The Brent Rambo produced EP has Lucki offering a more candid look into his life after the release of his most recent full-length project “Freewave 3.”
Extra Luck 2 was finally delivered to fans on May 5th, the long awaited follow-up to Lucki and Brent Rambo‘s collaborative EP from two years ago. At only 5 tracks, the EP provides a brief, but candid, look behind the scenes of Lucki’s recent lifestyle thrust upon him. Both Extra Luckys may seem like they are leftover tracks at a glance, yet the cohesive tracklist and atmospheric beats offers a tightly stitched EP.
Brent Rambo is responsible for the production on every song of the project, and his eclectic style is a perfect match for Lucki’s constant mood swings. Lucki’s highs experienced through getting money (or quite literally getting high) are juxtaposed with his cuttingly deep lows of downfalls in love, lust, and addiction. Rambo’s infamous “ready?” producer tag sampled from video game Crazy Taxi is fitting for his production style. Following each tag is a dive into whatever world Rambo has imagined for the track, whether it be shining lights, grimy alleys, or a more somber atmosphere.
The opening track of the project, “90 Milligrams” gives a glimpse into how Lucki views himself and the weight that has been put on his shoulders. Kids see him as the savior of his neighborhood; the one that made it out, a role model for so many others from his city. But this just seems to heighten his self-loathing for his battle with drugs, and creates a horrible self-image for himself whenever he is high. It shows where his values remain despite his newfound success, “It’s really an honor I’m with legends at dinner doe, not even with rappers, I’m with scammers and stripper hoes.” Lucki is not one for the spotlight, instead preferring the company of those he came up with.
This healthy distrust is a common theme across the project. Lucki opts to stay low-key and do his own thing, following his own path as opposed to putting himself on a pedestal higher than the common man. Keeping himself as such a relatable figure is what makes his music so important and emotional, as anyone can empathize with his issues.
Lucki’s skepticism of those around him is emphasized on the track, “Over You,” which is ironic as the hook makes it clear he is still caught up in whoever he is “over.” The dissonant production is yet another reminder of the synchronization between the two Chicago favorites, with the instrumental matching Lucki’s reeling vocals with every new compression of the beat. Throughout the project Lucki shows that he is more aware of the precarious position he is in as an up-and-coming rapper than he lets on, even though he spends so much time seemingly lost in the moment. “Half the world is watching… half these hoes be plotting wanna rob me while I’m high.” For fans of Lucki, he reassures that his downfall won’t be for those attempting to make it happen.
“Boss Bitch” stands out with its immediately intense and bumpy production. Lucki shows he still has traces of who he was when he was coming up, from rapping about still hitting stains, driving too inebriated, and still in search of a girl who can really hold him down. His hungry flow matches the underlying bass, and it’s clear Lucki is out for blood with this one, reminding everyone he is not one to be messed with.
Extra Lucky 2 may look like tracks that just didn’t make the cut for Freewave 3, but it becomes evident that Lucki is being more honest than ever about his thoughts during this turbulent time for him, and none other than Brent Rambo could arrange production that fits the extreme and chaotic moods of Lucki.