Godzilla (1954) is highly influential film about a giant monster that spits flames and wreaks havoc through the streets of Tokyo. Subzilla (2018) is a mixtape that finds Sub9k channeling his inner monster as he, figuratively, spits fire with highly under-the-influence flows that will surely be blasting through the streets of his native Philadelphia. With Subzilla being the fourth project he’s released this year, the prolific rapper has every right to feel monstrous. He’s quickly approaching Gucci Mane levels of production yet he and his cast of producers find a way to keep the quality from declining.
The tape opens with Sub9k showcasing his off-kilter, drugged out delivery on the first track, fittingly titled, “Godzilla.” The production here is handled by Gosuto and pairs perfectly with 9k’s gruff voice. The production is murky and dark. A plodding 808 drives the beat forward as alternating hi-hats and snares crowd the atmosphere created by a haunting operatic melody that lurks in the background. His lyrics cover his usual subject matter of flexing, Prada, and of course drugs. Still, Sub9k never fails to include a topical reference that makes me smirk and pulls me back into the song.
So much lean I cannot take it get a doctor // He a shadow clone that boy imposter // You can’t have that hoe that bitch a monster // Money so damn old like Mr. Rogers
Through the progression of each project it’s clear 9k has become more and more confident in his rapping, but what really stands out on this project is the number of times he ditches his usual execution for a more melodic approach. “Find Me” may have the strongest hook on the project with lines like, “they say I’m a ghost they don’t know where to find me // bitch I’m moving slow off the dope fuck a molly.” The song “Checks <333” is right in the middle of the track listing and marks the beginning of a melodic detour. This somber flex anthem precedes the tracks “Words” and “Alladin” with stand-out features from RIP Eternal and ppgcasper respectively. RIP ETERNAL compliments Sub9k’s flow and swagger perfectly while ppgcasper’s somber and emotive vocal tone works to contrast Sub9k’s lower register.
Sub9k has been on a hot streak lately and Subzilla shows him diversifying his sound beyond that of his past efforts. If this is any indication of how he will progress into the future then listeners should stay tuned. The wait won’t be long either as Sub9k has recently announced that he will be dropping one more project this year. In the meantime, listen to Subzilla below: