Night Lovell's nocturnal aesthetic has carried him far. Now, the Ottawa rapper has come through with his latest full-length drop GOODNIGHT LOVELL, a somber and occasionally twisted odyssey. One of the project's highlights occurs early on in the game, when Lovell and Delaware rapper Lil West unite for the melancholic slow burn of "Mental Slavery." In keeping with the album's consistent vibe, smoldering low synths and creeping arpeggios twist in harmony, courtesy of .
Self-destruction has long been a prominent theme in today's modern hip-hop. Some choose to welcome it, while others seek higher ground for escape. Thematically, "Mental Slavery" finds both rappers caught in a vicious cycle. The tortured lyricism speaks to a toxic relationship, as addictive as it is perilous. The pained vocals indicate both rappers seek the exit sign, despite West's confident declarations of self-worth and Lovell's own hedonistic urges.
For what it's worth, the adage of "misery loves company" holds true in this case. Lovell and West seem like natural collaborators, blending two disparate voices into one haunted whole. Hopefully, we can find these two linking up once again - perhaps on Lil West's anticipated debut.
Quotable Lyrics
I'm back inside the basement, my location
I promise that I wait for you 'cause I got patience
I just wanna know why you be falling for me?
I left in the morning, now you calling for me
I just want that fuc*ing pussy, bitch, I'm craving
I like where you put it on me, that's my favorite
That bitch got me feeling like it's mental slavery
Still I'm fuc*ing with you, bitch, I got some bravery, done