Review Summary: Sik World's debut shows true potential.
Still Lost - a simple declaration, yet it possesses multiple different undertones. Perhaps you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Maybe drug addiction has led you to lose sight of your old self. Maybe you had a lover betray you, leaving your mind in a knot. This could even refer to the uncertainties of growing up - leaving the security of your family’s household once you turn a certain age or they get tired of your ***, moving on towards bigger and better achievements in the process, so on and so forth. The transitional process that comes with a major life change is surely bound to be marked by hardships. For hip-hop artist Sik World, the aftermath of a lost love and his struggle with depression is what’s most prominent in his debut.
The merit of Still Lost lies mostly in its lyricism and vocal delivery. Whilst there are lines that will raise an eyebrow, some cringe-worthy “I need Jennette McCurdy to *** me / I wanted dirty sex with her since iCarly” and some corny “Shoutout to my mom for skippin' the abortion / your son will be enormous” - both from the same song - you can tell he’s genuine in his approach. Sik holds nothing back, and the cathartic effect that he’s created with this effort proves his potential sufficiently. In songs like “IDGAF” he details the existential struggle he went through after the aftermath of a breakup - the resentment (“*** what you told me / Only thing good with that mouth is when you would drop down and you'd blow me”), the sorrow (“If my head is down it's cause I'm overthinking / nobody gets me but you, you gave me meaning”), the acceptance of their relationship’s fate yet still holding on to anger in the process (“I tried, but now *** it, you left / Now that means you have to settle for less”) - and he does it so succinctly.
The music is as many modern hip-hop releases tend to be - well-produced, atmospheric, minimalist. The atmosphere Sik World has created complements the dark subject matter of the release. His style reflects the likes of NF and nothing,nowhere. who both produce emotionally heavy and poignant music that reflect on their personal lives. The rhymes aren’t terribly complex, but perhaps this more direct approach benefits them, as they aren’t attempting to sound more eloquent and deeper than they truly are, their creativity is therefore not as restricted as the more “woke” crowd.
For those not willing to listen through a 23 minute EP, the best tracks:
Tear Me Apart
IDGAF
Reflection
