Artist: Jazz Cartier
Album: Hotel Paranoia
Toronto-based rapper and hip-hop artist Jazz Cartier recently released his second LP on Feb. 1, 2016. Relatively well-known among fans of Toronto’s underground hip-hop scene, Cartier’s newest project will surely garner attention from a larger, more mainstream audience. With apparent influences from Drake, and Travis Scott, Hotel Paranoia establishes a clear and distinct move towards R&B infused rap. While Cartier’s album is not lyrically impressive or unique, the production throughout the album is phenomenal. Produced primarily by Lantz, Hotel Paranoia provides the listener with a dynamic album that, at times, successfully meshes low-key brass samples with prominent and sharp drum patterns. Some standout tracks from the album include, “100 Roses,” “Illuminati Love Song,” “Black and Misguided,” and “Red Alert.”