Unorthodox is the most suitable term to describe acclaimed hip-hop sound engineer Zoocci Coke Dope’s approach to the art of music. The production maestro recently proclaimed his worthiness of the heavy crown with the release of his highly-anticipated deluxe album, Anxiety+. Going against the grain, Zoocci released the project almost two years after its SAHHA-winning predecessor, Anxiety. This is in contrast with the music industry’s long-standing tradition of releasing a deluxe a few months after the original album.
The seven-track album is a sonically nuanced masterpiece that showcases Zoocci’s flawless sound engineering skills while imprinting his name as an outstanding recording hip-hop artist. The subject matters in his sophomore album are similar to those of its prequel, slightly differing in tone and delivery.
Record-opener “OVERTURE+” welcomes the listener to an odyssey of self-expression through a clip with an array of affirmations, including: “remember, this is a safe place, there is no judgement.” The clip also creates a nostalgic effect, reminding the listener of the self-awareness sparked by listening to the prequel, which had a similar intro.
In essence, the body of work is about self-expression, with Zoocci melodiously singing “be yourself, free yourself” in a smooth falsetto on “PLUS+” featuring award-winning songstress Lady Zamar and breakout star Mars Baby.
The theme of self-expression is further explored through the deluxe album’s symbolic artwork. On the cover art, Zoocci ascends the sky, up and away from a crowd of onlooking hooded figures; this symbolises freedom and the significance of boldly expressing individuality in a world that glorifies conformity.
Anxiety+ expectedly details the challenges of dealing with anxiety as a mental illness while also exploring coping mechanisms. Unlike its parent, Anxiety+ narrates a tale of conquest. Zoocci expresses his struggles with anxiety, insecurities, and imposter syndrome in a heartfelt song such as “DRUG$” while ironically having a braggadocious tone on “LiFT ME UP”, featuring Blxckie and Nasty C.
The album outro “iLL PRELUDE”, which features hit-maker Tellaman and lyricist Stogie T, flaunts Zoocci’s exceptional pen game. Zoocci raps: “you wouldn’t be a match for me, even if you were fire, nigga”, giving us a glimpse of another Zoocci, the rapper who also makes an appearance on “ZOOLOOS REVENGE.”
The producer’s stereophonic beats and complex approach to sound engineering are the stars of this body of work. From the harpsichord sound after the beat switch on “OVERTURE+” to the unforeseen introduction of a new sonic element towards the cusp of “PLUS+”, Zoocci expresses his depth as a music producer. The sonic genius’s unconventional way also amplifies the message he so passionately shares with us throughout the album—that there is liberty in being defiant.
