Album Exploration: Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal’s Latest Collaboration
DOOMED!, the latest collaboration between Open Mike Eagle and Kenny Segal, is lauded as a standout hip hop album focusing on the intricacies of breakups. Released for the first time as a complete project between the two artists, it intricately blends Eagle’s personal lyrical storytelling with Segal’s robust musical production.
The album is characterised by its deeply personal narrative, supported by an intricate blend of nostalgic and emotionally resonant production. Segal, who has worked with Eagle in the past and also produced a record with Billy Woods in 2023, presents some of his most commanding work since Maps. His signature style is evident with elements like warbly piano samples, strings, and offbeat sax melodies, which contribute to an evocative soundscape that remains cohesive.
The opening track, “Out to Lunch,” introduces listeners to a robotic hi-hat rhythm, setting the stage for a journey of reflective storytelling. It follows with “Streets of Rage: Public Arguments Edition,” a track characterised by jazzy piano, a commanding bassline, and a narrative of a tumultuous relationship. The complexity of the narrative is evident as Eagle recounts the emotional conflicts with poignant detail.
The synergy between Eagle and Segal’s collaboration is palpable as they alternate between melodrama and minimalist beats. Tracks like “She Swear I’m Colorblind,” featuring Billy Woods, showcase a blend of sharp lyricism and emotive instrumentation, highlighted by windchimes and a rising high-pitched tone that perfectly encapsulate a sense of anxiety.
“Unfinished Concrete Initials” further dive into raw emotion. Lines like “In my daydreams your name’s curse words so I bleeped it,” reveal the deep vulnerability etched across the album. The song narrates a journey through harsh memories and the struggle to find solace within secrecy.
Amid the introspection, Eagle retains his characteristic wit and humour. “Schrödinger’s Green Room (There but Uninvited)” opens with playful, whimsical imagery and continues to weave cultural references throughout the album. Fans of Eagle will recognise nods to anime, pop culture icons, and blend of low-key humour with depth.
DOOMED! is accessible through Bandcamp and major streaming platforms like YouTube Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, and Deezer, making this introspective musical odyssey easy to experience for a wide audience.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.