When we talk about artists who’ve mastered the art of “lifestyle music,” FLEE’s name rings loud and clear. Following a near two-year hiatus that allowed him to take in life and draw inspiration, the Queens-born rapper’s return was not only overdue, but welcomed with high praise.
On top of stunning collaborations with Brent Faiyaz — who was featured on “SWISH/USE 2” off Flee’s 2019 mixtape, Xool Summer and Faiyaz’s latest tape LARGER THAN LIFE — Pi’erre Bourne, King Combs (“The Moment”) and fellow NYC mainstay Cash Cobain, FLEE emerged from his full-length drought in high fashion with his September album, GHOST.
Now, he continues this era with eight added tracks on GHOST (DELUXE), which sees FLEE further emphasize his lived experiences and the lessons they’ve taught him. New cuts like “BUBBLE GREEN” and “LAST 4OUR” build on the foundation from its initial essence, as FLEE reaches new heights with his latest single “FTS,” which is paired with a video guest starring King Combs.
At 24 tracks long (16 originally) with features from Cash Cobain and ATL’s Love Streak heartthrob Tony Shhnow, GHOST isn’t just another album in FLEE’s catalog — it’s a culmination of his journey so far, stressing the longevity and replay value his music consistently delivers. Clad with a stark yet lavish sonic pallette, GHOST’s sounds are bolstered by production from SURG GANG founder Evilgiane, Atlanta’s plugg pioneer MexikoDro, Snapz, NattCarlos, MBWav and more.
On first listen, the album paints a vibrant picture, blending ear-worming raps with grandiose choruses and hook shifts — underscored by radiant, plugg-tinged instrumentals. Admittedly, each track is a venture through hypnotic melodies and punchy drill drums, all woven together to craft FLEE’s most polished work to date.
Sampling the legendary Notorious B.I.G (“I Know You Cheating”) and Sade (“Til Death”) not only set the record’s tone, but infectious hooks such as, “There’s a hundred ways to make this fucking money, baby is you down?”, off “Nobody Cuffin” showcase FLEE’s knack for crafting anthems that are inescapable.
Other standouts like “In This” with Cash Cobain, the ethereally crafted “Flow Away,” “My Body” with Tony Shhnow and “1 to Whenever” produced by the magical Evilgiane, it’s the bombastic, power-packed “Nicki” that not only showcases FLEE’s versatility, but also pays homage to his roots in Queens by shouting out borough icon Nicki Minaj.
It was nearly two years since FLEE shared his last full-length project, dropping RatedStar and Happy Birthday FL33 to the praise of both fans and critics. While these tapes have become rotation favorites for Flee fans, GHOST is Flee’s magnum opus — redefining “lifestyle music” and serving as a reminder of why he stands tall in music’s ever-evolving landscape.
In other words, Flee is flying high and operating at his finest — triumphantly reappearing on the deluxe to GHOST.
Check out “GHOST” below!