Mach-Hommy is most well known for what is not known about him, being one of the most secretive artists in the hip-hop industry, but that has not prevented him from making an impact.
The New Jersey-born, ethnically Haitian rapper had his career reach grand status after the success of “Pray for Haiti”, in which money made from streams would be donated to a trust he created to support education and emerging technologies in Haiti. He was a close associate to Griselda Records. Rappers like Westside Gunn have influenced his sound, and grew his following.
Other albums in his discography such as “HBO (Haitian Body Odor)” and “Balens Cho (Hot Candles” have led to Mach-Hommy garnering a cult following, with some even buying CDs and vinyl copies for upwards of $200, or even $1,000. This seemingly gatekeeping of his own music is backed by the true artistry of his work, which is demonstrated in “#RICHAXXHATIAN”.
A Little Fun With A Deep Meaning
In typical Mach-Hommy fashion, the album opens with Mach-Hommy serenading in French over a pulsating guitar and floating flute in “(…)”. The first verse is in French, with his flow never taking a moment to get acclimated to the beat, becoming intertwined immediately. “ANTONOMASIA” follows up with more confrontation with mentions of Luke Skywalker and Martin Luther King Jr. over an eerie beat.
Mach-Hommy over an eerie or ominous beat will always be a perfect match, adding to the lyrics with heavy subject matter and themes. The album discusses more atrocities happening in Haiti, the conflict in Gaza, Ethiopia, Cambodia, and rampant capitalism taking over the country. Mach-Hommy lives by having his music mean something, and that remains present on this album.
Besides lyrics dispelling the authority figures in Haiti, Mach-Hommy seems to have more fun on this album than his previous work. On the track “PADON”, Mach-Hommy makes references to LeBron James’s absolute domination of the Toronto Raptors (do not ask a Raptors fan about 2018).
Tha God Fahim, a frequent collaborator of Mach-Hommy, spits a bar about Ben 10 from the acclaimed Cartoon Network series, saying, “Look like I robbed Ben 10 for his wristwatch / My shit sparklin’ like Alien X”.
What About The Features?
Collaborations, like the one with Tha God Fahim, always encapsulate Mach-Hommy’s work. #RICHAXXHATIAN has many, with Quelle Chris, Conductor Williams, Your Old Droog, and the ever-popular KAYTRANADA being a couple that stand out.
Mach-Hommy’s collaboration with esteemed underground producer Conductor Williams and saxophonist Sam Gendel delivers a more laid-back vocal track on “SUR LE PONT d’AVIGNON (Reparation #1)”, with Mach-Hommy singing the title of the track over a beat including Gendel’s warm sax.
The whole album is drowned in ominous beats and unique instrumentation, with two of the best ones being “THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW” and “SAME 24”. “THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW” has a whining accordion over some dry drums and blubbering synths, that come to a perfect synchronization on the chorus as he sings, “Somewhere, over the rainbow.” “SAME 24” has a flying and tickling piano supported by an emerging and disappearing child choir, leaving Mach-Hommy to angelically serenade the listener with his never-ending flow.
A Great Continuation
Mach-Hommy exceeds expectations with “#RICHAXXHAITIAN”, as he continues to develop his perfect flow, emerging vocals, and unique instrumentation. From tracks that are heavily layered and moving, like “POLITickle”, to more grooving tracks like “HOLY ___”, Mach-Hommy demonstrates his true talent in comparison to other rappers.
Besides advocating for his own talent, his advocation for other rappers to use their platform to make change happen is important, wanting to see more proactivity in the industry. Luckily, the RMR fanbase does not have to pay $300 dollars to listen to a potential rap album of the year.
More reviews & music coverage over at RespectMyRegion.com
