Album Review: Melt Milk Merz (December 31, 2020)

The Context – From its humble beginnings in the mid-1980s, Japanese hip hop (J-Hip-Hop) is now a leading sub-genre under the internationally renowned J-POP umbrella. Hiroshi Fujiwara’s experimentation with the NYC hip hop sound has emerged into the diverse hip hop and rap variations of Rhymester, Kohh, MCpero, DJ Krush, Pakin, and numerous other J-Hip-Hop acts.

The 4stump is an up-and-coming recording artist from the J-Hip-Hop ilk. In December 2019, they released their first and second singles entitled “Hotaru” and “SHA SHA,” respectively, with the latter featuring fellow J-Hip-Hop artists Ry-lax and Ozworld. June 2020’s “Melt Milk” was the final single released before the release of the 4stump’s debut EP Melt Milk Merz on the final day of 2020.

The Content – The aforementioned “Hotaru” and “Melt Milk” tracks initiate the EP with hip hop gusto. Minimalist production and a driving bass support the 4stump’s smooth R&B vocals on “Hotaru.” The 4stump juxtaposes the laid-back sound of the opener with the thumping “Melt Milk.” “Peter Pan” is another trap-laden track that transports listeners to a dreamy place.

Slick bars paired with the catchy beat on “Ma Choice” make the track a highlight on Melt Milk Merz. “Always Be Alone” follows with a similar delivery and beat from the 4stump yet finishes with a flourishing outro. The fresh featured verses from Ry-lax and Ozworld breathe more live into the record on “SHA SHA.”

The sample of Tamia’s reprise on 2003’s “Into You” is shines through as a strong stylistic choice on “Make Love.” The artist takes a more R&B ballad approach on “Cold Last Night” that gives the record some alternative sounds despite its lacking vocal performance. The unique rock/trap production and selection of verses from lj, Merry Delo, and the 4stump on “WDYW” strongly closes the EP.

The Skinny – The 4stump’s debut EP is cohesive and establishes the artist’s sound in J-Hip-Hop; however, the vocals and production tend to lack diversity and are rather derivative to the likes of Travis Scott and his dream-like eclectic trap-rap sound (heard particularly in “Melt Milk”). When the 4stump does add different production elements and features—like on ‘SHA SHA” and “WDYW”—they elevate their sound and style considerably. For a debut record though, Melt Milk Merz is an encouraging assortment of the4stump’s potential and talent in the J-Hip-Hop game.

The Rating – 5.8/10

Melt Milk Merz