Slauson Roses

Slauson Roses is the debut EP by American hip-hop recording artist Nantes, released April 9, 2017 by Sphinx Sound''.  Following the themes of Nuts & Kids II: Streetlights (2015), the EP doesn't contain any features and has production by Jordeaux and Thovo.''

Background
Shortly after the release of Nuts & Kids II: Streetlights, Nantes began writing for his next project using leftover concepts from Streetlights. The project originated from a poem Nantes on July 6th, 2016 and was originally conceptualized as a full-length album. Nantes chose to focus on his next project but also deliver a "masterful sonic experience", albeit, a short one inspired by various women in his lifetime.

Music & Lyrics
The lyrics of Slauson Roses concern themes of fatherhood, depression, love, and self loathing. As exemplified in the EP's opener "Wither", Nantes begins the project with a spoken word poem before inevitably committing suicide as the track begins; the track expands on gimmicks within mainstream rap and explores self loathing in racism. Various quotes from films such as The Dark Knight Rises and speeches from Tupac Shakur can be heard throughout the EP. "Menlo Ave" is a boombap track in which Nantes describes his adolescence and bullying at the hands of Los Angeles gangs during that time. A thematic interplay between sexuality and oppression can be noted in the release.

Recording & Production
Taking cues from Streetlights, the EP contains East Coast hip-hop but replaces the West Coast hip-hop with electronic-inspired tracks with trap drums. Originally, Slauson Roses was supposed to be a West Coast hip-hop album in the vein of DJ Quik's Safe + Sound, as intended in early stages. Frequent collaborators Jordeaux and Thovo worked closely with Nantes to perfect the EP's sonic aesthetic. Like his previous projects, the EP was recorded at the Sphinx Sound in-house studio in Los Angeles, CA.

Reception
Slauson Roses received moderate acclaim from listeners, who called out "Menlo Ave" as standout track. The production was also praised.

Tracklisting

 * 1) Wither | Prod. by Jordeaux  | 4:33
 * 2) Brown Skin, Yellow Tape Deuce | Prod. by Thovo | 3:00
 * 3) Sunshine | Prod. by Jordeaux | 3:34
 * 4) Slauson Roses | Prod. by Thovo | 5:33
 * 5) Menlo Ave | Prod. by Thovo | 4:16
 * 6) Temple of Life | Prod. by Jordeaux | 3:37

Total length:| 24:37