MAVI’s way of rhyme is a very insular one, but the way the Carolina rapper and neuroscience student projects his singular experience brings his corner of the underground into a scope as big as life itself on his sophomore effort, Laughing so Hard, it Hurts. As has proven to be a thorn in the side of many stars-in-formation in the early steps of their career (see: Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples,) even the slightest touch of success can turn a young artist’s life upside-down, and that’s not even taking into account all of the other stressors existing contends your way. Mavi peers into balancing the struggle all introspectively, and he’s got a lot to say, in turn keep his flow moving over a masterclass cast in beat production rich with soulful, spliced woozy textures courtesy of several producers including Amarahbeats and the Wulf Morpheus that already are convincingly finessed enough to make his tracks sound like a veteran. But MAVI’s just figuring this life (and its “jokes”) out, and with that, we’re privy to be a part of that journey with him, cracks in the sidewalk and all.

Highlights: “Baking Soda”, “Hemlock”, “The Inconvenient Truth”

Mavi’s Laughing so Hard it Hurts is available now.

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