Contemporary composer Michael Vincent Waller (MVW) recruits pioneering trap producer Lex Luger to create a fresh new sound on the 8-track project CLASSIC$. Uncovering a new blend of classical meets hip-hop, the project integrates elite beat-craft, bulletproof bars, and contemporary classical composition into an inimitable and irresistible hybrid. Guest features include a wide array of artists including Chicago’s Valee, Atlanta’s Lil Gotit, Memphis’ Duke Deuce, London’s Jaydonclover and Jamaica’s Shanique Marie.
MVW explains, "My core intention on CLASSIC$ is to get classical music into hip-hop without dissolving either. It’s about allowing the production and samples to breathe organically and taking the same attention to detail associated with classical and chamber music and apply it to one of the most viable, listenable, and casual genres in rap. It’s got freshness and energy, but there are a whole bunch of nuances and details you don’t typically hear in modern rap. CLASSIC$ presents the best of both worlds. I love it when I hear feedback like ‘I didn’t know classical music could be so funky. I can’t believe trap is so sensuous and beautiful".
Lex Luger adds, "Working on this project was definitely a little challenging. Being in a comfortable zone is cool, but nothing ever grows there. That being said, working on this project helped me try new things and ultimately, I feel like it just made me a better producer".
CLASSIC$ single "Still Do" featuring Valee was described as "unique" by both Elevator Magazine and HotNewHipHop with NYS Music adding the song is "rich with production". "Still Do" was spotlighted on the Play dat Back segment on Shade 45 radio program The Drive. The energetic album cut "Survey Says" featuring Equiknoxx vocalist Shanique Marie celebrates the pride and joy of unity and self-love. Another 2021 MVW and Shanique Marie collaboration "Ballad" became a favorite from her latest album Gigi's House. WIRE Magazine declared it a "sublime highlight" with "beautifully creamy arrangements".
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