#Freshfind 80Purpp is giving us a clarity and closure in his new album If Anything
Rising rapper and singer 80purppp muses on the changing nature of one’s identity and relationships in his new EP, If Anything, out today via amuse. A project of reflection, the 8-track collection finds 80purppp processing heartache and resentment while moving forward with a new sense of hope and mature self-awareness. The EP features focus track “Petty Lies,” which was written during the ending of a once healthy relationship turned toxic and speaks to yearning for clarity and closure.
On the inspiration behind his record, 80purppp shares, “This project poses the ‘what if’ question upon a number of themes throughout. What if I hadn't moved around so much as a kid? What if I confronted the feelings I usually keep bottled up? What if I was honest in my relationships? What if I told her what I really wanted to say, then would anything be different?”
Featuring production from Grammy-winning producer Nascent (Kanye West, SZA Chance The Rapper) and Larell James (EARTHGANG, Lil Dicky), If Anything blends various genres stretching beyond the frameworks of the alternative realm as 80purppp shuffles through past memories that ultimately left him with empowering lessons of acceptance and growth. The EP features breezy hip-hop opener “Plight 19,” a farewell song to the artist’s younger self, and “Feel Like / C Royale” which lulls listeners into a trance with its hazy groove and jazz elements, drawing influences from Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale to provide an undeniable cinematic feel. Across a slow-burning production, “Petty Lies” details a complicated ending of a toxic relationship while piano ballad “sketch #6” is an introspective rumination on all that comes after. Elsewhere on the EP is the playful “Gloves On” which flutters with finger-snaps and a diving beat speaking to the competitiveness of upping an ex, pulsating track “Liquorice” channels the blood-rushing desire for wanting to be true to yourself, and the emotionally charged “It’s So Easy To Call (Dandelions)” wrestles with the longing and uncertainty of wanting someone who may not feel the same.
Since emerging in 2018 with his debut single “Betty Cooper,” followed shortly after by his breakthrough Gold certified single “Hex,” the Alberta-based MC has amassed over 125 million streams across platforms worldwide. His debut 2019 album Violet High garnered media praise from the likes of BBC Radio Canada, This Song Is Sick, Spindle Magazine, and Lyrical Lemonade along with support from Spotify’s New Music Friday, Alternative Hip Hop, and Radar Canada playlists.
With the release of If Anything, 80purppp continues to solidify his name as one of the most avant-garde artists in the hip-hop and alternative scene. The EP is a testament to his relentless ambition that consistently hypnotizes both his longtime fans and newcomers as he continues expanding his artistic identity.