Backwards Books 2 isn't a mindless orientalist view of Asian culture like to suspect from American rappers. Azizi Gibson is a prolific LA-based rapper who spent his childhood in Thailand, which we can infer is the reason for his fixation with Japanese animation and dubs, the case being Nippon-cultural power extends far and wide throughout Asia, so he had real chance to immerse himself with something unique and exponentially great.
Backwards Books 2 begins with an unidentified audio-sample from an OVA, which he deftly pairs with the song that comes after, and the formula repeats itself. Azizi toys with the idea of flipping his bedmate for another, "Boo" even comes together like an ultimatum threatening the resolve of a relationship, other songs are less about instability, but Azizi Gibson's overall cynicism feels important within the overall scope of the project. Backwards Books 2 caters to the vaporwave fanatic passing for hip-hopper, or the other way around if you deem it possible.
1. The Intro
2. New Wavy Demo
3. Tyrant
4. Boo
5. Rain
6. Night Crawler
7. Cruel Intentions
8. Close The Portal
9. Polidicks
10. Top Ten
11. The Reapers Wrath
12. Dedication (Skit)
13. Can I Live
