To say that billy woods has been one of the more “consistent” rappers of the last decade would be a massive understatement. If there’s been anything “consistent” in the way he sculpts words into an effortless flow, it would be that he’s only become better at guiding those tributaries, but definitely not keeping his work on cruise control by any means.

There’s also the fact that no matter who you have him collabing with – be it more recently his Armand Hammer tag team partner Elucid, experimental poet Moor Mother, producers as varied as big hip-hop sound sculptor the Alchemist or the headier vibes of Preservation – woods’ prose finds a way through every corner of life.

Maps, his latest and second collaboration with the Los Angeles-based pristine collage producer Kenny Segal, may be woods in his most zoned in state of mind yet, made all the more a fascinating flex in craft considering the context is that of the beguiling train of thoughts born from being a touring artist. That it’s arguably a more tangible theme for listeners to peer into is an assist in that impact.

Think reality show insights into the day-in-the-life where after parties gone awry, annoying sound check guys, copious weed consumption, and the existential emotions creeping up on you when it’s just you and your thoughts on the road (or sky) come to life in articulate detail. Along the way, woods meets up with the likes of Elucid, Danny Brown, Quelle Chris, Future Islands’ Sam Herring, and Aesop Rock, with their appearances acting as necessary breaks from one’s own self.

Segal’s soundboard smooths the topography being traveled across, rich with kaleidoscopic effects wandering through dazed textures and subsequent lucidity, but always crystalized in the moment woods lives in them. When he’s finally home on “As the Crow Flies”, miles logged and mental wear and tear get put into perspective against the bigger scope of it all. Everything feels so big and fragile when merging into that same timeline, but heard from woods’ vantage point, it’s an unrivaled experience.

Highlights: “Rapper Weed”, “FaceTime”, “NYC Tapwater”

billy woods & Kenny Segal’s Maps will be released May 5th on Backwoodz Studioz.

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