lyrical hip-hop. Fans of J.I.D., Saba and Earl Sweatshirt should hear what he's bringing to the table.