With strong features and production, the project has the masked musician at his peak
Masks serve many purposes; they protect, hide, confuse, and deceive. From Daft Punk to Slipknot to MF DOOM, the role of the mask spans all genres. Even outside of music we wear our different faces, obscured by shame or caution. But burgeoning P2thegoldmask isn’t another covert artist driven by elusiveness. His music is largely positive, success-driven, and tenacious. His latest album Speed Racer takes us on a joyride through his comeuppance, lapping his competitors to keep an eye on the prize.
Hailing from San Antonio, P2 consistently peaks at simmering heat. He gravitates towards melodic beats with playful elements on which he sings and raps. Producers Kidkeva, OgGeo, and RaisiK show up on the album, each channeling their own different styles into a polished and cohesive-sounding project. Lyrical depth may not be Speed Racer’s reigning asset but its quality production and thematic consistency result in an articulate arrangement.
“Intro to Speed” is a short but fitting preface to the the album’s attitude. It’s like the opening story in a video game trailer. Thrilling, exploratory sounds build up to “Just Fine,” a worry free-anthem one might play while sitting back and counting stacks. If “Just Fine” is a celebration of wealth then subsequent “Speed Racer” is an explanation of how such money is amassed. Hard work and unmatched drive are the simplest ingredients in the recipe of prosperity.
We take a step back in “Bigger Picture,” a space-age journey with a bird’s eye view on success. He outlines his priorities: “I just need a bag and I ain’t worried about that fame shit, I see the bigger picture all I gotta do it paint it”. Like drifting in a spaceship well above the clouds, P2 focuses on his lifestyle and wellbeing as a whole rather than tripping over small details.
The fast life doesn’t have time for unnecessary drama. “Fast Car” (feat. Pink Cig) is a fun song about keeping one’s head to the ground, making moves, and saving time for fun (it also has Pink Cig rapping primarily in Spanish). David Shawty is the second and last feature on Speed Racer in “Racing to my Future.” It outlines past unhealthy choices that no longer have a place in their future agenda. David’s voice complements P2’s in a distant, aerial haunt. The song’s message is direct and determined: “I ain’t lookin’ back… I spend all this money just to make that shit back.”
The album’s final track, “Gone,” is a stretched out, floaty experience akin to hotboxing among pastel walls. P2 stands up for his importance in others’ lives and narrows in on his “zone” where he thrives.
The well-liked P2thegoldmask has made big waves for over half a decade and his current momentum shows no signs of stopping. With projects like Speed Racer that highlight his taste in production, there’s no doubt attention will continue to turn towards him. See more of what P2 has to offer here and follow his Instagram and Twitter.