QUICKSPINS: Phonte – Pacific Time EP

Phonte, a velvet voice and frontman of Little Brother, one of the most important underground rap groups of the 2000s gave fans a treat to get them to summer. Pacific Time is a four-track waterslide in the sunshine. While Phonte is known for his whip-smart bars and folding flows, he has always impressed with his R&B persona, and this tape has him singing at his smoothest. The opener, “Can We,” is a gorgeous ode to a lazy day with a partner. It’s the most fleshed out idea on the project, and the longest track at four minutes. The other standout moment is a classic Phonte verse on the Kaytranada-produced closer, “Heard This One Before.” Pacific Time could have been an excellent R&B album, but its 10-minute length makes it feel inconsequential. Still, that opener is a must-add for your bedroom playlist.

7.5/10

Trial Track: “Can We”

Star Bar: “’Cause life’s a B when your E-Y-E’s can’t seize the intangibles
It’s like stumbling and tumbling through a drum machine
So kids, read the Lin-Manuel
Miranda Rights, no plans tonight” – Phonte on Heard This One Before (feat. BOSCO & KAYTRANADA)

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