After dropping his hilarious and undeniably dope debut album Professional Rapper, many fans were left wondering what's next for Lil Dicky, aka The Independent Variable. The rapper was never secretive about his comedic aspirations, and has stated in several interviews that he's currently working on an original television show. As his initials might suggest, Dicky views himself as hip-hop's equivalent to Larry David. Yet Dicky's devotion to touring and television meant that his sophomore album was put on hold; Dicky himself stated that he was taking his time with the project, waiting for it to be "perfect."
Yesterday, LD dropped something to tide us over. On "Pillow Talking," he introduced his first alter ego, "Brain." Now, Dicky has gone the extra mile for Brain fans, delivering a surprise EP from the anthropomorphic organ called I'm Brain. And while this might initially seem like a gimmick, Dicky is spitting bars on the majority of the tracks, including the epic closer "How Can U Sleep."
Following in the footsteps of his Snoop Dogg collaboration "Professional Rapper," Dicky enlists another west coast veteran for this one. The Game comes through for the middle verse, and absolutely obliterates the ominous, carnival-esque instrumental. While Dicky kicks things off with a strong verse, Game's growling aggression and flow steals the show. By the time he's closing out his verse with the whole "don't try to be subliminal and get it by me, I'm a criminal, I'll leave you hooked to a IV" part, the flames have gone well past the point of quieting.
However, Dicky's third verse might earn him back the MVP title. On Professional Rapper, Dicky lamented the fact that he felt limited in who he could lash out at, considering his generally "safe" come-up. Yet he's in peak form here, spitting fire aimed at whoever dared doubt him. It's a good look for Dicky, holding his own on a track with The Game and proving that he's well worthy of your attention. Overall, an excellent collaboration from an unexpected pair.
Related: If you're feeling Dicky's verses, check our our list of his 15 best bars right here.
Quotable Lyrics
But I don't want it next
Someone tell Complex it ain't complex
And what you lookin' at is now like a Timex
I am checked the on now off the clock like compound
I'm really adamant, you're really adequate
I'm really passionate, I'm Billy Madison
I'm the motherfucking graduate