JPEGMAFIA’s “I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU,” released August 2024, is another vividly produced and uniquely presented album from the eclectic rapper and producer. JPEGMAFIA is able to world-build over one 40-minute project between intense but seamlessly mixed guitar riffs and heavy drums. With a hard style of rapping utilizing the highs and lows in his voice to deliver intensity in his bars, he blends these elements with different electronic music production styles. He also utilizes unique samples from outside his genre as well as classic samples from inside the hip-hop genre. He does this all while staying true to his unmistakable ear catching sound and style.

“SIN MIEDO,” which translates from Spanish to “without fear” in English, is the second song on the album and easily one of my personal favorites. The song opens with a sample from “Hoochie Mama” by 2 Live Crew. He samples the words “big booty hoes” from the track which is energetically shouted, perfectly on brand for Peggy’s style of hip-hop. Along with rolling rap bars about his own greatness in comparison to his competition, he quickly moves the song into what is reminiscent of dance/hardstyle club music with emphatic 808s. It’s danceable and fun, but leaves room for an interesting bridge that has heavy hitting drums and rolling electric guitar solos that all eventually come to a climax until the song abruptly ends.

“New Black History,” featuring Vince Staples is an opportunity to show off both Peggy’s and Staples’ skills. They easily flow together on the same beat, which samples Future’s “Covered N Money.” While the beat may not be the most unique for a Peggy beat, as a fun tag-team between the two legendary MCs it is still a fun and interactive listening experience as the pair are able to build off each others’ energy.

“vulgar display of power” is an edgy track, even for this album. It sounds closer to metal with its breathy vocals and heavy electric guitar. This track, to me, between the screaming and heavy metal sounds on a hip-hop beat is like an alternate universe Playboi Carti if he fully embraced his rock influences.  

“Exmilitary” is easily the most recognizable and likable song from the album. Its creeping beat is a sample from the Wendy Rene song, “After Laughter (Comes Tears),” which is also famously sampled on “Tearz” by Wu-Tang Clan. Peggy flips this sample by synthesizing multiple genre influences. He blends 90’s boom-bap rhythms with chugging metal guitars, as well as a Travis Scott-esque lead synth and bassline. This influence is unsurprising following his collaborative efforts on the recent album “Vultures 2” with Ye and Ty Dolla $ign. While he nods to several other classic rap legends through the decades, this sample choice is by far the boldest, as the iconic “Tearz” is on any quintessential 90’s rap playlist.

“Either on or off the drugs” is a huge switch-up from the previous songs I’ve mentioned, with a much slower tempo and smooth, slow rapping. The soulful vocal samples fit seamlessly into the background, with bluesy guitar licks sprinkled throughout. It’s a breath of fresh air after so much intensity and feels right as one of the last songs on the album, partly attributed to its swaying 6/8 time signature. 

In conjunction with “either on or off the drugs,” “Loop it and leave it” flows right into its predecessor. As proclaimed, it is a simple beat, it has a lovely sparkling piano-like synth laid over top. Peggy’s flow is enjoyable, although the rap isn’t overly intricate.

JPEGMAFIA, through his expert producing, tasteful samples and skillful rapping has the ability to pull you into his world and spit you back out, with a fresh outlook on the genre. You’ll be hard pressed to forget his unique style.