Martin Lucid Dream is the second extended play by American rapper and producer Denmark Vessey. Composed of eight tracks, it was released on October 9, 2015 via Rappers I Know,[1] and re-released in 2017 with two bonus tracks. Production was handled by Azarias, T-White, Exile and Denmark himself. It features guest appearances from Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, MosEL, Stretch Money, and Tanya Morgan.
| Martin Lucid Dream | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| EP by | ||||
| Released | October 9, 2015 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 25:15 | |||
| Label | Rappers I Know | |||
| Producer |
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| Denmark Vessey chronology | ||||
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Music and lyrics
editThroughout the EP, Denmark Vessey addresses the ups and downs of his absurd life with a keen sense of humor. The tone of Martin Lucid Dream is exemplified by the song "Think Happy Thoughts."[2] It is an introspective look at the challenges of life, united by a positive-thinking mantra Vessey inherited from his mother and late grandmother. The track contains soothing vocal harmonies and guitar strums provided by Exile.[2] It gives way to a comedic church skit and then the disjointed string arrangements of "Keep Your Hoes In Check," where Vessey contemplates both deep and shallow questions.[2]
Release and promotion
editDenmark released a music video for Exile-produced track "Think Happy Thoughts" directed by Jeremy Ian Thomas on July 6, 2016.[3]
Critical reception
editRolling Stone magazine ranked the extended play at number 34 of their list of the 40 Best Rap Albums of 2015.[2]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Warning" (featuring Guilty Simpson) | Denmark Vessey | 2:48 |
| 2. | "Dr. Martin Lucid Dream" (featuring Tanya Morgan) | Azarias | 3:50 |
| 3. | "Don't Smoke K2" | T-White | 1:58 |
| 4. | "Nerd Niggas" | Denmark Vessey | 3:08 |
| 5. | "Chemtrails" | T-White | 2:45 |
| 6. | "Think Happy Thoughts and Keep Your Hoes in Check" |
| 5:22 |
| 7. | "Be Great" (featuring Black Milk) | Denmark Vessey | 1:39 |
| 8. | "Everyday" (featuring Mosel and Stretch Money) | Denmark Vessey | 3:45 |
| Total length: | 25:15 | ||
| No. | Title | Producer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9. | "Katt Williams" | T-White | 1:51 |
| 10. | "Snowing in LA" | Earl Sweatshirt | 3:05 |
| Total length: | 30:11 | ||
Personnel
edit- Aleksander Manfredi – additional producer
- Azarias – additional producer
- Byron Simpson – featured artist
- Curtis Cross – featured artist
- Damien Randle – executive producer, additional mixing
- Denmark Vessey – main artist, executive producer, producer
- Devon Callender – featured artist
- Donald Freeman – featured artist
- Doug Saltzman – mixing, mastering
- Frank William Miller Junior – creative direction, design, executive producer
- Mosel – featured artist
- Stretch Money – featured artist
- Tyler T-White – additional producer
- Thebe Kgositsile – producer
References
edit- ^ FWMJ (2015-10-09). "Denmark Vessey — Martin Lucid Dream". FWMJ's Rappers I Know.
- ^ a b c d Aku, Timmhotep (December 23, 2015). "40 Best Rap Albums of 2015". Rolling Stone.
- ^ McKinney, Jessica (July 6, 2016). "Denmark Vessey Releases "Think Happy Thoughts" Video". Vibe.