Maf “The Ghost Of” [EP]

Up state NY has been getting a lot of attention thanks to Griselda becoming a 3 headed monster feeding on critical acclaim while removing thorns from the path between the industry and what was an untapped Hip Hop resvior in upstate New York but it’s time we DIGGG in that reserve to uncover Syracuse’s Maf aka Mafiosa and his new album “The Ghost of…”.

Maf project begins with “I’m Dumb Nice” where he reminisces on fantasies Kim Kardashian juxtaposed beside paying homage to his regions reigning champs, Westside Gunn and Conway; dragging his words out in a drawl manner for emphasis. It’s followed by “Big and PAC” with Maf lyrically summoning the best of two ghost while evading a fate similar to there’s, it’s pitfalls and luxury, a murderer of the competition. Two tracks in and his attitude protrudes from the verses soo much that I’m relived when the cold humor of a rehabilitating hillbilly appears to speak of his seeming sobriety.

“New edition” is exposè of festering pain and how it can poison your thoughts, shit could have you doing drive bys on bicycles and though I’ve never epersonally expericned such, the vicarious experience offered through Maf’s authenticity is quite an experience. Towards the end of project Maf opts to avoid a hook but creates a attention grabbing song by see sawing his tone to offer gentle threats of violence as a reminder that he’s not yet a successful rapper and still has he feet planted in the streets. Elsewhere “talk about it” “stay with it” and “better dayz” all accentuate the quality of the project, making it a must listen.

Maf is best when laying his harsh bravado over mellow backdrops that make his music feel like an iron fist in a velvet glove. “The Ghost of..” isn’t for the lighthearted it’s street hop with an intent not to influence but to impact and I’m anticipating Maf hitting us with more pain throughout the year. “THE GHOST OF” is currently out on all streaming plat forms

-Matthew Carroll