COLD VISIONS
- Brenda Medrano
- May 25, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 10, 2024
Bladee
2024
Bladee has traveled all the way to the year 2024 bearing three offerings: Frankincense, Myrrh, and COLD VISIONS.
Released in April of 2024, COLD VISIONS welcomes us all back into the inner workings of the the Swedish rapper's enigmatic mind. Complete at thirty songs, it's heavy on theme's reflective throughout his past works; impending insanity with a tasteful hint of existential doom. Through glitching beats and distorted vocals, the track list explores the perils of an anxious mind with a message of hope to spread: Whether reality or perception, life is a never-ending experience of highs and lows.
It's not all heavy, though- Amidst the weighty themes and introspective lyrics, Bladee embraces vulnerability by a willingness to poke fun at himself through self-deprecation and humility. It adds a refreshing layer of levity to his music, showcasing a sense of self-awareness that is both endearing and relatable.
The track list is also heavy in collaborations with respective members of Drain Gang (DG), Shield Gang (SG), and Gravity Boys (GTB), including but not limited to: Yung Sherman, Yung Lean, Whitearmor, ThaiBoy Digital and production by F1lthy. If this collection of words has you clutching your pearls, don't worry-- I made a cheat-sheet:
You're Welcome.
Let's go ahead and break the album down into sections, with focus on a few songs in particular:
Tracks 1-8:
PARANOIA INTRO
WODRAINER
YUNG SHERMAN (FT YUNG SHERMAN)
FLATLINE
ONE SECOND (FT YUNG LEAN)
SAD MEAL
FUN FACT (FT YUNG LEAN)
ONLY GOD IS MADE PERFECT
PARANOIA INTRO, sets the tone for the whole album. Dark and distorted- A strong start by jumping directly into his world of self-consciousness via his own self-destruction. With glitching beats, wailing sirens, auto-tuned evil laughter: this album has it all.
ONE SECOND hit a lot harder once I got the context that the music video was filmed in Miami. It perfectly reflects the fast paced and chaotic energy of many past college spring breaks I spent in the city. Miami has an energy of its own and ONE SECOND catches his appreciation for it. In Miami, the cars drive faster, the sun shines brighter and the yachts sitting pretty in Biscayne bay, are larger. The music video is a wild ride from start to finish as it follows Bladee and Lean as they ghoul and goblin their way around town. Originally released to YouTube, it has since been removed. I'll save you the search, you can still watch it here.
SADMEAL has found success in it's own right, accumulating 1,600,000 streams on Spotify alone! Make sure the next time you order your SADMEAL, to find your prize at the bottom of the bag: 3 loose pills of Wellbutrin amongst your french fries.
Tracks 9-13:
DONT WANNA HANG OUT
I DONT LIKE PEOPLE (INTRO FT WHITEARMOR)
I DONT LIKE PEOPLE (FT. YUNG LEAN)
END OF THE ROAD BOYZ
D.O.A (WITH SKRILLEX)
Arguably, this is my favorite section of the album. There is no misconstruing Bladee's message in DONT WANNA HANG OUT; Delivering line-by-line through a clenched jaw, you can hear the moment he descends into full madness. It's all laid out perfectly clear here: Don't hit up his line, he won't answer. I felt that in my soul.
As he leads us into the haunted Gregorian chants of I DON'T LIKE PEOPLE INTRO, it lends a moment to listeners to reflect on what DON'T WANNA HANG OUT just brought to the table. But, before you can even ask what the fuck was that, the beat drops for I DONT LIKE PEOPLE, and I'm back.
There's something very fulfilling about an artist who can perfectly articulate my own stream of consciousness, and put it over a dirty beat for me to listen to on my daily commute to my corporate job. Despite the presence of distortion and experimental elements, The Swedish accent really adds an additional layer of intrigue to Bladee's music, providing a glimpse into his cultural background. From an American perspective, his accent may sound unfamiliar, but it ultimately adds to the authenticity and uniqueness of his artistic identity.
I DONT LIKE PEOPLE is my fucking anthem. Fuck people. If I was one, I would be offended. But, fortunately, I am not.
Tracks 14-20:
DONT DO DRUGZ
LOWS PARTLYY
SO COLD INTERLUDE
MESSAGE TO MYSELF
TERRIBLE EXCELLENCE (FT YUNG LEAN)
RED CROSS
LUCKY LUKE (FT YUNG LEAN AND THAIBOI DIGITAL)
With DONT DO DRUGZ, Bladee delivers a powerful and poignant message about the destructive nature of addiction, offering a sobering reflection on the toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones. It's a song that speaks to the universal struggles of mental health and self-destructive behavior, resonating with listeners who have grappled with similar demons. Through his raw honesty and introspective storytelling, Bladee invites us to confront the harsh realities of addiction and find hope in the possibility of recovery and redemption.
SO COLD INTERLUDE, Listen- To you it may just be an interlude, but I love albums with continuity. Songs that blend one-into-another really do it for me. A well produced prelude can take a song from good to great, if it serves its purpose. The crisp and thought-out nature of his beats lends a sense of precision and craftsmanship to the overall sound. For me, this song serves its purpose by leading into MESSAGE TO MYSELF.
