1 Year Of “Showbiz!”: An Album In Reflection & Personal Growth
With a Year of MIKE’s acclaimed album “Showbiz!” being today, I have to give my flowers to an artist that humbly deserves praise. In many cases, MIKE has been deeply under-appreciated, in a main media sense. He’s seen in outlets such as Pitchfork and the Outlet, but his notoriety is valued on a different scale: through his unwavering approach to making music authentic to his truest self. No outlet or media entity as a whole can appreciate art more than, not only the artist, but the people that resonate with it on a deep scale. I think that’s where I fall into this equation.
That’s why I was ecstatic to watch the Tiny Desk Performance. Man, oh man. The best live performance I’ve heard. MIKE has always been acknowledged through spaces in the underground and the mainstream, but THIS really felt like him being given the opportunity to showcase himself. Trust me, I was singing every song, word for word. Especially when “parkS” came on. It’s a very emotional song dedicated for his sister but also encapsulates his music to a tee: finding who YOU are and the impact YOU have internally & externally. The chorus really digs deep into the idea of following morality on an eternal tip. It wont be easy, but you will always succeed with the right amount of self-love:
“I did it all before, I’ll do it all again
Wise words I was learning from a friend
Demons in the dark, leave ‘em in the pen
Try first ‘fore you leave it up to them
This ain’t the easiest of walks, but we get it in”
The first listen to “Showbiz!” was honestly euphoric and to be fully transparent: I did not truly understand it. It felt like a lot of movement as far as the production, which made it initially difficult to follow the flow of the album. That’s how it was for many artists like MIKE. I didn’t fully grasp the moment at the time, but when you sit and reflect, music can become a universal understanding. In a way, you’re being empathic with the art, allowing your heart to guide you through the lens of an artist’s story. “Showbiz!” is simply one of its own. “War in My Pen” isn’t like “May God Bless Your Hustle”. “Weight of the World” is nothing like “Burning Desire”. Of course, every album won’t sound sonically like the other, but with MIKE it’s evident.
I had to change the way I listened to “Showbiz!”, literally and physically. I first sat down and focused on the album as whole, and it truly helped me grow as a listener for his discography. Walking to class, writing poems, in social functions, finding ways to listen that is unconventional from the first interaction with it. And I think when I initially bought the vinyl, it flipped for me. Hearing the crackling from the needle, holding the album cover, it adds a layer of intimacy that other listening experiences cannot rival.
Going into the album, for me it felt like a victory lap, of sorts. MIKE has one of the most extensive discographies in all of rap history. I found his music deep in my DOOM and Earl Sweatshirt awakening. There was a common theme amongst these three: they did not only write their raps, but they also created the beats.
“Showbiz!” tackles a lot of mental questions that we answer through all walks of life: Am I where I’m supposed to be? Am I leading myself there? Is my heart in the right place regarding my morality? Do I genuinely know myself? This is visualized well from the first song, “Bear Trap,” to the outro, “Diamonds Dancing (Broke)”. With MIKE going deep into his sample bag, it’s always hard to catch up and pick them out. There’s going to be cohesion within the project regarding self-reflection and personal growth, but there were joints on there that were more so simply vibey and fun, like “Da Roc” and “Man in the Mirror”. The range of this album is what makes this project magical. It can be for the hardcore fans that look for the introspective tones but also inviting to the new fans with more eclectic beats.
Looking at “Bear Trap,” I would say this sounded like a monologue of his life up to this point. When going through a low point, he would doubt his purpose or role in the world, and through self-reflection and dabbling into some vices that also self-destruct, he’s at the point where he does not want to put himself in a bear trap, no pun intended.
Check this section of his verse:
“Sleeve of smoke, I try and gain my spirit, make it storm lеss
It’s freezin’ cold, low-key been a minute since a warm text
It’s deeper holes, complicated feelings and ignored stress
But I’m the only victim of the war ahead
Could be explosive, gotta play the villain and mature friend”
The first verse paints the eternalized storm that the everyday person battles to stay dry from. Gaining control of what’s keeping you under duress. It follows in many ways, something we’re all hopeful for. That support or message from a friend that really picks you up. The sad part about it is that there are days where those words don’t always appear. But with every battle you face, you’re the only one that can lead you to victory.
“Showbiz!” is the fuel needed to drive this car called life. It’s the reflection, call to self, and party all at once. A project filled with care that forces you to truly appreciate the moments that cannot be duplicated. I’m honored to talk about an album and artist of such empathy. So do yourself the favor and bless your ears.