Underground hip hop mogul UnLearn the World has been one of the hottest names in all of the Bay Area for a good amount of time at this point. Over his career, the New York native has lived out many dreams with as he’s performed with legendary names like Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, KRS ONE, and Jay Electronica. On top of all this, his last LP, Light Years, earned a spot on the Fantastic Hip Hop top 50 albums of 2020 list for its intuitive soundscapes and passionate songwriting. This, the revered MC, has returned with a new single titled “One Day Is Today”. Featuring the legendary Skyzoo, can these two lethal MCs create an anthem for the ages?
With a soulful base that turns into a clean and polished boom-bap instrumental, the framework of this track is already phenomenal. The way the drums clash with the chopped-up vocal samples feels so polished but so raw, and UnLearn’s great opening verse further withholds these ideals. The veteran MC is a true student of the game, and hearing the way he unravels his layered thoughts about his various achievements and failures, is super motivational. In his second verse, things only heat up from a technical and topical standpoint. With his vocals tapping into a slightly more aggressive pocket, we see UnLearn the World in his bag as he spits bars like “even Timb and Swizz will say I got the best verses”. Just when you thought this lyrical showing couldn’t get any better, Skzyoo takes the helms for the final verse as he builds on the established energy and aura through his firey punchlines and cold delivery. Once again, showing that he’s one of the most consistent and hard-working rappers of all time, Skzyoo ends this song off on the perfect note as the only complaint insight is that we want more of this duo.
In conclusion, “One Day is Today” is another great track in UnLearn the World’s ever-growing catalog. As usual, his hunger and fire is just so unmatched, and adding a Skyzoo verse to this mix just sets things over the top. At this point, I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting for Unlearn’s next album as if he keeps improving like he has, we may have something truly special in-store. Also, if you are in the Bay Area or anywhere close, be sure to check out Unlearn the Worlds performance with the one and only Rakim this Friday, August 13th! (To purchase tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rakim-the-new-parish-tickets/11078525)
Rating: 8.8/10
Written By: Mr. Fantastic
