First off,
Now the Moon’s Rising opening track, “Paris,” is a speaker rumbling banger. The track finds $uicideboy$ flexing impressive flow transitions and two excellent verses that perfectly introduces the trap, underground vibe present throughout the project.
Lyrical subject matter doesn’t stray too far off from drug use, criminal activities and sexual conquests but they are presented in such a visceral way that they don’t become too repetitive. The intermingling of such topics with their own personal, tormented thoughts as well elevates it above the average trap record. The tape is only ten songs deep, which allows the $uicideboy$ to make a lasting mark without becoming overbearing. Paired with gritty, muddy and brooding beats, the fervent raps of the group creates a haunting atmosphere at times.
The introductory ambience of mixtape closer, “Can of Worms” oozes in before $now Leopard bursts in chanting “I got a chopper…I got some problems.” Even the slow downed sample of “Though It Was A Drought” by Future on “I Think I’m Ian Reading” is taken to wicked dimensions, the piercing melody below the chopped and screwed vocals sways like a slowed pendulum. There are moments that the group’s cadence is reminiscent of Lord Infamous circa
Mystic Stylez. The beat to “Underwater Malibu” alone is a flashback to 1995 Three 6 Mafia.
While the mixtape bends toward horrorcore influences, this can be an overwhelming record to hear if not familiar with the group's sound or the more brash cloud rap style in general. With its gradual intro of piano keys and melodic crooning, “Low Key” is a much needed and refreshing track amidst all the in-your-face aggression on the majority of verses found on
Now the Moon’s Rising.
Although not a far departure from the sound $uicideboy$ developed on past efforts,
Now the Moon’s Rising is still a good record.
