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Prolific SoundCloud-era rapper Lil Peep has had his original mixtape Part 1 rereleased on streaming services for its ninth anniversary, to the surprise of fans.
Part 1 is undoubtedly a high point in Peep’s career, as it highlights his raw talent for writing catchy hooks and being able to flow over cloud rap beats effortlessly. The track “Five Degrees” is a perfect example of Peep’s excellent flow and hooks. His hook and verse mesh together to create one cohesive piece without any breaks until the beat is restarted toward the end and he goes onto deliver another verse.
After Lil Peep died in 2017, his label tarnished his career by releasing two unfinished albums posthumously, butchering them into pop punk dumpster fires. But now Peep’s mother has regained control of his estate and music, allowing her to work with past friends and producers to re-release classic projects that formed the foundation for his career.
This tape stands as one of the best debut tapes in modern hip hop. The tape’s consistency and atmospheric tracks bring the listener on this journey with Peep as he navigates through high school and eventually makes his way to California to chase his dreams.
The tracks that best illustrate this journey are “High School,” “Way I See Things,” and “It’s Me.” They offer the melodic sort of grunge trap fusion Peep was best at; however, these songs also tell the story of a kid who is unsure of the future and his current relationship.