RED CROSS - I don't have much to say other than that I fucking love this song. The damn hook lives so rent free in my mind and took up permanent residence.But, just hear me out...
The first time I heard RED CROSS, the flow felt familiar. Now, I could very well be connecting dots that don't exist, but I narrowed it down to the similar sounds of South Florida's own: Kodak Black with his 2017 hit "Roll in Peace". This comparison may seem far fetched to some, but less so when you consider that Bladee and Lean seem to have an affinity for Miami. The two heavily fuck with the Broward County scene, so it makes sense to me that they would be well versed in Kodak's flow and maybe pull some inspiration from it. Not convinced? Give the two songs a listen back-to-back and tell me if the chorus of RED CROSS is not reminiscent of a sped up version of Roll in Peace... idk...
Tracks 21-30:
RIVER FLOWS IN YOU
KING NOTHINGG
BAD 4 BUSINESS
OTHERSIDE (FT SICKBOYRARI)
NORMAL
FLEXING AND FINESSING
PM2
FALSE
CANT END ON A LOSS (OUTRO)
COLD VISIONS (OUTRO)
Every album needs that one song that can make bad decisions seem reasonable.
For me, that song is: KING NOTHINGG.
KING NOTIHINGG easily has one of the best beats from the whole album, and I think it'll stand the test of time. It's grimy...it's foul...and the way it dives straight into the deep end of absolute chaos makes me want to rationally skydive directly into the eye of an active volcano, I fear. Alternatively, the juxtaposition of BAD 4 BUSINESS directly after, is a bit of a whiplash, as it is much slower and somber. But, it still carries its weight. No skips here.
FLEXING AND FINESSING has some of the best "goony" lyrics from the whole album, with hidden gems like: "High in the hills like I'm Jenner I'm him did you assume my gender" and "I'm pushing Drain Gang propaganda." Fuck, that's funny. The back vocals are whispery and smooth- An unsuspecting sound for such "off-one" lines, but that's why I love it. They catch you off guard, and I definitely had a few "let's run that back" moments with this one.
Our two final songs, CANT END ON A LOSS and COLD VISION OUTRO, feel like a victory lap in a slow cruising drop-top through Bladee's reflections on life. Beyond the chaotic and distorted elements of production that add a sense of urgency and intensity to the music, is a message of hope to anyone who struggles to find purpose. In sharing his own plight of chasing a childhood dream, he speaks to the struggles and triumphs of navigating the complexities of modern life, striking a chord with listeners who find catharsis in his music.
WRAP UP
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, success is often measured not just in mainstream recognition but also in the depth of connection an artist forms with their dedicated fanbase. This rings particularly true for artists like Bladee, whose distinct sound and unapologetic artistic vision have garnered a devoted following that transcends traditional notions of mainstream appeal.
COLD VISIONS, is a testament to the power of this loyal fanbase and the undeniable hype surrounding his work. While I would say that he may not fit the mold of a mainstream artist, his popularity has undeniably surged, with each release met by anticipation and unwavering support from fans around the globe. From the ethereal production to Bladee's signature auto-tuned vocals and introspective lyrics, the album encapsulates everything that has endeared him to fans over the years while pushing the boundaries of his sonic universe. What sets Bladee apart is his ability to tap into the zeitgeist of internet culture and youth aesthetics, resonating with a generation that craves authenticity and individuality.
The success of COLD VISIONS highlights some shifts in dynamics of the music industry, where artists can thrive outside the confines of traditional commercial metrics. In a landscape dominated by algorithms and streaming platforms, Bladee's rising prominence serves as a reminder of the power of artistic integrity and the enduring bond between artist and fan.
In Conclusion,
Bladee's work often delves into reflections on life, growth, and evolution, mirroring personal struggles and triumphs. It's fitting to highlight how Bladee's narrative arcs, both musically and personally, often end on a high note despite the challenges faced along the way. His lyrics and artistic evolution serves as a testament to resilience and capacity for growth. Through his music, he confronts hardships head-on, drawing from past experiences while maintaining a forward-looking perspective. Each album or project reflects a chapter in his life, marked by introspection and a willingness to evolve both as an artist and as an individual.
Ultimately, Bladee's story is one of perseverance and self-discovery, showcasing the power of music as a tool for expression. By sharing his journey openly and honestly, he invites listeners to connect with his experiences and find solace in their own struggles. It's clear that Bladee's message resonates not only through his music but also through the way he navigates the complexities of life, proving himself worthy to face the ongoing battle we all must confront.
TOUR
You can catch Bladee on tour this year at these Dates and Venues. I'll be at his Chicago show on August 1st at the Salt Shed. See you there!
COLD VISIONS TOUR 2024 | |
|---|---|
| The Salt Shed Chicago, IL, USA |
| Osheaga Festival Montreal, QC, Canada |
| The Lawn at White Oak Houston, TX, USA |
| The Warfield San Francisco, CA, USA |
| Shrine Expo Hall Los Angeles, CA, USA |
| Great Hall at Avant Gardner Brooklyn, NY, USA |
| Franklin Music Hall Philadelphia, PA, USA |
***COLD VISIONS***
2024
-Brenda Medrano-
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