Ransom Enlists MadeinTYO to Produce His 3-Track EP “SMOKE & MIRRORS”

Prolific underground New Jersey rapper Ransom has worked with many talented producers, but MadeinTYO is perhaps the most interesting of them all. While the latter was never a major mainstream figure, the Honolulu, Hawaii-born MC came closer to that goal than Ransom ever did. The Atlanta MC is known for his breakthrough to stardom with tracks like “Uber Everywhere,” “Skateboard P,” and “I Want.” All of which are a far cry from the grittiness of the East Coast underground scene. So when this surprise EP, SMOKE & MIRRORSwas only announced a few days ago, it was a surprise to see MadeinTYO. For those who have been following Ransom, you know this is the second project for him this year. Previously, he and Harry Fraud worked together on Abundant misery.

That EP is longer than SMOKE & MIRRORS by five tracks, so there’s already a smaller margin for error on that factor alone. However, Ransom and MadeinTYO make the most of the 8:53 they share. The opening “SMOKING MIRRORS” is a smooth and laid-back introduction, with a peaceful guitar loop as the track’s backbone. Narratively, Ransom reflects on his earlier life decisions that have shaped him. “ANTEBELLUM” featuring Che Noir is a soulful cut about the give and take of relationships, with her and Ransom rapping from their respective gender perspectives. Closing things out is “HUMAN NATURE,” which is arguably MadeinTYO’s best beat here. Sparkling piano melodies team with dreamy, mellow tones for an incredible marriage on this introspective cut. Overall, this is a great short piece with incredible replay value.