.SAGE – Crash (Album)

Is Crash a Smash or Trash? Discovering .SAGE's Debut Album

.SAGE is a true artistic powerhouse, excelling in various creative domains as a musician, producer, songwriter, visual artist, and designer. Originally from Chicago, .SAGE now calls Brooklyn home, and it's there that he curated an exceptional project by featuring nothing but fellow Chicago talent. With limited solo releases to date, .SAGE presents his debut album "Crash," a captivating blend of alternative, R&B, and rap that dropped on April 21st.

A remarkable aspect of "Crash" is that it was largely a DIY endeavor for .SAGE. Taking charge of production, mixing, and mastering for over 95% of the project showcases his versatility and resourcefulness in today's music landscape. While the album boasts 12 tracks, three of them were previously released singles throughout 2022. Although it may seem lengthy, the running time spans a compact 35 minutes, ensuring an immersive and focused listening experience.

Several standout songs from the album deserve special mention. The opening track, "Kryptonite," sets the tone with its infectious PND, Drake, and Rihanna dancehall vibes intertwined with jazzy R&B elements. In one poignant line, .SAGE sings, "Choose your kryptonite carefully, that shit'll eat you alive, never could like shit easy way, maybe I needed to die." This powerful message reminds us to be mindful of our vulnerabilities and the impact they can have.

"Ydnrtd," the second track, showcases .SAGE's versatility as he rides a bouncy beat reminiscent of Tyler, the Creator's "She." There's a playful homage to Tyler's style in the beginning, where .SAGE adopts a deeper voice and flow. The song also features the artist soso, whose background vocals add depth and texture, with a clever break around the 2:05 mark that keeps listeners on their toes.

The final standout track, "Sunrise (Temporary Luv)," featuring Ifeanyi Elswith, begins with a sample from Chief Keef's classic video, instantly resonating with Chicagoans. Ifeanyi's mesmerizing vocals complement the song perfectly, akin to Jorja Smith's contribution on Drake's "Get It Together" or Tems' impact on "Wait for U."

"Crash" is a project that demands repeated spins, solidifying its place in your rotation. With this debut, .SAGE has only scratched the surface of his artistic potential, leaving us eagerly anticipating how he will refine his craft and further develop his unique sound.

Get ready to crash into a world of sonic brilliance!